Up in smoke
About a month ago, I wrote a short post about what was going to happen when the tent guys burned down your house. Over the weekend, that or something like it happened down at 28th and Powell. One house was badly damaged as an abandoned house next door, populated by squatters, burned down.
Hard times continue to worsen in Wheelerville. The Sam-Ted Twins are now hatching a secret "plan" to "reduce" homeless camping downtown. That can only mean moving the street dwellers further out from the central core – to, oh I don't know, say 28th and Powell?
The bobbleheads in local government can't even bring themselves to say that the goal is to eliminate street camping in Portland entirely, once and for all. Even stating that as an aspiration is too much for them.
At this point it would take a lot to end street camping: barracks-like shelters, well-managed camps, more jail beds, more substance abuse treatment, more mental health facilities, lots more social workers. And yes, more cops.
But we now have $250 million a year in Metro taxes to play with. Two and a half billion over 10 years. You'd think they could get something going on the ground. But no. Keep your fire extinguisher handy, and sleep with one eye open. At least, if you're planning to stay here.
Are you planning to sleep with one eye open or are you jumpin' ship? While your criticism is often spot on I've seen you offer zero solutions. Maybe a place that is more docile and better managed would be a better fit for old Jack!
ReplyDelete"well-managed camps, more jail beds, more substance abuse treatment, more mental health facilities, lots more social workers. And yes, more cops.
Delete"But we now have $250 million a year in Metro taxes to play with. Two and a half billion over 10 years."
Please read before commenting. Thanks.
Unknown- what exactly do you think Jack can do about these situations? "If you aren't outraged you aren't paying attention".
ReplyDeleteYeah, I think Jack did offer up some solutions. It is time for some tough love here. Either get into some kind of rehab like a work camp or mental health facility, or get thrown into jail for 30 days. No reason why we should be giving over the future of the city to people who add nothing and/or who scare off tourists and businesses.
DeleteBut of course Portland leaders seem to only listen to a small majority of people who seem to be nothing but professional gripers and agitators.