Public involvement
We have just witnessed the power of public involvement. A small group of citizens with a concern for the public welfare, began meeting about three months ago to study drug addiction in our area. Little did we know what an education we would receive in a short period of time. We all were aware of marijuana, cocaine, heroin and LSD from the DEA and other public outlets. The real shock came when we were told that there is a substance sold legally in some convenient stores in our area to anyone no matter the age. The name of the product is Kratom. This product could be addictive and even deadly. The product was researched on the internet and from some personal testimony by our group. Local stores were surveyed and the product was found to be readily available and in some cases offered for sale by the clerk in the store. To say we were shocked is an understatement. After some research, the committee drafted an ordnance to ban this substance. This ordnance was presented to the board of supervisors and city council for their approval. The city approved this ordnance, a move to make our community better and our children safer. The county is asking for a public hearing before they decide.
I hope this will show everyone the power of public involvement to improve our community. I also hope the state of Mississippi will follow Columbus’ city council and call for a state-wide ban.
Let’s band together to make Columbus and America great and safe.
God bless America,
Lee Roy Lollar
Columbus
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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