DRUG PROGRAM FOR KIDS NEEDS FUNDING

LONG BEACH - Efforts by a citizens' group to keep middle school students
from the temptation of drugs could be hampered by the city's budget woes.

The city didn't have enough money in its budget this year to hire a
recreation director. Fred Walker, vice chairman and an organizer of the
citizens' drug task force formed earlier this year, had been hoping a city
recreation director could oversee an after-school program.

"We're told the most dangerous time for kids to be tempted to try drugs is
after school," Walker said. "Our task force has begun an after-school
program at the middle school, and we thought whoever was the new recreation
director could take it over.

"We're still doing the program, but it will be more difficult."

The task force has a part-time worker to run the program, which is held at
Long Beach Middle School from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday
during the school year.

Mayor Robert Bass has been involved with the drug task force since its
inception. He said he hopes the city can hire a new recreation director no
later than the beginning of the budget year that starts Oct. 1, 2003.

"That was just one of the things we did as a stop-gap measure with the
budget," Bass said. "We may even be able to re-visit this before next year."

The city raised property taxes by 17 percent when it passed its 2002-2003
budget. Officials are anticipating a loss of sales tax revenue when a Super
Wal-Mart opens in neighboring Pass Christian.

"I'm not blaming city officials at all," Walker said. "I think it's a sign
that city, county and school governments are not 100 percent plugged in to
dealing with the drug situation.

"I think they're all aware of it to some degree, but none of them have
become very involved."

Walker said volunteers plan recreation activities for students, as well as
help them with homework. So far, about 10 students have been participating
in the program each day.

"It's growing, albeit slowly," he said.