LAX SENTENCES FOR METH OFFENDERS

I am curious why a couple who were making one of the most dangerous
drugs for humans only got 30 days and 60 days in jail respectively
("Ex-supervisor's wife gets 60 days," Press, April 14). The state of
Michigan lists manufacturing methamphetamine as a 20-year felony
and/or a $25,000 fine. Even possession of methamphetamine is a
10-year felony and/or $15,000 fine.

Using methamphetamine is a one-year misdemeanor and/or $2,000 fine.
With the amount of news coverage meth receives and the damage that
methamphetamine causes to people's lives, one would think that people
who make it should get longer than a month or two in jail. Especially
people who have a position of trust in the community, as supervisor
of a township in which the county is having to continually battle the
methamphetamine problem.

Not only is the drug dangerous to the users, it also is dangerous to
anyone living nearby, the houses and places where meth is "cooked"
are considered hazardous material dump sites, and special precautions
are needed to clear a meth house.

From what I have read and seen in the news about this case these
people got off extremely lucky for such a major problem in Allegan
County and the overall United States. The judge has opened the door
to appeals from the next person sentenced for methamphetamine
offenses, should that person receives a proper punishment required
for the crime.

-- Scot Van Solkema

Ada Township