Out-of-town drinkers cause trouble in I.C.

I have been a paramedic-specialist with Johnson County Ambulance Service for 22 years. We are the ambulance service that responds to 911 calls.

It seems like most of the patients I pick up in downtown Iowa City are not from here. They are underage and from Ames, Burlington, Muscatine, Des Moines. Why? Because you have to be 21 to drink in their cities! Our calls vary - either simple intoxication or trauma due to fighting or falling, which is still related to alcohol intoxication.

University students don't seem to be the bigger problem here. Also, they take some ownership in their city. The out-of-town drinkers have no ownership in Iowa City. They are here to drink, destroy property and cause problems.

In 22 years, I can count on one hand the number of “house parties” I have been called to. The homeowners (renters) are liable for any damage to the property. They are more responsible because of that. Also, it is not likely the underage out-of-town individuals will be invited to the local “house parties.”

So who is paying for the additional police, fire and ambulance protection for downtown Iowa City? You are, as taxpayers!

My husband and I enjoy downtown Iowa City. Too many of our friends are afraid to enjoy downtown because of the atmosphere. If the bar owners would change the atmosphere to cater to adults, they would not lose any money. At our age, we'll probably spend more money that a 19-year-old!

Please vote no to repealing 19-only.

Lori Brooks

Iowa City