DRUG PANELS COULD HAVE HUGE IMPACT

A new drug control program spearheaded by Lt. Gov. Steve Pence is
well-conceived and will address a problem that is getting out of hand in our
state. Under the program, three panels will travel through 16 cities in the
state over a 20-week period and learn about the drug problems facing the
state, and will then implement plans on how to deal with them. The panels -
dealing with the issue of drug treatment, enforcement and prevention
education, consist of state, local and federal representatives. Kentucky's
drug situation has always been a problem, but it has gotten worse over the
years, especially in the area of methamphetamine and Oxycontin. In 2002,
there were 300 meth labs seized - up from 147 the year before - and more
than 378,000 marijuana plants were destroyed in 2002. The summit was in
Bowling Green yesterday talking to officials and citizens about the drug
problem in the area. "The regional summit provides a opportunity for the
public to make their concerns known about the problems being faced in their
communities," said Cmdr. Capt. Wayne Mayfield of Kentucky State Police Post
3. "With the limited resources given to combat the drug problem, it is
extremely important to know what the specific problem is and where it's at
before developing strategies to overcome it." We need to do just that.

These programs offer real hope in putting a dent in the major drugs facing
our state. Pence will report back to Gov. Ernie Fletcher when the initiative
is done and they will decide what areas need the most help and implement
ways to address the problem. We are hopeful that the panels develop sound
feedback and through their data turn the drug problem around.