This past weekend I wrote about an ongoing survey 'Have Your Say in Oshawa's Downtown Area'. It seems it may have originated from the Mayor's Task Force on Community Safety, Security and Well-Being (chaired by Councillor Bob Chapman). Although Council was not apprised of it and I only happened upon it when I was looking at the City's social media account, I was intrigued by it, given surveys can be helpful to gain input from the public and gauge different perspectives. https://www.oshawa.ca/Modules/News/index.aspx...
I've copied the survey questions below.
I wrote that given the massive amount of needles and drug paraphernalia handed out each year in Oshawa, imo the pendulum has swung very far. I asked if this might be a good time to consider limiting the free handouts for drug users to needles only and that distribution be in EXCHANGE for used needles only.
Among the over 230 comments, there were many who took issue with what I wrote and repeated various objections. I read them all and understand a number are organized and passionate about safe injection sites. Their strong reaction was not a surprise given I am acquainted with some who raised objections against me in the past, especially for my vote against a safe injection site in Oshawa in March 2019.
I acknowledge they feel that my post shows I am tone deaf, incompetent, shameful, etc.. Criticism is expected in this Councillor role. In 2019 I did extensive research on safe injection sites and continue to speak with people, inquire, listen and read up on harm reduction efforts, and the growing drug abuse, mental illness and homelessness crisis.
I have not replied to each commenter. I explained my point of view and they theirs. When individuals commented this weekend that I am unkind, uninformed, and don't know what I'm talking about, all I can say, is personal attacks on those who have a point of view different from yours does not really advance the discussion or your cause.
I carry a naloxone kit, have learned how to use it and was in a situation where mine was used to stop an overdose downtown last summer. I am moved by people's suffering, but there are limits to helping. At the Special Council meeting October 3, 2019 when homelessness, drug abuse and criminal activities in the downtown and on City trails were discussed, the words spoken in a delegation by two charitable agency members who provide a great service in Oshawa for those in need, still resonate with me: 'sometimes we can kill people with kindness.'
This weekend's article from Austin Texas underscores that there are limits to the public's tolerance of the unintended consequences of well-intended but misdirected aid https://www.nationalreview.com/.../austins-revolt.../
I've copied the survey questions below.
I wrote that given the massive amount of needles and drug paraphernalia handed out each year in Oshawa, imo the pendulum has swung very far. I asked if this might be a good time to consider limiting the free handouts for drug users to needles only and that distribution be in EXCHANGE for used needles only.
Among the over 230 comments, there were many who took issue with what I wrote and repeated various objections. I read them all and understand a number are organized and passionate about safe injection sites. Their strong reaction was not a surprise given I am acquainted with some who raised objections against me in the past, especially for my vote against a safe injection site in Oshawa in March 2019.
I acknowledge they feel that my post shows I am tone deaf, incompetent, shameful, etc.. Criticism is expected in this Councillor role. In 2019 I did extensive research on safe injection sites and continue to speak with people, inquire, listen and read up on harm reduction efforts, and the growing drug abuse, mental illness and homelessness crisis.
I have not replied to each commenter. I explained my point of view and they theirs. When individuals commented this weekend that I am unkind, uninformed, and don't know what I'm talking about, all I can say, is personal attacks on those who have a point of view different from yours does not really advance the discussion or your cause.
I carry a naloxone kit, have learned how to use it and was in a situation where mine was used to stop an overdose downtown last summer. I am moved by people's suffering, but there are limits to helping. At the Special Council meeting October 3, 2019 when homelessness, drug abuse and criminal activities in the downtown and on City trails were discussed, the words spoken in a delegation by two charitable agency members who provide a great service in Oshawa for those in need, still resonate with me: 'sometimes we can kill people with kindness.'
This weekend's article from Austin Texas underscores that there are limits to the public's tolerance of the unintended consequences of well-intended but misdirected aid https://www.nationalreview.com/.../austins-revolt.../
