SCHOOLS INVESTED WISELY IN DRUG BUST

The writer of the letter "Don't use schools' money for bust" (April 7)
is very shortsighted in proposing to "build a jail" using the school
levy (instead of using it for the drug bust). The writer ignores the
fact that it would cost millions of tax dollars to build and maintain
a prison, and that the local police was not suitable for conducting a
long-term undercover investigation.

It was unfortunate that the school district had to take this
extraordinary measure to counter the drug problem in their
jurisdiction. However, with the arrest of 16 suspects, the district
has prevented dozens or even hundreds of other students from falling
into the habit of drug use. I believe the money for the investigation
($60,000) was well spent, and it will save millions more in future tax
money, which society would have been forced to spend for fighting drug
addictions and related crimes.

SHIRO TANAKA

Symmes Township