DRUG TASK FORCE MERITS COUNTY TAX RENEWAL

War On Drugs Still Important

When the Times Herald Editorial Board asked St. Clair County Sheriff
Dan Lane what would happen if there wasn't a county drug task force,
this was his answer:

"It would be a tremendous setback," Lane said. "There will be drugs in
this community. Our goals and mission are to try to keep these illegal
drugs away from our school kids."

There's no disputing Lane's point. Despite the war on drugs, illegal
controlled substances sadly remain an integral part of American
society and the Blue Water Area.

There are two ways to respond to this threat: Do nothing or try to
fight drugs the best way you can.

By itself, the St. Clair County Drug Task Force isn't the answer. It
is, however, an important weapon in our community's arsenal.

On Tuesday, county voters will be asked to support the task force by
renewing a four-year, 0.2805-mill request. The cost is reasonable -
about $28 a year for the owner of a home with a taxable value of
$100,000 - and it's a worthwhile investment in the campaign against
drugs.

Lane noted that illegal drugs are more expensive in St. Clair County.
With an international border and the law enforcement personnel needed
to keep this area safe, it is harder for drug dealers to do business.

The lure of greater profits, though, is tempting. Inevitably, some
criminals will try to sell their wares here. The task force is a
preventive method that discourages drug dealers from building a more
successful market in this county.

The war on drugs has given way to the war on terrorism. Despite the
shift in priorities, there still is a need to devote resources and
efforts to reducing, if not eradicating, illegal drugs. The task force
is a vital component.

Lane said drug dealers often travel from Detroit, Saginaw and Flint to
test the market in St. Clair County. So far, doing business here has
been problematic. Clearly, it's in this community's interest that the
business climate remains difficult.

The task force has served as a deterrent to expanded sales of illegal
drugs in the county. Renewing the tax request is the best way to keep
the task force fighting the war on drugs.