Dear Sirs;

I am a long time resident and former business owner in Burien. I have seen the city through many of its changes. I believe it is a city that holds much promise and potential. During the latest economic woes Burien has suffered with rising crime rates and increased homelessness. The Burien City Council has tried to address these concerns and problems with some recent ordinances. These enactments have been a source of some angst for some Seattle activist groups. Some of their grievances are however misguided; they were merely an attempt to stem the rising criminality in Burien especially the town square area. It was not, as alleged by some, an attack on the homeless, it was simply an effort to curb criminal behavior. I am sure that everyone wants a secure and safe place for all, a place where parents don’t worry about leaving their children at the library or park. Aggressive panhandling cannot be permitted and might encourage or enable other criminal acts. One of the foremost obligations of city government is the safety and protection of its citizens. It is really the small things that matter, for if left unaddressed they become much bigger issues. I am actually surprised there is not more of a groundswell of support for this ambition, perhaps it is for fear of being labeled as uncaring or unsympathetic , but it is quite the opposite we care about our beloved city of Burien and the safety of its’ citizens, and want the best for it and its future. I believe the objective of the ordinance is clear and it is also obvious it is being used by mostly outside fringe groups to promote an agenda that is totally not the laws intent. Please don’t repeal the ordinance. We need to focus on the objective and that is to make Burien a more inviting and safe place.

Yours truly.
Mark Pitzner