Marion County Public Safety Coordinating Council to Meet With Mexican Consulate to Discuss Meth

(Salem) - The Marion County Public Safety Coordinating Council will meet with the Mexican Consulate at the Loucks Auditorium at the Salem Library Tuesday, January 10th, at 4:00 PM. The plan is for both parties to discuss the methamphetamine issue from an international perspective, and to build a stronger relationship between the consulate and Marion County.

With 80% of the methamphetamine consumed in Oregon coming from Mexican drug cartels, this provides both entities a chance to ask questions, strategize and build cooperation in the ongoing fight against illegal drugs. "This is a wonderful step to take," stated Commissioner Patti Milne, chair of the Public Safety Coordinating Council. "We are grateful for the consul's willingness to meet with us, and for the opportunity to expand our strategic partnerships in our fight against meth."

The meeting between the Public Safety Coordinating Council and the Mexican Consulate was largely the brainchild of Marion County Sheriff Raul Ramirez, who has actively pursued a strong working relationship with the consulate when dealing with public safety issues.

Local state representatives and other officials have also been invited to this meeting, along with other key individuals and policy makers in the struggle against the effects of methamphetamine in our community.

The Marion County Public Safety Coordinating Council has launched a 2006 Strategic Plan that builds on its continuing mission to lead the community in improving public safety, with a target focus on "eliminating the manufacture, distribution, and use of illegal drugs in Marion County."