McKinley: Drug abuse prevalent, ‘destroying work ethic’

FAIRMONT — Local law enforcement and judicial system officials had an opportunity to talk with a congressman Wednesday about the state’s drug epidemic.

U.S. Rep. David McKinley, R-W.Va., joined a roundtable discussion Wednesday to discuss drug abuse in Marion County and the state.

McKinley said the meeting was one of 250 that will be held around the state. The meetings will focus on different topics, allowing the congressman to update residents on what’s happening in Washington while also learning more about state issues.

“We can sit down with folks and find out what’s happening,” he said.

Drug abuse was the main focus Wednesday, but McKinley told those around the table that the issue was a “high priority” for those in Washington.

McKinley said the epidemic is affecting all walks of life, from newborns to adults. He said Congress is looking for a solution.

“What is the solution, and where do we go with it?” McKinley told the roundtable. “We know it’s an epidemic in West Virginia and that it’s all across the country, but in particular for West Virginia it’s gotten worse.”

As the discussion went on, McKinley talked about the impact drug abuse has taken on the state’s economy. He said the epidemic affects the youth and their work ethic.

“It’s destroying work ethic,” McKinley said. “We can’t have growth and development in workforce.”

Ted Offutt, director of the Marion County Day Report Center, added to the congressman’s words about drugs impacting all walks of life. He said he believes there are two ways of treating people with addiction that focus around financial and social status.

“We treat people two different ways,” Offutt said. “Is it a crime or a disease?”

Offutt also talked about the Marion County Drug Court and providing structure for criminal offenders with drug addictions. He said individuals who have an addiction and commit crimes could benefit from drug court, while those who are a public safety risk should be in jail.

“We’re not going to save everyone, but if they’re a public safety risk, they should be in jail,” Offutt said.

Also attending the meeting were Fairmont Police Chief Steve Shine, Sgt. Doug Yost from the Fairmont Police Department, Marion County Circuit Judge Patrick Wilson, Cpl. Harmon with the West Virginia State Police, Marion County Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Freeman, White Hall Police Chief Geno Guerrieri and Cami Mazzulla with the Day Report Center.

Email Emily Gallagher at egallagher@timeswv.com or follow her on Twitter @EGallagherTWV.