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not shoot the messenger, do not quote things out of context and stick to 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
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MAP posted-by: Beth