LETTER: Welcome mat is always out in PT

Posted

Perhaps I have missed something in the ongoing discussions about a proposed “sanctuary” title for our city. If there has been any attempt to consider the feeding and sheltering of refugees and immigrants who might find us, I have not heard or read about it.

Refugees and others on the road to a safe haven usually carry only the clothes they wear, water, small amounts of food and even smaller amounts of money.

As a longtime resident of Port Townsend, I wonder why we must put an official name to what I have observed in daily life here, that the “welcome mat” is always out.

People give of themselves graciously in many ways and are not at all particular about color, creed, age or money.

Food and clothing are already here. Shelters are not, except for the American Legion Winter Shelter. If we are going to be a sanctuary for desperate people, then many responsibilities are entailed in that special designation, and true shelters are at the top of that list of decent, well-prepared provisions. The weary people who come deserve the best we can give them until such time as they can find their way alone.

Since “sanctuary” city affects all residents and is such an important situation for us, a final decision must involve all, not just city officials and a small audience. A gathering at a special town hall meeting or another way to elicit public opinion is definitely required.

I hope that we will see or hear of an official announcement to that effect. We must not be left out of the discussion and final decision.

KATHLEEN JACKSON

Port Townsend