STAFF EDIT: No Criticism For Swift

Since acting Gov. Jane Swift took on the role of governor last year, people have scrutinized every move she has made and even reveled in her public difficulties. Therefore, when it came to announcing the 2003 spending plan, Swift was bound to receive flack.

While some may be tempted to criticize Swift’s decisions on the budget, it’s obvious she did not have an easy job on her hands. Determining this year’s budget required tough decisions, and Swift should be commended for stepping up to the job of closing the $1.6 billion gap from last year’s budget. In doing so, she cut certain educational programs, including the state’s Drug Abuse Resistance Education program — something she may not have wanted to do, but a respectable decision, nevertheless.

The state needs to be extra careful in its spending right now, with money being particularly tight in the current recession. Although DARE offers many benefits to students, the program is superfluous. DARE’s objectives can be achieved through other means that don’t cost the state extra money. Ultimately, shouldn’t parents be teaching their kids about drugs, anyway?

DARE takes time away from the school day, and teachers could still use that time to teach their students the valuable lessons they would otherwise learn from DARE. Schools can work drug abuse prevention into the curriculum of health classes, and many already have. It is unnecessary to pay people to come into the schools and teach information current employees can instill in students themselves.

Teaching children about drugs and alcohol is without a doubt vital to their growth into mature adults. However, the state is not in the position right now to spend money on extraneous programs. This was a smart decision on Swift’s part — one for which she should receive praise instead of criticism.