Just window dressing

Little Rock has struggled with this homeless problem for years. On one hand the city leaders don’t want to appear heartless; on the other, it seems they want to continue unabated in their quest to revitalize downtown Little Rock with their strategy of “build it and hope like hell they will come.” I noted in a recent article the quotes from the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau and Downtown Partnership folks wanting to protect their sacred downtown turf.

Unfortunately for the average taxpaying Little Rock citizen, it appears we are burdened with leadership that has a singular focus: Downtown is the promised land. I think all this homeless discussion is window dressing covering the real mission: Drive them out of sight so that our tourist-visitors don’t see them. Don’t be surprised if the city offers to provide free transportation (at taxpayer expense) to get the homeless out of downtown Little Rock.

DON SHELLABARGER

Little Rock