CITY OFFICIALS NEED TO TACKLE PRIORITIES

In your editorial of June 26th, "Just Response - Rising crime rate calls
for broader action," you note the priorities developed by the City Council
in January. They included community revitalization, a community policing
policy and curbing the city's drug problem. It's time for the city to get
moving on these issues.

While many drug dealers work out of west Greenville and contribute to the
high incidence of homicides in that area, it's important to recognize that
the people who buy drugs there live all over the city and county.

We all share this problem and are touched by it. Addictive use of alcohol,
tobacco and other drugs is not only the nation's No. 1 preventable health
problem, but also is a major factor in the cost of medical care, added
business expense and a host of social problems.

In the development of priorities by Pitt Partners for Health, the public
identified substance abuse as the most important health concern in Pitt County.

I urge the city to take action on its priorities and begin the process of
creating a communitywide plan to address this issue.

DR. DAVID AMES

Greenville