MORE DEPUTIES

Why has Jasper County continued to lead in the state, and the state
lead the nation, in meth labs? Could it be because our sheriff's
office is undermanned, underpaid and underequipped? The majority of
meth labs are found outside city limits where they can be operated
unnoticed. The smell isn't detected as easily in the country as it is
in town.

Ninety percent of crimes committed in the cities of Jasper County are
drug-related, and the drug is meth.

This problem affects all of us, as we have been a victim of these
crimes, or will be, if we don't have the protection that we need. Not
to mention the rising costs of insurance due to the loss of property.

Our county commissioners have long been aware of the shortage of
manpower in the Jasper County Sheriff's Office and have continued to
ignore the request of Sheriff Archie Dunn for more deputies, equipment
and pay for these men and women who risk their lives daily.

Currently, these officers pay for their handguns, holster, belts and
handcuffs. The protective body armor they wear is outdated and some
are falling apart at the seams. Insurance for their families is next
to none, with $1,000 deductibles and $250 co-pay with $100 co-pay for
prescriptions. Their children are eligible for Medicaid.

Our welfare and safety should be top priority. When taxpayers have to
pay for protection there is something wrong with this picture. That's
what we are doing when we have to raise $55,000 to place a tax on the
ballot to be approved by the voters so we can have more Jasper County
sheriff deputies employed and paid a decent salary.

Mark my words, we will raise the money and will remember those
commissioners who did not support this at their re-election.

Kathy Wilson

Carthage

President, Southwest Missouri Chapter

Mothers Against Methamphetamine Addiction