Editor, The News:
Re: City wants Sally Ann out (The News, Aug. 26).
It’s a sad day that our city council and mayor pander to the opinions of public opinion. Making the Caring Place a scapegoat for the people living on Cliff Avenue, for needles in parks and such, is nonsense.
Mayor Nicole Read said the community has lost faith in the Salvation Army, but did she talk to? I was never asked or polled about the Caring Place or other concerns about our city.
I’ve lost faith in Maple Ridge council to come to a better solution for helping the homeless, downtrodden and those suffering from mental illnesses or addictions.
At least the Caring Place is trying to help our community. I know people who volunteer there weekly, and there is value in the Salvation Army and the work it does.
Getting rid of the Caring Place won’t solve anything.
Maybe the temporary shelter will work. But basing important decisions on a minority of people is faulty leadership.
Listening to “popular opinion” might gain Mayor Read popularity, but the underlying issues will still remain.
Eric Fehr
Maple Ridge