Editor,

In response to the story “Tweak eyed for camping rules” that ran in the Wednesday edition of The Record, and with regard to any judgements about who ought to be allowed to stay around town awhile, I am in good company when I ask that folks please speak for themselves.

Whereas I can appreciate the sensitivities of local residents who have passed by the fairgrounds and seen the evidence of homelessness up close and personal, there are voices in the community, other than those heard by the Langley City Council, that call for compassionate solutions beyond knee-jerk punitive ordinances.

Consider the work of the South Whidbey Homeless Coalition, which has created an effective and hospitable housing resource befitting the reputation of Langley. The House of Hope temporary shelter project (scheduled to open May 25) was warmly received by city officials and is generously supported by Island County. Does Langley need another fine to enforce or endure, especially one that is clearly aimed at an isolated and subjective situation, when new rules can potentially impact the rights of so many residents, and their families or guests?

It is worth noting that Michael Davolio, Langley’s planning chief, states that the planning department would enforce the new rules at their “discretion.” There’s a new can of worms.  Rather than focusing on policing the use of campers, community efforts and resources might be better spent in enabling the Homeless Coalition to move forward in establishing additional shelters and affordable housing opportunities on the South End.

LINDA RUSH

Freeland