Source: SunSentinel Author: James G. Driscoll, Editorial Writer Pubdate: Sunday, 21 December 1997 Contact: Note: For LTEs we suggest using the form at: http://www.sunsentinel.com/SunServe/letters_editor.htm A Special Editorial Page Report HE WHO WOULD GOVERN SHOULD ACT NOW Boldness at the top is badly needed to fight drugs in Florida. The governor should step forward aggressively, name a statewide drug czar and start a highprofile, allout drive to arrest drug dealers and suppliers. That's the voterpleasing stuff, necessary but not sufficient. Simultaneously, the governor should round up the nation's best researchers in drug prevention, bring them to Florida for as long as necessary and instill their teachings in community antidrug coalitions across the state. And in the minds of every parent, teacher and counselor who can be persuaded to listen. That's the intrepid plan to halt narcotics abuse before it starts, to give Florida's children the best odds for a drugfree and productive life. Then the governor not the incumbent lame duck, but his successor should stump the state the way Walkin' Lawton Chiles used to, wearing out shoe leather in every hamlet and big city neighborhood. The governor should hammer at drug abuse over and over and over, never letting up, never giving up. If the two main contenders to succeed Chiles, Democrat Buddy MacKay and Republican Jeb Bush, have a grain of sense, one or both will start this process during the campaign for governor. Jump in, now. Stake out the turf. Declare that Florida's war against drugs is the state's top priority for children. Point out, repeatedly, that children can't learn if their brains are crippled by drugs. Do this. Now. Offer the priceless gift of a drugfree life to every one of Florida's precious children. Not only will it be good for children. Voters will love it. Copyright © 1997, SunSentinel Company and South Florida Interactive, Inc.