The Trenton Times published the following article on September 8, 2013. To read the ful article, click here.
Trenton Mayor Tony Mack says he will veto proposed ‘Safe Passage’ ordinance
By Brendan McGrath/The Times of TrentonThe Times, Trenton
on September 08, 2013 at 6:09 PM, updated September 17, 2013 at 3:11 PMTRENTON — Mayor Tony Mack announced today that he will veto an ordinance that is aimed at ensuring that people can safely enter and exit public places, stores, restaurants and bars, because it would violate the constitutional rights of city residents.
The so-called “Safe Passage” ordinance, which was introduced by city council Thursday and approved on first reading in a 4-3 vote, would allow police to clear storefronts of panhandlers, hangers-on and solicitors who block patrons.
In a statement released today, Mack said that elected officials do not have the right to choose which rights their constituents can enjoy.
“While our City has a very real crime problem, I am not willing to turn my back on the Constitution in order to reduce crime,” Mack said in the statement.
Council members said during the meeting that they would meet with the law department to determine more suitable wording for the ordinance before bringing it back for a final vote.
Contact Brendan McGrath at (609) 989-5731 or at bmcgrath@njtimes.com.