MAYOR COPE URGES PUBLIC TO SEE VIDEO OF METH FORUM HELD AT THS

As part of an ongoing effort to educate the general public about the
growing methamphetamine problem threatening Middle Tennessee
communities, Mayor Steve Cope urges Tullahoma residents to view the
tape of the recent public forum held at Tullahoma High School on June
8. The video will be shown on the Tullahoma public television station
(Channel Six) each Sunday at 3 p.m. and each Wednesday at 6 p.m.
beginning today and running through July 14.

The forum was organized by the Tullahoma Rotary Club and featured J.R.
Scott of the Putnam County Sheriff's Department Narcotics Division,
Betsy Dunn of the Tennessee Department of Children's Services Child
Protective Services Division, and David Parnell, a recovering meth
addict.

The video reviews components of the drug and drug labs, symptoms
associated with its use, hazards connected with manufacturing, and
suggestions for lessening the problem.

It also addresses the dangers to individuals and society stemming from
methamphetamine use, including environmental and child endangerment
issues.

Panel member State Rep. Judd Matheny also reviewed laws that have come
before the Tennessee General Assembly concerning the meth problem.

Mayor Cope, a member of Gov. Phil Bredesen's newly created Governor's
Task Force on Methamphetamine Abuse, commented at the forum, "I
believe that education and awareness are key to easing some of the
concerns stemming from methamphetamine abuse and its effects on our
community."

According to Cope, Gov. Bredesen has placed an emphasis on supporting
legislation to increase penalties for those who choose to manufacture
meth and has done so while his Task Force takes a broad-based look at
issues statewide.

A wide range of recommendations will be made to the governor by Sept.
1. Mayor Cope placed a strong emphasis on the need for a community
effort to combat the dangers of meth.

"The police cannot do it alone. It is going to take a community to
stop this problem," he said.

Viewing the video will increase awareness and alert the general public
to the signs of meth use and manufacture; however, the public is
encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the police and not
approach a suspect area or person.