Pubdate: Thu, 10 Jun 2004 Source: Register-Guard, The (OR) Copyright: 2004 The Register-Guard Contact: http://www.registerguard.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/362 Author: Zachary Leiken DON'T CUT THE D.A.R.E. PROGRAM I have heard that the city of Springfield's budget proposal is going to cut the DARE drug prevention program in Springfield Schools. I am a sixth-grader at Agnes Stewart Middle School and a 2003 DARE graduate. I would like to request that the city manager, city councilors and Budget Committee reconsider this budget cut. I have heard some people say that DARE might not be effective in prevention of teen drug use. However, I think it has been effective for me and my friends. I also believe that one of the most important reasons that DARE should continue is that it allows kids to get to know police officers on the school campus. Having a friend on the police force gives kids someone that they can call if they are being bullied, harassed, talked to about drug use or if they know that someone is carrying a weapon. I think that the DARE program covers much more than just saying no to drugs. I would like you to join me in asking Springfield to reinstate DARE. Zachary Leiken Springfield - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin