Crime reporter Stacey Mulick should be commended for thoroughly researching the myriad of issues involving the hazards of mobile meth labs (TNT, 3-9). Mulick talked to many stakeholders to paint the full picture: tow truck companies, auto dealers, the state departments of licensing and health, local public health, law enforcement and more. Clearly, all of them have a stake and need to be part of the solution. This mobile meth lab bill (Senate Bill 5228) was initiated by citizens of the Greater Pierce County Community Network who saw that nothing was being done. They cared because they saw it as a child endangerment issue. All babies and children are at risk of serious harm of being exposed to such a poisonous vehicle, even more so for children who suffer from asthma. We need this law to protect our state's children. [continues 59 words]
After reading the article, "Infant hurt in meth lab" (TNT, 8-25), I was filled with sadness and fury. To delay seeking medical help and allow a baby to suffer for over 12 hours with burns to his face and throat after falling into a bucket of chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine is unfathomable. Even less is allowing a baby near such hazards. I work with the Greater Pierce County Community Network, a group of citizens who are charged by the Legislature to reduce child abuse and neglect. Last year our network worked with state Sen. Marilyn Rasmussen (D-Eatonville) in passing Senate Bill 6260, which adds a felony child-endangerment charge when parents or others are found to have allowed children in a meth lab. This new law adds a mandatory two-year prison sentence to sentencing for the drug charges. [continues 130 words]
