Pubdate: Thu, 18 May 2006
Source: Casper Star-Tribune (WY)
Copyright: 2006 Casper Star-Tribune
Contact:  http://www.casperstartribune.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/765
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

DEBATE WILL HELP STATE  FOCUS ON METH SOLUTIONS

It's good to know that potential solutions to Wyoming's 
methamphetamine epidemic will be part of the gubernatorial debate 
this year. It's a major problem that affects every age group and 
economic class.

We need a healthy discussion of how to deal with meth from the law 
enforcement, treatment and prevention perspectives. Republican 
candidate Ray Hunkins has proposed a cabinet-level administrator to 
coordinate such an effort. Democratic Gov. Dave Freudenthal 
dismissively labeled the proposed official a "drug czar."

Whatever you call the job, ideas for fighting meth deserve discussion 
in this year's campaign. The challenge -- for the candidates as well 
as the voters -- will be to distinguish gimmicks from effective 
measures to reduce the manufacture and use of meth.

As Freudenthal noted, the drug czar model has not worked effectively 
at the federal level. Unfortunately, Wyoming's efforts also have much 
room for improvement. A Legislative Service Office audit earlier this 
year cited a fragmented approach as one of the state's major problems 
in its fight against meth.

The audit indicated it's difficult to know if the Legislature's 
allocation of $25 million for treatment is actually helping, because 
of a lack of accountability, data and a solid plan to address 
substance abuse problems.

The state's Substance Abuse Division, meanwhile, says Wyoming needs 
more treatment options, especially residential services and help for 
adolescents and women with children.

Hunkins says he would create a Governor's Drug Enforcement, 
Prevention and Treatment Office. The administrator would directly 
report to him, and be responsible for implementing the reforms 
recommended in the LSO audit.

Freudenthal views such a plan as a top-down approach that would 
merely centralize more authority in Cheyenne. He proposes using more 
resources at the local level to identify and solve problems.

"The state shouldn't dictate what they do in communities," 
Freudenthal told a Wheatland drug conference last year.

There is tremendous potential to politicize this issue and point 
fingers about whom to blame for what hasn't worked. Instead, the 
focus should be on the best way for the state to coordinate its 
future efforts so we're spending money wisely, where it most needs to go.

The two gubernatorial candidates clearly have different visions of 
what the state should be doing. The debate surely will be 
interesting; we hope it's productive as well.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman