Here is also a letter to the editor that appeared in the Telegraph-Journal in October last year. I don’t know what is this guy smoking, but he is certainly NOT describing the neighbourhood I live in. Here it goes in all its vitriolic ugliness:

Public safety ‘is’ the real issue

Relating to the recent attention paid to the policing woes in Saint John, it is indicative of the ignorance of city council that they still believe uptown development will somehow turn our fortunes around. Any luxury dwellings in the south end would need the fortifications of an armed camp if you have any realistic expectations of security.

Break and enters, car thefts and assaults are the norm uptown – just ask any police officer – not to mention the squealing tires, unmuffled motorcycles and aggressive or unstable panhandlers.

The rampant vandalism of Harbour Passage is a prime example of why uptown development is doomed. The lower elements have virtual control of this city and our beleaguered police can barely keep a lid on it.

TO think upwardly mobile individuals would want to live in certain areas or raise a family surrounded by such filth and ignorance is idiotic. If you want people to stay here or consider moving back to town, you have to keep them and their belongings safe. Otherwise, you are only providing more victims to the ample criminal element in the city.

Ron Boyce
Saint John

Ahhh...Nothing like a helpful and concerned citizen…