Vagrants darken impressions

“What’s with all the vagrants downtown?” That was one of the first things my 30-year-old son said to me as we greeted each other in Spokane. I had not seen him or his wife since they had last visited us a year ago in Oroville. This year we arranged to meet them in Spokane. Though they had visited many similar-sized cities in their over 3,000-mile drive from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, this was their first impression of Spokane after doing a quick walking tour while waiting for us to arrive.

It wasn’t a comment about the splendid falls or Riverfront Park, or the historic nature of downtown. Those eventually came out, but their first, and probably lasting impression of Spokane, will be the vagrants and ne’er-do-wells and panhandlers they saw along the way. Lately, I have noticed all the litter and graffiti.

I know it’s a complex problem with budget shortfalls and our need for compassion. Maybe there are already plans underway to help remedy this problem. But, if Spokane wants to maintain or dramatically increase its tourism dollars, something must be done.

Clyde Andrews

Oroville, Wash.