Meanest City? Hardly!! By now most have heard the news that Sarasota was ranked by a Washington D.C. based "advocacy" group as #1 on their list of meanest cities in America in treatment of Homeless people. This is based, according to their report, on the City's adoption of an anti-lodging ordinance that is much more about trespassing than it is about homelessness, and which has been ruled constitutional by a local court.
All of this of course stirs up a lot of publicity, which is of course the point of issuing the list in the first place. We tried to engage this agency in a conversation over the actual state of the issue here in Sarasota, but they did not respond to me at all. If they want to label us "Most Persistent City in America in Adopting a Practical as Well as Constitutional Ordinance to Protect Private and Public Property from Destructive Trespass" then I'd say we'd gladly be #1. But Meanest City? Please.
City Public Information Officer Jan Thornburg put out a press release responding to this nonsense on behalf of the city, and rather than recreate the wheel I'm going to reprint it here, because our citzens deserve to read the other side of this story:
CITY RESPONDS TO "MEANEST CITY" DESIGNATION
Sarasota, FL: City officials rejected today the National Homeless Coalition’s "Meanest City" designation, with respect to the treatment of homeless people. "I believe that any legitimate study of the homeless population and the services provided in this community for their benefit would yield a vastly different conclusion," said Sarasota City Manager Michael McNees. The City of Sarasota boasts a multitude of compassionate social agencies and generous donors, who are dedicated to solving the problem of homelessness.
The homeless are not targeted by the City’s "no lodging" ordinance, which was recently ruled constitutional by a Sarasota County judge. It is a positive tool to safeguard the homeless. Housing people in public parks and on streets does not benefit anyone.
Mr. McNees initiated a sincere attempt to discuss the pending designation with the Executive Director of the National Homeless Coalition; however, a response was never received. "Given that…it is clear that this designation is much more about generating publicity for the agenda of the coalition, whatever that may be, than it is about legitimate public policy discussion," said McNees.
Agencies throughout Sarasota, committed to the prevention and elimination of homelessness, provide extensive services to the homeless population. Food, shelter, counseling and medical treatment are available daily, due to the generosity of private citizens. The executive directors of many of these community agencies are perplexed by the National Homeless Coalition’s designation. Here’s what they’re saying about the ranking:
"It makes no sense. It’s not based on fact. They (the National Homeless Coalition) are going to give a distorted report that paints the entire community with a set of accusations that has no bearing on what’s really going." - Bryan Pope – General Manager, Salvation Army
"Last year we provided services for 26,142 men and 6,827. Many of them we have seen before but we registered 1,402 new homeless last year. We provided 13,178 showers, counseling for 1,729 people, 10,790 laundries and 1,419 received medical treatment from doctors and nurses here….We have a half a million dollar budget. And, all that is donated. We receive no tax money at all in what we do. This is a very generous community. We’re very pleased with the public and the many foundations that provide the funds to do this." - Bob Kyllonen - Executive Director, Resurrection House
"We do a lot of prevention to make sure people don’t become homeless. We bend over backwards to make sure they don’t, especially when there are families involved. We provide them with food, food vouchers, utility assistance, budget counseling, and other counseling to prevent them from becoming homeless. We’ve had 90% success preventing homelessness with our families because of our intense work." - Rose Chapman – CEO, Jewish Family Services
All of this of course stirs up a lot of publicity, which is of course the point of issuing the list in the first place. We tried to engage this agency in a conversation over the actual state of the issue here in Sarasota, but they did not respond to me at all. If they want to label us "Most Persistent City in America in Adopting a Practical as Well as Constitutional Ordinance to Protect Private and Public Property from Destructive Trespass" then I'd say we'd gladly be #1. But Meanest City? Please.
City Public Information Officer Jan Thornburg put out a press release responding to this nonsense on behalf of the city, and rather than recreate the wheel I'm going to reprint it here, because our citzens deserve to read the other side of this story:
CITY RESPONDS TO "MEANEST CITY" DESIGNATION
Sarasota, FL: City officials rejected today the National Homeless Coalition’s "Meanest City" designation, with respect to the treatment of homeless people. "I believe that any legitimate study of the homeless population and the services provided in this community for their benefit would yield a vastly different conclusion," said Sarasota City Manager Michael McNees. The City of Sarasota boasts a multitude of compassionate social agencies and generous donors, who are dedicated to solving the problem of homelessness.
The homeless are not targeted by the City’s "no lodging" ordinance, which was recently ruled constitutional by a Sarasota County judge. It is a positive tool to safeguard the homeless. Housing people in public parks and on streets does not benefit anyone.
Mr. McNees initiated a sincere attempt to discuss the pending designation with the Executive Director of the National Homeless Coalition; however, a response was never received. "Given that…it is clear that this designation is much more about generating publicity for the agenda of the coalition, whatever that may be, than it is about legitimate public policy discussion," said McNees.
