JUBY'S MOTION UP IN SMOKE?

Politicking at its finest was on display at Monday night's council
meeting. Councillor Bill Juby offered a surprise motion for his
colleagues to quickly digest and vote on. He wants the Peterborough
Lakefield Police Services Board to strike a committee to look into
what it would take to fight drug crime.

Although an interesting idea, and one councillors had little choice
but to endorse, it would appear Coun. Juby has started his
campaigning for the November municipal election, even though he has
yet to declare.

By turning down such a motion would make council appear callous
towards a real problem plaguing the streets. So, councillors had no
choice but to vote in favour of the motion. Most were probably
thinking if they gave Coun. Juby the nod, then their
close-to-election-day motions would also get some attention.

The timing for Coun. Juby's motion is questionable, given the cost
implications attached to this. Council has just agreed to hire five
new police officers and an extensive facility review at the Water
Street police station is currently underway. Each will cost the city
tens of thousands of dollars.

The drug committee could come back and say 10 additional officers or
newer expensive technologies are needed to put a dent in the local
drug trade. Regardless, stress will be put on the City's budget that
is already stretched.

Coun. Juby has enough experience to know the cost implications of
such a motion. Is he willing to ask his constituents to pay more
taxes to finance his war on drugs?

Having said that, there is sincerity behind Coun. Juby and his motion.

Speaking on Tuesday he told of a ride-along he did with a police
officer one night. He was introduced to the grim side of
Peterborough, one that hides in back alleys and rotted places the
druggies don't think the cops know about.

Drugs are in Peterborough and no matter what recommendations are
made, or what new strategy may be used, the war on drugs will never be won.

But what if police were victorious? What if Peterborough was drug-free?

For one thing we wouldn't need half the officers that are on the
roster, let alone the countless service groups and counseling
agencies that deal with the drug addicts and drug-associated affects.

The court system would also notice a lull in activity. No drugs would
equal less crime.

The majority of break-ins and robberies are drug related, as is gun
crime. Avoiding gun crime in quiet Peterborough is one reason Coun.
Juby wants something done. He's heard that more and more dealers from
Toronto are selling here on the weekends, increasing the chances of a
turf war -- something we should try to avoid at all costs.

If Coun. Juby made this motion this time last year there'd be no
reason to question his motives. But the campaigning has to start
somewhere and there's no better issue to grab the public's attention
than declaring a war on drugs.

And if a viable solution is suggested I'll tip my hat to Coun. Juby
for having the idea and political know-how to clean up the underbelly
of Peterborough.