Pubdate: Wed, 11 Sep 2002 Source: Lincoln Journal Star (NE) Copyright: 2002 Lincoln Journal Star Contact: http://www.journalstar.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/561 BRUNING VOWS METH BATTLE State Sen. Jon Bruning said Tuesday he'd target the methamphetamine drug market as attorney general. "Nebraska's meth problem has become a scourge on our society," the Republican nominee said at a Lincoln news conference. Efforts to combat methamphetamine would be one of his priority initiatives if he is elected this fall, he said. Bruning said he'd focus on elimination of meth labs, a plan to reduce costs associated with cleaning up busted labs, increased public awareness of the problem and coordination with law enforcement officers and retailers. "This is an extremely addictive drug," Bruning said. "Any fool can make it in their basement or barn." Meth lab busts have increased from 10 in 1998 to 207 in 2001, he said. Almost 200 busts already have occurred this year. Nebraska should consider the Missouri model of positioning hazardous waste bunkers across the state to reduce costs of cleaning up busted labs, Bruning said. Bruning did not propose any change in the recently beefed-up penalty structure. "In most cases, we have stiff penalties and I want judges to have the ability to make that decision," he said. Bruning's other policy initiatives include protecting the elderly from physical and financial abuse; addressing domestic violence and victims' rights; and expanding consumer protection. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth