Salt Lake's Dem mayor goes undercover as a homeless man

[OxQQme]

>"It happened over four months ago, and until recently, was known by only a small handful of people.

Last March, Democratic Mayor Ben McAdams put into play something he long felt compelled to do. Due to a state law, he had to select possible sites for three new homeless centers/shelters. Two for men and one for women and children. Regardless of the choices, it would prove highly unpopular in the neighborhoods. Each perspective area arose in fury at the idea. But it had to be done. He needed a more personal perspective. And it was this catalyst that solidified his decision.

McAdams left work on a Friday with Patrick Reimherr, the Director of Government Affairs. They both wore three-day growth. No wallets, money, or I.D.’s They were dressed in their oldest jeans, sneakers, sweatshirts and hoodies. Each had a small bag with some clothes, a blue tarp and cheap disposable phones."<

more:
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/8/7/1687635/-Salt-Lake-City-s-Dem-Mayor-Goes-Undercover-As-A-Homeless-Man-For-Three-Days-And-Pledges-Assistance?detail=emaildkre

[Stuart G]

1. Outstanding Article.,...Thanks for posting...k and r. ..Highly recommend..!!!!!! nt

[irisblue]

2. This article is the worth the read.

Off to see if The Salt Lake Tribune or The Deseret newspapers have much to say about this.

[Warpy]

3. Well, he certainly got an education

especially in what homeless shelters are like. Rows of cots with no separation are a horrible idea, the lack of any privacy being only one concern. They're a dandy way to spread things like TB, which is increasingly drug resistant. I've met a lot of homeless folks who would rather chance freezing to death than put up with the conditions in them, and that means something is terribly wrong with the present programs.

Locally, tent cities were supplied with a few basics like portable toilets. It helped until the drug gangs moved in and the tent city moved. The mayor had a hard time keeping up with it.

[lpbk2713]

4. Congrats to Salt Lake City for having such a good and caring mayor.

In the city where I live the Chamber of Commerce works with the police to make
life as difficult as possible for the homeless. They would rather not see them at all.
No loitering, no panhandling, no impromptu food kitchens set up in the park. Many
of us fail to consider we are one paycheck away from the same situation.

[GentryDixon]

5. He is the Mayor of South Salt Lake County.

What he did is wonderful. He reimbursed the costs incurred for meals. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackie_Biskupski

The Mayor of Salt Lake City is Jackie Biskupski. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackie_Biskupski

[GeoWilliam750]

8. For such a conservative area

They sure have elected some progressive people for mayors. I would have thought that neither of these would have the slightest chance of being elected in those areas.

Brava! Bravo!

[flibbitygiblets]

6. Fascinating read. Truly inspirational.

And they're doing something about the problems, making a difference. Just wow.

[GeoWilliam750]

7. I have no idea as to the rest of his policies or abilities

But he seems to be solving one significant problem, which also seems to be leading - at least partially - to a virtuous circle.

[calimary]

12. Indeed. This paragraph told me everything I hoped to know about him:

McAdams ended his experience with one understanding. That “doing nothing is not an option, even if it’s the end of me politically.”
"I knew when I accepted this task that it would come with consequences for me personally. But this work isn't about me personally. It's about doing the right thing for people who are in crisis. If I have to pay a personal price for moving this work forward, it's a price I'm willing to pay.”
”I ran for office to make a difference. Not to have a job.”

Amazing! If only ALL our politicians felt that way.

[mountain grammy]

9. K&R

Amazing story

[Doug the Dem]

10. A Democratic Mayor in Utah?

Heh! Next you'll be telling me there's an orangutan in the White House!

[Duppers]

11. "I ran for office to make a difference....

Not to have a job."

Heart of gold. This is what we get when we elect Democrats.