NO ATTACKS, PLEASE

The column by Gordon Morse ("Think about the lesson drug testing
teaches children") on Sunday began with commentary about the random
student drug testing policy under discussion by the Williamsburg-James
City County School Board. Within a few paragraphs, it was obvious this
was a diatribe about defending a former superintendent.

I am against the current testing proposal, but I would hope the Daily
Press could encourage information gathering rather than personal
attacks. This column dissolved into a personal attack on Gary Mathews
and School Board members who might inform themselves of the pros and
cons of the policy as written.

Although I do not see random testing as the best alternative, the
written attacks against the generous professional atmosphere that
Mathews graciously brought with him are counter-productive.

I see a professional superintendent asking a board to decide what
policy best suits our constituency. I see our board attempting to
fully research and vote what is the most logical proposal.

DIANE JOYNER

James City County