I heartily agree with the June 18 Today's Editorial "Rascals need opponents." We are fortunate to live in a democracy. Let's take advantage of our voting rights and give the electoral process the seriousness it deserves.
I am therefore stepping up to the plate and running for South Maui State House representative in 2010. And now, because I have become alarmed about the drug abuse epidemic in our state - and especially on our island - I have accepted the position as counselor supervisor for the substance abuse treatment program at Maui County Correctional Center. A minimum 80 percent of female and 60 percent of male inmates in Hawaii's prisons are addicted. It is only through providing compassionate and clear treatment of these serious diseases that we can eradicate crime.
I am working with the Department of Education on development of the new Kihei high school. It is time to keep our youth in our community - and to increase creative, fun and educational after-school programs - to provide an alternative to drugs.
Finally, I am committed to working with active groups such as South Maui Sustainability to clean up our land and reefs. Our personal and environmental health - and even our economy - depend upon it. Estonia recently cleaned up their entire country in one day!
So, yes, I am solemnly taking to heart the editorial suggestion to put "my time and money where my mouth is." You can count on that.
Netra Halperin
Kihei
