DRUGS RUINED WHAT WAS ONCE A NICE LITTLE NEIGHBORHOOD

A problem in Asheville has hit close to home - illegal drugs being
sold on the street near my mother's home.

I was raised in West Asheville in the 1960s and early 1970s. It was a
good family neighborhood. My mother still lives in the same house. I
fear for her safety and the safety of her neighbors.

Recently I witnessed a young man standing beside the road selling
drugs. People driving by would stop and there would be an exchange.

On one particular day last summer that I witnessed such an event, a
highway patrolman had pulled over a neighbor in front of my mother's
house. I ran out to point out the man selling drugs. The patrolman
was writing a ticket and told me that he could not help me. I asked
why and he said that there was not enough law enforcement manpower,
and that the area is known as "drug heaven." Apparently this problem
is overwhelming our law enforcement.

My mother will not move. Why should she? She was there first. There
are still many good people living there.

I hope this letter will renew efforts by law enforcement and citizens
to work together to end this problem.

Linda L. Smith

Mills River