This just in, from Democratic mayoral hopeful Art Ward:
Steve, in response to Mr. Johnson's scare tactics promoting the clouded perception of drug enforcement efforts in the City of Bristol, I requested information from the Bristol Police Department pertaining to initiatives that are contributing to addressing this issue.
It is both the responsibility and the obligation of persons, either elected or seeking elected office, to ensure that the information being brought forth to the public is both noteworthy and accurate.
If Mr. Johnson had taken the time and simply asked the Police Departments as to the status of the drug trade in Bristol and the means of confronting the issue. he would have been informed of the following:
1.) the police department put (9) nine additional officers on the road as a result of implementing the civilian dispatch system
2.) the police department teaches 34 DARE classes in 14 different schools throughout the city, teaching approximately 850 5th grade students of the dangers and consequences of drug abuse.
3.) five years ago, the police department gave birth to a new (2) two person Crime Suppression Unit focusing on street level narcotics violations and crimes associated with narcotic abuse, This size of this unit has increased to (4) four patrol officers and (1) one supervisor.
(4) of the (4) four police dogs, (2) two of them are specially trained in narcotic detection and efforts are underway to have the other (2) two dogs trained in narcotic detection also.
(5) in 1990, the Narcotic Enforcement Team (NET) began with (3) three detectives and (1) one detective supervisor and today consists of (5) five detectives and (1) one detective supervisor.
(6) the Bristol Police Department has (1) one police officer assigned to the Statewide Narcotics Task Force (SNTF) and has partnered with SNTF for the past (17) seventeen years.
(7) the department HAS a dedicated "Drug Tip" phone line (860) 585-8477 set up for tips to be called in 24/7 in addition to the normal telephone lines and an E-mail account, BPDCrimewatch@ci.bristol.ct.us which was set up this year.
(8) the department has used and is in the process of using the Nuisance Abatement Law to shut down businesses associated with the narcotics trade, resulting in the closure of those businesses and the seizure of related assets.
I would strongly suggest that Mr. Johnson demonstrate the utmost of respect for the men and women who are sworn to "serve and protect" the residents of this community by responsibly researching the proper information relating to his concerns rather than spreading alarm and inaccurate personal.opinions in order to create political fodder; lives may very well depend on it.
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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
42 comments:
Mr. Ward,
Please give me a break. The drug problem here in town is horrendous! It was curious that when Mr. Johnson made a press release re: the drug issue the police dept made a bust very quickly. I am a parent of teenagers and we are in big trouble as a community. I am sorry that you do not share the same concerns as Mr. Johnson. Mr. Ward DARE is great and all but I would have rather my kids get those lessons in Jr.HIGH not 5th grade, maybe even 6th grade. I am very sorry that I settled down here in Bristol. The Politics in this town are the most disgusting I have ever seen. I wonder if Plainville, Plymouth and Terryville have these ruthless actions going on. I feel sorry for all that live in this fishbowl. This has potential to be a nice little town, but you, and the rest of the backstabbers, gossipers and just plain ole deceitful animals that live here make it HELL. Best of luck to you.
well put
I'm not really sure I understand your comment. Since when is DARE a reputable organization? The lies they have told chidren over the last few decades about marijuana has led directly to the state of fear currently enjoyed by our country about this entirely harmless plant.
But if it's the other "drugs" you wish to address, precisely how do you plan to solve this problem? What exactly is the problem? That people are doing "drugs" or that they are getting thrown in prison for it? Or perhaps more specifically to your circumstances, that there remains the possibility that children under the age of 18 are doing it? These are entirely different issues, and if you want to address them individually instead of broadly lunging at "the drug problem," I'm sure we can get somewhere.
Incidentally, based on your vitriolic comments about every person that constitutes the people of Bristol, I wouldn't expect to have a particularly civilized conversation, but if you're willing to change your tone, I'm sure those "animals" would be happy to discuss it with you.
save the drama for your mama
this is the most information that Art Ward has ever conveyed about any dept in the 14 years he has ben on the Council. I wonder who wrote it for him - Chief Divenere who is desperate to make sure someone gets in office who isn't going to hold him accountable for the horrible job he has done over the years?
First let me say I concur with Mr. Wards' comments."Scare tactics", unfortunately, will always be used as a political ploy.I AM however, at a loss to understand the first posters comment suggesting we wait until our youth reach fifth or sixth grade BEFORE we begin to educate them on the serious dangers of substance abuse.I disagree completely.The SOONER we educate them on this the BETTER! I would suggest the first poster ask any parent or teacher,I'm SURE they would be in agreement.Speaking for myself, I have been a recovering substance abuser for what will be 27 years come Jan. 1, 2008. If only someone had reached me when I was quite young,MAYBE I would not have "wasted" all those years.