Agencies throughout Sarasota, committed to the prevention and elimination of homelessness, provide extensive services to the homeless population. Food, shelter, counseling and medical treatment are available daily, due to the generosity of private citizens. The executive directors of many of these community agencies are perplexed by the National Homeless Coalition’s designation. Here’s what they’re saying about the ranking:
"It makes no sense. It’s not based on fact. They (the National Homeless Coalition) are going to give a distorted report that paints the entire community with a set of accusations that has no bearing on what’s really going." - Bryan Pope – General Manager, Salvation Army
"Last year we provided services for 26,142 men and 6,827. Many of them we have seen before but we registered 1,402 new homeless last year. We provided 13,178 showers, counseling for 1,729 people, 10,790 laundries and 1,419 received medical treatment from doctors and nurses here….We have a half a million dollar budget. And, all that is donated. We receive no tax money at all in what we do. This is a very generous community. We’re very pleased with the public and the many foundations that provide the funds to do this." - Bob Kyllonen - Executive Director, Resurrection House
"We do a lot of prevention to make sure people don’t become homeless. We bend over backwards to make sure they don’t, especially when there are families involved. We provide them with food, food vouchers, utility assistance, budget counseling, and other counseling to prevent them from becoming homeless. We’ve had 90% success preventing homelessness with our families because of our intense work." - Rose Chapman – CEO, Jewish Family Services
posted by Michael McNees at 10:17 AM
12 Comments:
Congratulations on being named #1. We here in Houston will be working hard to move up from our position as #7, and take over the top spot next year. Strange how people make little, if any, contribution to society complain about those who do.
I am sure the people of Sarasota are kind and generous to those truly in need, and are willing to make some effort to help themselves.
Guess the fact that Houston absorbed +/- 150,000 people displaced by the hurricanes did not register in our favor with those who concoct these rankings.
Keep up the good work in Sarasota.
If our objective is to keep the streets and parks free of homeless people, then this award seems to verify that we are achieving that objective.
I don't understand why we are ashamed of such an award. Would we prefer to be last on the list...thereby encouraging homeless people to come to Sarasota?
As a non-profit employee in Sarasota county who works extensively with our homeless population, I'd like to bring up some issues that I feel were left out of the original post. First of all, yes, the Salvation Army does provide some great services for our community. However, they charge $8 per night to sleep in their facility. This might not sound like much, but to a person who's receiving $500/month in SSI or disability, it's over half of their monthly budget. Also, there isn't nearly enough subsidized housing in Sarsota. The waiting lists are years long, and there is no where for people to go in the interim. Housing is especially an issue for those without dependent children as there are much fewer services for adults.
Personally, what I would like to see come of our #1 ranking is an open and frank discussion among our city leaders regarding housing issues in our community.
Now that would be a good idea, an open and frank discussion about this issue. Probably will never happen, it sounds like the "City" and the City Manager already have the answers. At least the ones they want to hear. And by the way, is anybody but me sick of religious entities taking care of these issues? I'm so tired of people having to pray before they can get help!!! Where are our community leaders who truly care what happens to the homeless in this community? The ones who have trouble holding jobs and taking care of themselves, you know the ones we see in our hide the homeless City, the mentally ill, the drug addicts, and the alcoholics. Look to Jeb Bush when you wonder why they are being thrown out of facilities and dumped into the streets. His whole plan for these people is to make them street people.
Notice of Comment Editing! I have for the first time deleted one of the (non-spam) posted comments on this blog. A personal attack was made on a city employee, and that's not what this blog is about. (Unless of course someone attacks me, in which case I always leave those posted.) If someone wants to challenge that employees's point of view on an issue, that is welcomed, but since I make the rules here, that kind of personal attack is out.
Thanks Mike, I'm glad you removed that horrible post. Sounds to me like there is at least one long time employee at the PD that is unhappy. The post was uncalled for. Everyone should have their say, but not that way. More props to ya mike.
Another paste about the Meanest City thread and the Editorial in the SHT written by Officer Gorevan. Here it is, it is from 1/19/06 11:27 p.m..
Way to go Mike, Thanks for backing us up.
Believe me Sir, if you were in trouble I bet you sure would be glad to see Sgt. Gorevan coming around the corner.
No one wants us around until they need us.
Won't don't you understand? You sound like an officer, so I assume you're smart? OF COURSE, the City Manager would be glad to see Sgt. Gorevan if he were in trouble. The City Manager is a mentally stable, white guy, with money! Much to his advantage, since you guys sound like you have it in for the homeless, the poor and the mentally unstable. I find it appalling that Police Officers and our City Manager are condoning the letter that Sgt. Gorvan wrote. Sgt. Gorevan should have known better then to let his true colors show. All I can say is if you need help and you're not like our City Manger, and Sgt. Gorevan shows up, you better hope you can find a free phone and call 911!
Sgt Gorevan expressed what a majority of Police Officers feel. He had the guts and courage to speak out and sign his name. His opinion was supportive of the City and is a reflection of how most citizens feel.
