Pubdate: Thu, 05 Jun 2008
Source: Cambridge Times (CN ON)
Copyright: 2008 Fairway Newspaper Group
Contact:  http://www.cambridgetimes.ca
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3423
Author: G. Jones
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n549/a10.html

NO TOLERANCE FOR DRUGS

Re: Letter to the Editor by Yolonda White - "Parks not for potheads"

I agree totally with everything Ms. White has to say. Unfortunately, 
the actions of young, ne'er-do-well louts like those she describes 
are not restricted to Soper Park.

My neighbours and I routinely walk in the area of Hespeler Park next 
to the Hespeler Arena. It is almost on a daily basis that we see 
inconsiderate clods like these with nothing better to do than get 
spaced even in broad daylight.

They don't even try to hide it. They are just flaunting their total 
disrespect for the rights of others. They seem to range in age from 
10 or 12 to 18 or 19. Their parents obviously have "no clue" about 
their actions or do know but don't have the moxy to deal with them.

Furthermore, we have found, on a regular basis, used syringes, 
makeshift 'bongs', beer and liquor bottles (both broken and intact), 
condoms and other unsanitary, dangerous trash littering, not only the 
parking lot of the arena, but also the playing fields and parking 
lots surrounding St. Elizabeth school which adjoins the park.

I would also hazard a guess that these locations are not unique in 
this regard. We also realize that police resources are spread thin 
but they really need to pay more attention to these areas in the way 
of enforcing with summons, posted park curfews, as well as the laws 
pertaining to illegal use/abuse of narcotics and liquor.

Prevention and drug education in schools is obviously not working for 
these individuals so it's time for strict zero-tolerance, ongoing enforcement.

G. Jones

Cambridge
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom