NOT 'VICTIMLESS'

Editor:

I was quite upset to read a letter published in your Oct. 1 edition
entitled "Meeting the demand". Tim Felger makes reference to your story in
the Sept. 17 edition about the efforts of Langley City to rid the area of
drug dealers and prostitution. Unfortunately, I did not read the Sept. 17
article, but I am very aware of the many efforts to do exactly that.

Langley City is very focused on ensuring Langley City remains a safe
and enjoyable place to live, work and play. These efforts are seen by
the mayor, City council and staff, bylaw enforcement, the RCMP,
citizens and merchants.

As I live and work in Langley City, I see it on a daily basis. To
suggest that these efforts are a "joke" is little less than an attack
on those focused on making positive changes in our community.

Perhaps as Mr. Felger does not live in Langley City, or Langley at all
for that matter, he may be much less aware of these efforts and the
dedication to the community that we see from our City council.

There was little discussion with my family where we wanted to live.
Langley was the obvious choice. From the eclectic downtown, to the
many festivals and community events to excellent schools, parks and
sports facilities and organizations for our children, Langley is the
only community I would choose to live in. I opened my business in
Langley City and have never regretted this decision.

I believe that Mr. Felger's comment that marijuana and prostitution
are victimless crimes puts the rest of his comments into perspective.

Marijuana is not a victimless crime. Every grow operation is a danger
to the entire community it is located in. Fires, "grow-rips" and the
infusion of unwanted persons affects communities. The violence and
related criminal activity are not victimless.

Prostitution, which destroys families, spreads disease and litters our
community parks, roads and properties is not victimless. When women
and girls are sold into or forced into prostitution, it is not victimless.

I would suggest that these are crimes as any other.

I suppose that Mr. Felger is entitled to his opinion, although I doubt
highly that many in our community would share it.

Phil Lacasse, president, Integra Security