DON'T TAKE COMMENTS OUT OF CONTEXT

Editor, The Record:

It is very unfortunate that I find it necessary to defend myself after the
mean-spirited personal attack on my character by Councillor Jenny Stevens
in your newspaper. ("Adams should be more understanding" Thursday 27th
September, 2001)

First and foremost, I made it perfectly clear at the all candidates meeting
that I was passing on the comments and complaints of my customers to get
the candidates' ideas and answers on how the problems of the downtown could
be solved. For the record I can supply names and addresses for every
complaint received by me, some of them very graphic, disturbing and even
disgusting. Coun. Stevens indignant outburst and pontificating on qualified
physicians and pharmacists only distorts what was actually said (Yes, I did
keep a copy). At no time did I say or imply anything that was not the
truth, my intention and aim was, and still is, to solve the problems
downtown and to make it a safe place to do our shopping.

Contrary to what Coun. Stevens states I do have sympathy and compassion for
the unfortunate drug-afflicted individuals, they deserve all the help they
can get.

It has been suggested to me and I would agree, that if methadone is a
prescribed treatment then it should be administered under medical
supervision in the privacy of a doctor's office and not in a commercial
establishment in full view for all to see.

I am sure I am not alone when I ask, where was the public consultation
process? In all of this? I can remember a previous council decision that
would not support a needle exchange or methadone clinic for downtown
because it was not a compatible use for the area.

In conclusion, my comments and those of my customers when taken out of
context, seeks out solutions to the problems downtown. So, Jenny, please do
not shoot the messenger, do not quote things out of context and stick to
the issues.

Dave Adams
Mission