I think Belleville Alderman Phil Elmore showed up at the homeless press conference regarding Turner Hall unprepared. Otherwise, he would know that Belleville has to refer homeless men to Alton or St. Louis for shelter and that our emergency shelter system throughout St. Clair County is woefully inadequate. That's why the Rev. Larry Rice keeps coming over here.

Elmore seemed unconcerned about the fact that hunger, poverty and homelessness have been steadily growing for the last 20 years and continues to grow. There are many macroeconomic reasons: high unemployment, wages that have not kept up with inflation, government transfer payments that can't meet old people's and disabled people's needs, not having health insurance, etc.

And where is Elmore's ability to plan ahead, to have a vision, to be bold?

Belleville is a proud community, a county seat, not just a small burg in Southern Illinois. We expect our elected leaders to represent all of its citizens, to demonstrate compassion, to unite us in common concerns and use our tax dollars efficiently.

Jesse Arms

Belleville