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.
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MAP posted-by: Beth