DRUG POLICY WILL COLLAPSE WITHOUT ALL FOUR PILLARS

I have several pieces of furniture that utilize four legs to make them
stand. Some make it on three.

The recent announcement that Vancouver is proceeding with but one pillar of
the long-awaited four-pillars approach to the horrific drug culture is
offensive to voters who supported Larry Campbell for mayor based on the
four-pillar model.

Aggressively pursuing the arrest of Vancouver's dealers and junkies without
the supporting three pillars of prevention, treatment and harm reduction
has never succeeded and never will.

As in most structures with but a single leg, the one-pillar approach will
soon collapse.

The expense of arrests, prosecutions and the ever-increasing burden to our
health-care system will be born by the usual suspects -- taxpayers.

Many voted for Larry Campbell with the understanding that the four-pillar
policy was the major plank in his electoral platform. We elected him to do
what he promised.

We expect him to direct the policies of the Vancouver police department. I
trust his background as a police officer will not hinder his mandate to act
with the vision and compassion we know he possesses.

Mark Strong

Vancouver