The following is an open letter to City Councilor Ben Traverse, who recently announced he is running for mayor.

Hello Ben, Jack Scully here, a former Colchester selectman and long-time advocate for addressing the root causes of rampant homelessness and its public safety fallout.

In recent years I have written three White Papers on these issues, which I have shared with many city and state officials. There are:

1. Clarion Call for a Comprehensive Solution to the Homelessness Crisis

2. Ways and Means of Supporting State-wide Facilitiesfor Homeless People with Severe Psychiatric Disorders and Addictions

3. Time for Vermont to Invest in a Forensic Mental Health Facility for People With Serious Mental Health Issueswho are atRisk to Themselves and Others

To date, we have had success with passage of a forensic facility, but there is still much work to do at both the city and state levels.

With Burlington the epicenter of the VT homeless crisis and the topic of my first White Paper, I am taking the liberty of sharing it with you. If of interest, I’d be glad to personally discuss at your convenience.

Best wishes and success in your campaign.

Jack T. Scully, Colchester