neighbors helping neighbors

I believe the city government is here to provide services to the residents. Those residents in need are certainly included and should very well be at the top of the list. Coordinating the local organizations and churches would be a small part of the Citys services to its neediest residents. There would be inspections of work done and those could be provided by the City at a small fee, or free. Instead of constantly wasting our tax dollars and taking from the residents in additional taxes and fees to make it up, it would be a positive example of the City actually providing services to those residents in the most need at a time when there are a considerable number of those in that situation. The government is supposed to work FOR the people, not the opposite. This is not a handout. Its a case where the government would facilitate neighbors helping their neighbors. In the country if you need a barn built, all your neighbors show up and build it with you, and when THEY need a barn built, you reciprocate. What could be more American than that? It is also an American tradition to respect and care for their elderly when they are no longer able to do for themselves. People look to their families first for help, but if they arent around or unable to help, friends and family are the next line of assistance. Government is the last safety net and should have a limited, but important, role, as in this case. Disregarding the moral aspects of helping the elderly, the deteriorating properties detract from the neighborhood and cause property values to decline. So, if for no other reason, we need to help these elderly folks, as its in our own best interests- morally, ethically, and financially. Dr. Mel P. Johnson