State Leaders Discuss UNITE Funding
State Leaders Discuss UNITE Funding Save Email Print
Posted: 11:24 AM Jan 21, 2008
 Last Updated: 3:08 AM Jan 22, 2008
 Reporter: Marie Luby
Email Address: marie.luby@wymtnews.com
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It could mean no layoffs for Operation UNITE, but it's still just a temporary fix.

Monday, UNITE officials and state legislators announced a bill for emergency money to keep all UNITE officers on the streets. Some people affected by drugs say this money is going to make a big difference.

People who packed into the London-Laurel Tourist Commission Office Monday afternoon face the impact of drug abuse every day.

"It has destroyed families, lives," said Carolyn Wilson.

"We were losing on average one young person a week. We just couldn't afford that anymore," said Nancy Hale.

Now Operation UNITE can't afford to keep 12 of its staff and fully fund all of its programs. State Senators Robert Stivers and Tom Jensen are introducing a bill to give Operation UNITE $450,000 dollars to save those jobs, and the people they serve through the end of this fiscal year.

"It won't happen on our watch that we fail to have the commitment to try to rid ourselves and give our children the dreams we want them to have," Senator Stivers said.

Stivers says he's confident the bill will make it to the governor's desk because the money would come from the multi-county regional economic development fund, an area he says is safe from budget cuts.

"This is not an area the governor is looking at to do any type of budget cutbacks. It is a fund that is statutorily designated to go back into the counties from which it came," Stivers said.

U.S. Representative Hal Rogers says thanks to UNITE, Eastern Kentucky is the only region in the state showing a significant decrease in the number of dispensed narcotics, all the more reason the state should chip in.

"It's easy to get media coverage for a roundup or arresting drug dealers. I don't know that people understand the impact we're having on recovery, treatment, and education," said Karen Engle with Operation UNITE.

If it passes, the bill could take effect by the end of the month.
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Posted by: denny Location: lagrange on Feb 5, 2008 at 08:49 AM
Is the lights off yet. I keep hoping soon, real soon, la thim off.
Posted by: denny Location: lagrange on Feb 4, 2008 at 09:43 AM
The news is in, no new funding, haa, haa, now let the pink slips start flowing all the way up to Karen Engle. bye,bye
Posted by: denny Location: lagrange on Jan 31, 2008 at 12:41 PM
The day will be so refreshing when they close the door's to unite and I'll have a party at my house to celebrate this glorius day. I hate want a-be cops, I respect K.S.P. AND HAT UNITE PUNKETT'S. PARTY TIME, TICK TOCK, MONEY RUNNING OUT BOYS AND GIRLS
Posted by: denny Location: lagrange on Jan 29, 2008 at 09:06 PM
I see the governor did the right thing and didn't give these unite thugs no money, good bye karen and good riddence as i'll be so happy to see you un-employed. good bye
Posted by: Liberty Location: Pike Co on Jan 29, 2008 at 11:03 AM
If Unite receives tax dollars, all salaries should be reported. If it is a pork barrel project with little sincere value, dump it.
Posted by: denny Location: lagrange on Jan 28, 2008 at 07:39 AM
I can't wait till they day we are rid of karen engle and her band of thugs, on the un-employment line is were I see these bunch of rats(snitches) let the real cops(ksp) do their job. I hate the drug dealers, but worse then that I hate people that steal money.
Posted by: jenni Location: hazard on Jan 25, 2008 at 11:44 AM
i am tired of people using e.ky. to line their pockets. get rid of unite and let the ksp and locals do their jobs. They are well educated people who are very capable of doing their jobs. Coal severence money is supose to go largely for education. Hal Rodgers is out of line pouring this kind of money to one org. when it is needed in our schools, helping the unemployed, homeless and helpless. there are drug problems nation wide but only in e.ky. has it been so publicized and as a result no job market is available. WAKE UP PEOPLE!
Posted by: Joe Location: Wyoming on Jan 25, 2008 at 12:25 AM
In the county that I used to live there was a unite round-up and the county sheriff tipped off some of the ones to be arrested so they wouldn't be caught. He then would go over to there homes to party. It was pathetic. Then there was another time when we had proof, presented the proof, and they refused to do anything "the bird in the hand". Haven't trusted law enforcement in that county since
Posted by: dean Location: letcher on Jan 24, 2008 at 06:08 PM
Hal Rogers and Karen Engle may win a partial victory in the battle for coal severance funds, but they will lose the war. No organization can survive long with no good will from the public, nor from the professionals they have exploited. They were launched with enthusiasm and great hopes by those of us who thought it could be a great movement, but the character of the leadership structure quickly became apparent, when they sold us out and betrayed us.
Posted by: john Location: letcher county on Jan 24, 2008 at 02:58 PM
I heard Karen Engle talking about getting grants from private foundations. Good luck!! She will find out that they are a lot more careful about how their funds are used than governments are. They may ask for qualifications of the staff, for one thing. They may be more skeptical about some of UNITE's reported successes, as well.
Posted by: me Location: pike county on Jan 24, 2008 at 01:17 PM
I am all for Unite getting the funding they need. These people spend countless hours at work and they deserve every penny they get. We need Unite for the drug epidemic to decrease. Yes these druggies do need help and Unite helps provide funding for these people. I had a family member that used to be one of these people and without help he may still be. Yes being a drug user is like having a disease and the sad part it is not cureable. These recovered drug addicts have the cravings everyday of their life and have to figure out a way to deal with it. And no Engle is not Rogers niece. You all keep bringing up the salaries but how much would you all want to be paid if you put in at least 80 hours a week and most of the time 7 days a week away from your loved ones? Don't you think they deserve to be paid more than minimum wage? I know I sure do. Have you ever attened any of the Unite meetings? If not you don't know what these people are doing? With all this said YES give the funds
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Mt. Vernon on Jan 24, 2008 at 12:09 PM
Anything is only as good as its leadership, UNITE is a great concept but the leadership has destroyed it. When you only want fame and glory and truly do not have the scruples to lead with honesty, fairness and integrity; then empires crumble. When personal vindettas are carried out through power and prestige, there are definite problems. There are and have been very good staff at UNITE that has developed initiatives and worked hard to make a change in the region but the leadership has let several of the staff go, for absurd reasons that could not be proven. Acts such as this hurts the program and loses the very people that makes the program a mission and just not a job.
Posted by: Frustrated Location: EKY on Jan 24, 2008 at 11:53 AM
Mary..Thank you for pointing out that it is not all docotors/dentists. Kaspar reports are available to law enforcement officers to see which doctors or dentists are over prescribing medications. A study just relesed by the National Drug Intelligence Center has shown a 390% increase in metadone overdoses. When are we going to stop kidding ourselves in East Kentucky and believing that Hal, Unite, Clinics, or others really give a hoot. It comes down to money always has always will. The only people that can help East Kentucky is East Kentuckians that believe in God, their communities, and their people. If money and politics could save us then we should have been saved already. Politicians, big business, and others have always exploited East Kentucky and Appalachia. We were targeted by Purdue Pharma for this. The methadone clinics saw an easy buck and UNITE, along with Hall have found a way to pump money into the pockets of the few who are controlled by the political machine.
Posted by: Dan Location: Letcher on Jan 24, 2008 at 10:06 AM
I was involved with UNITE at one time, but I couldn't stand the company. They seemed to me to be self-centered, ambitious, political, and were interested in only one thing - publicity. They moved in on Ky River Community Care and took credit for most of what they had done, and other agencies have similar stories. They can't accomplish anything; they have no respect and no credibility
Posted by: nolan Location: pike county on Jan 24, 2008 at 09:59 AM
You've got to admire the courage of these lawmakers who are trying to get money to continue the outrageous salaries of UNITE, in the face of all the reports of unemployment all over the state, and particularly in the UNITE area.
Posted by: johnny Location: ky on Jan 24, 2008 at 07:29 AM
i hate drugs they are killing people.but operation unite is just another welefare check.take the money an put it on water the problem lies in the court system.when they the police officers bust the drug dealers the judges probates them they are out pushing pills the next day.so take the money and put it where it will help the people that have a real job
Posted by: Virgil Location: Richmond/Irvine on Jan 24, 2008 at 03:50 AM
I have spend over 30 min reading all these comments and well for the most part have the opinion that alot of people mainly in eastern kentucky don't like UNITE. SHOCKER!!! considering that Eastern KY had the worst drug problem. The reason that UNITE has had limited success is the corrupt Judges that we have in our court system. It doesn't matter if its UNITE or State Police or County Sherriff's office or City police that arrest these freaks of nature, If the Judge is just going to give them a slap on the wrist and a wink of his eye on their way out the courthouse. And yeah we all know it every form of law enforcement in this state and every state has corrupt individuals maybe more than some but that is to be expected since those in law enforcement are those in the best position to break the law. If we are going to cut funding to UNITE then we just need to cut it out all together but if we are going to have UNITE then we need to fund it fully instead of half jobbing everything!
Posted by: Former UNITE Employee Location: Floyd County on Jan 23, 2008 at 07:13 PM
This message is for Paul in Lex, (edited). I worked for UNITE for over a year and have come to realize that Engle and her staff are extremely overpaid for the work that they do. They are just simply taking credit for the work of other agencies, which is the easy part!!
Posted by: jenny Location: Eastern KY on Jan 23, 2008 at 07:04 PM
So many of you talk about no jobs being in Eastern KY. Major industry will not locate to an area that has the type of drug using statistics that describe our area nationally. Kids that take drugs don't learn. UNITE drug counselors in the schools help with this problem. If that program ceases to exist our educators will be forced to deal with all the issues related to students that use instead of trying to assure our students actually learn. UNITE has raised awareness about drug issues on the community level like no other organization in the history of our region. It is a national model for attacking the substance abuse problems that destroy communities. If we fail to change attitudes of our youth so they make better choices regarding this terrible scourge the drug problem will continue to escalate, our kids will not learn, industry will continue to not consider locations in Eastern KY and our communities and citizens will continue to suffer. UNITE must continue for our future!
Posted by: Cindy Location: Somerset on Jan 23, 2008 at 06:58 PM
Why is everyone griping? Didn't UNITE have a big bust of something like 12 oxycotins recently? That has to be worth the $450,000.
Posted by: Wow Location: Richmond on Jan 23, 2008 at 05:13 PM
Educated Location: East Kentucky If you belive a online poll is accurarte littlone 1 poll from 1 news website is an accurate number to represent the feelings of all kentuckians then you must be a corrupt cop or politician. DO soem reading on surveys sometime youll find most people wont participate and the ones that do definalty arent the majority.
Posted by: jack Location: hazard on Jan 23, 2008 at 01:25 PM
If these lawmakers take a penny of our coal severance money they will pay for it at election. The nerve to bring this up to pay those disgraceful salaries when so many here don't have any job at all. 32 people were just cut off in Floyd County. If you ever wondered what Hal Roger's really thinks of the people in his region, you have your answer.
Posted by: Mary Location: Ky on Jan 23, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Did any of you know that most drug dealers travel to Ohio & Indiana to get a big supply of their drugs that they peddle? That tells me that local drs. are not giving out as much as we think. There is a computer link within the state that can catch dr. hoppers but I don't think it goes state to state. Thats what they need to do. But from listening to gossip these dealers may just buy these drugs from someone that has already gone to a dr. in those states at a discount. The trouble with anything getting done with the druggies & the dealers remain with the court system. Unite can drag them in all day but if the courts do nothing but slap them on the wrist & say "don't do that again" then that just puts them back on the street to do what they do best. There is a druggie from our county that now lives in a neighboring county that has caused more wrecks than the amount of pills he takes and guess what has been done with him..NOTHING!!
Posted by: Paul Location: Lex on Jan 23, 2008 at 11:14 AM
The people posting in regard to the salaries of ms. engle, and the others involved, are just envious. If you had any clue the amount of time and effort that goes into running an organization this size and the quality of the people required to run it, the question of the money spent would be moot..Yes frankfort, we need a stop gap measure to keep these people working for our better good. The rest of you are just ill informed or at best intentionally ignorant..Hats of to Hal Rogers, and the good people working with UNITE. For those of you who want to blame the dr.s and the pharmacies...Have any of you needed prescription pain meds in the last 3 years? Do you have any idea how hard it is to get these medications when you need them? I had surgery last year, and was only given enough to get me through the first week. The doctors feel that if they do prescribe these meds they will get into trouble.. Try bouncing back from major surgery with tylenol folks...
Posted by: me Location: winchester on Jan 23, 2008 at 11:00 AM
How can they give all that money to a agency that for most of them in the mountain area actually are worse then the drug dealers they are trying to take down. Now with the state in debt and all the people that are laid off right now and you want to pay some guys at outrageous prices to try and rid of dealers! Give Ky a break!
Posted by: Donnie Location: Pikeville on Jan 23, 2008 at 10:23 AM
This UNITE is just part of Hal Roger's political aristocracy; probably the only private police force in the country, and of questionable legality. I see that Ray Jones is supporting it - big surprise!!
Posted by: Martin Location: Prestonsburg on Jan 23, 2008 at 10:17 AM
How can Ray Jones or any other lawmaker from this region seriously consider giving this money to fund these outrageous UNITE salaries when so many here have been laid off just last week?
Posted by: Frank Location: Hyden on Jan 23, 2008 at 09:49 AM
UNITE is reaping what they sowed. They never leveled with the public from the first. They never gave any serious support to the local agencies, and used them largely as publicity arms. They took most of the credit for what other agencies accomplished. They did the same with local law enforcement. They used the crutch of working with a noble cause to cover up their deficiencies and transgressions. They countered any criticism, much of it from within the disgruntled local UNITE units, by saying the one criticising was just against drug reform. Now they have no credibility from any direction.
Posted by: Educated Location: East Kentucky on Jan 23, 2008 at 09:08 AM
Results: Do you think state and federal government should provide additional funding for Operation UNITE? Poll Results: Yes - 64.0% No - 30.1% Undecided - 5.9% Total Responses - 836 Keep posting your negative reponses. You are in the minority!!!!
Posted by: dr rich Location: ky&wv on Jan 23, 2008 at 09:02 AM
don,t go after docters.that wood put unite and street level drug dealer out off a job.
Posted by: donny Location: ky on Jan 23, 2008 at 12:13 AM
i think unite is doing a good job.they bring in lot of druggies off the street..they got my vote..good job there guys
Posted by: Mary Location: Ky on Jan 23, 2008 at 12:12 AM
To treatment center supporter...you compare cancer & diabetes to drug addiction. Let me ask you a question...Do you know anyone with cancer or diabetes where the disease makes them do senseless murders just to support having cancer or diabetes like the druggies do? These thugs kill old people in their homes for what they have worked for. They literally beat peoples brains out for a couple of dollars to support their habits. How can you even begin to compare cancer & diabetes to drug addiction? People with diabetes & cancer never hurt anyone but druggies sure do and you see it on the news NIGHTLY.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: perry on Jan 22, 2008 at 10:46 PM
i think you should cut there money. because that's why we have cops for. That is a wast of my taxes i pay in every day. It should go to poeple that need it that can't buy food or place to live.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: East Ky on Jan 22, 2008 at 10:23 PM
I think the original intent of UNITE was good. I don't think it has worked, overall. Treatment vouchers are only good if the person follows through and wants treatment. The bigger dealers (the doctors) aren't being arrested. Take the UNITE money and develop a system tracking prescription drugs and passing laws preventing prolonged writing of certain prescriptions. Put some oversight in place for the medical field. Give the funding to the local police and KSP to do the job. The salaries of UNITE staff could go a long way on the local level.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: hindman on Jan 22, 2008 at 09:23 PM
frustrated i echo your statement. why arn't they putting away the true dealers. as for 160,000 a year, how can she sleep at night. there are dozens of laid of county workeres in floyd county who could really use that money.
Posted by: Paul Location: LEX on Jan 22, 2008 at 09:14 PM
The hypocricy of the posts in here and in the section involving drug testing the homeless just blows me away.. lets jerk funding for a program that is definately doing something positive to fight the drug epidemic, and use that money to drug test the very people we were trying to help? wow its getting deep in here.
Posted by: Tired Location: East KY on Jan 22, 2008 at 07:26 PM
Every time I have seen a news article about UNITE the name Hal Rogers has been prominently attached to the story. If anyone thinks UNITE is not political, they are naive, OR ON DRUGS.
Posted by: angel Location: eky on Jan 22, 2008 at 07:03 PM
ENGLE IS HAL ROGERS NEICE!
Posted by: steve on Jan 22, 2008 at 06:37 PM
These politicians always forgets eastern ky no jobs no factorys we are still living like its in the twentys thats a real shame. We the peaple needs to take our protest signs to Frankfort and i mean republicans and democrats we are all Kentuckians these politicians are smacking all of in the face on the local and national level they are taking our rights and telling us what to do all the time remember we dont work for them they work for us .
Posted by: Former UNITE Employee Location: Floyd County on Jan 22, 2008 at 06:29 PM
UNITE is a JOKE! There are already numerous agencies in place that combat the epidemic of substance abuse through treatment, education, and law enforcement. UNITE is just a political machine of overpaid employees that try to jump in and take credit for the work that is already being done. Other state and federal funded agencies that combat this epidemic requires employees to have experience and certain qualifications; which UNITE does not have. These agencies are also required to submit a line item budget that lists all expenditures and salaries of which are public record. This amount of money for 12 employee salaries is outrageous. Consider how many of the 32 Floyd County Employees that were laid off this amount (450,000) could bring back to work! The key word here is ACCOUNTABILITY!! UNITE should actually spent the money on needed /un-duplicated services rather than enormous salaries. So, Vote NO for Senate Bill 97!!!
Posted by: I can't belive this! Location: East Ky. on Jan 22, 2008 at 06:08 PM
Unite works with first time offenders and important people's relitives. What about the others? Unite doesen't need coal severance money for more politics. Hal Rogers is not God although Unite people think he is. Enough is enough if our elected oficals vote for this you have lost my vote. The people should vote these lap dogs out. There are the doctors who move into our communites that are interested in nothing but money and in a month after opening have a large practice built on drugs they are never arrested and leave with their pockets full. We have more drug store's that fill more prescriptions per day than there is population in the community. not one arrest not one. They want funding I just can't belive this.Unite has not done the job fire them no funding.Fire all goverment official who votes for this .
Posted by: kay Location: magoffin on Jan 22, 2008 at 05:19 PM
While the unite is a good program. My concern is if many follow the drug offenders they would find that many are still on the streets after being arrested. So as a mother I have to say "Does it really do its job right?" Will the drugs ever stay off the streets and will the people who are arrested get what's coming to them. Or are we just giving the wrong people a slap on the back for an unfinished job.
Posted by: leonard Location: Prestonsburg on Jan 22, 2008 at 05:03 PM
There's something wacky about the vote count and the comments. They don't agree at all. Maybe all the drugs have caused a schizophrenic population.
Posted by: Lee Location: hindman on Jan 22, 2008 at 04:49 PM
The UNITE vote count, and the comments on UNITE," seem wildly inconsistent. It makes me wonder if a UNITE staffer hasn't been assigned to sit at the computer all day and vote yes.
Posted by: Mary Location: Ky on Jan 22, 2008 at 04:36 PM
To frustrated..I agree with some of what you say but I have to disagree that it is doctors & dentists that are handing out these drugs..at least they are not in our county.If u r a person in chronic horrible pain its impossible nearly to find any help from a doctor because of druggies. These methadone clinics are another story. They are dosed every day with enough to kill a horse & to keep them plastered for an entire day. And u will never hear one that goes there say they do not have the 320.00 or more that it takes for one week of treatment but they have no money to feed the kids or pay their bills.And again they drive home from these clinics which puts innocent people at risk. Pain centers are another story also. Thats mostly where the dealers get their stash imo.And people that truly are in pain just have to suck it up & live with it because of the stigma(because of druggies & dealers) attached to a pain clinic. Maybe Unite should sit outside the meth. clinic & arrest as they leave.
Posted by: Mary Location: Ky on Jan 22, 2008 at 04:14 PM
One more thing..I have NO PROBLEM with Unite & what they represent.These druggies being back on the street is my problem.They steal working people blind & cause one accident after another & they are never punished. If I know one thing & that is the druggies & dealers dread Smoot.I didn't know Engle was Hal Rogers niece. Smoot cannot be paid enough for what he does as his life is on the line daily. But some of that money Unite has should be used more for recreation than trying to help those than do not want help.It is not fair to law abiding citizens to be robbed of all they have & even lose innocent loved ones because someone DECIDES to use drugs & drive.To treatment supporter..IMO putting a cancer victim or one with diabetes should never be put in the same category as a druggie.They cannot help their disease but a druggie can just say NO. I know u disagree with that but I do not. Cancer & diabetes victims would LOVE to rid of their disease by something as easy as just saying NO!!
Posted by: cw on Jan 22, 2008 at 03:16 PM
I would drather see the money that is spent on drug courts spent on things such as education. I agree with Mary.
Posted by: the people know! Location: everywhere,ky on Jan 22, 2008 at 03:00 PM
DO NOT BE BLINDED BY ANOTHER POLITICAL SCAM TO GET MONEY! These people want more addicts on the street so that they have job security. WAKE UP KY! ask unite what their salaries are and WHAT THEY DO WITH THE DRUGS.
Posted by: Frustrated Location: EKY on Jan 22, 2008 at 02:15 PM
The problem with continued funding for UNITE is not that they are horrible people or that they are not doing a good job at arresting street level dealers. The problem is that they have missed the real problem, which is not illegal drugs. It is the abuse of prescription drugs that are prescribed by doctors and dentists. When are we going to see the real problem addressed and see some doctors and dentists on the UNITE round-ups? Each time a street level dealer is arrested, two pop up to take his/her place. If we are going to kill the snake that keeps biting our children and loved ones, it has to begin with responsibility by healthcare professionals in prescribing medications. All the publicity looks good, but if Washington is tired of spending our money on a faulty program, doesn't look like Frankfort could take a hint. The same police officers who could not do the job when they were state police are tryng to do it for UNITE. Wake up people, publicity and Hal can't fix this!
Posted by: Steve Location: EKY on Jan 22, 2008 at 02:13 PM
UNITE has done far less than you could ever dream with the money they have wasted. Karen Engle making 160,000 dollars and the Law Enforcement Director having no supervisory or mgmt experience. There stats are taken from other agencies working on drugs. Look at their sentences. Yes they may have 98% conviction, but there almost all probated or given fines. A total waste as far as their law enforcement ability
Posted by: treatment supporter Location: London on Jan 22, 2008 at 02:11 PM
To CW. Not all drug court programs are funded by UNITE, but many are. UNITE increased the number of drug courts in Eastern KY from 5 to 30. Many drug court participants have also received the UNITE voucher which pays for them to go to treatment. There are several drug court participants that have completed treatment and are now sober, gainfully employed and helping ours obtain sobriety. They once were on their way to prison or death, but have since gotten their lives together. There were 72 babies born to drug free drug court participants since UNITE became involved. While it is true that not all of those receiving treatment recover, many still do. Mary, not all cancer patients or diabetics recover. Does this mean we should stop paying for treatment for them as well?
Posted by: Mary Location: Ky on Jan 22, 2008 at 01:38 PM
To those wanting to know I DO HAVE drug addicts in my family. I have known many many that have been given VOUCHERS for drug treatment that get out of treatment still drug addicts. Wonder what the stats are on this? How many enter treatment and come out just as big an addict as they were when they went in. The only reason they go for treatment to begin with is because they are in trouble with the law & they go to get out of it. Could someone tell me how treatment is helping knowing this? I would be willing to bet that 99 out of 100 come out as bad an addict as they were when they entered. I agree with another poster that if Unite would FUND some community centers..like skateboard or swimming pools..maybe that would aid the younger set to have something to do rather than to become an addict. I know this isn't true with all but MOST addicts are sorry butts that NEVER have worked & never will. Instead of treatment maybe they should be ordered to work instead. Ever consider this?
Posted by: John Location: Letcher on Jan 22, 2008 at 01:18 PM
I don't see how state officials and legislators will be able to accept UNITE's pleas for more money, with a straight face, after learning about their salaries and their performance. If they really want to learn about UNITE, they should call the people who know; the sheriffs and other drug agencies, who have suffered from UNITE's grabbing their funding, and credit for the jobs they have done.
Posted by: Street Suviver Location: Hyden on Jan 22, 2008 at 01:18 PM
I feel like unity is a great thing, anyone that has anything to do with illegal drugs should be put away. You would fell the same way if one of your children or family member lost their life due to illegal drugs.I also believe that Unity employee's deserve a good salary, it is untelling the dangers these brave men and women have face when getting a drug dealer off the streets and should not matter to anyone what their salary is, this is not politics it's a good thing.
Posted by: John Location: Campton on Jan 22, 2008 at 12:44 PM
This stampede to get state funding for UNITE isn't going to keep them afloat. People have got to realize that the four hundred thousand plus is no more than enough for four or five of these people's salaries. What we have here is a high-dollar outfit. We've been hearing a lot about budget cuts, and even layoffs. I don't think the people working under this strain are going to appreciate ladling this tight money out to these prima donnas.
Posted by: lucy Location: prestonsburg on Jan 22, 2008 at 12:31 PM
If Ms. Engles wasn't over paid their would be money to operate! Ask and find out how much she is paid!!!!!!!
Posted by: cw on Jan 22, 2008 at 12:04 PM
Is the drug court funded by operation Unite?
Posted by: Davy B Location: EKY on Jan 22, 2008 at 12:04 PM
Negativity, negativity, negativity...UNITE loves you to Letcher County.
Posted by: Will on Jan 22, 2008 at 11:51 AM
Davey B it was not an attack merely the truth, hurts doesn't it. If Hal was so concerned he should ask Karen and Dan to take pay cuts. Where else in Eastern Ky can those two get a job making that kind of money? Answer nowhere
Posted by: Wayne Location: Jenkins on Jan 22, 2008 at 10:46 AM
If UNITE succeeds in getting our coal severance money, they are going to have to have their salaries, and a lot of their political activity, brought into the open. The politicians had better handle this one carefully, because a lot of agencies have suffered from the budget crisis, and a lot of individuals are sweating out their jobs. Those UNITE officials are making salaries four and five times those of the average person in this area.
Posted by: Bryan Location: Whitesburg on Jan 22, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Before theres any more discussion of Unite and their money grab, they should report their salaries.
Posted by: Kenny Location: Jenkins on Jan 22, 2008 at 10:29 AM
UNITE hasn't squared with us on hardly any part of what they've done. They have no rehabilitation program; they just jail people and get in the papers and on TV. They are just a political program out for publicity and high pay. If their salaries were known by the public there would be a real firestorm.
Posted by: danny Location: Neon on Jan 22, 2008 at 10:21 AM
UNITE is putting some nervous politicians in an even more nervous position. If they vote for this money grab by this purely political organization, after convincing the state theres a budget crisis, and cutting funding and employment, they're going to be looking for other jobs.
Posted by: treatment supporter Location: London, KY on Jan 22, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Poor Tim. Speaking about things he apparently knows nothing about. What has UNITE done for treatment? UNITE has helped to open two TX centers in Eastern KY. Westcare in Pike Co. and Chad's Hope in Clay Co. UNITE has given 1085 vouchers to pay for treatment. UNITE has increased the number of drug courts from 5-30 by funding them. It would hurt to lose the other 25 if UNITE wasn't around wouldn't it? UNITE has provided trainings for Lifeline support meetings for addicts and their families. UNITE has placed substance abuse counselors in all 5th congressional district schools. UNITE has provided supervision for counselors seeking advanced certifications like the certified alcohol and drug counselor. UNITE has educated about Casey's Law; a way to force an addict into treatment until they decide they need it for themselves. UNITE provides a referral line to help people locate treatment programs and have someone to talk to. Looks to me like UNITE has done A LOT for treatment in Eastern KY
Posted by: Davy B Location: EKY on Jan 22, 2008 at 09:59 AM
I'll say it once again for all those individuals who are posting comments with incorrect info (and don't spell to good either). Law enforcement is just a piece of what UNITE does. They understand the importance for youth activities, education, etc. and funnel money into our communities for such projects. P.S. If you want to use this as a place to post political blogs to attack Hal Rogers there are plenty of other websites out there.
Posted by: Dan Location: BlackeyI on Jan 22, 2008 at 09:56 AM
I don't think its legal for UNITE to take the funding they have targeted. That money is for remedying some of the destruction caused by the coal mining. When has that ever mattered in Kentucky, though? politicians had better be careful on this one after poormouthing the budget so hard.
