Stahl is wrong on DARE, police in schools

As a graduate of East Brunswick public schools, I was very concerned to read that Mayor David Stahl plans on eliminating the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program in our school system ("East Brunswick Redeploying Cops to Regular Police Work," Sentinel, June 25).

The DARE program brings police officers into classrooms to educate students on the dangers of drugs and gang activity. Mayor Stahl is removing police officers regularly stationed at Churchill Junior High School and East Brunswick High School, claiming that safety will not be compromised. I disagree.

Removing officers from the schools takes away a major deterrent for drug use and makes the schools less safe in the event of an emergency. I side with the schoolteachers, who argued at the last Township Council meeting that the police officers provide a positive influence on students.

After voting to raise taxes 34.5 percent while on the council, Stahl claims he is finally becoming "fiscally responsible." But the true cost of this decision will come at the expense of child safety.

I hope the council has the common sense to reject Stahl's plan.
Ben DeMarzo
East Brunswick