To 1/30 10:04. You couldn't be more wrong. His letter is not a reflection of how most people feel about the homeless, people who have become dependent on drugs and alcohol, and the mentally ill. His letter was arrogant, selfish, and crude. I can't believe that ANYONE would condone it and say that Gorevan had guts and courage. If anything his views are anything but courageous and gutsy. It shows that he is out of touch with the community he serves. The citizens of Sarasota can only hope that he is an exception to the rule and DOES NOT reflect our Police Department.
Its real easy to criticize from the comfort of your home. Police Officers have to deal first hand with the problems the homeless bring. Unless you have had to walk in a Police Officers shoes and "get dirty" as they do. Just be thankful that they do the job they do, and you reap the benefits.
And I thought we were being serious. Thanks for the laugh. Some of your officers look like they get professional manicures, and I'm not talking about the women. You take a lot of liberties saying I don't know what it's like to get dirty and work with the homeless . Try working as an officer in a REALLY big crime ridden city, or better yet work as an officer in a South American country where there are lots of poor and homeless people. Your most elite officers couldn't make it there.
Mr. McNees, I was wondering if you had a chance to read today's paper. Specifically, the article about Sgt. Gorevan being involved in the beating of an innocent area homeless guy? Very interesting read. It still amazes me that you found it necessary to delete/censor my blog, the one where I told you about Sgt. Gorevan's past and that he was lucky to still have a job at SPD. It entailed him following/stalking his reporter girlfriend in the County in a patrol car that is paid for with City taxpayer money and doing it on City taxpayers time. I also find it amusing that you censored that blog because one of your officers was being shown in a bad (but truthful) light, but you are more than happy to let everyone trash Ms. Chapman, one of your adversaries. I cut and pasted the blogs I'm referencing below just to refresh your memory and I've also sent it to the SHT reporter, Todd Ruger, and Tom Lyons. Maybe they'll find it worthwhile that you have an officer that was dumb enough to write a letter to the editor showing his bias against the homeless, alcohol and drug addicts, and then go so far as to beat one up. I wonder what would happen if I wrote something to the paper and then acted upon it? I'll bet the police would be wanting to talk to me? You need to get a handle on your police force. They're out of line.
Michael McNees wrote: Notice of Comment Editing! I have for the first time deleted one of the (non-spam) posted comments on this blog. A personal attack was made on a city employee, and that's not what this blog is about. (Unless of course someone attacks me, in which case I always leave those posted.) If someone wants to challenge that employees's point of view on an issue, that is welcomed, but since I make the rules here, that kind of personal attack is out.
18/1/06 11:02 AM
Anonymous said...
Thanks Mike, I'm glad you removed that horrible post. Sounds to me like there is at least one long time employee at the PD that is unhappy. The post was uncalled for. Everyone should have their say, but not that way. More props to ya mike.
18/1/06 7:09 PM
Anonymous said...
Another paste about the Meanest City thread and the Editorial in the SHT written by Officer Gorevan. Here it is, it is from 1/19/06 11:27 p.m..
Way to go Mike, Thanks for backing us up.
Believe me Sir, if you were in trouble I bet you sure would be glad to see Sgt. Gorevan coming around the corner.
No one wants us around until they need us.
Won't don't you understand? You sound like an officer, so I assume you're smart? OF COURSE, the City Manager would be glad to see Sgt. Gorevan if he were in trouble. The City Manager is a mentally stable, white guy, with money! Much to his advantage, since you guys sound like you have it in for the homeless, the poor and the mentally unstable. I find it appalling that Police Officers and our City Manager are condoning the letter that Sgt. Gorvan wrote. Sgt. Gorevan should have known better then to let his true colors show. All I can say is if you need help and you're not like our City Manger, and Sgt. Gorevan shows up, you better hope you can find a free phone and call 911!
24/1/06 9:02 PM
Anonymous said...
Sgt Gorevan expressed what a majority of Police Officers feel. He had the guts and courage to speak out and sign his name. His opinion was supportive of the City and is a reflection of how most citizens feel.
30/1/06 10:04 PM
Anonymous said...
To 1/30 10:04. You couldn't be more wrong. His letter is not a reflection of how most people feel about the homeless, people who have become dependent on drugs and alcohol, and the mentally ill. His letter was arrogant, selfish, and crude. I can't believe that ANYONE would condone it and say that Gorevan had guts and courage. If anything his views are anything but courageous and gutsy. It shows that he is out of touch with the community he serves. The citizens of Sarasota can only hope that he is an exception to the rule and DOES NOT reflect our Police Department.
30/1/06 10:42 PM
Anonymous said...
Its real easy to criticize from the comfort of your home. Police Officers have to deal first hand with the problems the homeless bring. Unless you have had to walk in a Police Officers shoes and "get dirty" as they do. Just be thankful that they do the job they do, and you reap the benefits.
31/1/06 12:05 PM
Anonymous said...
And I thought we were being serious. Thanks for the laugh. Some of your officers look like they get professional manicures, and I'm not talking about the women. You take a lot of liberties saying I don't know what it's like to get dirty and work with the homeless . Try working as an officer in a REALLY big crime ridden city, or better yet work as an officer in a South American country where there are lots of poor and homeless people. Your most elite officers couldn't make it there.
31/1/06 10:58 PM
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