The voices of merchants and police speaking about downtown crime and drugs in Brattleboro rang with a level of compassion and wisdom that is all too rare in our national discourse on these topics; once again, I felt honored to be a Vermonter.
I also felt called to add my voice to this critical community conversation.
I appreciate Vermont's recognition that simply imprisoning those who commit crimes while in the grip of drug addiction is worse than useless; our emphasis on rehabilitation is both humane and thrifty.
The intensifying social/economic crisis we are currently experiencing compel us to build on our achievements. By further deepening our understanding of addiction and expanding our definition of rehabilitation, we can create an even more resilient and creative local community and inspire countless other communities struggling with these same challenges.