NATION’S DRUG CZAR VISITS PEEKSKILL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 24, 2006

Contact: George Oros, 914.995.2828, Oros@westchesterlegislators.com

Mayor John Testa, Deputy Mayor Pisani, County Legislator George Oros and Councilman Mel Bolden welcome "Drug Czar" John P. Walters and Congresswoman Sue Kelly and accept Drug Free Communities grant

On Friday, February 24th Congresswoman Sue Kelly who represents Peekskill in the US House of Representatives visited Peekskill with her special guest John P. Walters, the director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).

Peekskill is now known as a community who not only has an outstanding record in fighting drug abuse and reducing crime but also as a community taking a strong position in preventing illegal drug related activity. “We have always realized that the best way to eradicate the problems and abhorrent behavior related to drug activity is a two pronged approach,” stated Mayor Testa. “Our extensive enforcement activity has had a dramatic effect in reducing street-level drug dealing while our team approach in prevention through the Youth Bureau will go a long way in education and drug awareness,” Testa added.

Director Walters was in Peekskill to recognize the outstanding work that has been done over the last few years within the community. As a result of Peekskill's recent record Walters and Kelly presented the City with a $98,000 check as part of the Drug-Free Communities Grant Program. This amount will also be presented to Peekskill in each of the next two years.

Walters, who coordinates all aspects of federal anti-drug initiatives, spoke extensively about the nation wide focus to reduce teenage drug use. Along with the Drug Free Communities Program he described the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign designed to increase student awareness of the real dangers of illegal drugs.