MAYOR FORD BACKS LEVY TO FIGHT DRUG USE

Mayor Jack Ford said he's backing a levy that would funnel millions into
alcohol and drug treatment in Lucas County because it fits his vision of
transforming Toledo into a more respectable city.

Encouraged by a narrow defeat in November, the Lucas County Alcohol and
Drug Addiction Services board is asking voters to pass a 0.5-mill,
five-year levy Tuesday.

The levy would increase the taxes on a $100,000 home by $15.30 a year. It
would generate $3.8 million for ADAS annually.

Mr. Ford, who helped found Substance Abuse Services, Inc., and Adelante,
Inc., said preventing drug abuse benefits the addict and the community.

"I know first hand as a legislator and a mayor that you see the ravages of
drug abuse in 100 ways - domestic violence, school dropouts, aggravated
assault, and vehicular homicide," Mr. Ford said.

Jay Salvage, executive director of the agency, said he wants voters to
understand the importance of offering treatment services to people with
drug and alcohol problems.

The levy money would allow people to be treated when they first seek help
rather than being told to come back later, Mr. Salvage said.

"The moment they come to treatment, you need to engage them in some way,"
Mr. Salvage said. "The least productive thing is to tell them to come back
in two weeks. After that, they might never come back."