NO EASY SOLUTION TO DRUG PROBLEM

Dear Editor,

The recent actions by the (SFCIA), Sneads Ferry Citizens in Action to
bring attention to the ongoing drug problem in the area has many components.

Sneads Ferry is my community. I grew up here, taught school here, and
was principal at Dixon for many years. I have a deep love for the
people, the community, and the way of life we have here.

Yes, there is a deep drug problem in the Sneads Ferry area. This
problem is deep and easy solutions will not suddenly fall from the
sky. Parents, community leaders, school people, and others must step
up and get personally involved. When good people recognize a problem
and do nothing personally to be a part of the solution, the entire
community suffers the results.

Our young people in particular know there is a problem here. They need
to see that adults care enough to step forward and act. They need to
see consequences when people break the law. They wonder why it is
allowed to go on day after day.

Recently law enforcement has been more pro-active toward this problem.
They are faced with many legal constraints, jail overloads, etc. We as
citizens should support them in all these areas.

My concerns are broad and deep. To identify one area of this problem
as more important than another does not do justice to the problem as a
whole.

For me, the children and young adults are the focus. They need to see
the adults really care. They need to see consequences for breaking the
law. They should also have a better support system for them when drugs
have personally caused them or their friends problems.

Parents must ask questions. Parents must not be reluctant to get more
deeply involved in the lives of their children. This means they must
be pro-active.

When we expect law enforcement or the schools to bear the full burden,
we are neglecting our responsibilities as parents and citizens.

I know that school people have a special relationship with young
people. Go the extra mile when you suspect drugs are a problem with
your students. You have a unique opportunity to make a difference. It
takes courage to step forward in areas like this. You deal with
children everyday and you have the courage.

While this letter represents my interpretation of the problem, I know
that vast numbers of children, parents and others in the community
share this interpretation. We as a group will not stand by and let
this happen without a fight.

Kern Everett

Sneads Ferry