MANISTEE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
70 Maple Street
Manistee, MI 49660

MEETING MINUTES
October 5, 2006

A Meeting of the Manistee City Planning Commission was held on Thursday, October 5, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 70 Maple Street, Manistee, Michigan.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Maureen Barry, Ben Bifoss, Tamara Buswinka, Dave Crockett, Ray Fortier, Harlo Haines, Tony Slawinski and Roger Yoder

MEMBERS ABSENT: Greg Ferguson

OTHERS: Kate & Per Wickstrom (Narconon Stone Hawk), Greg Beha (Olouster, OH), Ann Evans (6594 Bar Lake Road), Micheal Moran (CMH Director), Tim Piscopink (6595 Bar Lake Road), Robert Lux (65 Greenbush Street), Jon Rose (Community Development), Denise Blakeslee (Planning & Zoning) and Others

Meeting was opened at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Yoder.

PUBLIC HEARING:

Narconon Stone Hawk - Special Use Permit for a Drug Education and Rehabilitation Facility.

A Public Hearing has been scheduled in response to a request from Narconon Stone Hawk for a Drug Education and Rehabilitation Facility.

Kate & Per Wickstrom, Narconon Stone Hawk - Mr. & Mrs. Wickstrom spoke about the proposed facility. The facility is a long term residential treatment program. They use a holistic approach they do not use drugs to get people off drugs. They teach their clients control, communication and how to confront their problems. They opened their first facility in 2003 and have 600+ graduates. They have had good responses to the surveys they have taken, they do not feel that this issue has had the controversy that the issue of Walmart has had in the community. They give every effort with their students to go through the program. If the student is not willing to work with the program and leaves they can come back at a later date. They will need to pay for the detoxification part of the program if they come back.

Greg Beha, Glouster, OH - Mr. Beha's step son was signed up for the Narconon program in July. When they took him to the facility they told him they had a No Refund policy, it was not explained ahead of time. He paid $23,500 for treatment. After 18 days his son was dropped off at a motel 26 miles away and given $10. Mr. Beha did not know what the problem was but is very upset that they left him in a motel. He has called for a refund and they will not give him the money back. They told him they would take his son back into the program but he has to pay $1,500 for him to go back through the cleansing treatment. Mr. Beha does not like their policies or how they handled his son's dismissal from the program (leaving him at a motel) he also left a handout stating his concerns (attached).

Ann Evans, 6594 Bar Lake Road - Ms. Evans works in Substance Abuse at Manistee - Benzie Community Mental Health. She does not know a lot about the Narconon program but to have 600+ people get through the program is great. With this type of abuse sometimes the facilities have to discharge one person for the betterment of the rest of the group. If a discharged patient were to come back they would need to go back through the detoxification/withdrawal process again. Ms. Evans likes the idea of the therapy teaching them to cope and rebuild their lives. She has worked in traditional treatment faculties and they can be effective. She likes the idea that they have 12 beds for members of the community, we need treatment options in our area.

Michael Moran, Director Manistee - Benzie Community Mental Health - Mr. Moran has seen a lot of substance abuse in his 31 years with mental health. Substance abuse is the most expensive cost to society, 80% of the people in our court system have abuse problems. He has seen a variety of programs and people can recover. Last summer he visited the Narconon Stone Hawk Battle Creek facility. This facility is very nice, close to a neighborhood and they have had no problem/complaints from the neighbors. He had the opportunity to speak with the students and their families, many had gone to other programs and this one was the most positive for them. This program has changed/saved their lives. Mr. Moran can't imagine any problems and only sees benefits, a win-win. He hopes the request goes through and that they are welcomed into the community.

Tim Piscopink, 6596 Bar Lake Road - Mr. Piscopink is in the 12 step program and a lot of people cannot make it through that program. This is an alternative that is needed that might help alleviate some of the problems of substance abuse. A holistic approach that uses saunas is a good way to get the toxins out of someone's system. The facility will bring jobs to the area and taxes. This is a nice facility that was used to help people before and does not understand if it is used to help people again why it needs a special permit. Mr. Piscopink has lost friends to addiction. Anything to help stop the problem is great. It will also cut clown on crime, abuse is the biggest problem of our society.

Robert Lax, 65 Greenbush Street - Mr. Lux has no problem with a treatment center in Manistee, there are twice as many in the community with problems living outside the facility now. Mr. Lux had a few concerns he would like addressed; How are their statistics compiled? What type of follow up do they provide once someone completes the program? Does insurance cover any of the expenses? How do they release their patients?

Correspondence received in response to the request (copies attached):

Dan Duchon, 82 Maple Street - Letter in support

Lori Weslo-Walker, 1018 Vine Street - Letter of concern

Michael Moran, Manistee-Benzie Community Mental Health Services, Manistee, MI - Letter of Support

Greg Stone, Recovery Consulting, 242 Fairlane Dr., Traverse City, MI - E-mail in support

Greg & Beth Beha, 1931 Taylor Ridge Road, Clouster, OH - E-mail in opposition

Lou Theirwechter, Allegan County Board of Commissioners, Allegan MI - Letter of Support

Dr. Carlton Erickson, Director and Distinguished Professor of Pharmacology/Toxicology, the University of Texas, Austin, TX - Letter in opposition

Patrick Gerard, 9381 Shellway Drive, Rapid City, MI - Letter of Support

2 - Emails without addresses in opposition

There being no further discussion the Public Hearing closed at 7:28 p.m.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Planning Commission Meeting of September 7, 2006

MOTION by Ray Fortier, seconded by Tony Salwinski that the minutes of the September 7, 2006 Planning Commission Meeting be approved.

With a roll call vote this motion passed 8 to 0.

Yes:   Barry, Bifoss, Buswinka, Crockett, Fortier, Haines, Slawinski, Yoder
No:       None

NEW BUSINESS:

Narconon Stone Hawk - Special Use Permit for a Drug Education and Rehabilitation Facility.

A public Hearing was held earlier regarding the request from Narconon Stone Hawk for a Special Use Permit for a Drug Education and Rehabilitation Facility. Members of the Planning Commission asked the applicant questions which the applicant answered:

Q.          Will Narconon Stone Hawk pay property Taxes?
A.   Yes
     
Q.   Will Narconon Stone Hawk be applying for grant money?
A.   No
     
Q.   Can Insurance be used to pay for the program?
A.   They have a staff person who assists the family with the insurance paperwork. They send the request to the insurance company and the checks go to the family. Depending on the Insurance coverage the amount of money they get back varies.
     
Q.   Can a person who has Blue Cross Blue Shield use their insurance.
A.   Depending on their plan they may be reimbursed up to 80% of treatment. A different plan may only cover detoxification and 15 days of time at the facility.
     
Q.   How are their statistics compiled?
A.   They have 4 independent studies that are available on their web site (Spain, Sweden, Utah & California). They keep their own demographics for their facilities.
     
Q.   What is the success rate?
A.   They average 60% - 70% who complete the program.
     
Q.   What type of follow up do you provide after treatment?
A.   They are tracked for two years and at first get bi-weekly calls, then monthly calls, then biannual calls.
     
Q.   Is the site plan complete?
A.   Except for the location of the Basket Ball Court which would be located on the north side of the facility if it is constructed.
     
Q.   How many beds will be at this facility?
A.   They do not plan to have more than 120 people at the Manistee facility if approved.

Other discussion included the licensing of their facilities. Narconon Stone Hawk is licensed by the State of Michigan and they have very specific rules they must follow. They have passed every inspection that the State has made at their facilities. They are inspected twice a year with no prior notice.

At times a graduate of their program will go on to work at their facilities. The graduate is trained at their Battle Creek Facility. They would only get a job after completing the necessary training which may include college.

They will hire local people including nurses to work at the facility and they will be trained at the Battle Creek Facility. Training would take prior to opening so they are ready to work when they open their doors.

There are four reasons for suspension from the program; 1) drugs, 2) Sex, 3) Violence, 4) Continued violation of rules. They do not allow the disruption of one person to effect the recovery of others. If suspended they will take the person to the airport or bus station. Before the person is removed they notify the family before they leave the center. Very rarely they put someone in a motel. They pay for the room and give the person $10 for food (not enough to buy drugs). If they return they need to pay for the withdrawal program.

There are 153 Narconon facilities in the world, 12 in the United States.

The Planning Commission has been asked by the Zoning Administrator to determine if a Drug Education and Rehabilitation Facility is a Use Similar to Uses Permitted as Special Land Uses as provided for in Section 1886 of the City of Manistee Zoning Ordinance.

