DRUG SUMMIT IS REASON FOR OPTIMISM

Watching government at work can be a frustrating process, one that
sometimes leaves us wondering whether the public's interests are really a
concern for elected officials.

But even those most cynical of government's role should find reason to be
encouraged by the efforts of Gov. Ernie Fletcher and Lt. Gov. Steve Pence
to combat Kentucky's drug problems.

Tuesday, the Drug Control Policy Assessment Summit came to Owensboro, the
10th stop on a 16-city tour around the state. The turnout was impressive,
both in terms of local officials and residents who attended, and those from
around the state who served on the various panels.

It's not so much what was said that creates hope -- the list of problems
discussed was similar to what law enforcement, treatment professionals and
prevention specialists have been detailing for years.

What's different this time is that one gets the feeling that those at the
highest level of state government are really listening -- and willing to do
what's necessary to attack the problem at its core, not simply promote
strategies that maintain the status quo.

To be certain, however, combating substance abuse isn't something that
government can do alone, and that's why these forums are so important.
Government can put the policies in place, and more critical, can determine
the levels at which they will be funded.

But it's only through cooperation at the grassroots level that real
progress can be made. Kentucky as a whole has a problem with substance
abuse. But the issues we have here may not be quite the same as what other
communities around the state are experiencing. So it's important that
government is listening to the people in different communities, and
tailoring solutions that don't presume one size fits all.

There are a lot of encouraging efforts going on locally that provide hope
that this problem can be tackled. We know our law enforcement officers are
some of Kentucky's most dedicated and competent in fighting drugs. And
several groups and individuals have emerged in recent years to address
treatment, prevention and education policies.

Now we have a governor and an administration who see combating substance
abuse as a priority. What must happen next is to ensure that all of these
groups locally are on the same page and that they understand the problem is
far too big to allow turf battles to get in the way of progress.

There are no easy answers, and it's still too early to predict what will be
made of the information collected through the drug summits. But the process
should be appreciated, and it's reason for optimism.

It's not too late to help: Those who couldn't attend Tuesday's forum can
still make their suggestions known by completing a questionnaire about
local substance abuse issues. The forms can be found at
www.kydrugsummit.ky.gov/.