Letter: Citizens’ comments show ignorance

From the comments of the local citizenry I was convinced that a maximum-security prison, with inmates free to roam the neighborhood, was being proposed, rather than low-income senior citizen housing (Valley Voice, March 17).

Shelly Stevens states “If my children went to St. John Vianney I wouldn’t want them playing with a low-income renter.” She further states “I don’t want THEM interacting with my children (what do you think a 70-year-old grandmother is going to do?).” Tim Bieber states “don’t turn this into felony flats.”

Reality, residents are mostly single, low-income women over age 62, many in their 70s, 80s. They are simply less fortunate people. I never knew, until I read these quotes, that money or lack thereof, determined character.

Please note the following definitions:

Ignorant – having little or no knowledge, unlearned, uniformed.

Stupid – lack of intelligence, silly.

The above quoted statements from Ms. Stevens and Mr. Bieber are ignorant and stupid based on the above definitions and the facts regarding this facility. You owe every current resident of a low-income senior housing facility a profound apology for shamefully labeling them as undesirable citizens.

It might be helpful for you to remember the maxim “there but for the grace of God go I.”

Chuck Kieffer

Spokane Valley