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Venting on vandalism

Paul Bickford
Northern News Services

Fort Smith (Sep 20/04) - Some residents of Fort Smith have deep concerns about what's happening to their community.

"I think we're almost a community in crisis," said resident Josie Weninger, one of almost 100 people who attended a special community meeting, Sept. 14.

NNSL Photo

Brittanie Gladue and Trent Stokes were among a half-dozen concerned teenagers who attended a community meeting on vandalism but left without being asked for their opinions. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo


The gathering focused mainly on vandalism but also dealt with drug abuse, stabbings, suspicious fires and other problems plaguing the South Slave town, including drug dealers coming in from other communities.

Residents had a number of suggestions on how to deal with the problems.

Many called for more activities for young people and for adults to get involved as volunteers.

"We don't have enough of that any more," said Bill Hval, noting Boy Scout and Girl Guide troops no longer exist because of a lack of volunteers.

Others believe families must be more responsible with their children.

Fred Daniels suggested a return to the days of stricter family control over young people.

There were many calls for more cultural pride.

However, said town councillor Pat Burke, while it is nice to talk about the "glory days," much culture has been lost by young people. "Because they all want to be black rap artists."

Some people backed the idea of a curfew.

Mayor Peter Martselos, who called the meeting, said he would take all ideas back to council. He also committed to more meetings.

"It's going to continue," the mayor said of the process. "This is not the end. This is the start."

Teens left

At the beginning of the meeting, a half-dozen teenagers were in the crowd.

But as the adults kept talking, the teenagers gradually left.

Burke told the gathering "shame on us" for letting the teens walk away without getting their opinions.

"We don't listen to youth enough," he said. "That's one of our biggest problems."

One of the young people who left was 15-year-old Brittanie Gladue.

She was disappointed the young people weren't asked for their views. "They asked for other people's opinions," she said.

Gladue believes young people are being unfairly blamed for all the problems in the community.

As for the idea of a curfew, she said that would also be unfair, noting some vandalism is done by children between 11 and 13 years of age. Most older teenagers are more responsible, she said, but still would be affected by a curfew.

There were also questions and criticism at the meeting for the RCMP.

Sgt. Craig Seafoot said the eight-member detachment is sometimes stretched beyond its limits, explaining there have been 300 more complaints this year than at the same time in 2003.

"I'm not going to make excuses for our office," he said. "We're doing the best we can."

Seafoot called for the public to report crimes and testify against culprits.

"We need your willingness to take back the community and say you've had enough," Seafoot said. "It's out of control."

One woman said she would not report crime and risk having her tires slashed.

However, Greg Ash said he would, and has done so already.

An emotional Ash, who has applied to become an auxiliary RCMP constable, says he won't let any drug dealer control the community and harm young people. "He's not going to do that as long as I live here."

Seafoot explained the RCMP could not police the town 24 hours a day, but covers 22 hours on the weekend.

The sergeant also said vandalism is not caused just by young people but by adults in their 20s acting like teenagers.

"They think it's a joke."