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I drafted this with the help of some Lakewood Greens.. I met someone who was involved in the tiny houses movement, so we might consider adding that type of wording to this in support of those community-driven solutions? Looking for co-sponsors!! 1. Basic InfoDate proposed: Name of the sponsor(s): Bill Bartlett2. Title: Reject the Urban Camping Bans3. Text of the actual Proposal: Denver and Boulder have both passed "camping bans" that target homeless populations by making it illegal to sleep in vehicles, or to lie down in public areas. The Green Party of Colorado rejects these bans as counterproductive at best and inhumane at worst. Our rejection of these "solutions" is based in our Key Values, including Nonviolence, Social Justice, Economic Justice, Respect for Diversity, and Future Focus. We call upon our local governments to overturn the camping bans that creates criminals out of our most defenseless citizens. We demand that our leaders do more to listen to the disenfranchised members of our society to address their needs. Our communities are strengthened when we open ourselves to dialog that creates an equitable future and opportunity for all peoples. 4. Background: Research has been done recently by Professor Tony Robinson, the chair of CU's political science department. From 9 News Denver: "The research, which was compiled from interviews with 441 homeless people, shows 36 percent have been arrested for being homeless and 90 percent report police harassment." In Denver, the homeless are not permitted to use anything but their clothes to protect them from the elements (no blankets or coverings). 5. Justification/Goals: Camping bans such as those in Denver and Boulder are a prime example of corporate influence effecting policy in a negative way. The Downtown Denver Partnership used its political influence to lobby in favor of this misguided policy. This is a place where the Greens can and should make a statement. 6. Pros and Cons: Passing this proposal makes a statement at a time when it is most needed. Many Greens are active in movements that support Colorado's homeless community, and this would help reflect our commitment to them and their work. We would also be setting a standard for future Greens that hope to run as candidates for our party, to give them some guidance on our stance concerning this issue. Failure in passing this bill would allow us to remain silent as those that most need a voice have none. We should make it known that Greens will work for better legislation than this.7. Alternatives to the proposal: We could draft something more depth, or share some ideas about how we address homeless needs with Green policies. 8. References: Huffington Post, retireved November 20, 2015 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/denver-camping-ban/Channel NEws 9 retireved Novemger 20, 2015 http://www.9news.com/story/news/local/2015/04/07/homeless-study-cu-denver-camping-ban/25431635/
I would agree to sponsor this proposal. Sorry it languished in my inbox which runneth over. I would also vote agree. Parks are public land which should be accessible to the public for recreation, relaxation, and sleeping in if necessary. Camping bans are just a way to sweep a problem under the rug. If we see our parks full of homeless citizens with no alternative place to sleep maybe we'll realize that there is a serious problem in the "richest country on Earth" which needs to be addressed. Also many homeless shelters are over crowded and can be dangerous for those who are vulnerable.Kevin AlumbaughGreater Boulder Green Party
As many of you know, the Greens have many supporters among the many grassroots homeless advocacy groups, Occupy Denver, and more that are not affiliated but are in situations of poverty. This did languish but I will be reinstating this measure to reject the urban camping ban and I'm open to any input from the members before I send it to the floor for approval. Thank you all!
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