Rating of police didn't seem to include the poor

Advocate: 04/08/2008 To the editor:
In response to "Police get high overall marks" in Stamford (news story, March 4), I want to comment and ask some questions, please.

I am the community director of the Waterside Coalition, and when we asked our residents if they received the survey, by and large the answer was "no." I myself, a resident of Waterside, did not receive one until I asked for one. Who were the random that were chosen? Judging by the end of the article, with the average income of $102,200, it is easy to see that it was not the low-income poor, who live in neighborhoods that might rate lower, who shared their opinion and insight as part of this survey. Does Stamford really think that the communities are not aware of the real issues?

My next question is: Will Stamford now sign off on this survey and believe that all is well with the "easy" majority, so we will stamp out the minority with the results? It's a valid question, and one that needs addressing.

So there is no injustice in Stamford? I guess we look good on paper and in the paper, so we should be grateful, right?

Low-income individuals and individuals of any color may be the minority in the view of the community. But in moving forward, we need to be the majority when it comes to the voice of the people.

No better time than an election year to prove that!

Johnna Paradis
Stamford