Pubdate: Fri, 10 Feb 2006
Source: Peterborough This Week (CN ON)
Column: Casting Words
Copyright: 2006 Peterborough This Week
Contact:  http://www.peterboroughthisweek.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1794
Author: Lance Anderson

JUBY'S MOTION UP IN SMOKE?

Politicking at its finest was on display at Monday night's council 
meeting. Councillor Bill Juby offered a surprise motion for his 
colleagues to quickly digest and vote on. He wants the Peterborough 
Lakefield Police Services Board to strike a committee to look into 
what it would take to fight drug crime.

Although an interesting idea, and one councillors had little choice 
but to endorse, it would appear Coun. Juby has started his 
campaigning for the November municipal election, even though he has 
yet to declare.

By turning down such a motion would make council appear callous 
towards a real problem plaguing the streets. So, councillors had no 
choice but to vote in favour of the motion. Most were probably 
thinking if they gave Coun. Juby the nod, then their 
close-to-election-day motions would also get some attention.

The timing for Coun. Juby's motion is questionable, given the cost 
implications attached to this. Council has just agreed to hire five 
new police officers and an extensive facility review at the Water 
Street police station is currently underway. Each will cost the city 
tens of thousands of dollars.

The drug committee could come back and say 10 additional officers or 
newer expensive technologies are needed to put a dent in the local 
drug trade. Regardless, stress will be put on the City's budget that 
is already stretched.

Coun. Juby has enough experience to know the cost implications of 
such a motion. Is he willing to ask his constituents to pay more 
taxes to finance his war on drugs?

Having said that, there is sincerity behind Coun. Juby and his motion.

Speaking on Tuesday he told of a ride-along he did with a police 
officer one night. He was introduced to the grim side of 
Peterborough, one that hides in back alleys and rotted places the 
druggies don't think the cops know about.

Drugs are in Peterborough and no matter what recommendations are 
made, or what new strategy may be used, the war on drugs will never be won.

But what if police were victorious? What if Peterborough was drug-free?

For one thing we wouldn't need half the officers that are on the 
roster, let alone the countless service groups and counseling 
agencies that deal with the drug addicts and drug-associated affects.

The court system would also notice a lull in activity. No drugs would 
equal less crime.

The majority of break-ins and robberies are drug related, as is gun 
crime. Avoiding gun crime in quiet Peterborough is one reason Coun. 
Juby wants something done. He's heard that more and more dealers from 
Toronto are selling here on the weekends, increasing the chances of a 
turf war -- something we should try to avoid at all costs.

If Coun. Juby made this motion this time last year there'd be no 
reason to question his motives. But the campaigning has to start 
somewhere and there's no better issue to grab the public's attention 
than declaring a war on drugs.

And if a viable solution is suggested I'll tip my hat to Coun. Juby 
for having the idea and political know-how to clean up the underbelly 
of Peterborough.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom