TAXES SHOULDN'T PAY FOR ILLEGAL ACTS

Dear sir:

I wonder where Coun. Brian Skakun expects the financing to come from to
cover the expense of his idea of dealing with the social issues of the
downtown core of Prince George. He faces an incredible challenge on being
successful in convincing this taxpaying citizen in parting with his
hard-earned money to finance the daily operating costs of a safe injection
site. Illegal drug practices should not be the responsibility of taxpayers
to provide safe injection sites. Somehow that indicates another double
standard. Look after the people that are breaking the law, but the
law-abiding citizen is required to finance this action.

Interviews with hard-core addicts indicate that they will not frequent safe
injection sites, because in order to use these facilities they would need
to register and would be videotaped for so-called safety precaution
purposes. Also, these addicts like their privacy to enjoy the high and to
keep a low profile.

I agree the city must do something about these problems, so my idea is
simple. If it is an illegal act it should be treated as an illegal act. As
humans we all have the civil right to make decisions for ourselves and if
we make the wrong decision then it is up to us to accept the repercussions
and then make the proper changes in our life to put ourselves back on the
right track. As a taxpayer in this city, I want my tax dollars going to
maintaining and providing safety and security of the citizens that
contribute to the taxman and not the people who expect and want free handouts.

Graham Friberg, Prince George