Pubdate: Thu, 03 Nov 2005
Source: Albert Lea Tribune (MN)
Copyright: 2005 Albert Lea Tribune Inc.
Contact:  http://www.albertleatribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3521

COLEMAN TO DISCUSS METH IMPACT IN ALBERT LEA

Sen. Norm Coleman announced Wednesday he will hold a listening 
session Friday in Albert Lea to discuss the impact of methamphetamine 
on Minnesota communities. The session will be from 4 to 5 p.m. at the 
Albert Lea City Center, 221 E. Clark St.

During the meetings, which are open to the public, Coleman will meet 
with panelists representing the areas of drug treatment, education, 
prevention, intervention and law enforcement. Coleman will also 
discuss his legislative efforts against meth, such as the Combat Meth 
Act of 2005 and the establishment of the Coleman Meth Task Force in Minnesota.

"I look forward to meeting with those in the community who deal with 
the meth problem first-hand and are concerned with its destructive 
impact," said Coleman. "Meth is a community killer, and it will take 
the work of those on every level - from teachers, parents, local law 
enforcement and elected officials - to combat its destructive 
effects. While we have taken steps in the Senate to begin fighting 
this epidemics, it is crucial that we remain committed to fighting 
meth in Minnesota and throughout the country."

The senate recently approved a bill coauthored by Sen. Coleman called 
the Combat Meth Act of 2005. The bill requires cold medicines 
containing meth-making ingredients to be stored behind the counter 
and limits the amount a person can buy in a single purchase, creates 
a national meth treatment center, and authorizes $43 million for meth 
enforcement, training and research.

In September, Coleman unveiled the Coleman Meth Task Force, a group 
comprised of law enforcement officials, treatment workers, health 
care professionals, school nurses and other concerned citizens.

The panel set up for Friday's listening session will include: Steve 
Hubbard, president of the Freeborn County Sheriff's Youth Program; 
Jerry Ehn, administrator, Fountain Center of Albert Lea; Jim Siegel, 
president, United Way of Freeborn County Board of Directors; Trish 
Reedstrom, supervisor, Blue Earth County Social Services; Corey 
Farris, Freeborn County Sheriff's Office and South Central Drug 
Investigation Unit; and Rep. Dan Dorman (27-A).
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman