When I moved to Clallam County four years ago, I was struck by the natural beauty visible everywhere.
Seeing snow-capped mountains and the waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca was like nothing I’ve ever experienced before.
Now what strikes me most is the human tragedy juxtaposed with this natural beauty.
I’ve lived in Texas, Kansas, and Florida, in unincorporated county, quiet suburbs, and busy city neighborhoods.
Only here have I seen so many people down on their luck, drug addicted, mentally ill, wandering the streets, congregating in the beautiful places of the city, some of them leaving behind the debris and waste of a transient life.
Only here have I nearly stepped on a hypodermic needle while walking my dog in a city park.
Some who govern this city would speak highly of the measures taken so far to alleviate this tragedy.
Those actions have surely improved the lives of some of the people willing to seek help.
But what has been the effect for the city?
Can anyone honestly say that the rhetoric of compassion and the use of public funds so far has lessened the tragedy?
Are the beauty, tranquility, and safety of this city better now than before?
I urge you in future elections to be skeptical of well-intentioned people who believe that the liberal use of compassionate language and public funds will solve this problem.
Cities governed by these people never solve the problem.
Instead, they simply integrate human tragedy into the daily experience of life for everyone.
Jordan Huzarevich
Port Angeles