MOTION by Ben Bifoss, seconded by Ray Fortier That a Drug Education and Rehabilitation Facility is hereby determined to be a Use Similar to a Nursing Home or Convalescent Home and Education Facility and that the standards recommended by staff with signage being limited to 4 sq. ft. Wall or Ground Mount Sign with external lighting.

With a roll call vote this motion passed 7 to 1.

Yes:       Bifoss, Crockett, 1-lames, Slawinski, Buswmnka, Fortier, Yoder
No:   Barry

Motion by Ben Bifoss Seconded by Tamra Buswinka to adopt the resolution that has been prepared by staff approving the request from Narconon Stone Hawk for a Special Use Permit for a Drug Education and Rehabilitation Facility changing the requirements on the resolution to reflect compliance and add condition #7 that limits the facility to 120 beds.

Commissioner Barry expressed concerns about the safety and efficacy of the program.

With a roll call vote this motion passed 7 to 1.

Yes:       Buswinka, Fortier, Bifoss, Slawinski, Crockett, Yoder, Haines
No:   Barry

Michcon/DTE Energy - Determination by Planning Commission for fencing of above ground valves.

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UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

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OTHER COMMUNICATIONS:

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CITIZEN QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS:

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WORK/STUDY SESSION:

The Planning Commission has a regularly scheduled Worksession on Thursday, October 19, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

ADJOURNMENT:

MOTION by Tony Slawinski, seconded by Ray Fortier that the meeting be adjourned. Motion unanimously.

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:30 P.M.

MANISTEE PLANNING COMMISSION

[signed]
Denise J. Blakeslee, Recording Secretary


Sept. 19, 2006

Duchon Insurance Agency, Inc.
82 Maple Street - Manistee, Michigan 49660 - (231) 723-2553 - FAX (231) 723-4101

Mr. Rose, RE: Narconon Stone Hawk/Manistee Heights

As you know, I am in support of growth and employment opportunities in "our" community. I have total confidence in the chairman and members of the planning commission, most of whom I've known my entire life.

I feel, from what has been publicized, an Education and Rehab facility, run professionally, will be an asset to that area. With a "few" dozen more employees, it can only enhance our school system and community, as they will co-exist in the Manistee area quite well.

My schedule does not allow my attendance, but I hope our planning commission sees the positives that I feel will come out of this potential employer and neighbor. Manistee needs jobs, and the need for education and rehabilitation of our "youth" is even more critical. Let's welcome these folks!!

Thank you!

[signed Dan Duchon]


Lori Weslo-Walker
1018 Vine St.
Manistee, MI 49660
398-3619
oriww at charter dot net

RE: Proposed Narconon Rehab Facility

To: Mr. Jon Rose
Community Development Director
City of Manistee

Hello Mr. Rose,

I'm not sure if I'll be able to make it to the public hearing on October 5, but I did want to make my concerns known. My main concern is safety. My second concern is that Wickstrom is being deceptive about Narconon's relationship with the Church of Scientology. I'll start with this concern first.

If Ms. Wickstrom can address these issues then that's fine. My feeling is that I don't want a group (Narconon) in the community that can't be above-board about their programs. Is Ms. Wickstrom basically lying about their connection to Scientology? She states in the newspaper article that they are not affiliated with Scientology. In my research, however, evidence strongly suggests otherwise. So why this deception? I guess it's because there is quite a bit of controversy over the Church of Scientology and some even think it could be a "cult." I'm actually more concerned with this deception rather than the fact that they might be involved with Scientology. Are they trying to hide something? Are they going to lie to us about other things? Following is why I think there IS an affiliation between Narconon and Scientology...

"In 1993, the Church of Scientology International (CSI) and the US internal Revenue Service struck an agreement under which the Church gained tax exemption for itself and its subsidiaries and in return paid $12.5m to cover the church's payroll, income and estate-tax bills for an undisclosed number of years prior to 1993, as well as discontinuing numerous lawsuits. THE TERMS OF THE AGREEMENT DID NOT BECOME PUBIC UNTIL FOUR YEARS LATER, WHEN THEY WERE LEAKED TO THE Wall Street Journal. ACCORDING TO THE FORM 1023 STATEMENT WHICH CSI HAD TO SUBMIT TO THE IRS PRIOR TO THE AGREEMENT, NARCONON FORMS PART OF CSI'S "SOCIAL BETTERMENT PROGRAM":

Though Mr. Hubbard is best known for founding the religion of Scientology, he also authored very effective technologies for handling society's ills and bettering the lot of mankind as a whole. Over time these technologies have developed into four general social-betterment programs, each addressing a specific area of current social concern: Narconon, a drug rehabilitation program; ...

