TAKE A STAND

Local officials and other members of the community have been working hard
for the past month and a half to bring to light the serious drug and
alcohol abuse problem among Saugus youth. To help distribute information,
Saugus Speaks Out held an informational call-in forum on Saugus cable
access last week.

But what spoke volumes about the issue was not the information the forum
offered - it was the lack of phone calls that they received. It's safe to
say that those watching had many questions and concerns running through
their minds as the hour-long program stretched on. But where were the phone
calls?

The lack of involvement in the call-in forum brings about a serious
question - are residents of Saugus burying their heads in the sand when it
comes to facing this difficult issue?

And this issue is understandably difficult. It's hard to face that the
youth of Saugus are using drugs and that those youth are becoming addicts
before they have even gotten their driver's licenses. But that is the
reality - like it or not.

The only way to combat this issue is to work together as a community. This
means parents, teachers, town officials, health professionals, neighbors
and the youth themselves.

It's not important whether you become involved with Saugus Speaks Out or
call the School Department to find out what you can do to help. What is
important is that you, the residents of Saugus, get involved in some way,
shape or form.

This problem affects all of you, whether you have a child in the school
system or you're a senior citizen living at Laurel Gardens. These drugs are
on your streets. They're in your schools. They're being taken by your children.

Again, we know this is difficult to digest and something nobody wants to
believe. But it's true.

Residents should be screaming from the rooftops with anger and disbelief.
There should be letters to the editor, local commentaries and informational
meetings abound.

Saugus Speaks Out is doing its part - now it's time for you to do yours.
Call the School Department and find out how you can get involved and how
you can help. Read the article on Page 5 regarding the informational forum
if you missed it on cable.

Take a stand.