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Letter: The homeless? What about the rich?

Better working with all levels of government to find workable solutions.
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Anita Place Tent City in Maple Ridge now heading into winter months. (THE NEWS/files)

Editor, The News:

Re: How long on homeless merry-go-round?

In response to Mr. Verwoerd’s right-wing views, I feel, as a community, we would be far better off working with the government at all levels to find workable solutions rather than stirring up dissent.

How long do we ride the homeless merry-go-round?

Until companies pay their employees a fair living wage that keeps up with inflation.

Until the jobs are full-time rather than seasonal, piece work, and part-time.

Until governments create jobs for everyone.

There are actually more people than jobs.

As for free loaders, what about the rich who don’t pay their share of taxes, and hide their wealth offshore, or corporations whose CEOs run their organizations into the ground, then feel entitled to a taxpayer-funded bailout, which includes sizable severance payouts or bonuses.

People are being laid off from these corporations with no severance, no notice, no paycheque, loss of pension, and yet these CEOs are not affected. In fact, they received their bonus, severance, pension, and you’re worried about the homeless?

So when you ask, how long do we ride the homeless merry-go-round?

Until we, in Maple Ridge, work together as an all-inclusive, caring community. Then, we will be able to work towards being the model for other municipalities.

Marie R. Robson

Maple Ridge

Simple answer

Editor, The News:

Re: How long on homeless merry-go-round?

My simplified answer is, that would depend on how long it takes for local mayors to realize property taxes are going up faster than people can afford, and they wonder why people live on the streets?

People are squeezed and squeezed, until they are forced into a means of paying taxes to keep a roof over their heads. Some resort to drugs, as easy money, fast money, preying upon the addicted, or the ones stressed enough to become addicted, to become an easy source of revenue.

Vancouver is raising property taxes 3.9 per cent, claiming its a bargain compared to other cities, and that it’s doing all it can to fight homelessness.

It’s a ripple. One starts and soon they all follow, claiming this and that, smoke and mirrors.

How long do we ride the merry-go-round? We are well past merry-go-round. W are now riding the roller-coaster.

Richardo Shu

Maple Ridge

Too generous?

Editor, The News:

Re: How long on homeless merry-go-round?

Mr. Verwoerd is absolutely correct. He is not the only person having noticed, either by TV reports or personal drive-throughs, that it seems some of these so-called homeless are young and able to be employed. Perhaps the welfare system is too generous in handing out money?

Why is it that some businesses are having trouble finding workers? Every time I drive through certain areas, I see hiring signs.

Perhaps these are not the best paying jobs?

But it’s a start.

Lance Felgnar

Pitt Meadows