For many years CSI and other churches of Scientology have conducted highly-successful social reform programs based on Mr. Hubbard's technologies. They conducted these programs either directly or in close conjunction with charitable and educational organizations formed to help them bring Mr. Hubbard's technologies to the secular world.

The bulk of CSI's social betterment program is carded out under the supervision and direction of Association for Setter Living and Education ... ABLE accomplishes its goals primarily by providing technical and financial assistance and general promotional support to the International social-betterment organizations that work in ABLE's four areas of concern: Narconon International (drug rehabilitation) ...

NARCONON SAFETY CONCERNS... websites of interest: cs.cmu.edu/~dst/Narconon/index.html, scientology.org, narconon.org, able.org

First of all, I was not visited by the Wickstroms, although I might not have been home when they came around. So they did not get my input and I did not get to hear what they have to say, only what has been in the papers.

I understand the facility will be a "lock down" type. Good... and I'm assuming everything concerning this will be in writing, including fencing type, height, gates, etc. There will be, I think, a reduction in property value because of this, as it's reminiscent of a prison in the eyes of many potential home buyers. It would certainly be a consideration for me if I were thinking of purchasing a home in the neighborhood and I would view it as a negative.

• Will there still be any supervised field trips and if so who will be supervising them?

I have read that their counselors are frequently "graduates" (former drug addicts) of the program, and at some of their other facilities, accompany students on field trips. This would be a big concern for me and I'm sure I don't need to explain why?

• Will the security staff be an independent contractor or from within Narconon?

Of course, this could present the same type of concern if the security staff is made up of "graduates" of the program.

• What are the hours the security staff will be on duty?

I would hope round-the-clock.

• Who did Commission member Harlo Haine speak to at Albion and Battle Creek, that gave Stone Hawk high marks?

Did he talk to staff & graduates of the program or did he talk to the community at large?

From the Albion website: (narcononeast.com/staff_qualifications.php)
"Also, many members of our caring staff have actually graduated from the very program for which they are working. This gives them an improved means to relate and understand each and every person that walks through our doors seeking a better life." That's great but...

• How many of the staff will actually be graduates and how long has it been since they graduated?

This is a concern because they are former addicts and how can I be assured they won't relapse and be a detriment or even danger to our community? Also, at one of the Narconon facilities, the admitting employee is a graduate. Will he check to be sure drugs won't be brought into the facility? Stone Hawk claims a 76% success rate - impressive - but what happens with the others? and...

• Will any of these counselors that are graduates be living within the neighborhood or will they be living at the center?

Yes, drug addiction is a problem here and a rehab center could be of benefit, but...

• What percentage of clients/patients will actually come from OUR community? Would they and their families even care
to enter the program?

Wickstrom does say that 12 beds will be given to indigent applicants in the year and that residents will be allowed to work at the center to pay back their expenses. That's nice, but it also brings up the question...

• In what capacity will the "not yet graduates" be working?

AND aside from the Scientology, and various Narconon websites...
• How do they solicit clients/patients/students? Do they go into the schools?

I would be very uncomfortable with this. There has been controversy about their anti-drug programs in schools. It has been stated that they go into the schools to help promote the tenants of Scientology or the Church of Scientology, not just to promote their rehabilitation facility. Since the detox program at the facility is, apparently, based on the Purification Program in the Church of Scientology, then this could make what they are trying and want to accomplish in the schools confusing. Will they try to use verbal sleight of hand (again) to approach the schools?

Another question...
• How many of the 60-80 jobs will actually be offered to the community?

Wickstrom stated "as much as possible" but this is rather vague, especially considering that this is really their only benefit to our community. (They are tax exempt aren't they?) Especially at first, the counselors and staff will have to be experienced and come from within Narconon, correct? After that, what portion of employees will be chosen from the recent graduates? (And where did the clients originally come from?)

