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On homelessness . . . Social-service agencies recently conducted a study of
Springfield’s homeless community in which organizations counted 303
homeless individuals around the city, a 20 percent drop over last
year’s total. The survey also found a 12.8 percent increase in the
number of the city’s “chronically homeless.” Unlike the
2003 mayoral campaign, the subjects of homelessness and panhandling have
been thrust to the center of several aldermanic contests — as well as
the race for Springfield mayor.
Tim Davlin • Army of
four — In 2006 Davlin joined three
aldermen in voting to allow the Salvation Army to move forward with the
construction of a new administrative headquarters, community center, and
homeless shelter on J. David Jones Parkway. Previously the mayor put forth
a compromise in which the Salvation Army would split its operations between
the proposed site and its current facility, but the organization rejected
the plan. Deon Oliver, then-head of the Army in Springfield, expressed gratitude for
Davlin’s gesture but added that the mayor could have done more
sooner.
• Having no
money OK; asking for money not OK —
On numerous occasions Davlin has said that he has no plans to prohibit
homeless people from sleeping outside Lincoln Library, saying that
it’s not against the law to be homeless. During the most recent
debate between the two leading contenders, held this week, Davlin did
express support for an ordinance, currently tabled in the council’s
finance committee, to slap daytime panhandlers on the wrist:
“It’s not about collecting fines; it’s just a
deterrent.”
Bruce Strom • Compassionate
conservative — Strom voted in
January 2006 with six of his City Council colleagues to oppose the
Salvation Army’s request to build its center across the street from
Oak Ridge Cemetery. Nonetheless, shortly afterward, the Salvation
Army’s Oliver praised Strom for his efforts in helping the
organization find a permanent home. Strom briefly explored the feasibility
of moving the Salvation Army into the former city health-department
building but relented when neighborhood groups and Ward 2 Ald. Frank McNeil
expressed opposition to the idea. Strom also voted against a measure
proposed this fall to prohibit “camping” at the library. • Goal-oriented — Strom didn’t indicate this week whether
he supports the panhandling restriction but during his opening statement
did list it among the problems facing the city. Whereas Davlin touted the
efforts of his homelessness task force in this year’s lower homeless
count, Strom suggested that the reduction was also the result of the good
work of Springfield’s social-service agencies. If he were mayor,
Strom says, he would be much more goal-oriented in tackling the homeless
situation than Davlin, whose task force was assembled in 2003, has been.
Citizens decide elections. For this reason, from now
until Election Day, we will let candidates explain in their own words where
they stand on issues that matter to you. Let us know your issues. Contact
R.L. Nave at rnave@illinoistimes.com.
This article appears in Mar 15-21, 2007.
