Letter: City dodges humane policy on homeless

Sunday, June 29, 2003 | 7:42 a.m.

Politicians should and must treat all constituents equally.

No citizens should have law enforcement selectively enforce laws against them.

It would seem that these three statements are a given in America. Yet veterans, mentally ill and others, in the homeless population, are not treated equally by politicians and law enforcement.

Twenty one months ago a HUD/Southern Nevada regional planning summit was held to comprehensively address homelessness and aid the homeless to help themselves. Instead of following this humane and moral program, the city of Las Vegas, under Mayor Goodman, has used political and legal means to reduce homeless services.

MASH Village and the MASH Crisis Intervention Center, which cost $7 million, are in danger of being demolished. What a waste! They are an essential part of the homeless services. In fact, homeless veterans will lose essential services completely if the MASH Crisis Intervention Center is abandoned or demolished.

FRANK PERNA

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