Tampa activist starts drive to get panhandling ban on March ballot

[Freddie Stubbs]

TAMPA - Driven by inaction on the part of city and county officials to tackle panhandling, a Tampa activist is leading a drive to put the issue on the ballot.

Spencer Kass, a member of an umbrella group that represents about 40 neighborhood associations, said he is working on a proposed referendum for the March elections that would, if approved by a majority of Tampa voters, impose a citywide panhandling ban.

"Let's stick it on the ballot and let the voters decide," said Kass, speaking at a meeting of law enforcement and city and county officials on Wednesday to discuss ways to reduce panhandling on Tampa Bay area roadways. "I'm sure that it would be approved."

Kass said he and others were prompted to pursue a ballot measure because the Tampa City Council last month refused to consider a proposal to impose a ban similar to the one effect in St. Petersburg and the reluctance of the county to adopt tougher restrictions.

more: http://www2.tbo.com/content/2010/nov/11/111238/tampa-activist-starting-petition-drive-to-get-panh/news-politics/#poll_1247