ROSSER WARD DOESN'T NEED MORE ADDICTS

In response to a recent letter to the editor Ross' Attack on Marginalized
`Disgusting,' (Aug. 13) from somebody named A. Clark:

Mr. Clark says that the people of the Rosser Ward lack compassion and are
intolerant for not welcoming drug addicts and their drug-dealing friends to
our neighbourhood. That is the most ridiculously absurd hokum I have read in
a long time. Drug addicts and dealers must be encouraged that they have
someone like Mr. Clark fighting for their interests.

Mr. Clark says that the proposed YFC facility would house "youth who have
left dysfunctional families and need a positive, supportive, stable living
environment." That's lovely spin, but the true facts are that these people
aren't "children," as Laurene Viarobo repeatedly described them to city
council. They aren't even "youth." They are addicted adults -- as old as 29
- -- who would be living in a largely-unsupervised setting.

Mr. Clark accuses me of lacking compassion for 29-year-old "youths" who, he
says, only turned to drugs because their mommy didn't hug them enough. Well,
where is Mr. Clark's compassion for the seniors and families currently
living in fear in my neighbourhood?

They are the real victims. How would adding more drug addicts to their
neighbourhood make them feel more secure? It won't. Exactly when did the
interests of drug addicts override the legitimate safety interests of an
entire neighbourhood? They don't.

If I must choose between feeling compassion for drug-addicted adults or for
seniors and families living in my neighbourhood, I will choose seniors and
families every single time.

Our seniors have made a lifetime of contributions to our community. Our
children deserve a healthy, enjoyable childhood. They are entitled to live
in peace and safety, free from fear. They are ones who I feel compassion
for.

If Mr. Clark wants to accuse me of being intolerant of drug addicts, their
dealers and other thugs in my neighbourhood, I am guilty and I will neither
repent nor say I am sorry. I want drugs and their evil merchants driven out
of our schools and eradicated from our city.

People like Mr. Clark can call me all the names they want to. My position is
non-negotiable and is not going to change.

Mr. Clark regards my efforts to keep my neighbourhood safe as "disgusting."
That's his misguided, misinformed opinion. In my view, his attempt to
justify, rationalize and condone placing drug addicts in my neighbourhood is
what is truly disgusting. Mr. Clark is free to fight for the so-called
`rights' of addicts and their dealers if he wants to. I will continue to
stand with my neighbours.

DEVERYN ROSS, president

Rosser Ward Citizens' Association