"FORCES OF GOOD" AND "DARKNESS" AT PLAY IN FUNDING DECISION

OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino says in his book, "Duty: The Life of a Cop,"
that cities can designate as drug-free zones any area within a 300 metre
radius of local schools, city parks and other city owned facilities. This
gives prosecutors and judges extra ammunition in sentencing. I passed this
idea along to Mayor Mathieson six months ago. There was no response.

It is entirely possible that the federal government, in considering
funding for the University of Waterloo's Stratford campus, is
wondering if Stratford has a handle on its out of control drug scene.
Bringing 1,000 young people here, away from their parents, the
government has to be careful. I don't mean to be negative, but the
reality is that there would be parties and meth could be available.
For many students money is tight so, sadly, some could resort to
dealing drugs for cash. Also, methamphetamine could be used for
staying up cramming for tests.

I see a connection between the local meth problem and the Feds'
hesitation to commit $10 million. Make no mistake, this is a dramatic
struggle between the forces of good (pro-university) and the forces of
darkness (organized crime). City council should do everything it can
to influence the outcome. How hard can it be for council to take 15
minutes and adopt Commissioner Fantino's strategy?

Murray Scott,

Stratford