METH MUST BE STOPPED

Editor:

I am very concerned about the growth of meth labs in our area.

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug that affects the central
nervous system and often results in stroke or death. The drug is often
made in secret laboratories with relatively inexpensive
over-the-counter ingredients.

Thus, it has the potential for widespread abuse. I have consulted with
Watauga County Sheriff Mark Shook about the matter, attended a
workshop on meth labs and read legislation from other states in order
to be better prepared to help solve the problem.

It is my intention to pass legislation that will strengthen penalties
for these offenders and to do all that I can to punish these people in
an appropriately strong fashion.

We need to make sure that our community is no longer a safe haven for
these individuals. They need to be made examples of so that others
will not want to be involved in the same behavior.

District Attorney Jerry Wilson, Sheriff Shook and I will work together
with others to do all that we can to see justice done. Hopefully, 2004
will be the year we close down the meth labs in our area.

State Sen. Virginia Foxx

Banner Elk