COUNCILLOR WINS BACKING ON DRUG MOTION

Her own council turned her down, but Coun. Ruth Layne of Esquimalt
persuaded neighbouring View Royal to sponsor a resolution asking the
province to get tough on crystal meth.

She wanted to put a motion before the Union of B.C. Municipalities
convention in September in Vancouver, but failed to persuade a majority of
colleagues.

After lobbying Esquimalt colleagues via phone calls and e-mails to get
support for the motion as time was short, Layne saw it fail at the July 4
council meeting on a 3-3 tie.

She came to View Royal to ask for its backing. Without municipal
sponsorship, it can't be debated at the UBCM gathering and hers is the only
such resolution on the topic, she said.

The province needs to take a strong stand on the crystal methamphetamine
problem, increasing public education and restricting sales of the chemicals
used to make meth, Layne said.

Tougher penalties for making and selling the stuff, and more treatment
facilities for addicts are other action items in her motion.

"This drug is a scourge on our community. It is killing our kids," Layne
told View Royal council.

Coun. David Screech asked if Layne would speak at the UBCM meeting on the
motion and she said: "Whatever you like, I'm at your service. I'd like to
get this on the floor."

Mayor Graham Hill noted that View Royal had contributed $500 to get the new
Crystal Meth Victoria Society off the ground. The five View Royal
councillors unanimously passed her motion.