Idea for Largo Drug Testing of Officials Gets Mixed Reactionby Leo Coughlin LARGO - The suggestion made by a citizen that top officials in Largo - elected and appointed - subject themselves to drug testing as a powerful and good example and as an exercise in leadership has been greeted with enthusiasm, and, more troubling with ominous silence. No sooner was the query put to the mayor and members of the commission and the senior appointed officials (acting city manager, assistant city manager, city attorney) then there was an almost immediate response from Commissioners Mary Black, Gigi Arntzen and Gay Gentry. Sure, of course, they would subject themselves to such a test. The question was put to the officials by e-mail. It said - "A citizen, Curtis Holmes, suggested at the City Commission meeting June 5 that the top officials of Largo - elected and appointed - show leadership and undergo full drug testing. He suggested this would be a sterling example in a city that emphasizes with its employees that the work atmosphere in the city is drug free. His suggestion, Holmes said, would set an example throughout Pinellas County and in the state. And he said, that the citizens, as the employers of the elected and appointed officials of the city, have a right to know that their leaders are, indeed, drug free. "Please indicate by return e-mail whether you agree that you and your colleagues should submit to drug testing, as all employees of the city are required to do." Once an initial story was published last week, Assistant City Manager Henry Schubert checked in and he, too, agreed to undergo testing, and, at the same time, clarified the city's drug policy toward employees. Schubert said, "You indicate all employees in the city are subject to drug testing (and) if that were true then I would also be subject to such testing. Employees in sensitive positions, specifically police officers and employees with commercial driving licenses are subject to random drug testing. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing. Having said all this, I would not object to being tested for illegal drugs." So, of 10 persons queried, four have responded positively. Unheard from are Mayor Pat Gerard and Commissioners Andy Guyette, Rodney Woods and Harriet Crozier, along with Acting City Manager Mac Craig and City Attorney Alan Zimmet. Holmes' idea got mixed reviews. Some citizens liked it, but a couple of them, who posted comments on a web site called www.largofuture.com, disagreed. One, in an unsigned message, said - "Any Largo official that takes a drug test should be fired. People who say that only people who are on drugs would refuse the test are pretty short sighted. Taking the drug test will prove nothing other than the fact that they are still listening closely to the voices of the few and letting it get in the way of doing their REAL job." Of course, Holmes carefully pointed out in making his suggestion that it would set a good example and demonstrate leadership. "My idea was not to start a witch hunt or play 'gotcha,'" he said. "I think it would set a great example for other officials in the county and state." Another comment, also unsigned, said, "Perhaps your intentions are well meant but they sure come across as sour grapes from a bunch of election losers." Holmes, it should be pointed out, has never run for elective office in Largo, but is a citizen who follows closely city business and attends most commission meetings.
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