Woman moves on, leaves homeless debate behind

[ccharles000]

A woman at the heart of a controversial ordinance in Chamberlain that forbids people from living in their cars has moved out of the community.

Mayor Doug Nelson said he understands that 55-year-old Deb Leichtnam has moved to Mitchell, though he said he doesn't know any more details about her departure.

Leichtnam had lived in her green 1994 Buick LeSabre this past spring and summer on the streets of Chamberlain after being evicted from her subsidized apartment more than a year ago.

She had a room this fall at a Chamberlain motel where she did cleaning work. But that arrangement ended Dec. 1 when the motel owner closed his business for the winter.

Two months ago, the city council passed a zoning ordinance banning people in the community from living or sleeping in recreational equipment, travel trailers or vehicles on any residential lot, street or other location not approved by the zoning administrator.

Mayor Doug Nelson insisted the ordinance change wasn't aimed at Leichtnam but instead "was more of a protection for the citizens of the community."

Residents shouldn't have to be exposed to people living in vehicles with no ready access to bathrooms - thus potentially urinating outdoors - or with no obvious means to maintain their hygiene, city engineer Greg Powell argued back in October.

http://www.argusleader.com/article/20091227/NEWS/912270312/1001/news

[Wilms]

1. The comment posted by "Tonyssa" is awesome. n/t

[ccharles000]

2. kick

[TheBigotBasher]

3. K&R

Thank you for another post that should highlight the shame of how the richest economy in the World treats its poorest.