Letter: Homeless tactic deserves praise

Monday, April 1, 2002 | 8:41 a.m.

Your editorial on the homeless is downright irresponsible. I'm a proud resident of West Las Vegas (where all the homeless shelters are located). I'm sick and tired of hearing about how bad the homeless are being treated. Mayor Goodman is doing a great job pertaining to this issue.

Why isn't anyone writing stories about the fact that North Las Vegas, Henderson and Clark County have no shelter space? Why is it that the only shelter space is located in a neighborhood that has a good percentage of families at or below the poverty line? I see (North Las Vegas Councilwoman) Stephanie Smith, (County Commissioner) Erin Kenny and others standing on their soap boxes being critical of Mayor Goodman's plan, but what if the homeless were camped on their sidewalk, near their homes or using their sidewalks for a bathroom. I think they would be singing a different tune. When was the last time they had their garbage cans tossed, had a man relieve himself in front of their kids, or were aggressively panhandled when they were stopped at a street light? Unfortunately, it is a common occurrence in this area.

So I would ask those critical of the current plan: What about our quality of life? Or is that an expectation for the residents of only the affluent communities? Something had to be done. Let North Las Vegas, Clark County or Henderson open up some facilities for the mentally ill, veterans and single men in their jurisdiction. Then they can truly say they are helping out with the homeless problem, not sitting on the sidelines and being critical.

DAN CONTRERAS