Posted by: Randall Location: Pineville on Jan 22, 2008 at 09:24 AM
Whether you're a fan of UNITE or not, it will take more than the local or state police to do the job. Why? Well, look at it this way. If you were a really big dealer with almost unlimited amounts of tax-free money to throw around, where would you spend it? Maybe make a monthly "contribution" to some key officials? Maybe "invest" in some business ventures that benefit those same folks? If you don't believe that happens you don't understand the problem. Sure, the little guys who can't afford the payoffs get picked up on a regular basis. But one street dealer just replaces another. Meanwhile, the ones who never get their hands dirty keep counting the money. Why worry about having a shipment seized when you have a police escort? Why worry about indictment when you and the judge have a close relationship? And the real irony? The victims get to go before this same judge in "drug court." Makes you proud, doesn't it? Let's get serious and hit this problem where it starts. At the top!
Posted by: Robert Location: Letcher County on Jan 22, 2008 at 09:13 AM
Karen Engle's salary is $136,000.00 per year, Dan Smoot makes around $109,000.00 a year. The next supervisor under him makes about 93 thousand a year and the supervisor under that makes about 76 thousand a year. UNITE is nothing more than a political pork barrel project to garner as much news media exposure for Hal Rogers as possible. I'm not opposed to what UNITE is trying to do. However, I am opposed to the elitist level salaries that some of these supervisors are making. The majority of them are retired from other jobs and do not need the money in the first place. If the Governor of this state allows coal severance money to go for this it will be a huge slap in the face to the state police and other law enforcement agencies who are going through similar budget cuts. Right now there are about 343 State Troopers that actually work to patrol the roads and keep us safe. If anything should be done building up the state police should get top priority.
Posted by: Will on Jan 22, 2008 at 08:21 AM
If Karen Engle and Hal Rogers are so concerned let her take a pay cut after all she is his neice and is bringing home in the six figures, he started this let him get the funding, he wants the state to bail him out please get real the state done enough for him by renaming the Daniel Boone Parkway to the Hal Rogers. How many trails did he blaze thru Eastern Kentucky the answer none but he she has made himself and his family rich off the taxpayers. Karen Engle should take a pay cut that would pay for about two maybe three officers to keep their job
Posted by: Willson Location: Pike on Jan 22, 2008 at 08:04 AM
Yea, the dope has destoryed no more familys then Unite has.We treat our dogs better, then we do our people.
Posted by: bill on Jan 22, 2008 at 05:04 AM
these unite officers are no good. sure they want millions of dollars who would'nt.
Posted by: Wow Location: Richmond on Jan 22, 2008 at 02:17 AM
The police and politicans always remind me of the old In Living Color scetch. The two theives stand by stolen good trying to sell you your stuff back. Thier motto. "MO MONEY MO MONEY MO MONEY!" To think if that $450,000 was used to give kids something to do besides gettin high. Like a skate park indoor pool etc etc. But that stuff doesnt give good arrest numbers and "MO MONEY!"
Posted by: Davy B Location: EKY on Jan 21, 2008 at 09:44 PM
"Mary, Mary quite contrary how could think like so"...I truly hope that the plague of drug addiction does not hit you close to home. Those of us who are in the trenches battling this scourge everyday see things as they are. Sadly, though, individuals like you stay ignorant and become part of the problem. Apathy and ignorance in our communities is the driving force behind the drug problem that is stealing away our pure mountain culture. "Choosing to be a druggie"...get educated...UNITE is the best thing to happen to Eastern Kentucky.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 21, 2008 at 09:29 PM
Unite is a good thing, i just think there should be some help and i mean real help for the young people in our community, not just concern i really don't know what kind of help but i do know that picking them up and giving them jail time is not enough.
Posted by: ME Location: ky on Jan 21, 2008 at 09:24 PM
If our government would get jobs in to this area people could work instead of being on welfare,drugs,etc? Seems like lots of young people have back problems???? and older ones too:) Why can't we get good employment in south east Ky?
Posted by: Rhonda Location: Eastern KY on Jan 21, 2008 at 09:09 PM
I'm really disappointed to hear that UNITE was cut funding. Eastern Ky needs all the help it can get to fight the drugs in this end of the state. The UNITE officers do an exceptionally good job! They put their lives on the line everyday to help fight a Drug problem that is overtaking EVERYONE in Eastern KY! If lawmakers want to overcome this "cancer" that has taken over Eastern Ky, then they need to provide the funding to help fight it!!!
Posted by: linda Location: hueysville on Jan 21, 2008 at 09:07 PM
lets unite to help our children and use the money waste on programs like unite. If we used money to help our elderly pay their bills they would not have to sell thier meds to make ends meet. UNITE gets rich we get poorer.
Posted by: yvonne Location: hueysville on Jan 21, 2008 at 09:04 PM
we need to unite to help our elders and young people instead of forcing them to have nothing to do but drugs. If we used the money for good and not for these unite people to get rich we would not have to worry about most of the drugs in our area.
Posted by: Sara Location: Letcher County on Jan 21, 2008 at 09:00 PM
UNITE is an absolute public rip off. No one mentioned that they spent hundreds of thousands in salaries or that they furnished their offices with plush expensive furniture imported from Europe. The money UNITE receives should be given to State Police and local Sheriff's offices rather than to UNITE. Kentucky does not need an additional law enforcement angency, but appropriate funding and support to the existing ones. Most of the citizens of Eastern KY, are well aware of the corruption that already exists within the circle of UNITE. At one point Dr. David Narramore who was reprimanded by the Kentucky Dentistry Board, for 'over prescribing' medication was appointed by Congressmen Rogers to head the Letcher County UNITE Board. Public pressure and a story printed by the Lexington Herald Leader forced his removal. UNITE is headed by an individual with NO law enforcement or drug treatment experience! UNITE serves as an employment angecny for friends and supporters of Hal Rogers.
Posted by: Ray Location: KY on Jan 21, 2008 at 08:44 PM
Amen MARY
Posted by: james Location: salyersville on Jan 21, 2008 at 08:42 PM
We dont even hve a walmart in salyersville. If we spent millions of dollars to bring jobs to our area and have more things for our residents to do maybe they woulnt be so tempted to do and sell drugs.
