Pubdate: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 Source: Mission City Record (CN BC) Copyright: 2001 The Mission City Record Contact: http://www.missioncityrecord.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1305 Author: Dave Adams DON'T TAKE COMMENTS OUT OF CONTEXT Editor, The Record: It is very unfortunate that I find it necessary to defend myself after the mean-spirited personal attack on my character by Councillor Jenny Stevens in your newspaper. ("Adams should be more understanding" Thursday 27th September, 2001) First and foremost, I made it perfectly clear at the all candidates meeting that I was passing on the comments and complaints of my customers to get the candidates' ideas and answers on how the problems of the downtown could be solved. For the record I can supply names and addresses for every complaint received by me, some of them very graphic, disturbing and even disgusting. Coun. Stevens indignant outburst and pontificating on qualified physicians and pharmacists only distorts what was actually said (Yes, I did keep a copy). At no time did I say or imply anything that was not the truth, my intention and aim was, and still is, to solve the problems downtown and to make it a safe place to do our shopping. Contrary to what Coun. Stevens states I do have sympathy and compassion for the unfortunate drug-afflicted individuals, they deserve all the help they can get. It has been suggested to me and I would agree, that if methadone is a prescribed treatment then it should be administered under medical supervision in the privacy of a doctor's office and not in a commercial establishment in full view for all to see. I am sure I am not alone when I ask, where was the public consultation process? In all of this? I can remember a previous council decision that would not support a needle exchange or methadone clinic for downtown because it was not a compatible use for the area. In conclusion, my comments and those of my customers when taken out of context, seeks out solutions to the problems downtown. So, Jenny, please do not shoot the messenger, do not quote things out of context and stick to the issues. Dave Adams Mission - --- MAP posted-by: Beth