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State Representative Jim Buchy
Focusing
Efforts on Working Together to Curb the Drug Problem
The drug problem facing our community in western Ohio and across the
state is an issue that requires persistent attention and steadfast
resolve. I have been very tuned into this issue and will keep working
to address it.
Last summer, a study committee traveled across the state to learn more
about the drug problem facing us. As a result, the committee was able
to discuss several policy initiatives that would help those addicted to
drugs in Ohio. The information gathered in those committee
meetings resulted in a number of bills that primarily focused on access
to high quality recovery care.
This summer, my colleagues and I are planning to travel the state to
further study law enforcement’s role in curbing this problem. Law
enforcement needs the ability to identify users and peddlers in order
to provide them with the help they need—sometimes traditional methods
such as incarceration only make the problem worse. Listening to
the experts on the ground will help identify ways that Ohio can improve
the ability of law enforcement to work on this issue.
In order to solve the growing drug problem, we must have a
comprehensive plan for treatment and enforcement. To accomplish this,
the barriers between law enforcement jurisdictions must be broken down
so that they can work more effectively to crack down on drug rings.
Unfortunately, it seems Ohio’s law enforcement officers often have
their hands tied when encountering drug problems. A major focus of the
committee work will be determining barriers in law enforcement
communication and developing a strategic plan for all jurisdictions to
work together. The committee will travel Ohio, gathering input
from experts and citizens alike from each region in the
state.
At the conclusion of the process, the committee will prepare a
comprehensive report to help guide policy initiatives in the
legislature over the next year. The increasing drug problem in the
state is something we should all be concerned about. There is a lot of
work yet to do, but I will continue to address this issue with the help
of the local law enforcement community and the mental health and
addiction services folks. The fight against drugs in our state is
a battle that must be steadfast in its effort and resolve.
Please give me your opinion on this topic and others in the news this
month by completing an online survey at tinyurl.com/buchyjuly2014
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