Douglas Robinson: Local leaders say one thing, citizens see something else

To The Daily Sun,

I am writing to express serious concerns shared by many citizens of Laconia regarding the management of regional homelessness and the widening gap between what our leaders say and what residents see happening on the ground.

We all understand the complexity of homelessness and the need for compassion. But compassion cannot excuse dishonesty. Citizens are being told one story by officials, while the lived experiences of homeless individuals tell another.

A recent Nashua Telegraph article about that city’s new encampment ordinance included testimony that directly contradicts assurances given to Laconia residents. One resident, Miss Lee Svendbye, stated:

“I am in and out of here [HEARTS Peer Support]. When it’s chaotic, I go back to my tent, and now it’s gone. I don’t know where to go,” she said. “At one point they wanted to send me to Laconia and no, I’m not [going]. This is my home. Nashua is my home. I established myself here. It’s not easy.”

Yet our own officials — including members of the city council, Laconia Police Department’s Eric Adams, and HRC Leader Pat Wood — have publicly claimed or implied that relocation into Laconia is “not happening.” Miss Lee’s words prove otherwise. This is not a minor discrepancy; it is a credibility crisis.

Citizens are not blind. We know the “magnet effect” is real — studies from the CATO Institute confirm that expanded services attract regional influxes. If Nashua displaces its homeless population, Laconia cannot simply absorb the consequences without transparency or planning.

The bottom line is this: our leaders are misleading readers, and trust is eroding. When officials deny what residents themselves report, they undermine public confidence and leave taxpayers footing the bill.

Enough is enough. Laconia deserves honesty, accountability, and policies that put Laconia citizens first.

Douglas Robinson

Laconia