(Editor’s note: Following is a paid editorial by the Committee to Elect Mike Katcher. The views presented are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Kokomo Lantern.)
Americans admit to a drug overdose problem in all corners of the US. Thirteen overdose deaths have reported in Kokomo in the last quarter.
The Republicans say the drugs are coming across the southern border with the immigrants. Sounds foolish when the first thing immigrants do on crossing the border is report to the border patrol and ask for asylum. I don’t think they are carrying pounds of drugs.
The Democrats say it is coming with the trucks, planes, and ships in foreign commerce vessels undetected at border and transportation hubs. Sounds reasonable.
Demand brings supply. So, let’s change course and attack the demand side of the problem. We are providing treatment centers for the addicted. The courts are applying drug rehab to convicted abusers instead of incarceration. Sounds good, but I see no effective proposals locally on eliminating the need and demand for drugs.
That starts with our children. We need to pay more attention to them. It seems like they need diversions, after school and early evening activities. Schoolyard swing sets and a basketball hoop is not the answer. Children need local community centers that give parents a feeling of safety. This might help our latch-key kids. This can provide Boy Scouts, sports, computer clubs, science clubs or pre-adult non-drug, non-alcoholic dances, which occupy, divert from poor choices, and build confidence in good social behavior and self-esteem.
Parents need for their children safe community centers for after school or early evening activities, so kids can congregate for safe fun and achievement.
Major housing developments are happening because of new workers with their families expected at the new battery plants. These developments should be required to dedicate land for such centers shared with government stimulus funds from the myriad Biden/Harris infrastructure, CHIPS, and Inflation Reduction Act funds available in Indiana from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) coffers.
At least three new centers are needed in the south, east, and west of town. More than material infrastructure, we need human infrastructure. One councilman said it is up to the parents to raise the kids. But I say it is also up to the community to help. It takes a village.