Editor, Times-Union: In October of 1997 I had the privilege of appearing before the state gathering of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving. There I talked with the group about our efforts to combat drunken driving here in Kosciusko County. I was greatly encouraged by the reception we received from the group and was able to learn more about national efforts at combatting drunken driving. I challenge all of us to look at 1998 as the year for changes in drunken driving laws.
Perhaps one of the greatest efforts being launched throughout the country is the reduction of the blood alcohol limit from .10 percent to .08 percent. This move will again be introduced in the Indiana Legislature. It has historically received little support. In my view, we need to strongly support the reduction from .10 percent to .08 percent.
Perhaps a lot of people do not understand what these values mean. .10 percent simply means that a person's blood alcohol content, by weight, is .10 percent. This figure is the current legal definition for presumed impairment. To put it in terms most of us can understand, .10 percent is the equivalent of six drinks in one hour on an empty stomach. These drinks can either be beers or mixed drinks as the alcohol content is generally the same. A person may operate a vehicle in Indiana with anything below this content.
However, 15 states already limit blood alcohol levels to .08 percent, which is the equivalent of a 170-pound man consuming four drinks in an hour on an empty stomach.
In 1998, it is estimated that 28 states and the District of Columbia will be debating whether or not to reduce the alcohol limit to .08 percent. It is my hope that Indiana will be one of those states that adopts it.
It is important to realize that in France, where Princess Diana died, the legal limit is .05 percent. In Great Britain, Spain, Canada and Italy the legal limit is .08 percent.
In addition, under Indiana law, a person who operates a commercial vehicle with his or her blood alcohol content between .04 percent and .10 percent commits a Class C infraction.
In 1996, 17,126 people died in alcohol-related crashes, which comprised 41 percent of all traffic deaths. Obviously the use of alcohol and vehicles does not mix. I strongly encourage each of you to get ahold of your legislators and offer your support for the reduction of the legal limit to .08 percent in the state of Indiana.
Another law that will be considered by the Indiana legislature is being proposed by Senator Kent Adams and others. This law has to do with the seizure of vehicles from habitual drunken drivers and persons with their licenses suspended for from 10 years to life. I encourage each of you who support this bill to contact your local legislators and so advise them. If for any reason you are concerned or disagree with such legislation, please convey that to your state legislators as well. Each of us has a tremendous opportunity to be a part of the legislative process in the upcoming year.
If you have questions regarding this or any other matter, please feel free to contact me by telephone at 219-372-2419, or write me at 121 N. Lake St., Warsaw.
David C. Kolbe Prosecuting Attorney
Apology
Editor, Times-Union: This letter is to apologize to my fellow officers of Kosciusko County and to any person that saw a David Kolbe campaign sign in my yard during the last election. At the time I felt that Mr. Kolbe was a good attorney and would make a good prosecutor. Since that time I do not believe that Mr. Kolbe has made a good prosecutor. He is a good defense attorney, but as a law enforcement officer we need a good prosecutor, not a good defense attorney acting as a prosecutor.
At this time I apologize to my fellow officers and the public.
Jerry Laurien Warsaw
Kolbe
Editor, Times-Union: It has taken an extraordinary amount of effort for Teresa Wallace from Casper, Wyo., to repeatedly ignore facts. Karl Reusser did not ask for censorship. In fact, he made a point to say she was not published too often. Her topic is just very repetitive. I agree.
Teresa Wallace cannot handle the facts. She must make them up for whatever her anti-Kolbe agenda is. Here are some facts. Felony cases filed ARE very relevant statistics. It is a good measure that David Kolbe is doing what he was elected to do. And it shows that Kolbe is doing it better than the person he replaced. Felony drunken driving cases filed are up 700 percent, projected over 4 years. Teresa must think there are seven million people living in Warsaw; her reason for the increase in filings is "increases in population often bring increases in crime." Teresa lives in Wyoming. I live in Warsaw and I do not believe the population has gone up 700 percent.
Question. How many felony drunken driving cases has Kolbe busted down to a misdemeanor? You will not like the answer if you break the law. You will like the answer if you truly expect your elected prosecuting attorney to do his job. And the answer is zero. Kolbe has never reduced a felony drunk driving case to a misdemeanor. These are just the facts, ma'am. Teresa is free to state her opinion, but ignoring facts and spreading lies from anonymous callers is just wrong. Apparently one can get an anonymous letter printed if they have someone else write and sign it. Like they say, if you make the rules you can break them.
What takes more effort? To believe Ms. Wallace twisted hyperbole? Or to get the real facts yourself. Take the easy way out and believe in gossip and innuendo, or do a little work and get to the truth with cold, hard facts. Read, learn and vote.
Daniel Stevens Warsaw Editor's Note: Kolbe explains that the local felony drunk driving program, modeled after the Allen County program, provides for a lengthy sentence as a felony conviction with various probationary terms, some including antabuse. If the defendant successfully completes his sentence, the conviction is later reduced to a misdemeanor. Kolbe says the conviction rate on felony OWIs is well above 90 percent and the incentive for possible later relief from the felony conviction reduces the recidivism rate.
Good Cop
Editor, Times-Union: On December 7 I stopped at Zale Drug Store at 3:30 a.m. to purchase pop for work. It was freezing cold and I locked myself out of my running car. I went over to Kroger and they were closed, but knocked on the window and got this young man's attention. I told him what happened and asked him to please call my boss and to call the police to help me. Officer Scott Whitaker came to my rescue very promptly. He worked until he got the door unlocked, even though it was so cold and windy. At this time I want to thank this wonderful officer and the young man at Kroger for their kindness.
Betty J. Ramey
Pierceton Volunteers
Editor, Times-Union: This letter contains to the good people of Pierceton who helped with the needy this year. So everybody knows, 62 families were fed. I would also like to say that these families got toys and turkeys and the trimmings. To the people who gave money and things to make this work, you are No. 1 in my book.
God bless you all on behalf of my commander, Rex Menzie. We thank you.
Karey Burk Pierceton
Helping Hands
Editor, Times-Union: Helping Hands of Mentone would like to thank the many people who supported us this past year. Also a big thanks to the Fulton County United Way, and the many others who made donations of some kind.
At Thanksgiving time we gave food to 95 families, and at Christmas we gave food to 92 families. Toys were given to approximately 150 boys and girls in our area.
A family that lives in our area can come in once a month to receive food. Anyone can come in on Thursday at 3 p.m. for free clothing.
If you, or your organization, would like to make a donation to Helping Hands, please mail them to Helping Hands, 10072 W. 600S, Mentone, IN 46539.
Thank you all for your support.
Helping Hands
ABATE Thanks
Editor, Times-Union: I would like to begin by thanking everyone who was involved on our ninth annual ABATE Toys for Tots, which was held at the Warsaw Eagles. Although I would like to name everyone, there wouldn't be enough room. I would like to give a special thanks to all the local businesses who donated items for door prizes and for the people who took the time to collect them as well. This was a huge success. More people got involved this year by either making chili or baking goodies for the bake sale. All the donations of food, toys and cash were divided between CCS and Boys and Girls Club of Kosciusko County. We hope to see everyone come next year and enjoy themselves while helping the community and those less fortunate.
