To the folks of the Town of Webster Residents Forum. Many of you have commented on my page, and I wanted to take the time to respond. First, thank you for reaching out. I’ve become aware of the ongoing conversation on your forum regarding the Correction Opportunity Advancement Program (COAP) Center. While I am not a member of your private Facebook group, I have always been available to your Board of Selectmen, local leaders and residents, which is why I have continued to participate at DATOC meetings and spoken directly with folks who have already brought their questions and concerns to my attention. My successful effort in obtaining funding for a COAP center was based on a thoughtful request by Sheriff Lew Evangelidis, who approached me about the ongoing drug epidemic in our region and the need to reopen such a facility somewhere in Southern Worcester County. A similar center to the one planned by the Sheriff once successfully existed in Webster, however, that does not mean that a new center would be opened in the community. As the Sheriff has explained to Joe, and your local leaders, no decision has been made. The purpose of what was proposed to me, and what I helped fund, was an extension of the Dudley Drug Court so that individuals who receive sentences requiring them to commit to becoming sober, seek drug treatment and submit to periodic drug testing have a place to get that accomplished. Many experts and public leaders, like Sheriff Evangelidis, agree that this program will significantly help to reduce drug abuse in our region, and help the individuals and families affected by the drug crisis. A facility such as the one that Mr. Dalimonte has described was never imagined by anyone involved in the DATOC group, which includes some of your selectmen and emergency personnel, and was certainly not what I sought to fund. Let me be clear, there will NOT be an “open air prison” in Webster so long as I am your senator. But, again, that’s not even what the Sheriff proposed to me and sought to fund. If, in turn, the Sheriff, or anyone else, pursues such a facility, I too would be equally as outraged as these misleading comments have made members of your community. You could absolutely count me against such an effort. And, more importantly, I would pursue defunding the program. Overall, I’m happy to see that residents are looking to have a meaningful conversation about the future direction of Webster, as well as undertaking efforts to help those suffering from addiction. If you are interested in further details and plans for the facility, perhaps Sheriff Evangelidis could provide them. So you are aware, I have since successfully engaged Harvard University in a study of the best use of a community corrections center so that we can get an even better look at how addiction has affected our region, and so that we can make best use of programs and services aimed at rehabilitating those affected by the drug epidemic. After all, these are our sons, daughters, parents or neighbors who are depending on us. Bottom line, my efforts have always been focused on assisting those in the community that need help, certainly not at the expense of the quality of life that residents currently enjoy. That said, any efforts to improve our region require our collaborative action, and I am always prepared to work with anyone interested on doing so. I’ve found that the best things that have happened in our region took place when people worked together. I’m glad you took the time to reach out to me, and I hope you’ll continue to stay engaged.
Posted on: Thu, 02 Oct 2014 19:10:47 +0000
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