The best day Chief Devenere's has had recently was the day after the Democratic Primary when he knew Arty would most likely be the next mayor and be incapable of providing any direction to the Police Department. The good ole boys ala Dukes of Hazard and all that.
Quick Kenny, get someone to sling something!
GIANNI!
Are you for real! YOU LIVE IN LALA LAND! Harmless plant my a**. Oh so laced marijuana is not a problem either I suppose, just a better more dangerous high! DARE is a great thing, my kids loved DARE, I just feel that the best time to introduce this is in JR HIGH! And my how defensive you got referring to the 'animals' statement. You know darn well I was not speaking of every citizen in this town. More directed at our CITY HALL, our police all of the crooked ones, not the ones that really do care! They all know who they are, are you one of them?
HMMMMMM
All Ward did was prove that Johnson is listening to Mocabee and not getting the facts. Yes drugs area an issue in this town, as with any town in CT. But it is being addressed and its working, to rid these scum bags, it takes time. The point here is Johnson came out with blaming, no facts and scare tactics! Ward has proof things are being done and you complain? If ward didn't come out with proof you would say he is hiding or worse - believe Johnson, or should I say Mocabee?
Irene P.
Mr Gamache,
I may have relayed my thoughts on DARE incorrectly. I think it is terrific that DARE is a 5th grade program, what I meant to say is that there should be some type of follow up in jr. high. My kids attend CHMH and tell me quite frequently about a few kids that bring alcohol to school and pills. One of my kids had made an anonymous tip to the office about it but the kids are still getting away with this somehow. Thats my feeling as far as a follow up program for our children!
I congratulate you on your 27 years clean! That is an accomplishment. Maybe people that have been through this type of situation would be a great tool for these Jr. High children. Someone that has been through it already. Take care! Happy New Year to you!!!!!!!
To the first poster and all that have commented on DARE:
Get off your butts and be real parents. That's the best drug prevention method your children can receive.
DARE is just the police department opening the door for you to have the conversation with your children. Not doing it for you.
YOU ARE THE PARENTS. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR KIDS. EVEN WHEN IT IS TOUGH TO.
You know what gets me going about you Democratic clowns. If you knew that Ken and Art really don't get along what would you say than?
Why is it that every election year the Democrats whine about "scare tactics."
This summer my 9 year old son saw an ice cream truck in my neighborhood at 930 pm and he said that it wasn't an ice cream truck it was a "drug truck."
Now if a nine year old can see that why can't a 60 year old man like Ward see it?
As for Gamache how many of you are getting tired of him? He offers zero points and just blogs to promote the liberals. They can do no wrong.
Gamache is President of the Federal Hill Association and doesn't even live on Federal Hill.
Yet, the people who serve on the Federal Hill Association always complain about the drugs in thier neighborhood and the drug houses on Summer Street, yet Gamache now says it is a scare tactic by Johnson.
I guess Gamache should resign as Federal Hill President because he cannot convey the message of the Federal Hill neighbors.
did you notify the authorities about the ice cream truck or pass it off as "I don't want to get involved?" - you are as much a part of the solution as the authorities are so stand up and be counted.
If you think Art Ward had these statistics up his sleeve then you don't know Artie. Secondly, if a community needs all the drug fighting personnel, dogs supression units, and whatever else then maybe there is something wrong in River City folks! I do not see Johnson using scare tactics here. I see him telling the truth so when we need to provide more resources the public will know why. Ward wants to sugar coat a very serious problem that the police are doing the best they can to keep it from getting worse. To eradicate it will take more resource$$$$ for our police department.
yay for 12:48 Blogger
Well done Mr. Ward. You obviously did your homework. Your comments with the actual facts to back them up give us all something to think about. It seems Mr. Johnson's scare tactics are nothing more than his usual "flying by the seat of his pants" politics. Thanks for setting the record straight.
First to the 11:55 AM poster: Yes, I did misconstrue your comments.I would agree completely on the need for follow-up with the DARE program.It should extend to Middle school AND early High school as well.
Second,to the 12:19 poster:"promoting liberals?" That is just TOO funny!You have obviously never had any lengthy conversations with me.I would only suggest you speak with ANYONE who has known me for any length of time and I'm confident they will tell you I'm probably the most "conservative" liberal you'll ever meet!Are you suggesting the residents of Federal Hill( where I lived for 31 years prior to some "hophead" trying to burn down our home),should not make the Police Dept. aware of what's happening on the Hill? Did you report the "drug truck?" Bristol suffers from the same problems as any other city of comparible population.I STILL feel the use of the phrase "drug haven" was a scare tactic.At least Mr. Ward offered some specifics as to how the BPD is trying to combat the problem.As for your being weary of my posting here,well all I can say is I've never been one to be afraid to voice an opinion and like to think ONCE in a while I offer some valid points.In conclusion I would point out ONCE AGAIN that I sign my name to my remarks and DO NOT HIDE behind the curtain of anonymity.
