CITY IS STARTING ITS OWN WAR ON METH PROBLEM

Though Rep. Judd Matheny is trying to get immediate action taken by
the Legislature to attack the state's methamphetamine problem,
Tullahoma city leaders are starting their own campaign. The Board of
Mayor and Aldermen discussed Monday what it deems is becoming an
out-of-control problem.

Alderman Troy Bisby referred to Gov. Phil Bredesen's recent action to
form a special state task force to deal with methamphetamine abuse.

However, Bisby, like Matheny, R-Tullahoma, said that effort could take
nearly 18 months before any steps are taken to reduce a meth problem
that could reach epidemic proportions.

Bisby proposed that Tullahoma enact its own ordinance to make it more
difficult for abusers to buy over-the-counter drugs to produce meth.

He referred to a discussion the board had at its Jan. 12 meeting
regarding the issue.

The board had approved to to have city personnel assess how such a
restrictive ordinance would impact residents and agreed to solicit
public input on the issue.

Bisby said Monday over-the-counter drugs, such as ephedrine,
pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine could be controlled to where
purchasers would be required to sign their names when they buy them.

"We need to strengthen these laws to discourage people," he said.

Bisby said the city can't do some things to discourage meth abuse,
"but we can make the sale of items to produce it more restrictive."

He recommended the board continue its effort to produce an ordinance
that mirrors what the City of Cookeville has done.

Cookeville's ordinance requires that products such as Sudafed and
Sudafedrin, two items containing the medicine used to produce meth, be
kept behind or close to store counters with a transaction limit set at
100 tablets or three grams. Signatures are also required for purchases.

Tullahoma City Attorney Steve Worsham has said the city board should
consider and approve a similar ordinance, no matter what the state
does. He added that the move would ensure Tullahoma would have some
control over products sold to produce methamphetamine.

Alderman Janice Bowling said Tullahoma could take an even more
proactive approach by getting surrounding counties and cities involved
to take action that would mirror the ordinance Tullahoma is
considering.

"We could make a difference by getting others involved," she said.
"Meth really is a problem."

Alderman Phil Trimble referred to the Legislature and the state task
force's potential delay in attack meth abuse.

"If they can't provide a solution, maybe we can," he said.