Drug counselor is ‘vital’
By Bill Kirk, Andover Townsman, Mass. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
Finegold, an
"As a state, we are facing an opiate epidemic," Finegold said in a letter to The Townsman. "We must find ways to reach kids before they start down the path of drug addiction ... and the inclusion of this job in the town budget is critical to making that happen."
Finegold, who is running as a Democrat for state treasurer, is the latest to criticize the actions of Town Manager
"Addiction does not discriminate -- it hits our suburbs and our cities alike -- and our young people are particularly susceptible to falling prey to it," Finegold said. "Last year alone, we lost two young
Andover Youth Services Executive Director
When the
"The most important position we can vote on tonight is getting someone with training in substance abuse," Selectman
The
"You were saying don't hire anyone new, now you are saying to hire someone new," Kruse said to Kowalski and others.
Selectman
"These families go to Bill," he said. "When parents are flustered and their kids are taking drugs and they don't know where to go, they go to Bill. That's what Bill was saying (in previous hearings). He's getting an increased number of requests put on his group. They see there's a need."
Fahey concurred.
"This was a proactive solution that would help the community," he said. "I made a request, based on what we've been seeing all over the
"It was a support position -- a youth services worker who would develop proactive programming for young people with a variety of problems. I thought I had support from selectmen and the
But despite that support, selectmen approved the budget without the position.
Stapczynski said Fahey had requested two positions in his budget -- the program coordinator for
Then when selectmen sought further cuts in the budget, Stapczynski eliminated the clerk's position as well.
Stapczynski said he believes that the town should hold a summit of sorts with school officials and others to determine the best course of action for tackling addiction issues.
This week, selectmen are taking another crack at the issue.
They may hear from Finegold as they decide what to do.
"I am not one to normally weigh in about whether the town should or should not hire someone," Finegold said in the letter. But, he added, "I urge the town to fund the position and hire a social worker/addiction counselor as soon as possible so that
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(c)2014 Andover Townsman (Andover, Mass.)
Visit the Andover Townsman (Andover, Mass.) at www.andovertownsman.com
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