Don’t demonize those in the debate

Addiction is a serious problem everywhere. It eats away at family and deteriorates the fabric of our society. Drug facilities are most often victims of circumstance and must locate where they can, so let’s all give thanks to Catholic Community Services for the hard work they do and wish them well.

But let’s get real. How about a show of hands of all the independent business owners who would welcome a drug counseling facility in their neighborhood. We had such a facility in ours and when it left, the near daily procession of police, aid cars, car prowls and personal confrontation stopped. I don’t blame all of the people who are strong enough to be in recovery for the actions of a few, but this is a fact.

I’ve known many of the merchants for quite a few years and they are caring, responsible, charitable people. Sure, they were expressing concern, not only for themselves, but for the whole downtown core as well. At the end of the day they’ll undoubtedly accept what they consider a poor choice and get on with it, but they shouldn’t be demonized for participating in an important debate.

Jeff Hegland

Everett