Homelessness in Downey

Dear Editor:Lately I have been sending a barrage of emails to Mayor Roger Brossmer and Councilman Mario Guerra about my complaints regarding the homeless crisis in Downey. The back story on that is that the two of them have really been very good friends to me. They have extended themselves to a member of the public above and beyond what most political leaders in local politics do these days. And in spite of my occasional bad manners, both Mr. Brossmer and Mr. Guerra have been very understanding of me. So it gives me some regret to have complained so much and so dramatically but such is my way. Having said that, I thought you might be interested to know that I went to [Tuesday's] city council and I addressed the council on the topic of creating a homeless shelter in Downey. To be fair I think most of the Downey City Council is not opposed to helping the homeless and even in regards to a shelter of some kind. It's just that there are no funds. And to add to what Mr. Guerra was trying to tell me about how the constituents would "rather have a fire engine then a homeless shelter", it is important to understand Guerra's comment in their appropriate context. He was saying it to me in a kind and gentle manner, but matter of factly. And I could even say that I understand why he put it in those terms. So in conclusion, the impediment to the progress of helping the homeless lies at the feet of a society that doesn't seem to see the necessity for a shelter, that is unless a Hurricane Sandy comes along and finally the regular folks get a first hand look at their own homelessness. Greta Campbell Downey

********** Published: November 15, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 31