Minutes 06/13/1989 - Laserfiche WebLink

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TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 1989 from City Manager George Brown on September 27, 1988, which concluded with the statements, "This whole problem requires a total community effort". On October 25, 1988, City Council appointed what I consider as being a "Blue Ribbon" committee of community leaders, whose report presented.to us tonight is very complete and certainly represents an excellent summary of the current situation in Martinsville. I would like to address one aspect of this subject, which is generally called "drug abuse". At the outset, I had a difficult time with these'terms; nevertheless, now, I believe that I under- stand them. I grew up during the era of "prohibition", which meant alcohol. We all know wha[ happened to prohibition. Alcohol and its associated problems have been with us for centuries ..... but, don't misunderstand me. I'm all for the programs that we have locally to help the alcoholic or to eliminate the drunk driver; yet, let me take you'back to Chief Roop's words, "THE PROBLEM CAN DESTROY SOCIETY ". Chief Roop was talking about illegal drugs, and illegal drugs are the reason this special committee was established. I strongly suggest that, if this Council elects to appoint another such committee, as recommended by Barry Greene, its primary target should be illegal drugs with the emphasis on action. Meanwhile, I shall be pleased if the present ad hoc committee will continue in this cause and become the permanent committee proposed in the report. Mr. Robert S. Martin, of 104 Massey Street and present at this meeting, cited the need for a return of parental control of children and good examples by parents as the primary means of combatting and eradicating drug-and-substance abuse. While concurring with Mr. Martin, Vice-Mayor Willjams cited the present need for money and manpower and the need to exert a concerted effort, whereas Councilman McClain, also concurring with Mr. Martin, expressed concurrence with Councilman Cole's statement. Upon motion, duly seconded and unanimously carried, Council accepted the special committee's report with "thanks" and continued the report for further consideration at Council's forthcoming June 27th regular meeting, with Councilman Groden's request that, meanwhile, City Manager Brown respond to the report's findings with his recommended course of action, along with options available to Council, for Council's consideration.