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Y! MyWebJAM reviews progress for transportation, drug programs
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Springfield, Ohio — Springfield residents trekking across the city at 4 a.m. to work will get some relief next year.
After hearing about stories about the plight of the affected residents, Justice Action Mercy, a social justice organization comprising 16 local religious groups, petitioned the Springfield-Clark County Transportation Coordinating Committee for change, JAM President Rev. Darryl Grayson said Tuesday, Aug. 19. It was the group's seventh annual fall assembly at Covenant United Methodist Church, 529 W. Johnny Lytle Ave.
From mid-October to December 2009, a Clark County Department of Job and Family Services group will supply rides to residents going to work or work-related locations, such as child care or a required drug test, said Eric Ottoson, a transportation planner with the committee.
In the past year, the committee received two grants, totaling $140,000, to provide transportation for working Springfield residents, Ottoson said.
With the help of JAM, Springfield High School will offer bus rides to all Springfield High School students who live more than two miles from school, said Donna Picklesimer, president of the Springfield Board of Education.
The school's transportation committee thinks the rides will be a valuable service, especially for students who would have long drives from the south side of town, Picklesimer said.
However, the group's petition for an adult drug court to handle cases involving nonviolent substance abusers has stalled after a lack of commitment from Common Pleas Judge Richard O'Neill, said Delvin Harshaw, chair of JAM's transportation committee.
O'Neill could not be reached for comments.
A juvenile drug court established by Clark County Juvenile Court Judge Joseph Monnin and funded by a state grant, has been successful in rehabilitating the majority of its participants, said Monnin, who was honored by JAM with an award for his work.
"Why did I start a juvenile drug court?" Monnin asked. "Because it works."
Monnin said he is uncertain if an adult drug court would be effective, but is supportive of the idea. Ohio Supreme Court Justice Evelyn Stratton also expressed her support in a letter.
"It's going to get done. I promise you this," Harshaw said.
Contact this reporter at 937-328-0283 or at jbalmert@coxohio.com
