Pubdate: Thu, 10 Sep 1998
Source: Standard-Times (MA)
Contact:  http://www.s-t.com/ 
Author:  David Rising, Standard-Times staff writer

COUNCILOR WANTS CITY TO HIRE ANTI-DRUG CZAR

NEW BEDFORD -- In an attempt to step up the city's war on drugs, Ward
2 Councilor Paul Koczera is calling for the hiring of a full-time
anti-drug czar to coordinate all anti-drug efforts.

"We really need to do something about the drug problem in the city,"
Mr. Koczera said.

"When you see the busts that they've been doing and the amount that
they are confiscating, it sends a signal that there are real problems,
and it's getting out of hand."

Mr. Koczera's motion for the creation of the position is due to be
discussed and referred to the Committee for Public Safety today.

Mr. Koczera, a Democrat running for state representative, said he was
inspired during campaigning to file the motion.

"I've been going door to door and that's what people have been telling
me their No. 1 concern is the drug problem," Mr. Koczera said. "It's
incredible. A lot of these people are basically prisoners in their own
house because of the problem."

Mr. Koczera said the appointee would work with the police, courts, the
City Council, community groups and others to battle drugs.

"You need a single person who people can go to, rather than nine or 10
different directions," Mr. Koczera said.

He said his ideal candidate would come with a solid background in
fighting drugs -- probably from law enforcement.

He said he envisions a wide search for the person, with a good salary
to attract quality candidates.

"I think it's definitely worth the investment," said Mr. Koczera. "If
this city is going to recover from the doldrums it's been over the
past years, we have to take care of our drug problems."

The idea of an anti-drug czar is not entirely original.

The state created such a position in 1985, and the current official,
Michael C. Mather, came to speak with the City Council last month.

Mr. Mather, a 22-year veteran of the Brockton Police Department, said
the state position largely focused on obtaining grant money to put
toward scholarships and education programs.

"We're really here to help the kids through the adolescent part of
life," said Mr. Mather.

"The governor chooses to keep this office open so that we can help
them get over the hump. It's not easy out there."

Nevertheless, Mr. Mather said he has had the opportunity to work in a
liaison role that Mr. Koczera envisions for the city position.

"People have called in here and I have called in the local drug unit,"
Mr. Mather said. "Some people don't want to talk to the police
directly, so I kind of act as a buffer."

Mr. Koczera said he thinks the other city councilors will support his
idea, and hopes to have someone in named to the post by next year.
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Checked-by: Patrick Henry