My self and others I've talked with in the neighborhood do want to see something go into this building. It has a lot of potential. I thought it would make a terrific community center (Parks & Rec?) for classes and even a city pool, etc. (dreaming, I know) I've also heard that Manistee could still use another Assisted Living Center too. Others have thought it would make a great trade school. If possible the city and realtor should try to find other possible uses/buyers for this building.

Considering the safety concerns, the area is too densely populated for a drug rehab center. In Battle Creek, the center is in a "quiet" semi-residential area. (stated on their website) In the old Tendercare location, there are neighborhoods, a major thoroughfare and many businesses. And... the program has also been the subject of controversy involving the possible physical dangers to the patients themselves with the use of this program.

Petosky has rejected a special use permit because of safety concerns, I think you should too. There are too many unknowns for the community and too much controversy surrounding the program and Narconon itself for it to be a significant benefit to this area.


RECOVERY CONSULTING
"Helping Communities Build Recovery Supports"

TO: Jon Rose

FROM: Greg Stone

DATE: 10/5/06

RE: Narconon

Jon, the Narconon program will be a tremendous benefit to the Manistee community, not only by creating jobs, but by adding to the positive energy this community needs in the battle against chemical dependency. I believe they have proposed 12 scholarships per year for Manistee residents. What price can you put on saving lives and healing families?

As you know, I run Stoneshouse and there have been questions of whether I would accept Narconon graduates. I ONLY accept residents of Manistee or Benzie counties. Please share this with Planning and/or City Commission members. If you have any questions, please call me at 883-3217.


From: Greg Beha [gregbe at frognet dot net]
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2006 2:11 PM
To: Denise Blakeslee
Subject: Narconon Stone Hawk Rehabilitation Center of Battle Creek Michigan

September 11, 2006

To Whom It May Concern:

In the last two years my step-son (20 years old) drug problem has gotten really bad. He's on probation for writing a forged check. He has to check in with his parole officer every week and some weeks they do a drug test and he always passes it except for marijuana and they don't really do anything about that. He also goes to one on one counseling and group counseling every week but it's not helping. In April and May of this year things has gotten out of hand. We tried sending him to the Service but they won't take him as long as he is on reporting probation. It looked like he was going to end up in jail or death. We finally decided on sending him to a Drug Rehabilitation Center. We wanted one out of state so his girl-friend or any of his drug buddies couldn't contact him.

During the last week of May 2006, we called 1-800-No Drugs, looking for a Drug Rehabilitation Center to send our son to. They hooked us up with Narconon Stone Hawk Rehabilitation Center of Battle Creek Michigan. We talked with Ramsy Darwish, CCDC an Intake Counselor at Stone Hawk about our situation. He convinced us (calling us every 2 or 3 days for a month) that Stone Hawk is where our son should be. We finally agreed with him and on June 30th we entered our son into the Stone Hawk Rehabilitation Center at a cost of $23,500. (This is a 3 to 6 month program and money had to be paid upon entering the program). I paid $15,000 (borrowed credit card) and $8,500 on a line of credit I had. (I plan on getting a mortgage on some property to pay this off).

Ramsy Darwish, CCDC an Intake Counselor was there to help check him in. We just finished driving 7 hours to get to this rehab and it was a little after midnight. We had plenty of paperwork to fill out. On one of the forms, it said that the program was a No Refund Program. One of the questions that we asked at that time was if our son threw a fit were they going to throw him out. Ramsy assured us that they dealt with that all the time and that would not be a problem.

At that time I figure that Stone Hawk was the best place for our son. After all what was I going to do with him. If I could handle him at home, I wouldn't have signed him up for a drug rehabilitation program. The day before, our son sold his pick-up and didn't have any money to show for it. (I'm assuming that the money went for drugs). After checking him in they took him right to Detox.

On July 2, (2 days into Detox) our son passed out and was vomiting blood, the RN at the center would not let him go to the hospital. Our son finally convinced them to take him to the hospital. They said they would take him AMA (against medical advice). At the hospital they said he was dehydrated and started him on IV's. After going back to Stone Hawk, he finished the detox withdrawal part of the program.

