COSTLY TO ABANDON DRUG USERS

Regarding the news story "Methadone case creates alliance" (concerning
opposition to a methadone clinic in the Shelby County community of
Saginaw, June 23), collaboration is generally in the league of
motherhood and apple pie.

Alas, in this case, the state prosecutor and "a popular defense
attorney" have teamed up in a battle against the introduction of
treatment for those who desperately want it, need it and all too often
die without it. Abandonment of drug users seeking help will also
perpetuate the costs to the entire community.

A private attorney can take any position he wants; a state official,
however, has a duty to the general public. Shelby County District
Attorney Robby Owens is doing a grave disservice to all.

Robert Newman

Director, Baron Edmond de Rothschild Chemical Dependency Institute

Beth Israel Medical Center

New York City