Councilman Tom Simplot's
Arizona Republic My Turn Column

April 2005

Legislators Need to do Right, Back Meth Bill

Drug abuse comes down to one simple choice: a decision to use. As a city councilman, it is my responsibility to make policy decisions that help keep our residents safe.

Phoenix and Arizona are facing a drug epidemic because of methamphetamine. Meth, as it is commonly called, is an easily available high. Any person can make it in their home or in a hotel room. With several household items and the crucial component of amphetamine, a highly addictive, damaging drug is created.

Meth is extremely dangerous to users and producers. It literally burns an abuser's brain, permanently searing brain cells. Heavy abusers can become paranoid, delusional to the point of hallucination. Longer-term use can cause strokes, cardiovascular collapse and even death.

Meth labs, where the drug is made, are full of toxic chemicals and fumes. Explosions and chemical burns from fires in these labs are common, putting firefighters and police at risk. The process of "cooking" meth also pollutes the surrounding area, making innocent people sick.

These dangers can be prevented. Most meth makers get the pseudoephedrine they need from over-the-counter drugs, specifically Sudafed. The Arizona Legislature is considering a bill that would restrict the use of one form of Sudafed, tablets, so that it is harder for criminals to obtain.

A bill sponsored by state Rep. Tom O'Halleran, and supported by Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard, would limit the amount of Sudafed individuals can purchase to reasonable amounts. It would not prohibit Sudafed purchase altogether: Both liquid and gel-cap forms would still be available over the counter, and tablets would be available through a pharmacist.

Unfortunately, too many of our state legislators say the law will limit the choices of citizens. They protest that making the sale of Sudafed tablets a little less convenient would be unfair to pharmacists and sellers.

I want to know what these legislators would say to the families of meth addicts in our Valley? Or to the people who attended the February Crime Summit at Burton Barr Library who live with drug houses in their neighborhoods? Families and children are endangered by the toxic fumes meth labs produce. They are victims of thievery and property crime committed by drug users and sellers. With this law, legislators could curtail meth production and help others avoid the same fate.

Phoenix could take action on this issue alone. But if Phoenix enacts its own drug restrictions, other areas will see a rise in meth production. Meth cookers move to where their jobs are easiest. Other cities and municipalities will have to make the tough decisions and face the consequences themselves.

When those selling Sudafed turn a blind eye to the purchase of hundreds of doses of the drug by probable meth producers, they're making a choice. But our Legislature must make a difficult choice and step in to restrict their sales or provide safe alternatives on the shelves.

This law can help Arizona battle meth production. Responsible legislation is better than an uncontrolled drug free-for-all. Limits on only one form of Sudafed medication won't harm residents with colds. Uniform policy is better than a patchwork of city ordinances. The battle against drugs should be taken up on every front, because it's the right thing to do.

Our Legislature has a decision to make. It should back a bill that will protect our residents and give them the choices and medication they need without supporting drug dealers. Voting for Rep. O'Halleran's bill is a choice they should make. It's the right one.

Phoenix Councilman Tom Simplot represents District 4. You can contact him at 602-262-7447 or by e-mail at council.district.4@phoenix.gov.