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Some Laws Not Enforced in AnchorageTwo assembly members want to repeal sidewalk-sitting lawRelated Content
ANCHORAGE - Two Anchorage Assembly members say they’d like to repeal a law that isn’t being enforced, even though they voted for it themselves. The law prohibits sitting on the sidewalk in downtown Anchorage. Police have issued no citations since the law was enacted in December, but it’s not the only law that gets little follow through. From political signs that don’t meet setback laws to people who donate to panhandlers from their cars, there are plenty of laws in Anchorage that are rarely – if ever – enforced. “It’s frustrating,” said Anchorage Assemblywoman Debbie Ossiander. “When there are laws on the books and they aren’t enforced I think it makes people just disregard everything.” Police say some laws are harder to enforce than others, like the new one that bans texting while driving. “The person could just simply state that they were dialing a phone number, so that is a law that is on the books that probably it could be considered a difficult law,” said Anchorage Police spokeswoman Marlene Lammers. But police say the law has a higher value because if a driver who is texting causes a fatal accident they can be charged with a much greater crime. Then there’s the sidewalk ordinance that Ossiander wants to repeal. Police haven’t issued any tickets but say simply having it on the books lets people know they mean business. “If they comply with our demands we aren’t going to cite them,” says Lammers. “I mean we aren’t going to cite them because we don’t have any reason to if they have complied with what we have requested them to do.” Ossiander says she’s willing to consider that some laws are simply tools, but says all laws need more scrutiny before they are passed. “It’s sort of being done haphazardly without thorough analysis,” she says. “I’ve seen several ordinances presented on this will have a zero financial impact, but if you think about it a fair amount you really could question whether that's true or not.” She says some laws need more teeth and others need to go. As for the sidewalk ordinance, the public will have another chance to weigh in. A public hearing has been scheduled for September 25. |
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mary west said on Friday, Aug 24 at 7:51 PM
Well the sidewalk ordinance came about because of ego. The guy wouldnt move, guess who got angry, and made a law out of it. None of us asked for it, never needed it. That was an abuse of political power, pretty stupid.
99883306TedtheBear said on Friday, Aug 24 at 8:35 PM
I don't think police have time to enforce any law that don't seem to be worth their time.
99885066BobD said on Friday, Aug 24 at 9:44 PM
mary west , I have to agree with you..
99887216Anonymous said on Saturday, Aug 25 at 2:20 AM
This is what government does, makes laws for you to follow because they think they know better. Next thing you know there are so many laws not even the police know them all.
99893716Robo said on Saturday, Aug 25 at 5:14 AM
Maybe the mayor and assembly should focus on protecting the citizens downtown from assult. For those that read the KTVA site blog on news items...bet you didn't hear about two assaults on local clergy at the cathedral; the failure of police to respond, even to take a report and conduct an investigation. How safe are we downtown anyways?
99899856Amazed said on Saturday, Aug 25 at 8:22 AM
Usually the focus is on enforcment of laws that lead to political gain, popularity with the puplic, or revenue generation. Simple.
99909245Ellen C said on Saturday, Aug 25 at 11:10 AM
Best to avoid the downtown area...most offenders congregrate there.
99917266pfft said on Saturday, Aug 25 at 6:42 PM
Go figure, a law abiding citizen makes a little mistake and the book is thrown at them, someone breaks the law daily and they get a free pass. Justice in AK is non existent.
99935636yesman said on Monday, Aug 27 at 12:33 PM
i also agree with mary west
100048716Anonymous said on Wednesday, Aug 29 at 9:52 AM
and what about the laws that no one follows...oh right this is Alaska...what happens here gets buried! or burned! or a plane crash! funny how that happens in such a pattern...
100362246rape cases expecially said on Wednesday, Aug 29 at 2:10 PM
yeah they don't enforce the laws of rape cases either! make them pay for the rape case...children? Forget them...what cases...cough cough...we can smell the files you are burning Parnell, Palin and Sullivan...after all boys will be boys...and since it's legitimate rape...what laws...
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