Pubdate: Fri, 24 Jun 2005 Source: Middlesboro Daily News, The (KY) Copyright: 2005 None found Contact: http://www.middlesborodailynews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1854 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?136 (Methadone) STATE DELAYS DECISION ON CLINIC The State Narcotic Authority has decided to reschedule today's review of Rehabilitation Drug Services' application to dispense Methadone in order to allow the public to attend the meeting. But, there will be limitations. "It's an open meeting with no public hearing or testimony. They'll let us in and listen to them, but that's good enough," said Dr. Ronald Dubin, founder of M.A.D (Middlesboro Against Drugs). Dubin and his organization have led the fight against the proposed clinic. The meeting will be rescheduled before July 18, said Dubin. Gwenda Bond, spokeswoman for the State Narcotic Authority said the decision was made because, "We knew people wanted to see the deliberations of the panel." Bond said public input would not be welcomed at the meeting because the purpose of the panel was to review the application. She said it would consider previous stated public opinion, but not accept any new input. In an interview earlier this week, Dubin said he suspected legal action may be taken by the city of Middlesboro if the clinic is allowed to dispense Methadone. The state could face litigation from the clinic owners as well. A. Thomas Monceret, a Knoxville attorney representing the clinic owners Barbara Smith and Pam Wenger said if the state does not license the clinic, he would advise his clients to file a suit under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Since the June 7 Middlesboro City Council meeting in which clinic officials addressed the council in an effort to inform the community of their intentions, a steady outpouring of public opposition has crystallized around MAD. Two days later, MAD members and other concerned citizens packed the Middlesboro City Council chambers to voice their concerns to Bell. On June 16, MAD hosted a protest rally downtown that drew more than 300 people. Once the new meeting is rescheduled, Dubin said MAD would assemble as many people as possible to travel to Frankfort and attend the meeting. "Our message was apparently heard in Frankfort, that we want our concerns to be heard in the panel," said Dubin. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom