HELP SNEADS FERRY GET RID OF ILLEGAL DRUGS

Dear Editor,

Recently a group of Sneads Ferry Citizens formed a group we call Sneads
Ferry Citizens in Action (SFCIA). The purpose of this group is to work to
eradicate drug use and drug dealing in our community.

We have a serious problem in Sneads Ferry with both drug dealers and users.
It is affecting our business environment and our schools.

Almost every crime issue in Sneads Ferry in recent months has been related
directly or indirectly to drugs, whether it is murder, assault, fights,
domestic violence, child abuse or robbery. It's time for all citizens to be
aware of this problem and its impact on Sneads Ferry, and to do something
about it.

Citizens in Action first wants to make all citizens aware of the problem
and get them involved in solutions.

Secondly, we want to get the judiciary to stop letting repeat offenders go
free and instead mete out the punishment that lets the offender know drug
use and/or dealing is a serious crime in Sneads Ferry and will not be
tolerated.

Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) became successful by putting the
judiciary on notice that their actions were being watched and their records
in dealing with crime would be reported to the media. We will do that.

Thirdly, we want county law enforcement to get busy helping us solve the
problem.

It is no great secret where the centers of drug activity are. The patrol
cars need to be there instead of parked on Highway 172.

We want aggressive action in our schools as well. We need and deserve our
share of our tax dollars in law enforcement whether it is from local
sources or officers from the state or federal level.

Sneads Ferry Citizens in Action has established a confidential hot line at
toll free 866-239-8067 for citizens who want to volunteer to help the group
or report drug or drug related activity.

Citizens in Action have meetings planned with members of the judiciary law
enforcement and school officials in the near future. We have applied to a
foundation for a grant to finance the Citizens-In-Action efforts. Call and
help rid Sneads Ferry of drugs.

Joe Rigby

Sneads Ferry