Artie Ward doing homework? Hahahahah.
To whom it mayconcern ther is no community in Ct that is drug free unfortunately Mr Ken and CO. have no problem throwing the city that we choose to live in ,under the Bus.
Did your son write this release for you?
THrow the city under the bus, just like Ward did to his running mates for City Council?
Look all you have to do is look at all the sneakers over the wires to understand that Bristol has a drug problem. It's not a scare tactic its the truth.
I know that Democrat politicans like Gamache would rather stick thier heads in the sand but it is a problem.
Its okay for the federal hill folks to talk about all the drugs in thier neighborhood, like the same problems don't exixt elesewhere.
Only in the precious Federal Hill area?
Gimme a break and start recognizing the problem and than maybe we can fix it.
All Johnson said was the Police Department needs more resouces and the Chief even agreed with him in an article on the next page. Are you people to illiterate to understand that Bristol has a drug problem?
Tim your a "conservative?????"
At least your nephew Brock who is working for Johnson is a true conservative he's a Republican.
That's one Thanksgiving I wouldn't want to be at.
To the 6:26 PM post, Johnson said alot more than Bristol needs more resources to fight drugs. Your going to have to read the papers to keep up. What he said was "Bristol Is A Safe Haven For Drug Dealers"! Big difference. Opinion vs fact. Did you also miss the comment about the Tips line that doesn't exist? Anyway, sfter Tuesday he is just another unethical real estate agent.
If all the cities have the same problem then that makes it okay?
Drugs are everywhere Ken. You shouldn't point this fact out. We are doing as much as all the other towns that are dealing with this issue and the drug problem still exists.
Pointing out problems with this city and offer solutions. There's that inexperience cropping up on you again. Bristol politicians do not do this type of thing.
Keep you head in the sand Ken. That's your best shot!LOL
Keep it coming Ken. Artie actually took a stand this time. A stand for maintaining the status quo. What's good enough for everyone else is good enough for us Bristol folks too. Way to lead Artie. We don't want to be a town that is considered ahead of the pack on fighting drugs. Our police force is adequate, but why can't they be superior to other towns. Can't wait to see what you pull out of your a#% next.
Wait, it won't come from you directly. It will be from some anonymous source that Steve can't reveal and it will coincidentally come out on Monday night. Gimme a break!
Yes sneakers over wires have been used by gangs and drug dealers for some time.
However, a lot of kids throw the sneakers over the lines just to imitate what they see on music videos of rap stars and to try and be cool. Don't over interpret their meaning.
It's also true that Bristol has drug problems. News flash - Bristol always has had some drug problems, different types in different times, just like most other larger communities. News flash - Avon, Simsbury, and Farmington have drug problems too, different types different distribution channels!
Cities generally have more visible signs of drug users and dealers because they contain a greater degree of differences in housing and income.
Bottom line, support a strong police force, improve job opportunities, and address problem areas before they get out of hand.
Brock and I have always had the capacity to "agree to disagree." I think you would be surprised how often we concur.I get a real kick out of the posters here who write like they know me when nothing could be further from the truth.Yes, I am a Democrat and proud to say so.I WOULD say however there are some stands on the issues that the Democratic Party takes with which I totally disagree. IF you knew me at ALL, you would know that to be true.
Chief DiVenere informed the City Council earlier this week that the NET unit recently filed a Nuisance Abatement Complaint with the State for property located on Park Street (owned by one of the absentee landlords that is exploiting Bristol's high Section 8 rents) after making 7 narcotics arrests there over a period of a few months. We're going after the drug dealers and the absentee landlords who harbor them.
Why do the Republicans have such a hard time telling the whole story ? Maybe cause they do listen to Art Mocobe and his old rhetoric.
Your my hero Craig Minor...
To the original anonymous poster, please let me address the points in your second post:
1. I do not come from "Lalaland" (nor do I appreciate your discounting my input simply based on where I may or may not live). I live in California, but I also live in Germany, North Carolina, and New Jersey. I have lived in Boston and Maine in the past and I have family in Avon, CT. I have several friends in Bristol.
