mjh's blog

A Letter to the Mayor

Wed 09/01/04 at 7:22 pm

Dear Mayor Chávez-

We were awakened at 2:30am by a police helicopter swooping in

low over our house (this happens several times every month). It returned again less than an hour later. Now we have been besieged for

over 17 hours.

I understand the police believe these helicopters contribute to their safety and the public’s — I disagree with that

claim. Regardless of that claim, it is impossible to believe that having two police helicopters circling over this part of town for 12

hours has benefited anyone. One can only imagine the cost, but I don’t care about APD pissing away money. I care about my quality of

life which is shattered by this ceaseless noise. There is absolutely no reason for two helicopters to circle endlessly, especially

following a flightpath more than a mile in diameter, at times barely above houses.

From the police chief on down, there needs to be

some training in the effective use of resources. Pilots need some awareness of the havoc they wreck with their disregard of the public

peace. mjh