Says opponents’ “hotlines and committees” approach is typical political rhetoric

For Immediate Release
Contact: Jim Gannon (973)588-5089

Boonton, May 24, 2016 – It’s time to move beyond rhetoric and political talking points and implement a comprehensive approach to address heroin and drug abuse issues impacting Morris County and every community in America, said Republican Sheriff’s candidate Jim Gannon today.

Gannon, who identified combatting heroin and illegal drugs, along with confronting the threat of terrorism and protecting seniors from consumer fraud, as part of his three- point campaign platform during his February 8^th campaign kick-off announcement, today outlined specific details for his anti-drug, anti-addiction proposal. 

“Heroin abuse, illegal drugs and addiction are a scourge on our communities that requires a comprehensive response, not vapid political rhetoric about ‘hotlines and committees’ that my opponent has naively put forth,” said Gannon, referring to John Sierchio’s oft-repeated talking points on the heroin issue.  “Hotlines and committees make for good sound bites, but they don’t qualify as a plan and will not solve the problem.  My comprehensive three-point approach will not delegate the problem to a hotline, but rather actively engage the Sheriff’s Office as part of the multidisciplinary approach that is necessary to eradicate these drugs from Morris County. My focus will be on education, enforcement and treatment to confront this crisis. No one person, or agency will solve this problem alone.”

The Gannon Three-Point Plan to Combat Heroin, Illegal Drugs and Addiction 

Gannon on EDUCATION

PARTNER with health professionals, social service and faith-based organizations, and law enforcement already fighting this battle, and promote positive choices and drug resistance education as early as the third grade. 

FOCUS on helping the user and their family break the cycle of abuse and assist recovering users in their return to productive lives. 

Gannon on ENFORCEMENT

ENSURE the effective deployment of existing resources to combat the heroin problem, head on. 

REDIRECT current manpower in the Sheriff’s Office to work directly with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and the DEA to target the “For-Profit” heroin dealers. 

Gannon on TREATMENT

PUSH for in-home nasal naloxone (NARCAN) deployment recognizing that families and loved ones are often the first responders to an overdose. 

TEAM up with families, recovery coaches, substance abuse professionals and treatment facilities to save lives. 

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