Editor’s note: The Parsons Advocate reached out to the individual for comment.
Greetings:
On this Independence Day I read the story titled, “City of Parsons Discuss Problem Individual at Park” by Lydia Crawley which appeared in the June 11 edition and realized my moral and ethical duty to advocate for this so called “problem individual” – a homeless West Virginian. I must admit, I have zero expectation of my editorial being published and as a contributing member of the Prison Journalism Project, I found the article to be a biased piece falling far below the standards of acceptable professional journalism. The reporter didn’t even bother to seek comment from the alleged “problem individual”. That being said, I’ve much to say regarding the matter as reported.
To begin with, Mill Race Park is public property, paid for by the generous donation from an individual’s estate. Is not this homeless man a U.S. and West Virginia citizen? Is he not a member of the public because he is unhoused? Is not ours a government “of the people, by the people and for the people? Is this man not “the people”? Is public property not the possession of the public, for the convenience and use of the public? Or is it a possession for the exclusive use by those which the oligarchy deem worthy?
It seems that only the park staff has had issues with this man. There are no reports of complaints by visitors to the park nor the public at large to wither park staff or law enforcement. It seems the only complaints have come from staff members who have encountered the man in the restroom – and no details of such encounters are given other than the man been “asked to leave” numerous times. But why was he asked to leave, was he harassing patrons or was it simply because he was homeless and had an unkempt appearance? Must I wear Ralph Lauren or Tommy Hilfager to be Mill Race Park acceptable?
So now a staff member identified only as “Simmons” has consulted Police Chief Keplinger and City Attorney Stranko to draft a letter to the homeless man to inform him that he is trespassing and will be arrested. But I ask you, how can a member of the public trespass on public property? It’s his property as much as it is the property of Simmons, Keplinger or Stranko. It is my property it is your property. I for one grant permission (which he does not need) for this person to be at the park any time he wishes. I’d also like to inform Simmons, Keplinger and Stranko that if they enter the park, collectively or individually, they will be considered to be criminally trespassing… it works both ways.
Incidentally a little-known legal fact of West Virginia Law…trespassing is a misdemeanor offense. In order to effect an arrest for a misdemeanor in the Mountain State, a law enforcement officer must personally witness the act. Otherwise, a citation to appear in court is issued. Does Chief Keplinger intend to waste resources by staking out the park men’s room to ensure this homeless threat to the town of Parsons doesn’t return?
The Chief has proudly announced, “I’m not only protecting the public, but protecting us as a city as well.” Really – from what exactly? The news article doesn’t list a single threat to the public. Not one.
Here’s a crazy thought along the lines of “What Would Jesus Do?” instead of city officials inventing ways to arrest this man and create a criminal, why not look into resources to help him. He obviously knows the park, why not offer him employment as a ground’s keeper? Maybe then he could afford an apartment.
Shame on Mill Race Park, Simmons, Keplinger, Stranko and the Town of Parsons for turning a blind eye to the plight of West Virginia’s homeless population by adopting a “NIMBY Policy” – not in my backyard. Shame on the West Virginia Legislature and Governor Morrisey for making it illegal for the homeless to sleep on public property. May the Sovereign Lord God grant each of you more mercy than you are willing to grant to the least among us.
David W. McDaniel; 14725-088
