Source: Standard-Times (MA) Pubdate: Tuesday, 21 July, 1998 Contact: http://www.s-t.com/ Author: LTE - CHARLES MOTTA, New Bedford BRING DRUG WATCH BACK -- WITH CHANGES In the June 22 Standard-Times, you argued against reinstating Drug Watch, and responded to the question re-opened by the Bullard Street Neighborhood Association. Your points: The Standard-Times does not have the human resources to meet this need; Drug Watch gives New Bedford an image as a "city of menace"; Drug Watch was inherently flawed because it publicized the victims of drug use instead of the "high rolling manipulators." All were good points, but they failed to address the fundamental impact that pro-active drug deterrence and aggressive reporting contains. I believe that Drug Watch should be reinstated -- with changes. 1. The Standard-Times should work in coordination with the Third District Court in New Bedford as well as the Police Department to have names and photographs (mug shots) faxed or e-mailed to the paper. This would eliminate The Standard-Times' need to assign a photographer or reporter. 2. Using aggressive reporting to send a pro-active message to the community that the newspaper (as a for-profit institution) is willing to take a stand and draw attention to the social concerns of our neighborhoods is necessary. A local newspaper with this attitude adds to the positive action of the community instead of portraying it as a "city of menace." 3. Prevention information must be added to prosecution, and the newspaper should acknowledge this. Drug Watch should be published in conjunction with daily information on drug prevention, education to children, and free advertising space for non-profit community prevention groups. We cannot continue to address our social problems without offering social solutions. Every social concern is helped with better communication and the newspaper is the perfect vehicle for that. 4. The Standard-Times should facilitate and law enforcement officials. Both sides should be represented and allowed to express their views. This debate could be a daily component to Drug Watch. The grassroots support for this has been building steadily since the review of the Police Department was revealed over a year ago, encouraging more community connections. Ultimately, the improvement of your subscribers to speak on this issue will benefit the paper, the police, and the communities. Drug Watch can work for The Standard-Times and the people of New Bedford. Drug use will not disappear because of these changes, but I feel that these actions can address the social concerns to the people of New Bedford. Not reporting on this will only contribute to social apathy and hurt us all. Please consider the interest Standard-Times readers have for the reinstatement of the Drug Watch column. CHARLES MOTTA New Bedford - --- Checked-by: "Rich O'Grady"