Editor, The News:
It’s funny how the Salvation Army has nothing to say about the current tent city situation.
In the past, it label itself as a pillar of the community, here to help everyone in need.
It continually argued that these people are from our community.
Wrong. They are not all from here, but they are now.
It’s hard to watch the place you grew up in go down in flames.
I’ve heard all the arguments in the paper and you so-called do-gooders say have compassion, give them a break, you don’t understand, it’s happening everywhere and a hundred more.
What about needles being found everywhere, theft, and confrontational druggies when just walking my dog?
How about open your eyes do-gooders and remove the rose-coloured glasses and welcome mat.
The Salvation Army came to the heart of town many years ago, of all things, right beside a rehabilitation centre.
How does a patient get help when the temptations of drugs and alcohol are right outside in the bush?
Is it in the right zoning, according to city bylaws. I’m sure Catalina pools, a commercial business, didn’t expect to have a bad neighbor such as the shelter in the complex.
It’s the resident people of Maple Ridge who pay the price for a bad neighbor who is the drawing card for bringing in more and more homeless.
How’s about the Salvation Army buy a farm and show by example how to work.
How many would sign up for that?
The facts are: it’s out of control.
M. Isaaks
Maple Ridge
Poor records
Dear Editor:
Re: Homelessness a part of election (The News, Aug. 21).
NDP candidate Bob D’Eith says the homeless will be a top priority with his party.
In 1998, the NDP provincial government announced a $125 million, seven- year mental health plan.
After two years, it had not happened. It wasn’t in their budget.
The NDP supported the downsizing of Riverview hospital.
Its last year in power, 808 of the Riverview beds eliminated had not been replaced.
Some actually benefited from deinstutionalization, but most ended on the streets.
Both political parties have poor records.
Maybe it’ll be in the budget.
Cherryl Katnich
Maple Ridge
