Dear Mayor Ward, City and County commissioners,

Currently, both the Gainesville and Alachua County commissions are considering relaxing substance abuse restrictions. In the form of open containers, entertainment districts, noise and needle exchange ordinances. That’s fine if you also legislate the mitigation needed, and have the tax revenues to do that. 

Since we have a big industry in helping addicts and homeless (Meridian and Shands Rehab, GRACE and other NGO grant recipients), whose workers also vote and volunteer for local campaigns, you might be swayed one way.  But keep in mind the other 97% of the residents vote 365 days a year, with their wallets and their feet. 

Again, that’s fine as long as you triple the GPD and ASO patrol and community officer headcount per shift, on active duty 365 days a year.  Use whatever additional tax revenues you get from attracting addicts, and perhaps a higher occupation tax on law firms, to mitigate.  Parents of college students (and UF, SFC) don’t want their kids victimized, either. 

Thank you for your consideration. 

Sincerely,
Jeffrey Knee, resident
832 NW 10th Ave. 
Gainesville, FL 32601
FLA-338-1113

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