FULTONDALE COUNCIL MAY SET EXAMPLE WITH DRUG TESTING

Council May Set Example With Plan For Drug Testing

The City of Fultondale is taking an unusual step in its war against drug
abuse, with the hope the idea will catch on around the county.

"We are going to ask our city government officials, those elected to the
council, to submit to drug testing," said Mayor Jim Lowery at Monday's
council meeting. "It's already required of employees in many private
businesses, and also among people employed by governmental agencies.

"We feel it is a responsible position for us to take in saying to the
people in Fultondale that we don't expect something of the city's employees
that we aren't willing to do ourselves."

Lowery said Councilman Joe Bolton will draft a drug testing proposal for
consideration by the council. The proposal will also be submitted to the
Jefferson County Mayors' Association at its next meeting as a model its
members might consider for their cities.

"As head of the (Fultondale) Utilities Board, I am already required to
undergo drug testing," Lowery said. "At the present time, our council is
not. Perhaps other cities do require it. But if not, we think it is
something they, and perhaps even the county commission, might consider for
all elected officials.

"My primary goal is to get this enacted in the City of Fultondale," Lowery
said, "but we want to challenge others."

Fultondale city officials are also being asked to lead by example in the
schools. Russ Davis of the Fultondale Elementary School PTA appeared before
the council to ask for council backing of the PTA.

He specifically asked that the council make the month of October PTA month
in Fultondale, and that the entire council join. Davis said the PTA is
pushing for 100 percent involvement by school parents, as well as the council.

Action will be taken on the proposal at the next council meeting, and
council members are expected to ante up their $4 membership fee.

In other action at this week's meeting the council voted to rename
Honeysuckle Drive to Honeysuckle Lane, conforming to the name of the street
when it runs into Gardendale, to proclaim Constitution Week in Fultondale,
and to issue a business license to Mobile Home Repair on New Castle Road.