METH IS PITTED AGAINST THE COMMUNITY

Regarding "Oregon's Wrong Prescription," your Aug. 10 editorial: Oregon's
leaders, including Gov. Ted Kulongoski, recognize that addressing complex
issues such as methamphetamine production, trafficking and use requires a
comprehensive strategy. That is exactly the approach our state is taking.

Oregon's decision to require prescriptions for cold medicines that contain
ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, a key ingredient in making methamphetamine,
is a thoughtful step in a multi-pronged strategy. This strategy was
developed with broad input from business, law enforcement and community
leaders, as well as professionals in the substance abuse prevention and
treatment fields.

An 18-month process, with many parties at the table, culminated in a
near-unanimous vote by the Oregon legislature to require these
prescriptions, and also stiffer penalties for meth cooks and more resources
for drug court programs, including treatment. As many Oregonians have said,
securing a doctor's prescription for cold medicine is a small price to pay
compared with the devastating social and human costs of meth.

We are making progress, and our efforts make good social and economic
sense. The number of meth laboratory seizures has declined nearly 50% since
consumer access to cold pills was limited. But there is more to be done.
Together, with broad input, we can continue to help solve a drug problem
that has impacted countless families, businesses and communities, and
carries an enormous economic burden because of related property crime,
public safety and social services costs.

Sandra McDonough

President & CEO Portland Business Alliance Portland, Ore.