Pubdate: Fri, 29 Mar 2002 Source: Worcester Telegram & Gazette (MA) Copyright: 2002 Worcester Telegram & Gazette Contact: http://www.telegram.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/509 Note: only publishes letters from state residents. QUALITY OF LIFE In a sensible ruling that should help to make conditions in public housing much more tolerable, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a zero-tolerance drug policy covering federally subsidized complexes. The ruling lets stand a 1998 law that gives local housing authorities the discretion to evict a tenant for the drug-related activity of household members and guests, even if it was unclear that the tenant knew of the illegal activity. The no-excuses policy, in some instances, may appear to be overly tough on parents, grandparents or other lease holders who are evicted as a result of crimes committed by delinquent family members or guests in their homes. In fact, they are responsible for reining in younger family members in their care. This is a quality of life issue for the residents of the many public housing projects in Worcester and other communities in Central Massachusetts. Tenants have a right to expect to live in a safe, decent, drug-free and crime-free environment. The Supreme Court properly has given top priority to the well-being of public-housing tenants, responsibility and the rule of law. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth