Families struggling with toxic Duncan environment
In a recent letter in the Citizen newspaper, Sharon Jackson presented some intelligent thoughts on the homeless/drug crisis facing residents families and businesses, in the City of Duncan.
In response to Sharon Jackson’s letter, United Church Minister Keith Simmons once again tries to shame and demonize residents of the City of Duncan with a highly questionable anecdote. I find it interesting that the supposed incident he writes about happened just in time for his response to the letter by Sharon Jackson.
Unfortunately Mr. Simmons offers no real world solutions to the problems and the dangers Duncan families face every day and steadfastly refuses to acknowledge these problems even exist.
Forty thousands needles picked up. Thousands of needles recovered from the Cowichan River. Volunteer sharps pick up teams attacked. Tons of contaminated garbage. Forty-five thousand dollars damage done to Charles Hoey Park.
Rampant crime and vandalism. Public sex acts around the overdose prevention location. Daily psychotic episodes in downtown Duncan. Shooting up drugs in public.
While Mr. Simmons turns a blind eye towards these inconvenient realities, families struggle to raise their children in a toxic dangerous environment.
Mark Williams
Duncan