Interesting conversation yesterday with a Republican voter, an older man, probably late 60’s/early 70’s. His number one issue, by far, is the homeless situation in Norman. “Norman is a magnet for criminals who hide behind the label of homeless”. I thought this was interesting, because this sentiment is everywhere in this town. No one wants to appear insensitive, so it’s not talked about openly. This gentleman appeared resigned to the frustrating fact that it’s almost impossible to discuss homelessness in a frank manner without being accused of insensitivity or bigotry. “Norman is a magnet for these people”. His perspective, and the number one issue for him as a voter, is shutting off the signal that is attracting these people. “They’re smart, they know how to use a computer, and they know how to find out where the best place to get benefits is.” A simple statement of fact. What did he think would be a step in the right direction? “Stop building the tiny houses that they can stay in indefinitely, stop allowing them to build encampments all over the city. Stop helping the people who clearly don’t want help. Stop helping the ones who aren’t from Norman and are still engaging in criminal conduct. Immediately deport those who have a violent criminal history.” He was very passionate about these points, in a resigned way. He knows how it sounds, but he knows that anything less than this would continue to exacerbate the crisis.
He made one final point that I thought was interesting, and very compassionate: “Soup kitchens are important, and they should always be funded. But the criminals and others who don’t want to fix their situation shouldn’t be shouldering their way into the same line as families and kids. Give them beans, bread, and water. That’s all they need, that’s all they deserve.” Valid point. It’s very cheap, and actually a very good meal.
One of his final statements: “We don’t want Norman to turn into Austin, or god forbid San Francisco.”
