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What’s the complaint? Eastside is better.

To the Editor:

In the October issue of MCM, I read an apparent contradictory letter by Duane Thompson of Northeast Portland. He says that city planners should consider the entire city, not just the east side, for the new comprehensive plan.

He also states that west side communities don’t want struggling families or the working poor in their comfy little villages, such as Hillsdale, Burlingame, Multnomah and Garden Home.

You can’t have it both ways, Mr. Thompson. The money is on the west side. There is far more land to build and develop on the east side. For the working class, the best bang for your buck is on the east side. Rents and housing are far more affordable. Groceries and gasoline are also higher on the west side too. So why complain the west side isn’t represented as much? I don’t get Thompson’s complaint, especially since he lives on the east side of the river.

I’ve lived on both sides of the Willamette, and there are more advantages for working middle class on the east side. Please don’t take my word for it. Get a second job, live on the west side and try it for yourself. And good luck.

Sincerely,
Marvin Thiessen
Northeast Portland