Posted by: Chris Location: SE KY on Jan 21, 2008 at 08:07 PM
I know that UNITE does a fair job doing what they do. When it comes to enforcement, I would rather see the funds going to one of the task force's. Where I live it's the Lake Cumberland Area Drug Task Force. The main goal is to attack the drug problems at their source, the dealers. Once they're out of the picture, users can't get drugs to use. They have no choice then but to do without. That's treatment enough. And yes, I have had family and friends addicted to drugs, so I do know what it's like. It was a choice they made, and they have to accept the consequences of their actions. Getting through detox is hard. It's painful and sickening to watch someone go through that. It's up to their friends and loved ones to hold their hand while they go through it. I did. Once it's over, it's over. If they can't get the drugs, they don't ever have to go through it again. Enforcement first. If there's anything left, then treatment.
Posted by: fed up Location: eastern ky on Jan 21, 2008 at 07:40 PM
local police agencys and the ky state police ;drug task force, are the ones doing the actual fight against drugs while operation unite weasels in,taking credit for thier hard work.we need to fund these agenceys with the money wasted on unite . we have enough retirement homes in the state already!
Posted by: Don Location: Neon on Jan 21, 2008 at 07:38 PM
The only UNITE we ever see is on TV; not in the neighborhood. If you want an interesting reaction, ask Hal Rogers for the unite PAY ROSTER.
Posted by: Jerry Location: Whitco on Jan 21, 2008 at 07:34 PM
Its going to be interesting to see how a legislature and governor can support a raid on state funds for UNITE after they've declared the budget is a bust. It isn't even legal to spend coal severance funds, which are supposed to be returned for our infrastructure, for administrative purposes; certainly not for this strange, unique police force.
Posted by: Eddie Location: Letcher on Jan 21, 2008 at 07:26 PM
Don't fall for this UNITE political scam. We have the worst prescription drug problem in the nation and its gotten worse during UNITE'S tenure. Their entire effort is arresting two dollar dealers; forget the education and rehabilitation. Don't believe them; they've cut their support to the local agencies as they've raised their salaries.
Posted by: DENNY Location: LAGRANGE on Jan 21, 2008 at 07:13 PM
This is stupid, the state is brke, they want the state to fund the federal program, humm, I have already called my representive and told him vote no, I urge all to call yours. They can put this mony toward feeding kids instead of making karen rich. This is absurd, the state pay for it, the federal goverment see's that is not working and cut it from their budget, if this governor wants to remain, better veto it, or letters will go into the attorney general. This is stupid, the state pay for it, we have have state police,sheriffs, city cops, WHAT IS THIS COUNTRY COMING TO. GET RID OF ALL COPS.COM
Posted by: Tim Location: E. KY on Jan 21, 2008 at 07:11 PM
It doesn't seem to be that UNITE has been very effective. What have they done for treatment? There's nothing around here for treatment that we didn't have before UNITE. Drug court is a state program started by Supreme Court Justice Mary Noble. Most of the school groups against drugs were organized before UNITE came along; UNITE just grabbed them up and took credit. Drug court will go on without UNITE, and the school chapters can go back to the people who started them. Most of UNITE's administrators draw really inflated salaries. If they are going to do something let some of those at the top take a cut to keep the officers on the street.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: ky on Jan 21, 2008 at 07:09 PM
funding unite is a great idea if the money went to the people doing the undercover work to put a stop to the selling of the drugs not the salary that is paid to the young lady in charge.Her job could be done for a whole lot less.A lot that are caught are left alone and given their freedom as long as they help by selling drugs to others so they can be caught and they continue to use while doing so. We can put those addicted to drugs in jail but,when they get out they still have the same problem.Sometimes they have this problem due to a dr. giving pills to easily for pain until they think you have a problem then they quit.Pain clinic's make the problem worse,legally.Meth clinic's are the same.To quit drugs they need help.Stop the ones selling to make a income.Those are not hard to find.Cars are are at the location like a McDonalds drive-in.Our children need help to not start or to help them stop.There has to be a better way and we all have to care.
Posted by: DENNY Location: Lagrange on Jan 21, 2008 at 07:08 PM
This is stupid, the state is brke, they want the state to fund the federal program, humm, I have already called my representive and told him vote no, I urge all to call yours. They can put this mony toward feeding kids instead of making karen rich. This is absurd, the state pay for it, the federal goverment see's that is not working and cut it from their budget, if this governor wants to remain, better veto it, or letters will go into the attorney general. This is stupid, the state pay for it, we have have state police,sheriffs, city cops, WHAT ARE THEY DOING. DENNY
Posted by: mordecai Location: Hazard on Jan 21, 2008 at 07:01 PM
UNITE is a first-class boondoggle and always has been. Karen Engle, Dan Smoot and the rest are the highest paid, least productive police force in the country. The nerve of them, saying they have collected seven million dollars of illegal drugs. With the forty or fifty million dollars they've spent, largely on salaries, they could've gone to the dealers and bought the entire Eastern Kentucky supply several times over, and they would not have been such a nuisance to the local, legitimate police.
Posted by: DELORIS Location: Eastern Kentucky on Jan 21, 2008 at 06:59 PM
I think there should be more funding for operation unite to help save the lives of our young children. If not for our congressman and operation unite fighting against drugs for the future of our society, what will this state become without the money to fund programs that help people addicted to drugs they need help because their future is also our future so we all need to Unite together.
Posted by: anonymous Location: kentucky on Jan 21, 2008 at 06:56 PM
cut some unite officials salarys from 6 figures to a reasonable salary and this would create more funding to fight drugs. Lets face it, local law enforcement agencies bust more drug dealers and get more drugs off the street that unite ever has. Unite is a good agency but local law enforcement has always been and will always be here. Why not give them the money and more training to continue a job well done and do away with agencies that really aren't working.
Posted by: bill Location: knox on Jan 21, 2008 at 06:55 PM
no funding should br restore to unite in barbourville ky. it is not used right .come down here and see ,or send someone to get in troble with our law and see what unite is like .i ask eny one to come down ,it is a bad thing unite ,the big man gets the money ,no one gets the help that they need .is that not what unite is about help ,not helps there self
Posted by: Angie Location: S.E Ky on Jan 21, 2008 at 06:51 PM
I agree with you Mary! If they would do something about these doctors that are getting rich and their Pharmaceutical buddies there wouldn't be a drug problem. If people want to do something about drugs get where it starts. The MAKERS!!!
Posted by: betty Location: knox on Jan 21, 2008 at 06:44 PM
we need money to help for education .we dont need unnite . you can fight drugs by giving jobs to druggies .so they wont have time to a pill .this is something that unite dont try to do in knox .barbourville ky .the unite worker get all the money no on is helped down here .
Posted by: angie Location: salyersville on Jan 21, 2008 at 06:29 PM
think of the jobs and recreation we could get for our young people with the millions of dollars unite has wasted. We should bring real jobs and other things to keep our young people from being tempted by drugs. Not just try to trap them so that the so called officers of unite can get rich.
Posted by: joann Location: knox on Jan 21, 2008 at 06:25 PM
we need help . but not unite. it is worked in knox counthy by the big guys no on gets the help from unite that needs it the poor guys don/t go to jail .the big guys keep the money.u think this it a good thing .i dont
Posted by: Anonymous Location: ky on Jan 21, 2008 at 06:23 PM
Well while it is good in one way it is a complete drain in all others like so many children in foster care and thus on welfare and foodstamps so many housewives in fathers in jail on taxpayers time, yes while unite is making big headlines and feeling proud they are breaking KY. They have had their five minutes of fame in my book by brother and his wife have been destroyed due to drugs wheres their help oh I forgot they just wasn't on the news. She has applied to 8 rehabs and still no help and it has been months the kids have been in foster care since April 07 and who is paying for that the taxpayers is who. Maybe unite really needs to come down to earth with everyone else and face it when they get out of jail they go back to their drug selling and when that drug dealer is taken off there is 10 more to take their place get a hint and face reality me and my family all but have given up!!
Posted by: Shane W Location: London on Jan 21, 2008 at 06:10 PM
I think we need all the help we can get in this area.This is a big problem around here I see people come in where I work wanting drugs to make myth and its so obvious to what they are doing and these guys help make it a better place for me,my son,and my family.We have a problem so we need to take care of it.I salute you all who try to make a difference in our community.Thank you!!
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Kentucky on Jan 21, 2008 at 03:45 PM
This is a waste of time to discuss this issue; this is the second story in as many days of how agencies that fight crime and drugs here in Kentucky and in other states are having their budgets cut. We all know why these cuts even exist in the first place. The money needed to operate Unite and agencies like it has been piped to Iraq, Afghanistan and to others countries in foreign aid as rapidly as OUR elected officials can lay their hands on it. What’s wrong with OUR elected officials spending more dollars here in the States where the money is collected in the first place, and shortcut, under-fund or simply cut out some foreign-aid altogether.
Posted by: KY Location: Ky on Jan 21, 2008 at 03:31 PM
Gee Mary, I sure do hope that a member of your family never gets on drugs. You would hang them out to dry. I hate people who think that they are better than thou.
Posted by: Jennifer Location: KY on Jan 21, 2008 at 03:22 PM
I am such a major fan of the Operation UNITE people. They may not have done anything that affects me personally but they have helped so many people. Most people that are on drugs don't really think that they have a problem until they get busted and then have to get dried out. It is then that they realize that they have a problem. I know that not all those that are caught are success stories but if just one person is helped then it is well worth it. Operation UNITE, has done a hell of a job to help get drugs off the streets. Their is noone in this world that could get rid of drugs completely other then GOD himself but since he is not here to do it then we need people like UNITE to do what they can. I should think that the state would want to keep UNITE workers in a job so that they can continue to get the low-life's off the streets that are doing and dealing these drugs! Way to go all of you UNITE workers!!!! Keep on doing what you are doing until they take it away.
Posted by: Carol Location: SE KY on Jan 21, 2008 at 02:35 PM
I hope funding can be restored for UNITE...because the future of our children and families depends on it! Once people are addicted, it's just like being enslaved, and the only thing that will force them to stop will be indentification, treatment (forced), and education...Our communities can only be safe once again when the efforts of UNITE can continue uninterrupted...Otherwise, all the efforts and funding of the last several years have been a waste, and I know that it really hasn't been a waste at all.
Posted by: drw Location: richmond on Jan 21, 2008 at 11:51 AM
i fully understand that funding only goes so far, but why in the world would you even consider cut funding to UNITE? drugs are here in this state whether we like it or not, we must do everything possible to try to stop or slow down this epidemic on our society. give UNITE the resources, money and manpower so they can keep up the good job they are doing.
Posted by: Mary Location: Ky on Jan 21, 2008 at 11:32 AM
I guess I can believe that our lawmakers are meeting to discuss getting the "DRUG" money back to fight drugs. I don't see them meeting to get more money for education. I have always said that using drugs are a CHOICE..and something they can help doing if they CHOOSE to do so. With the BILLIONS of dollars they are using to fight drugs could be used to lock them away from society until they DECIDE to stop using. Problem solved. These sorry butts wouldn't have TIME to use them if they were ordered to work a few hours a day. Maybe they would get tired enough to go to bed for sleep instead of staying up all night to get plastered. Doctors & law enforcement tell them that they have a disease & druggies look at that as something they cannot help. Well we might all be drug addicts if we CHOSE to do them instead of choosing to work to support our families instead of living off the system for FREE.If they could help druggies with a few thousand dollars that may be different..but BILLIONS!!
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