POLITICS PLAYS INTO METHADONE PROTEST

AFTER READING your Sept. 25 news article "Politicians propose change in law
to keep out methadone clinic" regarding Republicans Morgan Griffith,
Brandon Bell and William Fralin coming out against the methadone clinic on
Colonial Avenue and Ogden Road, I can only describe it as opportunism at
its hypocritical finest. Two of the supporters aren't even elected
officials yet.

As a political independent, I was hoping these potential new voices from
Southwest Virginia might have a more moderate view of party politics. But
not surprisingly, they sway away from social accountability toward gaining
the popular vote in Roanoke without even knowing or researching the real
dangers of the methadone clinic.

As reported in your article, a simple phone call to Galax would have
revealed at least a glimpse of the real risk we would be taking. But no,
it's jump on the popular opinion bandwagon and use fear to gain popularity
(and votes).

Let's learn together to gather the facts before we jump to conclusions and
change laws that may not be socially responsible.

Alicia Steadman, Salem