'JOB WON' PROGRAM AIMS TO HELP DRUG DEALERS FIND HONEST JOBS

ASHEVILLE - When Carl Mumpower returned from the Vietnam War in the
early 1970s, he said he felt out of place and better equipped to deal
with the uncertainties of combat than the stability of home. Advertisement

He anticipates drug dealers transitioning from their illegal trade to
honest jobs would face the same situation in a proposed program
called "Job Won."

The program, presented Tuesday at a meeting of the Asheville-Buncombe
Drug Commission, aims to help people move out of selling illegal
drugs and into a job.

"It's not as fun out there as it's portrayed," Mumpower said. "The
drug dealer's life is not glamorous."

The program got a nod from the commission board at Tuesday's meeting.
The plan would largely be a community effort and target a specific
neighborhood, the first being the Shiloh community.

Shad Waters, a Shiloh resident who knows firsthand of what drugs can
do to a community, pledged his support.

Every Thursday evening, Waters makes an effort to meet with a group
of men who are known to deal drugs in his community.

He said some have a sincere effort in making an honest living.

"As we try to get them off the corner and off the street we need
backing," he said.

The job program will rely on volunteer coaches and mentors to keep
track of participants who would enter a GED program or specific
skills training. Drug treatment also would be an important part of the program.

Mumpower and Waters said they met with representatives of the Council
of Independent Business Owners to talk about the idea.

The program hasn't yet been presented directly to any business
owners, but CIBO executive director Mike Plemmons said he expects
support from the business community.

"What we heard was very encouraging," Plemmons said. "We're going to
try to help out where we can."