Our son started the next phase of the program (Therapeutic Training Routines Course) which teaches one's ability to confront and communicate. Our son was having problems with getting through this phase. During this period we were talking with our son and the counselors (Anthony, Patty, and Ramsy) trying to get our son through this part of the program. On July 13th or 14th we talked to Patty (our son's counselor) and he told us that if be couldn't get our son though this course by the end of weekend that they would have to let him go. We called Ramsy and told him about the situation and be assured us that he would talk to our son to help get him through the program.

On July 18th around 7:00pm (18 days into the program) they loaded my son's belongings and drove him 26 miles away to a motel room and dropped him off. They paid for his room (from his medical fund) and gave him $10.00.

We have a phone message that says; "This is Jai the administrator of Stone Hawk of Battle Creek, Tory just had another outburst and we are basically washing our hands at this point and time, he is being on a 2 week AMA, basically a 2 week suspension."

The next day we went to get our son and took him straight to another Drug Rehabilitation Center at a cost of $8,000 (a borrowed credit card) for the first two week and $6,000 (another borrowed credit card) for the following 4 weeks. After that I'm not sure what we will do.

On July 27th we got a hold of the owner of Stone Hawk (Per Wickstrom) and he told us that there would be No Refund and that our son was on a 30 day suspension AMA (against medical advice) and that he was going to hold the bed for 30 days. Our son could have up to 3-30 day suspensions (and he would hold a bed all this time) before they kicked him out. This is where they get a 3 month program.

Since that time our son is in another rehab center and he has passed the first part of their program (two weeks) and his continuing in the second phase of the program without a problem.

I guess the story I want to tell is that Narconon Drug Rehabilitation Centers are all over the United States and they have a no refund program where they can take your money ($23,500) and stick it to you. You don't know it's a No Refund Program until the day you get there and then you are so desperate to turn your son or daughter over to get them off drugs you will sign anything.

Sincerely,

Greg and Beth Beha
19431 Taylor Ridge Road
Glouster, Ohio 45732
740-767-4243
gregbe at frognet dot net


Allegan County
Board of
Commissioners

September 23, 2006

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing this letter in order to recommend to the City of Manistee that it give strong and positive consideration to an application made by an organization named Narconon. As I understand it, this organization wants to establish a drug rehabilitation facility in Manistee, a city I have visited many times.

I am familiar with the non-profit benefit facility that Narconon maintains in Battle Creek, having visited them many times in conjunction with the treatment they afforded a close relative. This organization provides a valuable service. People come from all over the country in order to take advantage of their treatment program. I've witnessed many people graduate from this highly effective program in the past.

If anyone reading this letter would like to discuss this topic further, please feel free to call me, either at work, on my cell phone or at my home. The enclosed card shows the1st two numbers. My home number is at left.

Sincerely,

[signed]
Lou Thierwechter
Vice Chairman


COLLEGE OF PHARMACY

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN

Addiction Science Research and Education Center • PHAR-Pharmacology • 1 University Station A1915
Austin, Texas 78712-0125 • (512) 471-5198 (Phone/Fax) • Email: erickson.carl at mail dot utexas dot edu

October 2, 2006

Subject: Narconon Stone Hawk

I would like to commend Cean Burgeson of the News Advocate for the excellent articles reporting on a new drug rehabilitation, center that might come to Manistee.

As a native of Manistee who graduated from MHS in the 1950s, I am proud of the way that the city has grown in the years since I left. Currently, I am Director of the Addiction Science Research and Education Center in the College of Pharmacy at the University of Texas at Austin. I am the science editor of the Betty Ford Center newsletter, an Associate Editor of the scientific journal Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, a member of the Board of Directors of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, and I have recently authored a book called the “Science of Addiction: From Neurobiology to Treatment”. In short, I have accumulated a lot of knowledge about drugs of addiction, and how to treat them.

A lot of communities take a “not in my backyard” approach to the proposed establishment of a substance abuse treatment center in their community. I am glad that Manistee does not seem to have that mentality, for the establishment of something like the Betty Ford Center would be a cause of great pride in helping people with drug problems. However, Narconon is no Betty Ford Center, and in my opinion, should not be allowed to become established in Manistee for several important reasons.

There are over 135,000 treatment centers for addiction around the country, and most of these are not using science-based methods of treatment. In other words, they claim “outcomes” based upon patient reports and anecdotes, if they report outcomes at all. Most are, sadly, just in the business for the money. Such companies victimize people with drug problems who are desperate for help. Our society actually promotes such companies by not providing sufficient health insurance coverage to help people with drug problems (including “addiction”). When high quality treatment is not available, desperate people seek help from anyone who promises such help. In actuality, most such programs are a waste of money (Some people do get better, but this is due to an “expectation” effect that has nothing to do with the actual treatment process.)

