DARE GROUP TO WELCOME A CRITIC

As she announced plans this week to improve the criminal justice system,
Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey took aim at DARE, one of the funding
darlings of the 1990s "war on drugs."

"We have known for a long time DARE doesn't work," Healey said of the Drug
Abuse Resistance Education program, which puts police officers in
classrooms to lead talks with students on drugs and crime.

The criticism was news to those who champion the program -- and had invited
Healey to deliver the keynote speech in a four-day conference cosponsored
by DARE in Sturbridge on April 20.

"I'm sure she is going to get tossed a few pointed questions," said Domenic
DiNatale, executive director of the Massachusetts DARE Officers
Association. "But I give her credit for still coming."

The state cut its funding of DARE in 2002, prompting Janice Cunningham, an
East Bridgewater police officer, to lobby Healey for a more generous view
of DARE.

"I can't say she specifically endorsed DARE, but she didn't raise any
criticism," said Cunningham, who met with Healey a year ago. Cunningham
followed up by inviting Healey to address the conference. She accepted
months before releasing the 100-page report on criminal justice improvements.

"We meet with many groups interested in public policy," Eric Ferhnstrom, a
Romney spokesman, said yesterday. "When they invite us, we don't ask first
if they share our agenda. "

Despite her recent comments, Healey will be welcomed, organizers said.
"She'll get a very professional reception," promised Cunningham,
co-president of the officers association. "But I am hoping she will modify
her views."