To the Editor:
I am writing this letter to thank Sue Silk for her two-part series in The Times (May 23 and June 3) and about the difficulties many of our residents encounter at the Dukes County courthouse. I know there are multiple other locations across the Island where people struggle with accessibility issues; with 35 percent of the Island’s population over 65 years of age, this is an issue which requires increased attention.
Silk quoted me correctly when she wrote that I was “horrified” at the conditions she reported; my own father was severely disabled for most of his adult life, and I experienced countless challenges in helping him in and out of buildings, dealing with inaccessible restrooms, and finding himself and us in unsafe situations.
As a county commissioner, I applaud County Manager Martina Thornton’s ongoing efforts to work with the commonwealth to address these issues, and share her frustrations. And I know I join my fellow commissioners in appreciating and supporting HB189, the legislation introduced by State Rep. Moakley and State Sen. Cyr to require that the Island’s trial court be adequately staffed to ensure physical accessibility as well as language assistance when needed. I invite all members of the Island community who share my concerns to write to our representatives to support this effort.
Don Leopold
Chilmark