Drug Inspections in schools, D. Patton Ltr.
I realize my argwnents need to go before the school board, which I have done.
Likewise, I respect your decision not to send a letter that might influence another separate
entity on their vote. However, that doesn't mean that my crusade is over.
See, the public may be unaware of this, but it just so happens that two very vocal
members greatly influenced and even regularly sway a majority of the school board to
side with them without the board first getting a chance to base their decisions on facts. In
doing so, they have largely said that the issue of allowing drug-sniffing dogs in buildings
should be left in the hands of the policy committee to decide, Ironically, that same
committee just happens to be controlled by those outspoken members. As a result, this
issue may never be revisited again, unless someone else is willing to step forward and
speak up besides me.
I have even contacted several school administrators. Larry Mitchell from Senior
High, for example, said he brought this issue up a couple years ago because he was really
in favor of it, and even offered Senior High to help pilot the program, but the idea was
turned down. Additionally, after last night's council meeting, Pat Kline approached me to
say that her junior high son had been approached on his way home from school to
purchase drugs. But, because cameras were rolling, she didn't want to say that publicly.
(Yes, I can only guess how he might have been treated after that was made public.)
The reason that I turned to the city council is out of fear that this alleged problem
of drugs and drug trafficking in our schools will be largely swept under the rug. I also
turned to you so that the public might be finally aware that Dubuque is either the only
district, or one of only a handful that doesn't allow this practice. See, even though we
have this valuable resource at our disposal, it is not being utilized.
Meanwhile, the availability of drugs and the number of meth labs is on the
increase, which is giving the city of Dubuque a real black eye. Therefore, if we really
want to sell the idea that the Dubuque is a good place to raise children - if we want to
convince young people not to move away - if we want to project to the world how
Dubuque looks after its citizens, then we have to concern ourselves with all of Dubuque,
not just with streets, subdivisions, and building codes. After all, while that is all well and
good, the quality of any place begins first with its citizens who not only look out for their
own self-interests, but first and foremost for their neighbors.
I think somebody once said that it takes a village to raise a child. I realize that the
city council doesn't want to get involved with school issues, and likewise doesn't like the
schools meddling in their affairs, but this problem of drugs is bigger than all of us -
potentially becoming an epidemic. Likewise, it will take all of us to defeat it.
Therefore, ifthe schools don't want to touch this issue, and ifthe city doesn't
want to intervene, the problem will only get bigger, not smaller! (Yet, is anyone really
interested in the safety and welfare of our youth?)
Yes, one day, I hope all of the diverse elements of this city that I've called home
for the last 38 years, can finally come together and learn to function as one, rather than
choosing to go their separate way.
Again, I want to thank you for your time and consideration on this very important
Va/.
Dear City Council Members,
Issue.
Respectfully,
David H. Patton
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