The 4th Annual
MEDICATION
ROUND-UP
was a huge success!
On April 26th, a steady stream of participants joined in and properly disposed of a huge amount of unused prescription and over-the-counter medications To reduce the risk of water pollution and improper use, the pharmaceuticals will be incinerated.
The event resulted in: Cartoon by Terry Torgerson
Editor: In evaluating each DA candidate’s potential to effectively manage the office, voters should reflect on their own experience. Most have undoubtedly suffered under supervisors convinced they possessed some rare and mystical set of universally-applicable management skills that trumped inexperience and an incomplete familiarity with that which they managed. This view is particularly dangerous in a field as complex and highly-specialized as prosecutorial law, where few would consider four to five years of experience “seasoned” and where outcomes affect public safety not overseas manufacturing targets. Our next DA will need to build an effective team of prosecutors and staff, a challenge that will demand knowledgeable oversight, skilled mentoring and respectful collaboration and communication with other offices and agencies. With this in mind, a review of verifiable, relevant qualifications and testimonials from people with direct knowledge of the demands of the position will lead to the best choice for district attorney — Maggie Fleming. Jason White, McKinleyville Editor: We have, in our professional lives as judge and legislator, become wellacquainted with the necessary skills of a good DA. We believe that Maggie Fleming is the only candidate who has these skills. Her experience in trial work, her experience in management, her understanding of matters of policy and personnel, of knowing who should try which cases and who will do so effectively. Fleming has an excellent grasp of who she is and how to get done what must be done. We have, through decades of public service, sought to represent and ensure just
treatment of the disadvantaged, of those who frequently are not treated fairly. We trust Maggie Fleming to do right by all. She is fair and she is strong. If we are fortunate, she will be our next district attorney—and we are confident that our court system, our communities, and our county will be the better for it. Sally Tanner and Patricia Hofstetter, Ferndale Editor: As a parent of children who have struggled with drug addiction, I have been exposed more than anyone would ever desire to our criminal justice system. Often ignored in the process, even blamed for our loved one’s actions, we are also victims of the abuse of drugs. After one such proceeding, Deputy Prosecutor Allan Dollison turned to me and said — “good luck with your son.” With that, he showed me a human compassion that I hadn’t seen in others. That is just one of the reasons I support him. Another of the candidates is very heavily supported by local law enforcement. Is that really a good thing? Granted, our DA is the county’s chief law enforcement officer, but the office itself should maintain a circumspect and objective independence. Allan Dollison will bring that objectivity as our new district attorney. I’m voting for him and I hope you do too! Keath North, Loleta Editor: I strongly believe that Elan Firpo is the best choice for Humboldt County district attorney. I am a political science major at College of the Redwoods and have served as a student representative working with CR administration and state lobby groups for nearly two years. Firpo’s
161 400 lbs. 14 lbs. 150 lbs.
vehicles of medications participating
of narcotic medications
of medical sharps
Why the Round-Up? • There is growing concern regarding the abuse of prescription drugs by our youth. In fact, young people aged 12-25 have among the highest rates of abuse. • The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reports that drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. Prevention strategies include: Parents talking with children about the abuse of prescription and over-the counter medications • Making sure medications are securely stored & properly disposing of old or unused medications. • Residents are encouraged to bring unwanted medication to HWMA’s Household Hazardous Waste Event, held on the first Saturday of each month. • Residents can also make disposal appointments on weekdays by calling:
HWMA’s Hazardous Waste Hotline: 707-441-2005
continued on next page northcoastjournal.com • North Coast Journal • Thursday, May 8, 2014
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