| Story Date: Thursday, March 16, 2006 Drug Task Force seeking support Cuts to task force funding will reduce effectiveness, sheriff says By Scarlet Sims area@couriernews.com LONDON -- A resolution supporting the 5th Judicial District Drug Task Force in Pope County was passed by the London City Council during its meeting Tuesday night, according to Mayor Edwin Price. "This is not just an Arkansas deal," Price said. "It's for the whole United States." The resolution titled "A resolution urging the Arkansas Congressional Delegation to support the reinstatement of the Byrne Grant funding or, alternatively, to provide other funding for our Drug Task Force," was well-received, Pope County Sheriff Jay Winters said. The resolution was conceived by Winters and other county sheriffs to drum up support for the task force. Winters said Jim Coutts, county attorney, and David Gibbons, 5th Judicial District prosecutor, helped write the ordinance London approved. Although, no money was committed, city leaders hope the resolution will help stop cuts to funding. The main funding for DTF was cut 35 percent during the last fiscal year, Winters said. Another 47-percent cut was being considered for next fiscal year, which starts in July. The resolution is an attempt to get the attention of leaders in Washington, D.C., as well as on the state level. The resolution points out facts about DTF, including its effectiveness in combating methamphetamine use, and states DTF would not be able to operate effectively at a reduced rate. Winters said the resolution will be taken to all cities in the county to try to raise awareness. Eventually, the Pope County Quorum Court will consider the resolution before it moves to the state and federal levels. "We're hopeful this will get things back on the up-swing for us," Winters said, adding all sheriffs in the state were attempting to raise support. London was the first city in Pope County to approve the resolution, Winters said. The resolution will be heard next by the Hector City Council tonight. The RIVER VALLEY METH PROJECT will also discuss the task force durings its March 29 meeting at Arkansas Tech University. Look for additional coverage in future editions of The Courier. |