Pubdate: Wed, 07 Apr 2004
Source: Boston Globe (MA)
Copyright: 2004 Globe Newspaper Company
Contact:  http://www.boston.com/globe/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/52
Author: Sean P. Murphy
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.)

DARE GROUP TO WELCOME A CRITIC

As she announced plans this week to improve the criminal justice system, 
Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey took aim at DARE, one of the funding 
darlings of the 1990s "war on drugs."

"We have known for a long time DARE doesn't work," Healey said of the Drug 
Abuse Resistance Education program, which puts police officers in 
classrooms to lead talks with students on drugs and crime.

The criticism was news to those who champion the program -- and had invited 
Healey to deliver the keynote speech in a four-day conference cosponsored 
by DARE in Sturbridge on April 20.

"I'm sure she is going to get tossed a few pointed questions," said Domenic 
DiNatale, executive director of the Massachusetts DARE Officers 
Association. "But I give her credit for still coming."

The state cut its funding of DARE in 2002, prompting Janice Cunningham, an 
East Bridgewater police officer, to lobby Healey for a more generous view 
of DARE.

"I can't say she specifically endorsed DARE, but she didn't raise any 
criticism," said Cunningham, who met with Healey a year ago. Cunningham 
followed up by inviting Healey to address the conference. She accepted 
months before releasing the 100-page report on criminal justice improvements.

"We meet with many groups interested in public policy," Eric Ferhnstrom, a 
Romney spokesman, said yesterday. "When they invite us, we don't ask first 
if they share our agenda. "

Despite her recent comments, Healey will be welcomed, organizers said. 
"She'll get a very professional reception," promised Cunningham, 
co-president of the officers association. "But I am hoping she will modify 
her views."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom