Pubdate: Thu, 09 May 2002 Source: Messenger-Inquirer (KY) Copyright: 2002 Messenger-Inquirer Contact: http://www.messenger-inquirer.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1285 Author: Betty Primrose Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n821/a02.html GIVE US THE SIMPLE THINGS IN LIFE Regarding the recent headline "Teens have few drug rehab options; Even for adults, services in Owensboro are limited." And why do they have few options? Teens will be our leaders -- mayor, commissioners and possibly president. It seems that the city and county leaders can only see the riverfront, the RiverPark Center and the all important Greenbelt Park. These are luxuries that are used by a few of the population. Children should come first. According to our local paper, we are way up there in meth, Ecstasy, and other drugs. Of course, it's not just the children, it is a large part our local population and rehab, and education is important to everyone. For some reason our local government wears blinders for anything serious that residents need or want. They have little time for problems of the people. I think people want their tax money spent on important things: rehab and detoxification for addicts and new schools with smaller classes. We need a new community complex. A skating rink with lower rates and pool tables. There would be less time for drugs and other mischief. We need these things instead of the "big bucks" projects the majority of taxpayers do not want. The City Commission and Fiscal Court should change their attitudes and work together so more people will want to live here. Owensboro isn't and never has been cultural. That has always been one of our best assets. People move here for a simpler life. Make it good, safe, fun and kind of rural for the kids, and the parents will come. Betty Primrose Owensboro - --- MAP posted-by: Ariel