Don’t shoot the messenger

Milton Town Council is set to consider a new policy to limit the ability of town employees to speak publicly.

The issue arises as council adopted a tight budget that cut funding for the town’s police department.  After the budget was adopted, police Chief William Phillips offered a presentation to council on increases in heroin-related crime and the rise in gang activity in Milton and across Delaware.

While no one would say Milton’s problems rival those of Wilmington or Dover, the chief’s presentation alerted the Cape Region that these problems present a danger that should be addressed – sooner rather than later.

The public presentation of these issues led to Phillips’ responding to questions from the press and to front-page stories about local drug and gang-related incidents.

Milton officials are understandably dismayed their town has publicly been linked to serious crime. But the town’s reaction_? – possibly limiting the chief’s ability to speak to the press_? –  is a classic example of shooting the messenger.

Heroin use and serious drug violence are growing in places where dealers can operate without getting caught. As large cities increase pressure against criminals, towns and rural areas become more attractive.

No one wants to believe drug dealers and gang members are targeting the small towns we love, but our resorts and the towns that surround them cannot escape this trend.

Council has questioned the timing of Phillips’ presentation, but questioning his timing does not mean council should ignore Phillips’ message.  Openly discussing drugs and gangs is a necessary step toward engaging citizens and motivating them to learn how to protect their families and their neighbors. Citizens nationwide are calling for greater transparency in government.

But what is transparency if not shining a light on matters left too long in the dark? Drug and gang problems exist in Delaware. Instead of debating measures to prevent employees from speaking out, Milton Town Council would serve its citizens better by focusing on the issues, engaging residents and making it harder for drug dealers to do business in Milton or anywhere.