BROCKTON COP SWORN IN AS STATE DRUG CZAR

BOSTON -- A Brockton police officer has been chosen to lead the state's
anti-drug efforts.

Michael Mather, a 22-year veteran of the Brockton Police Department, was
sworn in yesterday as the executive director of the Governor's Alliance
Against Drugs. The job pays $70,000 a year.

Mather succeeds Brad Bailey, who resigned in February to run for attorney
general.

Gov. Paul Cellucci called Mather a "tough law-and-order guy" and said he
will bring the energy and dedication he showed in Brockton to the statewide
effort.

Mather worked as a narcotics officer before becoming a Drug Abuse Resistance
Education instructor in 1995. As a DARE officer, he taught elementary school
children about the dangers of drugs.

Cellucci also announced that $1.1 million in grants will be available to
cities and towns to use for educational programs to fight substance abuse
and violence.

Checked-by: Melodi Cornett