Squatters

My first run-in with a squatter was a couple of years ago when Col and I were first married and looking for a house. Cameron, our realtor, was showing us everything in our price range. Our visit to one condo complex in Scottsdale provided quite a unique experience. Cameron unlocked the door of the empty, available condo, and pushed it open. It was completely dark inside, so we were surprised to hear a shout and see a man dressed only in his skivvies jump out of the darkened room at us and slam the door shut.

This morning a coworker from Mesa told us about squatters that have built a ramshackle shelter out of a tarp and some wood on city land near her property. They are using a construction sign as a door. She called it in and a police officer checked it out. When she heard back, she found out that he had arrested one of the men, but the other 2 were allowed to remain. She called again and was told that the city is not able to remove homeless people from city land, as it would be a violation of their rights. Her question is, what about her rights as a taxpayer?

Regardless of who or what is right on this issue, one thing is certain. Squatters scare the crap out of me.