Pubdate: Thu, 4 Mar 1999 Source: Standard-Times (MA) Copyright: 1999 The Standard-Times Contact: http://www.s-t.com/ Author: Standard-Times editors Note: This is quite an opportunity. The Standard-Times is requesting your thoughts. READERS SHARE THOUGHTS ON DRUG PROBLEM Readers through the SouthCoast region have called or written The Standard-Times to relay their thoughts about drug use in the area or to tell personal stories. Some have complained about unabated drug dealing on streets in front of their homes. Others have described uplifting tales of recovery. "There are a lot of people in the community that have turned their lives around. They run businesses and are involved in the community, but they don't put their stuff out there," said one recovered addict. Several readers have complained about shortages of places to stay for recovering addicts. Some have said addicts have no chance of recovery in jail, while others say addicts and dealers should have to spend more time behind bars, or even be subject to the death penalty. The newspaper has received thanks from readers for bringing attention to the problem and criticism from others for tarnishing the city's image. The paper plans in the days ahead to run as many of the comments as possible and to highlight personal stories about how drugs have affected the lives of SouthCoast residents. Do you have a story to tell, a suggestion or information to contribute to our series of stories on drugs in the SouthCoast region? Staff writer Polly Saltonstall can be reached by telephone at 979-4446, by e-mail or by mail at The Standard-Times, 25 Elm St., New Bedford, MA 02740. - --- MAP posted-by: Don Beck