The camel's nose, geese and addressing problems

RE: The camel’s nose under the tent …

I recently returned to the Sandpoint area from Seattle and am following with interest the City Beach goose debate. I have seen firsthand in Seattle what happens when a problem is allowed to gain a foothold, and how difficult it is to control once it gets out of hand.

I have often told my Seattle friends that if someone were to pitch a tent on the Sandpoint City Beach, they would last about one hour. Sadly, Seattle allowed one tent and we now have thousands. The debate about how to solve the problem rages from public health hazards, loss of tourism and inhuman conditions on the one side to being compassionate and cautious on the other, and nothing gets done. In the meantime, more and more homeless move to the area as they see there is no control.

I see the same thing happening here: the concern for public health and tourism on one side, and the need to be humane and compassionate on the other, as the problem worsens. I don’t have the answer, but sincerely hope there can be a solution for both cities.

CONNIE McCRERY

Sagle