Pubdate: Thu, 20 Jan 2000 Source: San Luis Obispo County Tribune (CA) Copyright: 2000 The Tribune Contact: P.O. Box 112, San Luis Obispo, CA 93406-0112 Fax: 805.781.7905 Website: http://www.thetribunenews.com/ Author: Joseph C. Kelly DRUG RECORD HAS LASTING EFFECTS The endorsement of David Blakely by the Deputy Sheriff's Association is amazing. Their best position would have been to decline to endorse, remain neutral. Why? The job of sheriff's deputies is to keep our communities safe. One of their duties is to pursue the bad guys. In the realm of bad guys are illegal drug users, illegal drug pushers, illegal drug manufacturers, rapists and murderers. Upon the arrest of the bad guys, the sheriff's deputy creates records/files. These records are held until death do them part. These records are used within the legal system as sources of information and information for conviction, often years after the fact. For a Deputy Sheriff's Association president to state the past actions of a confessed multiple-drug user are irrelevant is absurd. What is the recidivism rate for drug users and rapists? Do the people who moved here in the past four years have a right to know the background of a candidate for elected office? Information is a necessary tool to make an informed decision. Mr. Blakely's decision to use illegal drugs, while teaching junior high in Atascadero, was his decision. Now he doesn't want to take responsibility for his decision and action. He would rather call information about his irresponsible decision and action, resorting to dirty tricks. Joseph C. Kelly, Templeton - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D