Don Gagnon's Ledger Dispatch commentary, "I'm not a NIMBY!" which ran recently in the editor/publisher's editorial spot, seems in fact to exemplify the very definition of the NIMBY if that refers to the not-in-my-backyard mentality, as it seems very obviously to do.
This becomes readily apparent toward the end where he states "there are numerous well-suited sites available throughout the county that would not create the problems...". In other words, put it anywhere else but where I live.
Really? Where are these sites throughout the county that are apparently so ideal, and also devoid of other potential groups of NIMBYs? Is one of them perhaps the former county health buildings on the other side of the CHP building from this site that now stands empty, or is that too close for comfort too? No doubt the owners of these highly suitable sites will be glad to donate them for this purpose as the rancheria has. And if not, who, pray tell, is going to pay for these expensive sites, the utilities, and also provide the staff and develop the programs as the rancheria is so generously offering to do for our community as a much needed, practically free service?
The tribe has stepped up so many times in the past as well, giving $1 million to the hospital, just for one recent example. It's time we started to appreciate the tribe's largesse. With an abundance of substance abusers and a dearth of services, can we afford to turn up our noses at offers such as this? Our communities require services and some of them - such as adult education, bilingual programs, rehabilitation and especially services for adolescents - are very conspicuously scarce.
Mr. Gagnon and others make it sound like this center will be the gathering spot of derelicts and degenerates. This is very far from the truth. Go to any 12-step program such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, Alanon, Over Eaters Anonymous, etc. and you may find a physician, an attorney, your dentist, your children's teachers, nurses and upstanding business owners, just to name a few of the many types of people who have the need for these programs and a center for these meetings to take place.
This proposed center is a place for 12-step programs to have a safe and affordable place to meet, and hopefully at some point to provide vocational or other counseling, job seeking skills and preparation, and perhaps literacy assistance or other classes if needed.
These efforts should be coordinated with the county to avoid duplication of services already provided and to fill gaps, which are numerous. Make no mistake, this county is broke and needs all the help it can get, and the need is definitely there.
In fact, the county department that deals with this area welcomes the idea, I'm told. Perhaps better, clearer or more detailed analysis of the needs and program possibilities and some coordination with the county department responsible for these service needs could help those in doubt see that this is a real benefit to the city and county, and for the greater good, that has generously been offered. Can the community afford to turn it down? Certainly not - if it's smart.