TOWNSEND DESERVES CREDIT FOR FUNDING DRUG TREATMENT

One very important issue overlooked in the editorial "Why we need a
2002 election" (Aug. 10) was Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend's
leadership in securing additional funding for addiction treatment.

In the last two years alone, funding from the state has increased by
almost $40 million. Waiting lists in some areas are shorter, hospital
emergency room visits for overdoses have decreased and counselors
have received a long-overdue raise.

The bottom line is, more people are in treatment. That means reduced
crime, healthier families and safer communities.

While we have a long way to go and Ms. Townsend didn't accomplish
this alone, she deserves a great deal of credit for making addiction
treatment a higher priority.

Robert White Baltimore The writer is president of the Maryland
chapter of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.