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Faxes Sent to J. Barry Stout

Letters

From:	DM
To:	Senator Stout
Date:	Monday, 02/04/08
Subject:	House Bill 614

Dear Senator Stout:

I am writing to ask for your support in bringing to a vote and
passing House Bill 614. This legislation would make great
strides in tackling the significant problems caused by alcohol
and other drug problems in the Commonwealth, and within
Washington County, by the establishment of the Department of
Drug and Alcohol Services.

As the Executive Director of Washington Drug and Alcohol
Commission, I am aware that alcohol and other drug problems
continue to drive multiple aspects of the state budget yet
there is no central point of leadership, accountability or
authority at the Cabinet level to address this issue. If we are
to move beyond simply cleaning up the wreckage of alcohol and
other drug problems and address the root cause we need cabinet-
to-cabinet leadership as would be established through House
Bill 614.

Because of the wide spread impact of alcohol and other drug
problems the need for interagency collaboration is greater for
substance abuse than for any other health or human service. It
is critical that we have a state substance abuse agency that is
fully focused on its priorities and mission, is highly visible,
and has the credibility and status needed to work as an equal
with other department heads if we are to effectively address
the overwhelming issues of alcohol and other drug problems.
House Bill 614 has comprehensive support from those who are
closest to this issue. This includes the Pennsylvania Recovery
Organization Alliance (PRO-A), a statewide coalition of
families and people in recovery; the Drug and Alcohol Service
Providers Organization (DASPOP) of Pennsylvania, representing
over 300 treatment, prevention, employee assistance, and
student assistance programs throughout the state; and the
Pennsylvania Association of County Drug and Alcohol
Administrators (PACDAA), representing the drug and alcohol
administrators in all 67 counties.

House Bill 614 would have tremendous impact with minimal cost.
The staff and their operating costs already exist; it would
simply be the addition of leadership, a Secretary and related
staff. Given the tremendous impact this issue has on so many
areas of the budget as well as on Pennsylvania families and
communities there is no question that this is a good
investment. Without this small investment our state budget
will continue to pay much more in addressing the consequences
of this problem and our communities and families who struggle
will continue to pay the price for this void in leadership.

I would respectfully request that you convey your support to
leadership and ask that House Bill 614 be voted out of
Committee as soon as possible so that there is time for it to
be considered by the full Senate during this legislative
session.

Thank you for your time and consideration of this request. If
you would like any additional information or have any questions
regarding HB 614 please don’t hesitate to contact me at 724-223-
1181.

Donna Murphy

Dear Senator Stout,
I recently read an article concerning ATV's near the toll route
43, and the trails they ride on. I do agree that they should not
be on the road, or trespassing. I do think that in a state such
as ours, that has such a high rate of legal ATV ownership, that
there should be trail systems created in Southwestern Pa. that
can be legally used by ATV riders. The Hatfield McCoy trail
system in West Virginia is proof that these trails bring
economic growth, as well as give ATV riders a place to legally
enjoy the beautiful landscape while spending quality time
together riding as a family, or with good friends. Many
businesses have been created, and/ or experienced prosperity due
to the trail system, and I believe it is time for Pa. to share
in the wealth as well as have a place to enjoy ATV riding
legally.
We have many acres of State Game Lands that could be easily
managed with a designated trail system, that would not hurt the
wildlife habitat. There would probably be a large number of ATV
riders that would like to volunteer to create and maintain these
trails as well. There are nearly 240,000 legally registered
ATV's in Pa. that can benifit from these areas as well as out of
state riders. I feel sure that a very large segment of those
240,000 riders are voters that may in fact have voted for you.
We would greatly appreciate any help that you can provide in
helping our cause.
Thank You for your time.
Sincerely,
Marcus Blaine

Honorable Senator Stout:
I have a big problem. Actually over 70 hoiuseholds have
this problem. West Brownsville is finally getting a sewage
system. They want to put the new lines in the alleys. But
resdients on Jefferson and Madison Avenue have had a sewer line
under their streets for over 60 to 70 years. Now all 70+ home
owners must turn their lines around and run to the back. A 30
to 40 foot line to the street becomes a 100 to 140 feet or more
line to the back, destroying our property. There are many
senior citizens and people with low incomes on these streets.\
The new system will cost them at least $3000 more, some $5000
more to install and will create problems. The engineer has no
sympathy, saying "thatis what you get for taking such good care
of your property". When I conplained of basement flooding if
the ditch was dug too near the foundations, his answer was "get
your basement waterproofed." He messed up 0n the right of way
along the railroad tracts in W. Brownsville, and lied about not
knowing sewer lines existed in our two streets. The board
laughs at our complaints and concerns.