SHERIFFS CRITICAL OF HOLDEN OVER METH-FIGHTING EFFORTS

DEXTER, Mo. -- Dozens of sheriffs from throughout the state are chastising
the governor for politicizing efforts to fight methamphetamine.

Stoddard County Sheriff Steve Fish, a Democrat, joined over 45 other
sheriffs from throughout Missouri in signing a letter last week critical of
Democratic Gov. Bob Holden. The letter notes that Holden has announced a
new initiative from his office to fight the manufacture, sale and use of
methamphetamine in the state, but asks additional questions of the
Democratic governor.

Besides Fish, other Southeast Missouri sheriffs signing the letter include
John Jordan of Cape Girardeau County, Clinton Reeves of Shannon County,
Greg Melton of Carter County, Gary Barton of Reynolds County, Tommy
Greenwell of Pemiscot County, Terry Stevens of New Madrid County and Larry
Turley of Mississippi County.

The letter states that the governor's new initiative has left many Missouri
law enforcement officers "puzzled" as to where Holden "has been the last
few years" because sheriff's offices have been fighting the influx of meth
in the state.

One resource, the letter stated, that has been used is the Missouri
Sheriffs Methamphetamine Relief Task Force, which they say has been able to
place resources in local law enforcement agency's hands. MOSMART is
administered by a bipartisan panel of sheriffs that distributes grants to
agencies to fight meth.

The letter also praised U.S. Sen. Kit Bond, a Republican. Bond was
responsible for the federal legislation that has funded the statewide drug
initiative.

"Holden would be well served to take a little time to sit down with local
law enforcement like Senator Bond," the letter said, "to get the real facts
about the methamphetamine problem in Missouri."

The letter also encouraged working with local law enforcement to enact a
crime reduction fund to allow poor counties more resources to hire officers.

Legislation creating such a fund was proposed last year by state Rep. Rob
Mayer. Mayer said last week he was again going to introduce the legislation
and was assured of Holden's support this time around.