Editor:

After reading the letter to the editor in the Aug. 3 paper, I just wanted to send a thank-you out to the people in our community that are truly trying to make Antioch a better place.

I do not understand those who criticize UCBN and our police department. UCBN is taking a stand and actually helping make positive change happen.

Gary Gilbert is just a man. He met with others who felt the same way and UCBN was formed. Nothing sinister - just people working to solve a problem. I am an active member of this organization and feel that we are helping with solutions, not just complaining.

I do not like the personal attacks on Gary. The need to paint Gary in a negative light by some is frightening. If you are truly upset, then get up off your butt and do something to make a difference instead of just talking about what others are doing wrong.

Once again for the record: Gary Gilbert and UCBN have never said Section 8 is bad. We have said there are some bad people on Section 8 and that this program is being mismanaged.

Gary takes time from his job and family life to stand up and represent our group in a professional manner and does it well. I am proud he has taken the lead in our group. He takes his personal time to work with our elected officials to get legislation under way to help clean up the Section 8 program. These changes will affect the whole country, not just Antioch.

This same negative talk and threats of lawsuits are happening against the Antioch police department's CAT team, saying they are racist. Shame on you for accusing the CAT team of racism. Their calls are complaint driven, meaning someone has called the police department to complain about a property and they investigate. How is that racism? These charges and are being made by a few who have lost their Section 8 benefits because they themselves did something wrong. They broke the rules. Antioch PD has no power over the County Housing Authority. Only the CCC Housing Authority decides who keeps or loses their benefits.

UCBN will continue to work to see crime go down, Section 8 defrauders off the program, youth intervention programs grow. These changes will benefit our whole community, not just Gary. Please remember before you speak to look at the whole picture and get your facts straight.

There really are good people out there trying to make a difference to help our city, and Gary is just one of many.

Please continue to support Police Chief Hyde and the Antioch Police Department along with UCBN, or get out there and make change happen in a positive manner yourself.

Remember to stop complaining and to "Be the Change."

Linda Thompson

Antioch