FEARFUL FOR ALL WHITECOURT YOUTH

Being relatively new citizens to the town of Whitecourt, I have
noticed one major similarity between this community and many others
when it comes to how the local police departments serve and protect.

On several occasions, during everyday routines, I've witnessed many
drivers being pulled over with the red and blues twirling behind them
as drivers are handed tickets for everything from failing to come to a
complete stop (for more than three seconds), seat-belt tickets,
stunting (having your rear-end fish tailing on ice during
acceleration, after a fresh snow), being in two lanes at one time
(again, after a fresh snow). All of which may be fine and dandy, but
to us local taxpayers who are paying the tickets, paying the wages
through taxes, these are meaningless and laughable offences.

In the meantime, if you're a local pothead or drug pusher, please feel
welcome to push your wears on the unsuspecting youth of Whitecourt.
And please don't feel the need to commit this behind closed doors or
back alleys, just drop by the local skate park or schools in broad
daylight.

No fear of being caught, here. All the uniforms are parking waiting
for some hockey mom or blue collar on their way to work or the local
rink to screw up at the intersection or stop sign.

Meanwhile, the well-raised youth of Whitecourt, who do enjoy
participating in the sport of Skateboarding, are afraid of even
stopping by to try their hand at the sport for fear of the addicts,
dealers and drug pusher.

To the traffic cops of Whitecourt, hats off for a job well done. For
the real prosecutors of Whitecourt, where are you?

Not protecting our sons, daughters, nieces or nephews from the demons
of meth or other drugs, that's for sure. Sure they stop by the local
schools for lectures on the dangers of narcotics and other illegal
substances, but for those youth that no longer attend because of
substance abuse, what good are the lectures?

They have chosen their paths. I'm not saying that it's too late for
these young people, I'm saying that we need protection from them and
they need help.

If the streets of our town need cleaning up, it isn't because of
traffic offences, it's because of the underground drug circuit which
isn't so underground.

I'm afraid for your children and mine.

Concerned parent and citizen

JAY PETERSON

Whitecourt, AB