Transients, or homeless people, were another topic council discussed with the police chief on Monday. Brian Young said he encountered a transient who told him that Kansas City had put transients on a bus to Eureka Springs. Even with this information, Young does not believe the number of transients has risen to any more than that of the past and he doesn’t see a cause for concern.
“I think that in this great country it is sad that anybody is hungry or homeless,” alderman Melissa Greene said. During discussion Young said, “I’m just like the rest of the citizens – I’d just as soon not have them here but we can’t go out and violate their civil rights either.”
Alderman Harry Meyer said he does not believe the transients are increasing crime. “The few criminal acts that happened in my neighborhood since I’ve lived here were committed by somebody who lived here,” he said.
Alderman Susan Harman asked Young how long he would let a transient stay in town. “I can’t arrest them for being homeless,” he responded.