THE METHADONE CLINIC NEEDS TO BE IN THE PROPER PLACE

U.S. Attorney John Brownlee told the Roanoke County Board of
Supervisors that a methadone clinic in their neighborhoods could
become a haven for opportunistic drug dealers. For that reason, our
diverse community doesn't support one on Hershberger Road.

A June 20, 2002, Roanoke Times headline said, "Methadone clinic could
draw drug addicts from 4 states to the Roanoke Valley for treatment."
The Times said on Nov. 11, 2003, "Roanoke City Council defers to
legislators on drug clinic issue."

City Manager Darlene Burcham maintains that she and her staff knew
nothing about the proposed clinic until after the CRC Health Group had
already received its business permit. With her penchant for and
attention to minute detail, it's extremely difficult to believe her
administration was in the dark.

I agree with Southern Christian Leadership Conference chairman Jeff
Artis, who said the clinic's location is economic racism.

Roanoke Valley citizens should be grateful for the leadership of SCLC
President Perneller Lorice Chubb-Wilson, Artis and the Rev. Shadrack
Brown Jr. for instigating dialogue with CRC Health Group officials to
resolve problems surrounding the proper location of the clinic.

HELEN E. DAVIS

ROANOKE