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There are better uses for money

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Re: One-year pilot program Brantford’s downtown wins backing (Feb. 6)

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I was disappointed to read that city councillors are supporting spending $280,000 for an outreach team pilot program. While Brantford is in crisis with people who struggle with mental-health issues, homelessness, drug addictions and more, we have agencies, such as the Canadian Mental Health Association, RAAM Clinic, St. Leonard’s, Grand River Community Health Care Centre, actively working on all these issues.

Now we are paying for the startup of another group that includes a nurse practitioner, an addictions counsellor and a housing specialist. which are all good supports with the exception of the housing specialist. We already know there is a housing crisis in Brantford. If the current agencies can’t find housing, what is the purpose of a housing specialist?

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Money would be better spent hiring the nurse practitioner, addictions worker and peer support worker for a year and offering their services to the agencies mentioned above.

On another note, I am appalled that the health unit disperses needles to drug users. I understand the harm-reduction rationale behind this but it boggles my mind that the message being sent is that it’s OK to use drugs. We will give you free clean needles and you, being the responsible person that you are, will deposit the used needles in the handy dropoff box  provided. But now there is a problem in the city with needles laying around and we need yet another committee to figure out how to clean up this mess. Seriously, what are you thinking?

Linda Prokopiec

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Brantford

Salute to crossing guards

Each morning, when I leave to pick up my paper around 8:15, I  pass  two corners where there are crossing guards.
As a former elementary principal , I’m reminded of the great help crossing guards are in making sure that school children are able to safely cross the road.
I salute all of them. They brave the cold of winter and the heat of summer until school is dismissed at the end of June. They perform such important jobs.
Ken Simmons
Brantford

About socialism

What does socialism mean? Is it good or bad?

In the 20th century, Soviet socialism resulted in the Gulag and the deaths of millions. National Socialism in Germany resulted in fascism and death camps for its enemies, primarily the Jews.

In the 21st century, the U.S. Democratic Party and most of its current presidential contenders suddenly support Democratic Socialism and also abortion.

The 21st century face of socialism is Venezuela built on confiscation of property, corruption, breakdown of infrastructure and resulting death and emigration.

I say, instead, make and keep America great. Canada aussi.

Paul Vandervet

Brantford

Kudos for city workers

Now that the last of the snow and ice should be mostly behind us, I wish to thank the city workers for clearing and salting the sidewalks and pathways around the Bell Memorial and Victoria Park, the two places where I like to walk. I have been able to walk every day, except the first ice storm. I am grateful that our municipal taxes are being used to keep Brantford citizens safe. Now, that’s an example of government for the people.

Freda Goulet

Brantford

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