Real problems need real solutions

Nadine Woodward has made “Spokane Solutions” and “more police downtown” foundational to her campaign to be our next mayor. This is in response to Spokane’s growing homeless population, even suggesting they can be compelled into substance abuse treatment against their will. We have not however been told what “more police” are supposed to actually do.

The overcrowded jail may need to release felons when at capacity; not to mention, it’s not actually a crime to be homeless. When police give the literal “bum’s rush” to the homeless downtown and away from services they may need, it only forces them into residential neighborhoods like Browne’s Addition, the South Hill and West Central, where families are living. “More police” seems, then, just a campaign slogan rather than an actual solution.

Ben Stuckart understands that we must have adequate low-barrier shelters in place before we can even begin to enforce a “no camping” law under the recent Martin v. City of Boise 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling. Ben understands that mayors don’t get to decide which court rulings they can ignore. Ben also understands that we cannot jail our way out of an economic and health care problem.

Ron Tussey

Spokane