Nashua Mayor Veteos Anti-Panhandling Law

Nashua Mayor Donalee Lozeau vetoed a controversial anti-panhandling law, calling it ineffective at a time when a city coalition is already out helping the poor get off the streets.

Aldermen approved the law by an 8-7 vote last week. Alderman Michael Soucy proposed the ordinance, which which would ban people from standing in public roadways and accepting money from drivers. He argued it will make the streets safer.

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Lozeau agreed panhandling presents a safety problem, but said said the law wouldn’t solve the problem. She said last year, a coalition comprised of social service agencies, businesses, and police worked to connect downtown panhandlers with help. She said that led to a “noticeable decrease” in downtown panhandling.

“Unfortunately (the anti-panhandling law) will not eliminate panhandling,” Lozeau wrote in her veto statement. “I believe we should continue to work to connect people in need with the right resources thereby reducing the practice of panhandling across the city.”

• Nashua Mayor Donalee Lozeau’s veto statement

Soucy said he’s considering bringing the law up for another vote at the next aldermen meeting Nov. 10.

Photo credit: kinglasher13 via Flickr