Last night’s vote………..

They won. We lost. The vote was 5 to 1. One board member was absent.

The new anti-panhandler law is a confusing hodgepodge of rules and regulations that will make any one cringe – no matter which side you are on. Those who support the First Amendment will find this law very troubling – especially in a town where the First Amendment has been under attack for a long time.

Taxpayers better hold on to their wallets. If this law is challenged on Constitutional grounds, it could result in a legal bill of historic proportions. Though, chances are not too great that that will happen. In Bennington the Constitution has been disrespected for a long time. Most citizens don’t seem to care.

One board member offered a motion which limited the new law to town owned property. Well, that is encouraging. That means that the police cannot break down doors and go into privately owned homes and businesses for enforcement purposes.

The law now specifies a new 10 foot rule. Panhandlers must maintain a distance of 10 feet from any business entrance. The 10 foot rule will set up a zone where free speech is denied.

The law also will prohibit sleeping in a vehicle. When questioned about this, the town officer said that people would be told to go to Albany, NY or Brattleboro, VT for help. Both are approximately 40 miles distant, a difficult drive for anyone under stress in an old vehicle, especially during the winter. Getting to Brattleboro means driving over a narrow, winding mountain road. Getting to Albany is not much easier.

So, pass the word. There is no room in the inn for you in Bennington if you are poor and homeless. Merry Christmas to all.

4 thoughts on “The New Anti Panhandler Ordinance”

A dark day for Vermont. I wonder how many of the panhandlers and homeless down there are Native Vermonters, as opposed to our new breed of 70s ‘upscale’ and ‘out-of-state’ Vermonters? “PLease help me. The MALL you voted for ruined my farm/business/home.”

Here’ some good news for Bennington Cty:

Federally qualified health center set to open in Arlington

Center will be first of its kind in Bennington County

ELIZABETH A. CONKEY, Staff Writer Posted:

11/08/2013 01:00:00 AM EST

BENNINGTON — The Battenkill Valley Health Center will operate as a federally qualified health center come January — the only of its kind in Bennington County — after receiving a federal grant in the amount of $775,000, according to Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).

– Those without insurance can also receive care, according to Sanders, as payments are determined using a sliding scale system.

– Stagg and Sanders both said plans are also in the works to expand FQHC care even further throughout Bennington County by way of satellite

– According to Stagg, a FQHC satellite center is set to open in Bennington next year.

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4 thoughts on “The New Anti Panhandler Ordinance”