Pubdate: Sun, 7 Oct 2001 Source: Daily Reflector (NC) Copyright: 2001 Daily Reflector Contact: http://www.reflector.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1456 Author: Kim Walters Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.) CANDIDATE WRONG ABOUT WAR ON DRUGS I was absolutely apppalled by the Oct. 3 article that quoted Mike Ruff and his position on drugs in our society. The impression I got was that Mr. Ruff feels that drugs are OK as long as no one is getting hurt. He also left the impression that the police need to leave the drug users alone as long as the offender was not hurting anyone else or committing a crime at the time. Tell me Mr. Ruff, is it therefore OK for drug users to be at school with my children? Do you honestly feel that the police should wait for them to commit a crime before they become concerned. We have invested such valuable and worthwhile time teaching our youth about the dangers of drugs and then we have an "adult" who wants to lead our city with an attitude that sends such a negative message. How many parents, teachers and adminstrators want this type of person with this type of message making decisions for us as to the future of our city? I certainly don't. Is Mr. Ruff not familiar with the DARE program and it's success in our state? Does he not believe that it takes local involvement as well? I am truly concerned and hope that Mr. Ruff will enlighten us to more of his views before election time. KIM WALTERS Winterville - --- MAP posted-by: GD