DRUG LAW RULING CAN HELP CLEAN UP PUBLIC HOUSING

The U.S. Supreme Court's ruling Tuesday that strong eviction measures can
be used to expel users of illegal drugs - and their families and friends -
from all kinds of public housing sets a new, tough standard nationwide.

The ruling flows from an appeal by four elderly California residents of an
eviction order on grounds that their lack of knowledge about illegal drug
use exempted them from the rule.

Tuesday's ruling is the kind of law that makes people think about
application and enforcement, but careful consideration should lead to the
conclusion that it is reasonable policy and will help protect quality of
life in public housing.

A 1988 law allowed latitude in rental and eviction policies in public
housing, included rent-subsidy dwellings, based on drug convictions and use.

The goal of the law is safe living conditions and law-abiding tenancy of
public properties. Tupelo's public housing officials have long used the
toughest possible standards to reduce crime in projects and apartments, and
to prevent rentals to known drug law violators.

Eviction never is an easy option when other people are victimized by the
actions of one visitor or resident in a household. However, there's no
qualitative difference in Tuesday's ruling and the eviction of entire
families and households because one person violated noise rules or other
rental policies in private developments.

In the long term, the tougher standard should encourage law-abiding tenants
to pressure family members and friends to walk the straight-and-narrow,
making life better for all.

It's difficult to confront family members and friends about illegal
behavior, but it is the best action when the welfare of others is at risk.

We believe strict adherence to the spirit of the Supreme Court's decision
by Northeast Mississippi's public housing officials is the right attitude
about managing the taxpayers' property.