Jessica Ames says the city of Rogers is trying to tell her when she can and can't be a good samaritan. Ames couldn't meet with us for an on-camera interview Thursday afternoon, but did tell us over the phone that although she doesn't live in Rogers, she works and shops there, and likes to give her extra change to panhandlers when she can. Ames and her attorney Doug Norwood have filed a lawsuit against the Rogers mayor and police chief claiming the ban violates first amendment rights. Norwood says the ordinance is too broad and allows for discrimination by the city by still letting some groups panhandle-- like the Rogers firefighters during their "boot drive." City Attorney Ben Lipscomb disagrees-- saying he drafted the ordinance to be very narrow and within reason. He says the ordinance does not outlaw panhandling altogether, just when vehicles are involved. He says the purpose of the ordinance is not to punish people, but to prevent traffic problems and keep people from getting hurt... and adds that he believes Norwood's suit has no merit. Ames says she's not the kind of person who's going to cause traffic problems to give money-- but says if she wants to make a donation, it's up to her, not the city. Lipscomb says he's filing to have the suit dismissed.