2. Instead of randomly spewing baseless claims, I'll use the extensive scientific research that backs up what I said about marijuana being harmless:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/25/AR2006052501729_pf.html
http://www.webmd.com/lung-cancer/news/20060523/pot-smoking-not-linked-to-lung-cancer
http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/cgi/content/full/64/11/4049
http://ajrccm.atsjournals.org/cgi/gca?SEARCHID=1127855512481_8334&AUTHOR1=Tashkin%252C%2BD&FULLTEXT=Marijuana&JOURNALCODE=&FIRSTINDEX=0&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&gca=155%2F1%2F141&sendit=Get+All+Checked+Abstract%28s%29
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6VC9-4GFCR48-5&_user=10&_coverDate=06%2F20%2F2005&_rdoc=1&_fmt=summary&_orig=browse&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=7dac506ad701a12cddfe8dd713f77138
This last one discusses the decreased depression in marijuana users. So already, things more dangerous than marijuana:
Smoking tobacco
Chewing tobacco
Alcohol
3. Even if marijuana was "harmful," it is not "addictive" anymore than cake is addictive. This is a report by the French government done in 1998 in an attempt to class drugs based on addictiveness:
http://www.esculape.com/politique/alcooldrogue.html
If you don't speak French, I'll tell you what it says: marijuana is less addictive than alcohol or tobacco, and practically every drug known to mankind. I wouldn't cite a governmental report if this one didn't say what all the others say.
4. Since these claims have been proven to be lies, and since DARE knowingly tells these lies to children, I reiterate what I said: Since when is DARE a reputable organization? They are literally an arm of the government trying to mold kids into believing that its laws are in fact moral codes. This allows them to ignore all scientific research by somehow making the issue one of "morality."
5. I'm proud to say that I'm graduating with honors from a top 30 national university (in North Carolina), I speak three languages fluently, and my "drive" to be successful is extraordinarily high. But guess what...I smoke marijuana all the time. Based on your beliefs, should I be in the gutter? Shouldn't all those people at Harvard and Yale and all those businessmen and women who smoke be failures? Shouldn't there be a single death associated with marijuana use? Shouldn't we all be mysteriously falling off the face of the Earth? Why don't you first prove that it's bad, and then tell us why the government has a right to outlaw that bad?
6. Lacing? Have you ever seen laced marijuana? I haven't. I've never known anyone who has. Marijuana has a distinct look, smell, taste, feel, etc. I am friends with my "dealer" and he never "laces" his product, much like Coca-Cola never laces its product with crack-cocaine, because there is an enormous amount of competition at the dealer level. However, even if marijuana ever DID come laced, wouldn't this be solved by legalization? If we could all buy pot at our local grocery stores, wouldn't we all be "safer?"
Oh, I see what you meant now. I live near "Lala land" as it's often referred to. I assumed you somehow learned of my location through my profile. Please excuse my first comment as a misunderstanding.
Oh, I see what you meant now. I live near "Lala land" as it's often referred to. I assumed you somehow learned of my location through my profile. Please excuse my first comment as a misunderstanding.
All Art Ward did was acquire and present the FACTS!
We know that drugs exist, in Bristol, in Hartford, in Farmington, and there is no magic wand cure all.
JOhnson mentioned New Britain and the "100" sting.
We did that in Bristol years ago, and now have reduced the number so that there are fewer dealers and such a large netting is not reasonably possible.
We are making progress, we are getting more cops on the street, through increasing the numbers as well as getting civilians to replace sworn officers, who then go on the street.
An increase of close to 30 in the past 10-12 years.
Again, Mr. Johnson may mean well, but he appears to be too lazy to get the facts first, and also seems to be a poor judge of who he should listen too.
With his lack of experience that could be a large problem if he were to be elected.
..>We did that years ago....a drug sting...it should be an on-going thing.
Drug dealers have found a home here in bristol and we need to stop it.
We do have stings, on a regular basis.
We also arrest dealers in non-sting situations.
Bristol ain't perfect, but we aren't as bad as Johnson would have you believe.
HIs attitude is clearly counter productive.
Did he ever go to the Police Board and state his position?
Did he ever meet with the chief and provide information.
Ken, if you aren't part of the solution you are part of the problem!!
I didn't read Johnson's release as painting Bristol badly. I did read Ward's as meaning that things are good enough the way they are.
Keep that head in the sand Artie!
There is no need to improve what we already have. Let's not CONSIDER new ideas at all. We can stay just the way we are and things will be great.
Gianni - We get the point. You're a pot-head and apparently you've erased enough of your brain that you now simultaneously live in California, North Carolina, New Jersey and Germany. Good for you. Do us a favor and stay there.
BTW, which school in NC are you graduating from? The Timothy Leary school of brain eradication. You may not be in the gutter now but you are well on your way. At least you'll be a classy sterno bum.
GO, DISGUSTED DEMOCRAT! GO!
WARD LEARNED TO LEAD FROM HIS MENTOR TIMMIE BOY .
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