EFFORTS IGNORED

TO THE EDITOR:

Former Panama Mayor Bill Mason ("Your Views," Jan. 9) criticized Gov.
Keating for Oklahoma's continuing methamphetamine problem. He ignored the
efforts Keating has made to curb this drug epidemic. The methamphetamine
summit convened by the governor in late 1999 resulted in a number of
proposals that have met varying degrees of success.

For example, Keating last year advocated several measures aimed at stemming
the meth trade, including making drug manufacturing one of the so-called
"deadly sins" to ensure that those convicted of such crimes serve at least
85 percent of their sentence. Another piece of would-be legislation sought
to deny bond for those charged with making meth. Unfortunately the
Legislature failed to approve either bill. On a more successful note, the
governor signed a law stiffening penalties for the theft of anhydrous
ammonia, a fertilizer often used to "cook" meth.

On other fronts, Keating led the way in securing additional federal funds
for the hazardous chemical disposal of seized methamphetamine labs. This
was no small feat. Such labs are a public menace, a wasteland of toxic and
explosive materials. The Keating administration is also addressing
substance abuse treatment for nonviolent, non- habitual drug offenders. The
governor has been a strong proponent of expanding the use of drug courts
and community sentencing, and he plans to focus on these items during the
upcoming legislative session.

Methamphetamine abuse, however, is not a problem that only government must
confront. This is a societal blot that impacts us all; it requires a
comprehensive solution that includes everything from prevention education
to proper treatment, from tough law enforcement to vigilant friends and
neighbors. Keating is committed to tackling the proliferation of meth, but
an effective strategy also needs the commitment of many, many others.

Phil Bacharach, deputy press secretary, office of the governor