Growing drug problem focus of roundtable held by Tom Reed

Looking to reduce drug-related crimes in New York’s Southern Tier and Finger Lakes areas, Rep. Tom Reed (R-N.Y.) held a roundtable discussion on Friday with local health, law enforcement and government officials.

State assemblyman Joseph Giglio and Bill Aiello, mayor of Olean, were among those in attendance to discuss a growing drug use problem in the area. Chautauqua County was designated as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area last month and will receive federal resources toward drug control efforts by local, state, federal and tribal law enforcement officials.

Rep. Susan Brooks (R-Ind.) also brought her experience in public safety, homeland security and counter-terrorism to the discussion.

“Illegal drug production, manufacturing, importation and distribution are significant problems that need to be addressed in western New York,” Reed said. “These types of roundtable discussions are another way we can care for those who are victims of illegal drug activity and potentially prevent some of our neighbors from becoming victims.”

Reed has represented New York’s 23rd District in the House of Representatives since 2013. Born in Joliet, Illinois, in 1971, Reed previously served as mayor of Corning, New York, from 2008 to 2010. He was educated at Ohio Northern University Pettit College of Law and is married to Jean. He serves on the Committee on Ways and Means.