Pubdate: Sat, 02 Jul 2016
Source: Denver Post (CO)
Copyright: 2016 The Denver Post Corp
Contact:  http://www.denverpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/122
Author: Ben Hackworth

DENVER'S REACTION TO THE DETERIORATION OF SAFETY ON 16TH STREET MALL

"Denver mayor says violence won't be tolerated on 16th Street Mall," 
June 30 news story ( online only).

Let's just assume what DenverMayorMichael Hancock is saying is true- 
that marijuana is ruining the 16th Street Mall, which most people 
would find preposterous.

Where has his leadership been as he's seen the mall's safety deteriorating?

The 16th Street Mall is the most visited place in Denver and has 
deserved more police protection since long before marijuana was legalized.

It's time for city leaders to have the appropriate amount of police 
officers for the whole city.

Anyone can see we have too few police officers in Denver and the 
officers are being overworked.

I cannot emphasize howrepulsed I amby the "homeless" situation in 
Denver. Forced to live near the 16th Street Mall for nearly amonth ( 
due towork), I am confronted daily by the professionally needy. It 
hit a new lowwhen Iwas challenged by a gang of bumswhile in the 
company ofmy wife after dining out. The highlight of the eveningwas 
not the delicious meal - no, I had to pocketmy rage and hurry past a 
swarm of aggressive, belligerent and threatening "homeless," for 
fearmy family's safetywas in jeopardy.

Congrats, the bums have won. I am never coming back and will actively 
discourage others from visiting Denver.

Ben Hackworth, Whittier, Calif.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom