Pubdate: Mon, 03 Dec 2007 Source: Mayerthorpe Freelancer (CN AB) Copyright: 2007 The Freelancer Contact: http://www.mayerthorpefreelancer.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/733 Author: Melissa Hamelin DRUG SEMINAR SET TO EDUCATE RESIDENTS Council Plans To Combat The Drug Problem In Mayerthorpe Through Education Mayerthorpe's Peace Officer wants to take a bite out of the drug crime in Town. Municipal Enforcement Officer Gord Sedgewick put a suggestion forward that the Town holds drug education seminars. "The proposal is to bring a highly qualified drug lecturer to Mayerthorpe to educate first responder personnel, as well as care giving adults, in various areas surrounding illicit drugs," explained CAO Karen St. Martin. Sedgewick explained the importance of the seminars in a report to council: Council has voiced concerns on behalf of the ratepayers over the current state of illicit drug use within town," he wrote. "The first step in combating any perceived problem is to first understand it and the best way to do that is through education. Council agreed to host the two-part all day seminar, which would be put on by retired Det. Steve Walton, who puts on lectures internationally. "I have heard that this particular detective, through my youth justice work, this guy is an excellent presenter," commented Mayor Doug McDermid. "I would like to see this document saying that council took the first step...If we are successful in passing this motion and hosting this, we really are beginning to accept that there is a drug problem in the Town of Mayerthorpe." Walton would put on two separate seminars in town, with the first geared toward first responders. The report also pointed out that the fire department had not had drug training in the last four years. The second seminar would be geared toward all caregivers. McDermid suggested that council try and co-ordinate this session with the schools as well. "When you think about first line people, you have to think teachers. They are probably more involved with children than a lot of parents for more hours a day," added Councilor Glen Wilcox, who is also a retired educator. He also said he thought the town should try and get funding from other sources as well, such as the RCMP or FCSS. "This is only the first step and maybe if we carry the funding for the first step it will be easier to get funding for the second and third step," said McDermid. Wilcox said that if it were to be a community effort, it would need the attendance from the community groups, as well as funding. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek