At the last "open" mayoral election (2001) the losing candidate proposed strict enforcement of loitering laws and a more pro-active plan for dealing with aggressive panhandling and similar "civility" problems. He was defeated by a consortium of neighborhood groups and various "liberal" elements (although the candidate himself is extremely liberal) who preferred the current mayor over his promise of "inclusionary" government (i.e. babel.)

I believe if that election were held again today the result would be different, but that's politics for ya.

I work in Belltown. And it is a huge problem. There are large number of people on the streets. And most of them are not panhandlers, drug dealer or prostitutes... just people with nothing to do and no place to go. It's very sad.