SERVING TO FIGHT IN THE WAR ON DRUGS

Many of us don't see the horror or the damage up close and personal.

Unless we're part of the criminal justice system or have a loved one
whose life has been ruined by addiction, it's easy to ignore drug abuse.

It's easy to look the other way.

The truth of the matter, however, is that we are all impacted, and we
all pay a heavy price, literally and figuratively, when drugs take
hold of segments of our communities.

Beyond the heartache, beyond the loss of promising young lives, drug
abuse eats away at the soul of a city, increasing crime, overtaxing
law enforcement and social service agencies, driving away fearful
residents or potential residents. Fighting drugs is indeed a war and
the opponent is formidable.

To win the war, we must all serve, in the same way that we give of
our time to other worthy causes in the community.

Service in this battle is about giving back. It's about making a
difference in and for the community.

It's about creating a climate where people feel safe and secure.

It's about teaching our children the difference between right and wrong.

It's about ensuring that law enforcement agencies, public officials,
college leaders, newspaper publishers and editors, community leaders,
citizens and children work together to keep our cities safe and drug
free.

It is in the context of service that the community circle Drug Task
Force was established. The group's work began more than a year ago at
the urging of the Sentinel and Enterprise.

Dan Asquino, president of Mount Wachusett Community College, and I
agreed to serve as co-chairs.

Before accepting this responsibility, we were assured that it would
be a serious initiative: result driven, with significant action plans
with measurable results, and a group of participants committed to
serving the cause.

As our initial year of work comes to a close, I am more optimistic
than ever that our effort is making a difference--and will continue
to do so.

The cities of Fitchburg, Leominster, Gardner and surrounding towns
will undoubtedly be better places to live as a result of our service.

Our work is not easy. It will never end. It is frustrating at times.
Trying to deal with illegal drug use and its negative impact on
society may forever be on the front burner.

In this context, I am asking each and every citizen of our
communities to become involved with our efforts.

You can support our initiatives by getting involved in a wide array
of other community initiatives, by contributing financially to our
summer youth programs, by offering summer jobs to middle and high
school youths, and, in general terms, becoming active citizens who
take a role in making our region safe.

Let's take back our communities.

Let's make eradication of illegal drug use a priority.

Let's not tolerate such illegal behavior. Let's make those who use
drugs illegally understand that there is a price to pay for their
actions.

Please consider playing a role. Begin by learning as much as you can
about this critical issue. Then commit yourself to some form of
action. That action will take different forms for different people.
However you choose to contribute to our efforts, it will make a
difference.

Most importantly, never lose sight that creating a safe and healthy
community for all is not for others to do; it is our mutual
responsibility.