A Special Editorial Page Report

HE WHO WOULD GOVERN SHOULD ACT NOW

Boldness at the top is badly needed to fight drugs in Florida. The governor
should step forward aggressively, name a statewide drug czar and start a
highprofile, allout drive to arrest drug dealers and suppliers.

That's the voterpleasing stuff, necessary but not sufficient.

Simultaneously, the governor should round up the nation's best researchers
in drug prevention, bring them to Florida for as long as necessary and
instill their teachings in community antidrug coalitions across the state.
And in the minds of every parent, teacher and counselor who can be
persuaded to listen.

That's the intrepid plan to halt narcotics abuse before it starts, to give
Florida's children the best odds for a drugfree and productive life.

Then the governor not the incumbent lame duck, but his successor
should stump the state the way Walkin' Lawton Chiles used to, wearing out
shoe leather in every hamlet and big city neighborhood. The governor should
hammer at drug abuse over and over and over, never letting up, never giving
up.

If the two main contenders to succeed Chiles, Democrat Buddy MacKay and
Republican Jeb Bush, have a grain of sense, one or both will start this
process during the campaign for governor. Jump in, now. Stake out the turf.

Declare that Florida's war against drugs is the state's top priority for
children. Point out, repeatedly, that children can't learn if their brains
are crippled by drugs.

Do this. Now. Offer the priceless gift of a drugfree life to every one of
Florida's precious children.

Not only will it be good for children. Voters will love it.

Copyright © 1997, SunSentinel Company and South Florida Interactive, Inc.