Looking at downtown through rose-coloured glasses

I was reading the Aug. 27 Lethbridge Herald and I happened to notice, at the bottom of page A3, an article by Andrew Malcolm who is the Urban Revitalization Manager for the City.

Near the end he writes, “This column will highlight some of the efforts going on behind the scenes to ensure that our downtown remains a central gathering place where all Lethbridge residents have the opportunity to live, work, shop, play, dream and connect.”

Well, Andrew, I am truly sorry, but you are looking at downtown through the same rose-coloured glasses as our gracious mayor.

Downtown is not a place I want to gather in. I have walked through Galt Gardens during the day, only to be accosted several times by people asking for money. I have been in Doug Hamilton’s Carpet One store and watched out the back door; what I saw was both dangerous and really pitiful. I have called in more than a few times to have needles picked up.

My wife works downtown, and she has been attacked and beaten up in her own store. Even Mayor Spearman has said, “go downtown in groups, during the day.” I have seen many ladies of the night, walking the sidewalks. I refuse to go downtown after dark.

Andrew, if I may suggest, if you want to revitalize the downtown core, start by having more police, and security guards that actually do something other than walk around the park. This would be a good start. Thank you. Dan Shatilla

Lethbridge