BRING DRUG WATCH BACK -- WITH CHANGES

In the June 22 Standard-Times, you argued against reinstating Drug
Watch, and responded to the question re-opened by the Bullard Street
Neighborhood Association.

Your points: The Standard-Times does not have the human resources to
meet this need; Drug Watch gives New Bedford an image as a "city of
menace"; Drug Watch was inherently flawed because it publicized the
victims of drug use instead of the "high rolling manipulators."

All were good points, but they failed to address the fundamental
impact that pro-active drug deterrence and aggressive reporting contains.

I believe that Drug Watch should be reinstated -- with
changes.

1. The Standard-Times should work in coordination with the Third
District Court in New Bedford as well as the Police Department to have
names and photographs (mug shots) faxed or e-mailed to the paper. This
would eliminate The Standard-Times' need to assign a photographer or
reporter.

2. Using aggressive reporting to send a pro-active message to the
community that the newspaper (as a for-profit institution) is willing
to take a stand and draw attention to the social concerns of our
neighborhoods is necessary. A local newspaper with this attitude adds
to the positive action of the community instead of portraying it as a
"city of menace."

3. Prevention information must be added to prosecution, and the
newspaper should acknowledge this. Drug Watch should be published in
conjunction with daily information on drug prevention, education to
children, and free advertising space for non-profit community
prevention groups. We cannot continue to address our social problems
without offering social solutions. Every social concern is helped with
better communication and the newspaper is the perfect vehicle for that.

4. The Standard-Times should facilitate and law enforcement officials.
Both sides should be represented and allowed to express their views.
This debate could be a daily component to Drug Watch. The grassroots
support for this has been building steadily since the review of the
Police Department was revealed over a year ago, encouraging more
community connections. Ultimately, the improvement of your subscribers
to speak on this issue will benefit the paper, the police, and the
communities.

Drug Watch can work for The Standard-Times and the people of New
Bedford. Drug use will not disappear because of these changes, but I
feel that these actions can address the social concerns to the people
of New Bedford. Not reporting on this will only contribute to social
apathy and hurt us all. Please consider the interest Standard-Times
readers have for the reinstatement of the Drug Watch column.

CHARLES MOTTA
New Bedford

Checked-by: "Rich O'Grady"