Vancouver resident Peter Bracchi shares his support for Justin Forsman in the race for mayor of Vancouver
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and may not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com
On Tuesday (Aug. 19), I visited the area around the Men’s Share House in downtown Vancouver and photographed sidewalks and streets still blocked by tents, dumpsters, portable toilets and trash. The photos can be viewed here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/mTaZHtwTCbzkrm8q7
This is not a new problem. For more than eight years Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle’s lack of law enforcement has made residents and visitors — especially people with disabilities — have been forced into the street because the city of Vancouver has failed to keep public sidewalks open and safe. These conditions are not just an inconvenience; they are an ongoing violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA, 42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq.), which requires municipalities to maintain accessible public rights-of-way. They also conflict with Washington State law (RCW 35.68.075), which requires cities to maintain sidewalks in safe condition.
Despite repeated reports — including to the city’s ADA Coordinator and its legal department — the obstructions remain. Local inaction has left disabled residents at risk and has effectively denied them equal access to public spaces guaranteed under federal law.
It is long past time for Vancouver to uphold the law. The city must remove these barriers and ensure safe passage for all members of our community.
Tik Tok – time for a new mayor – please consider and vote for Justin Forsman as Vancouver’s new mayor.
Peter Bracchi
Vancouver
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