TRANSIT: Ice-cold hearts

On Nov. 10, two articles were touched on, both on the front page. The homeless hangout or transit center and Post Falls to build new DOG shelter.

To make the assumption, city councilmembers, that because maybe a few people might want to get out of the weather for the night, you all sit in a heated building and pass judgment on the homeless who might rest at the hub? Then I read the PF City Council has approved a contract for $16,970 just for the architect alone to build a new 40-by-60 facility for DOGS!

I am a veteran. I am also 100 percent retired. In December 2015, I was informed that I had early onset Alzheimer’s and Lewy Body Dementia. I was 58 years old, lost my job and turned in my drivers license. I would like to think the City Council thinks more of me than a dog. I am not homeless, but I cannot drive. I use the Citylink Bus System and can assure you, if the councilmembers would ride the bus for say one month, they might have a different view.

Because I have Alzheimer’s, writing this letter was a real effort. Sure, don’t renew the city’s $48,000 to Citylink, but please, the next time you all pass me up in the cold, rain and snow waiting for a bus that may never show up, can you throw a dog a bone and pick me up? I will not be hard to find. I will be the one with the many other veterans and handicapped who are just trying to stay dry so the cold will not get us sick.

As a side note, for people with Alzheimer’s, our biggest fear is losing our ability to drive. As city councilmembers, tell me, would it not be wiser to embrace the handicapped instead of pushing us aside?

KEVIN DAHL

Coeur d’Alene