Pubdate: Sun, 28 Jan 2007 Source: Asheville Citizen-Times (NC) Copyright: 2007 Asheville Citizen-Times Contact: http://www.citizen-times.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/863 Author: Bruce Steinbicker MUMPOWER'S DRUG WARRIOR ACT DOES NOT IMPRESS EVERYONE Carl Mumpower's self-appointed role as Asheville's drug watchdog is nothing more than blatant political posturing. If he sincerely wanted to gather information on problem areas, he would do it without media coverage of his adventures. It is interesting to note the many letters to the editor from Mumpower's admiring fans who are not Asheville residents or taxpayers. Local right-wingers, still smarting from their November defeat, have rallied behind this smooth-talking pitchman who shares their narrow view of the world. Is Asheville's drug problem any worse than the problems in other areas? Are the police doing all they can do to combat it? I don't know and neither does Mumpower. I do know the police should be able to do their work without interference from this political grandstander. If the mayor and the entire City Council do not feel the police department is doing its job, it is up to them to take corrective action. Anyone, even a member of City Council, who interferes with sworn law enforcement officers doing their work should be arrested. Bruce Steinbicker Asheville - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman