The article was severely lacking in verifiable data and was poorly researched. The Times Herald would be well aware that there is no connection between the recent violent crimes on Griswold and the social service programs in south Port Huron.
After all, the Times Herald itself has reported that the June 17 shooting was related to a prior dispute between the perpetrator (from Detroit) and his victim, and that the machete attack (also involving an out-of-town perpetrator) occurred at 4:15 a.m. -- a time when all programs were long closed.
I note that Port of Hopes, a social support program for people with mental illness is mentioned more than a dozen times. This center has been providing services for more than 15 years without a problem, so why is it now targeted?
Perhaps Councilman Jim Fisher has provided the answer: It's the condos! Councilman Fisher states, "It would help the sale of the condos if the Port of Hopes were elsewhere." So who owns a financial interest in the condos? Is there a conflict of interest here?
Regarding the social service programs, mayor pro tem Steve Miller states, "If it was in my neighborhood I don't know if I would want it." He is clearly an adherent of NIMBY (not in my backyard). Is this the philosophy that is going to guide future council decisions?
Each of the social service programs listed in the article provides a much needed support to area residents, particularly in today's economy. The Times Herald has done a disservice to its readers in misrepresenting the facts of this issue.
Thelma Morgans
Port Huron, Sept. 27
Source ; thetimesherald.com/article/20101003/OPINION03/10030328/1014/OPINION/There+is+no+connection+linking+crime++services
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