‘SOBER HOUSE’ CONTROVERSY
Dear Editor:
Having grown up in Kearny and being a licensed minister for the past 32 years, I offer my comments regarding the “Sober House.”
First of all, Kearny has a rich history of supporting those in need and giving people second chances. That is not the debate point here. The point of debate is the manner in which the organization occupied this house.
Mr. [Charles] Valentine does not understand “what the neighbors are going through” because I believe he simply does not care about the neighbors. He made this dramatically obvious by not connecting with them prior to violating numerous town ordinances by occupying the property.
If he were concerned, would not the good-neighbor thing be to knock on their doors to introduce and discuss the idea before moving in and creating a uproar?
“We’re an asset to the community,” he states. Prove this by engaging with the community instead of picking a fight with it.
Garry Senna
Haymarket, Va.
