DRUG DEALERS RULE THE ROOST

I have been running a clothing store on Pender Street between Homer and
Hamilton. We chose this location for several reasons: affordability, the
heritage character of the area and a belief that the future of
Gastown-Chinatown will be a bright one if and when entrepreneurs begin to
develop the area (we have all watched the failure of all levels of
government in this regard).

Unfortunately, over the last several months, we have witnessed an alarming
development. While the apparent common practice is to allow the area along
Hastings between Cambie and Main to be the domain of our local drug
dealers, recently -- for whatever reason, we do not know -- we have become
increasingly over-run by these people.

Several times a day, my staff and I have the delight of watching these
people selling their little white rocks of crack cocaine mere inches from
our storefront windows and doorway. Constantly asking them to move is
having no effect.

We are all concerned about our safety. Some of my customers refuse to shop
in this area because they are afraid for their safety after mid-afternoon.
Whether the threat is real or perceived, the result is the same.

We are able to cope with the multiple break-ins, constant vandalism, the
ridiculously long transit strike and a depressed provincial economy.

What we are unable to deal with is being forced to take on the role of law
enforcement in our area. If we are not to be supplied adequate levels of
policing, I would greatly love to know what our esteemed municipal leaders
would suggest. Armed guards? Guns?

Barry Begus

Vancouver