PUBLIC BEST SERVED WITH OPEN DISCUSSION ON DRUG TEAM FUNDING

I would like to offer some alternative thoughts to your Feb. 26 editorial,
"Don't gut drug squad," that may provide insight into issues surrounding
the Chatham County Counter Narcotics Team.

It is unfortunate that because three Chatham County commissioners want an
open discussion about the funding mechanisms and effectiveness of CNT, we
are labeled "anti-law enforcement." The absurdity of such a statement is
ironic, with little or no basis in truth.

Lost in the semantics of the entire debate is the answer to the question,
"What can we do to diminish drug activity in this community?" Answering
that question deflates the debate and forces people to think.

As I pointed out at a recent commission meeting, the Department of Justice
reported that a survey taken in 1998 indicated that one in four of 61,000
convicted inmates said they committed their crimes to get money for drugs.

Considering that, I believe we could easily predict that implementation of
a substance abuse program in Chatham County will work to not only reduce
crime, but lower taxes and save lives. We have the potential of reducing
crime by 25 percent without placing individuals in jail.

County jails, courts, law enforcement and indigent health care costs would
all see financial decreases. Can't we consider that?

Marijuana and cocaine are the prevalent drugs of choice before committing a
crime. Wouldn't it be important to refocus our efforts at young children
and teens concerning those drugs?

If government could be the clearinghouse for information, the coordinated
effort would have a cost-effective and long-lasting benefit.

While three-quarters of the counties and sheriffs' agencies in the nation
participate in a multi jurisdictional drug task force effort, the level of
staffing with which they participate differs greatly with our local
organization.

According to the Department of Justice, local police departments with a
population base of 250,000-500,000 will staff their narcotics team with
nine people. Their counterparts from the sheriff's department will offer
four participants. That gives an average city a staff of 13 individuals.

In Chatham County, according to the 2000 census, we have a population base
of 232,048, yet we have 41 individuals involved in CNT. Why the difference
compared to the national average?

When you consider the fact that the majority of drug activity occurs within
Savannah, I think it is fair to question how the funding for CNT is composed.

While Commissioners Dean Kicklighter, David Gellatly and I are new on the
County Commission, we have a right to challenge the status quo -- it was
the status quo that led to the current budget crisis we find swarming
around us. I applaud Mr. Kicklighter's effort to suggest that the city pay
its fair share.

The state constitution gives the County Commission the budgetary authority
to oversee law enforcement expenditures. It is in the best interest of the
citizens of Chatham County that we make those distinctions so that we have
a system of checks and balances.

It is a disservice to the public to not talk about those issues at length.
That is the breeding ground for the status quo. Tabling such discussion in
open meetings keeps us one step away from our common goal of destroying
drug trafficking.

It is possible that Mr. Kicklighter's timing of CNT funding consideration
was premature, because the local option sales tax negotiations will give
the county and the city a chance to address these serious budget issues.

Also, we are merely a month away from the decision as to whether we should
merge the county and city police. If that happens, the CNT would become one
agency between the city and county, balanced by the willing participation
of other municipalities.

At the end of that process, will the Morning News brand the county and city
as anti-law enforcement?

As the issue resurfaces, the answers lie within our ability to see the big
picture, but there are those who stand in the way. Status quo folks will
lead us into the maze of mirrors and blow smoke at us while another child
takes their first toke of marijuana and another person robs cars for crack.

The only words that should be discussed are a comprehensive plan on how to
fight drugs. To make that happen you have to talk. The time is ripe to
create a multifaceted community effort we can all agree upon.

That's the greatest enemy a drug dealer will ever encounter and a sure fire
way for us to win the war.