Pubdate: Wed, 10 Aug 2005
Source: Valley Independent, The (Monessen, PA)
Copyright: 2005 The Tribune-Review Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.valleyindependent.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2641
Author: Stacy Wolford

PATERRA LOOKS TO COUNCIL FOR ANTI-DRUG PLAN

CHARLEROI - Frank Paterra claims council members were "hostile" to him when
he questioned them Tuesday night about a plan to curb drugs in the borough.

But Councilman Jerry Jericho, chairman of the police department, says
Paterra's got it all wrong.

Paterra, who won both the Democratic and Republican nominations for mayor in
the May primary election, last night asked council to present a plan to the
residents to drive out drug trafficking.

Paterra said he asked council last month to work with him and offered his
assistance to form a comprehensive plan to implement a "major offense on the
war against drugs in Charleroi."

"They have no plan at all and I was really surprised because they were
hostile to me," Paterra said. "Their answer was the drugs in our community
aren't different than in any other town."

Jericho denied council was hostile to him and claims Paterra is trying to
"get press" by making presentations at public meetings.

"Why doesn't he come to our agenda meetings or come to us one on one?"
Jericho asked. Paterra defeated Jericho in his bid for mayor in the primary
election. Bob Reese is now running as an independent candidate.

Jericho said he was "offended" by personal attacks Paterra allegedly made
against his eight years in office.

"I don't think he has a plan, but we all told him we would love to hear it,"
Jericho said. "I met with the police chief after the meeting and I will
continue to help them after my term ends (in January) if they want it."

Paterra said he will continue attending the council meetings monthly.

"I will be back in September asking the same questions," Paterra said.
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