HomeMy WebLinkAboutLinda WassermanJune 20, 2016
Linda O. Wasserman, RN
1209 S. Laurel Street
Port Angeles, WA 98362
Mayor Patrick Downie
321 E. 5th Street
Port Angeles, WA 98362
Dear Mayor Patrick Downie,
CCE_P,�l �
JUN 2 92016 ,
CITY (2 C`` T ANLL=LES
I'm writing concerning the continuing problem with drug addicts in our town littering our beautiful
parks in our city with drug paraphernalia; most of which is uncapped used needles. This has
been an ongoing problem and concern for several years now.
Because the city and the Department of Parks & Recreation has not addressed this problem
fully, a group of Port Angeles residents have taken it upon themselves to "sweep" (clean-up) the
parks on a continuing monthly basis. This residential "sweep" has been going on for over a year
with little support frorn the city or the Department of Parks & Recreation.
It was noted that this past spring you and one council member attended one of the "sweeps"
and a decision was made to provide the group with free passes to our dump site where the toxic
waste of drug paraphernalia could be disposed of properly. Recently I was informed that the
following support has been provided to this residential group:
Large plastic garbage bags that tie close
➢ Latex gloves
r At times the Parks & Recreation staff have assisted in a "sweep"
Port Angeles has a needle exchange program
Though I appreciate your efforts, unfortunately this does little to resolve the problem. Here are
my concerns:
➢ Residents are using latex gloves (that can be pierced by needles) to pick up toxic waste
r Residents are using plastic bags (that can be pierced by needles) to put toxic waste in
➢ No members of the city council are assisting in this problem
�= Residents are policing these areas at risk and danger to themselves
➢ Residents are not trained in toxic waste handling and disposal guidelines
I would like to request that the following suggestions be reviewed, possibly implemented, and
hopefully become city law.
➢ If it is financially feasible, a team of 2-3 city workers assigned to park clean-ups done on
a weekly basis. Could be 2-3 part-time positions.
➢ Hospital pharmacy or laboratory staff member donate time to train team on toxic waste
handling and disposal. Each attendee obtains a certificate upon course completion.
➢ Supplies consist of heavier material in order to pick up toxic waste; suggest suede
garden gloves and sharp containers for toxic waste placement
➢ Federal Parks should be patrolled and swept by the Department of Parks & Recreation
on a weekly basis
➢ I suggest a law that closes our city parks at 10:00 p.m. Signs posted at all parks.
➢ I suggest the Department of Parks & Recreation adopt the same law for closing their
parks and posting this information (this may already be in effect, so please confirm if it
is)
➢ I suggest our police department aggressively support any laws passed regarding the
closure of our parks at a certain time frame. I also suggest we have increased police
presence in our neighborhoods where parks are prevalent in order to discourage junkies
of residing, using drugs, attacking residents or destroying park property.
Thank you r'or your attention to this tenter. i would like to know of any suggestions, ideas or
comments you or any of the persons copied on this letter may have.
I would appreciate your prompt attention to this matter. Thank you for your service to our
community.
Sincerely,
Linda O'Shora Wasserman, RN
loshora@msn.com
Cc: Port Angeles City Council Members (all)
Deputy Chief of Police, Brian Smith
Department of Parks & Recreation Director, Corey Delikat
Governor Jay Inslee
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell
U.S. Senator Patty Murray
U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer