READERS SHARE THOUGHTS ON DRUG PROBLEM

Readers through the SouthCoast region have called or written The
Standard-Times to relay their thoughts about drug use in the area or to tell
personal stories.

Some have complained about unabated drug dealing on streets in front of
their homes. Others have described uplifting tales of recovery.

"There are a lot of people in the community that have turned their lives
around. They run businesses and are involved in the community, but they
don't put their stuff out there," said one recovered addict.

Several readers have complained about shortages of places to stay for
recovering addicts. Some have said addicts have no chance of recovery in
jail, while others say addicts and dealers should have to spend more time
behind bars, or even be subject to the death penalty.

The newspaper has received thanks from readers for bringing attention to the
problem and criticism from others for tarnishing the city's image.

The paper plans in the days ahead to run as many of the comments as possible
and to highlight personal stories about how drugs have affected the lives of
SouthCoast residents.

Do you have a story to tell, a suggestion or information to contribute to
our series of stories on drugs in the SouthCoast region? Staff writer Polly
Saltonstall can be reached by telephone at 979-4446, by e-mail at
psaltonstall@s-t.com or by mail at The Standard-Times, 25 Elm St., New
Bedford, MA 02740.