Reading Sheriff Hodgson’s remarks about safe cities (he’s against them) I found myself wanting a fact check. What evidence does he have to suggest that the prevalence of fentanyl in Massachusetts is the result of sanctuary cities? What evidence does he have to support the prediction that if Greenfield were to become a sanctuary city “you will see an influx of crime, drugs and cartels … ”? Is that the experience of safe cities such as Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Concord, Lawrence, Amherst, Northampton and Salem? I think not.
Here is one thing that I think Sheriff Hodgson fails to recognize: we are already actively engaged with the issues of addiction. And here’s what we’ve learned. People with addictions are us, our children, siblings, friends, and co-workers. What we all need is less fear and more compassion. That’s the message that Greenfield will send when it votes on Nov. 5 to become a safe city.
John Hoffman
Charlemont