FLETCHER/PENCE EAGER TO ADDRESS LOCAL DRUG PROBLEMS

When I was recently contacted by the Ernie Fletcher/Steve Pence
campaign and asked my opinion of the drug problems in western
Kentucky, I was eager to give input, although somewhat skeptical, and
a little surprised.

No statewide political campaign had ever solicited information from me
during my 20 years in law enforcement. I was already impressed with
Pence from his time as U.S. Attorney for Western Kentucky, and the
effective prosecution of high-level drug traffickers by him and his
staff. I was extremely gratified that the campaign genuinely desired
to understand the drug issues in Kentucky.

Since then, I have seen the campaign address these issues with
strategies aimed at education, enforcement and treatment, which will
enable us to more vigorously attack this evil plague at a lesser
impact to our state budget. The Fletcher/Pence team intends to expand
already successful local efforts, rather than dictating policy from
Frankfort, thereby maintaining community input and influence.

Frankly, I was puzzled as to why the campaign had begun a dialogue
with me. As I discussed this with my wife, Robin, I asked: "Why has no
campaign ever asked me for this information?" She answered: "Maybe no
one has ever cared."

Jim Acquisto

Owensboro