CRYSTAL METH NEEDS ACTION

Editor, The Record:

New Westminster must take action on the growing problems caused by
crystal meth addiction in our city.

This morning, I attended a committee meeting whose purpose was
completely unrelated to drug addiction. But, for the first half-hour,
committee members felt compelled to share their recent first-hand
experiences of how the crystal meth problem is worsening here in our
city. They told of the increasing number of vulnerable people
succumbing to this addiction and of the increasing instances of
aggressive and psychotic behavior characteristic of crystal meth
addiction. This drug is cheap and easily available. At first it makes
the user feel good. Then it causes permanent brain damage, psychosis,
suicide attempts, distressed families and, sometimes, danger to
innocent bystanders.

It's urgent that the community come together to reduce the harm caused
by the use of this drug. We need to help those caught in the grip of
the addiction and we also need to protect citizens whose safety is at
risk in some of our neighbourhoods, businesses and shops where addicts
gather.

I've been getting this message for some time, which is why last fall I
organized a crystal meth prevention forum, held at the Lord Kelvin
gym, aimed at informing parents of younger children.

Some people (including the editor of The Record) were skeptical about
the urgency for community action.

Since that time the facts are starting to prove me right. Our forum
was an emotional evening, very well attended, thanks to the expert
panel members and a lot of volunteer help.

Feedback from people at the end of the night was virtually unanimous -
we need more community involvement, more education, better
coordination, further action. We need a next step in New
Westminster.

So what will that next step be? Other municipalities around us are
taking action: the Tri-Cities are setting up a community task force
structured around the topics of education, enforcement and treatment.

Forums are being organized in Surrey and Chilliwack. Maple Ridge,
Victoria and other cities already have initiatives underway. What
about a New Westminster task force led by the city?

With municipal elections just a few weeks away, I would like to hear
from our mayoral and council candidates.

What is your plan? Under your leadership, will our city bring people
together to tackle this monster, or will we let the destructive
rampage continue? If the city is willing to set up a task force, you
can count on me to volunteer for it.

Joyce Murray

former MLA for New Westminster

Editor's note: Joyce Murray's comment above: "Some people, (including
the editor of The Record) were skeptical about the urgency for
community action," misrepresents The Record's editorial opinion on the
issue. The editorial that Murray is referring to stated in part:
"We're sure that some will say that MLA Joyce Murray and the
provincial government are quick to use the issue to get some publicity
out of it. Is it all politics? We think Murray is genuine in her
personal concern, but there is also political capital to be gained on
the issue."

We stand by that editorial. Unfortunately, when politicians make much
hoopla about their efforts on issues, we tend to question their motives.

At the same time, as Ms. Murray knows, the editor ensured that Ms.
Murray's forum was covered extensively and The Record provided Ms.
Murray and the organizers with pro bono advertising space to support
and publicize the forum in the community.