WILLIAMS SEEKS WAY TO FIGHT NARCOTICS USE

Issue: Councilman's proposal for drug offense trials in city court fails.

We Suggest: He and other officials should continue quest for solutions to problem.

City-Parish Council member Chris Williams failed in his effort to pass
an ordinance he believed would help to combat illegal narcotics
traffic in Lafayette. While his proposed solution was apparently not
viable, Williams deserves credit for at least working to find a way to
deal with the problem. As he told the council, "Whatever we have now,
it's not working."

The ordinance proposed by Williams would have made possession and
attempted possession of marijuana a city violation. His argument was
that, by sending the cases to city court, it would be easier to track
the prosecution of the crimes.

The opposition to the proposal was overwhelming. District Attorney
Mike Harson, supported by members of the council, said it would add an
unneeded layer of bureaucracy.

City court officials also opposed the ordinance. Prosecutor Gary
Haynes said its passage would create chaos. There would be "several
hassles" he said, and the already busy system would be more heavily
burdened.

The arguments against Williams' proposed ordinance are sensible. We do
not disagree with them.

We hope, however, that Williams and others in government will continue
to seek ways to deal with the problem. Various police programs have
had an impact. The willingness of residents of neighborhoods troubled
by drug dealers and users to talk to officers has also been an asset
in the battle.

People not only feel threatened by dealers, but are also troubled by
the use of street drugs by young people.

Hopefully, the improving city police manpower situation that is
resulting from a more attractive pay scale will also have an impact.

It would be foolhardy, however, to consider the matter under control.
While the more obvious impact is on residents of certain low-income
areas, it spreads insidiously throughout the entire area, with other
types of crime as traveling companions.