GIBBONS ANNOUNCES MEMBERS
OF METHAMPHETAMINE WORKING GROUP

February 13, 2007

Carson City – Governor Jim Gibbons today released the names of his bipartisan 15 member Methamphetamine Working Group tasked with finding and recommending solutions to address Nevada’s meth epidemic.  The group was created by Executive Order on January 20, 2007.

The group includes experts from law enforcement, healthcare, treatment, rehabilitation and education, along with representatives from state, local and tribal government.  Members of the Methamphetamine Working Group represent Nevada’s rural and urban areas as well as both houses of the State Legislature. 

The comprehensive Working Group is charged with creating a report with recommendations on the most efficient and effective course of action to mitigate the current meth epidemic and to create a plan to permanently reduce meth production, distribution and use.  The report will be presented to the Governor and State Legislature by April 1, 2007. 

“During my career in public service, I have remained dedicated to addressing the meth epidemic.  Over the years we have garnered significant federal funding for a number of projects and programs aimed at reducing trafficking and production. Most recently, Washoe County received the designation of a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). However, it is imperative that we bolster our efforts at the state level.  This is an issue that affects us all and continues to strain our state and local resources. It is my hope that these recommendations will lead to comprehensive legislation, allowing us to get a handle on this virulent drug,” said Governor Jim Gibbons.

Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto will serve as Chairwoman of the working group.  First Lady Dawn Gibbons, who has made fighting meth a top concern, will also serve as a member.  Other members include:

• Ken Furlong, Sheriff of Carson City
• Phil Galeoto, Director of the Nevada Department of Public Safety
• Doug Gillespe, Sheriff of Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
• Chris Giunchigliani, Clark County Commissioner
• Mike Haley, Sheriff of Washoe County
• Dr. Joseph Heck, Nevada State Senator
• Sheila Leslie, Nevada State Assemblywoman
• Ted Quasula , Chief of Police of the Nevada Paiute Tribe
• Dr. Rob Roberts, Superintendent of Nye County School District
• Dr. Richard Steinberg, CEO of WestCare Nevada
• Mayor Marv Teixeira, Mayor of Carson City
• Rhonda Zuraff, Publisher of Elko Daily Free Press
• Mike Willden, Director of the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services