Staff Writer
HOULTON — The 2008 federal budget has suggested cutbacks in funding for the nation’s drug task forces, which includes the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency (MDEA). The current funding for the country’s programs are $520 million. President Bush has recommended a two-thirds cut to $107 million. Local officials insist that if this happens, it could cripple the ongoing efforts of drug prevention throughout the county and state.
“Without this money, after Oct. 1, I don’t even know if we’ll have an MDEA,” explained Houlton Police Chief Butch Asselin. “If this matter goes through Washington like it’s proposed, I don’t know how we’re going to fund it.”
Chief Asselin said $900 million was raised for the Byrne/JAG program in 2002, which is what funds the state’s MDEA. In the state of Maine, there are 13 drug field agents and nine prosecutor field agents who work consistently toward the eradication of drugs in their communities.
Town councilors approved the execution of a letter to Maine’s Congressional delegation to request help in restoring funding to the Byrne/JAG program during their Feb. 25 meeting.
Council Chair Paul Cleary noted the impact that the loss would be to the town of Houlton, as well as Aroostook County.
“This is an important funding because this helps fund our police officer who is currently with the MDEA and it’s working,” said Cleary. “We as a council, a few years ago, voted to give up an officer to the MDEA to help out with the drug problem in the area, as well as Washington County. “It’s definitely working and it’s definitely getting harder and harder for people to purchase drugs and sell drugs in our area. The drug problem in Houlton isn’t cured, and neither is in Aroostook County.
“With losing this funding, we’re losing a viable part in the fight against drugs,” he added. “It’s stupid.”
Councilors echoed Cleary’s statements saying losing the program would be like surrendering to the drug dealers. Councilor Paul Romanelli knows all too well the effects that drug use has on people and as a physician, he’s dead against giving up.
“At this point in time, it’s an awful message,” he said. “This is one of the biggest problems we have in the country. It’s not just about Maine, it’s about the entire country and I do think that it’s an awful message and it’s almost a surrender to the problem and I think that we ought to do everything we can to support continued funding at least at the current level.”
Town Manager Doug Hazlett agreed that now was not the time to give up the fight. He said the MDEA program is crucial in order to help the local police officers in doing their jobs.
“It isn’t just about the town of Houlton, it’s the whole region and the MDEA is getting very, very successful in doing broad-based campaigns throughout northern Maine and for this not to be funded is a very foolish move because we’re finally making progress,” said Hazlett. “I really do encourage (the council) to fight for it.”
Councilor Walter Goodrich recalled the numerous community meetings held last year in an effort to curb drug use in the county. He agreed that the problem wasn’t just a local community and police issue, it’s nationwide.
“It’s more of a problem every year, especially for the kids,” said Goodrich. “We were pretty excited to actually see something working and see some progress. To have to retreat now would be a crime.”
Town councilors agreed to support the request to keep the Byrne/JAG program at current funding levels.
