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A Times Editorial Shelter is up and running, but it still needs support
© St. Petersburg Times, published April 21, 1998 CHIP, as it is called, represents "hope for those (homeless) who really want help," said Clearwater police Chief Sid Klein. The celebration, which included an open house at the center and refreshments at the St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen next door, was in honor of Klein and other officials and volunteers who had to overcome many obstacles to build the homeless shelter. Under Klein's persistent leadership, a coalition of agencies, businesses and individuals was able to raise $650,000 in grants and $90,000 in private donations to get the 48-bed shelter built. It is not a typical shelter. In addition to clean but utilitarian living accommodations, the shelter includes offices, rooms for counseling and employment programs and a police substation. The homeless who hope to stay at the center will have to accept counseling for alcoholism or drug abuse and seek a job. CHIP still faces two formidable challenges. It is not going to work for all of North Pinellas County's homeless. Some people living on the streets will resist the regimentation and rehabilitation requirements at the center. How the community will deal with those recalcitrant homeless people is unclear. While the facility is up and running now, it will need substantial support to continue its work. Klein expects to operate CHIP on contributions, corporate sponsorships and volunteers. That means the program needs money, expertise, clothing and toiletries, and acceptance. "If CHIP is going to succeed, we are going to need a lot of help from this community," Klein said at the opening ceremony. Anyone interested in contributing to the CHIP center can call 466-6612 for information. A dearth of democracyThe town of Belleair Shore needs an election like a drowning man needs a life preserver. The democratic process is the only thing that can keep the collection of 63 registered voters afloat as an incorporated town The embarrassing situation Belleair Shore finds itself in is the result of ignoring the responsibilities of government for too long. Belleair Shore hasn't had an election in at least 20 years. Instead, a handful of residents have appointed themselves or their friends to the commission. Last fall, then-Mayor George Jirotka quietly encouraged three residents to seek the seats held by incumbents, without telling them. The remaining commissioners responded by removing Jirotka from office, invalidating the residents' candidacies and postponing an election. Jerry Prescott, who was picked as interim mayor, has moved to Belleair Beach but did not step down as mayor. And Jirotka's effort to fight his own ouster failed in appellate court last week. Supervisor of Elections Dorothy Ruggles said she can hold an election in Belleair Shore if both men who claim to be mayor, Jirotka and Prescott, sign the contract with her office to count the votes. That is because it is not clear to Ruggles who has the legal authority to do so. Ruggles said Monday that there is still time to hold an election at the end of June, before the fall election season takes up all her office's time. Both Jirotka and Prescott should act in the best interests of Belleair Shore and democracy and set an election date for June. If either refuses, town residents should take matters into their own hands, either pressuring both "mayors" to act or taking the matter to a judge. It is time for Belleair Shore to legitimize its claim that it is a real town, rather than just a collection of affluent homeowners who thumb their noses at the requirements of democracy.
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he official opening of the new Clearwater Homeless Intervention Project center on Monday was a time for hope and celebration.
