If the Portland Press Herald is to be believed, the citizens of Bayside are cowering in doorways, fearful of walking on the streets because of the horrendous crime wave.

In fact, we are going about our business much as usual. I’m not impressed with the fearmongering and bashing of my neighborhood. Yes, we have a homeless shelter and a lot of social services here, and yes, crimes sometimes occur. But unless the Press Herald is prepared to commit an actual act of journalism and analyze crime rates by neighborhood in the city, it’s all so much hot air.

What is the agenda here? Are we seeking to banish the homeless population to a barren outskirt of town? I think not. I support – and will back candidates who support – solutions that spread the social services burden across every neighborhood. And I will not be afraid of my neighborhood.

Patricia Washburn

Portland

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