Why We Should Drug Test!

By Ron Winship

Zero Tolerance for our children in schools, must be directed by the example of our elected and city offcials!

There have been far too many examples of drug related conduct, by even some of our most highly regarded citizens. All residents of Newport Beach want a city without the pale of impropriety which could have a detrimental effect upon our city reputation or course of action. Additionally, we need to set the proper example for our children. If "Zero Tolerance" is the policy for children, bus drivers, and pilots, surely we as a city need to follow the same rules we are asking of others.

Police, Fire Personnel or any employed city worker should be required to follow this policy. Implementation of this policy must offer authentic results: requiring three tests from three different "test positive" sources in order to be accepted. Re-testing without pay for those affected should be offered over a three month follow-up period. Should the test be found negative during the follow up period, the employee will be re-instated, yet required to submit to testing for a period of one year. Should a second positive authenticated result occur during the following year, the employee should be terminated.

Intrusion into one's life at any level is a serious matter. Yet, in the case of public service, or public employment the results of personal conduct must set a standard for all.