What caught my eye in the News Advocate articles is the claim by Narconon Stone Hawk that “The results of (their) unique and effective program is that (their) success rate is three to four times that of other drug rehab programs.” Reportedly, the excitement of having the rehab program in Manistee is that 60-80 new jobs will be created, and that the representatives grew up in the areas around Manistee. (This, along with having other facilities in Michigan, somehow means that their program is credible?) The proposal by the representatives further states that they will outlay $1 million in wages and that the average wages will range from $9-11 per hour, plus shift bonuses. Sounds like something good for Manistee, right?

I would suggest that the city planning commission look beyond the proposed financial benefits to the city, which may or may not come true. I care about Manistee, its tourism reputation, and its future. I would suggest that the city planning commission validate the claims and promises of the representatives of Stone Hawk by asking the following questions: 1) Is Narconon aware of the well-established distinction between “bad choice” substance abuse and pathological (brain disease) substance dependence, and do they use accepted assessment methods to determine who they will accept and who they will not accept as clients? (In other words, which “addicts” do they treat?) 2) How much do they charge each client per mouth, and what is their profit margin? (Do they accept as clients everyone who can pay?) 3) Why do they call their clients “students”? Is “addiction” something that “students” can overcome simply by “re-learning” how to be a better drug-free person; if so, where is the evidence that this works, especially for the brain disease of substance dependence? Finally, 4) Where is the scientifically-based evidence that their treatment is 3-4 times better than other drug rehab programs? I work with Betty Ford Center, Hazelden, and others, and those nationally-known treatment centers have not yet published any treatment outcomes. Thus, how can Narconon claim their rehab is ANY better than other programs? Or is this simply a ploy to try to convince the city planning commission that they are a reputable organization?

If people tying to set up a rebab center in Manistee cannot back up the claims for their treatment (this is remindful of the old days when “snake oil salesmen” used to sell remedies to make us feel better), how can we be sure that such a rehab center will be good for the economy and reputation of Manistee? As a scientist who has studied this problem for many years, I must say that this organization is much more controversial than written in the News Advocate articles. I do not want to see a community taken advantage of. If the representatives can convince the city planning commission that their plan is in good faith, that they will indeed be helping people and not just taking their money, then there is good for everyone. But I doubt they can. Most importantly, the citizens of Manistee should be aware that other communities are now trying to get rid of Narconon centers that are already established (go to www.Google.com, type in “Narconon”, and click on “Narconon Exposed”; especially “Stop Narconon” at www.stop-narconon.org). I suggest that Manistee can do just as well without such a rehab center, and that there is nothing to be gained by its presence. After all, Petoskey probably had more reasons to turn down the center than simply “not in my backyard”.

Sincerely,

[signed]
Carlton Erickson, Ph.. D.
Director, and Distinguished Professor
   of Pharmacology/Toxicology


From the desk of Patrick Gerard

As a graduate of Narconon Montreal I would like to suggest to the City of Manistee the great opportunity before them. Yes added jobs and expanding one's tax base to any community is a plus, this proposed facility cuts a little deeper than that. I personally battled with substance abuse on a daily basis for 2 ½ years, I went from a prominent business owner, loving Father to the bottom of the barrel. This was the last place I was supposed to be at 40 years old. The Narconon program did save my life and I have personally watched it save many others. Addiction has no prejudice, it can attack if your 18 or 80. The City of Manistee can step up and be a leader in this crusade to eradicate this menace in Michigan and Elsewhere.

Sincerely,

[signed]
Patrick Gerard


From: Anita Gogolla [freewaypm at hotmail dot com]
Sent: Friday, September 29, 2006 6:48 PM
To: Jon Rose; Denise Blakeslee
Cc: gregbe at frognet dot net
Subject: planned NARCONON center

Dear Mrs. Blakeslee, dear Mr. Rose,

A Narconon drug rehabilitation center is planned for your city. A hearing is scheduled for October 5th 2006.

For your information, Narconon is a Scientology front group.

Before the hearing, I would like to urge you to read some information about this questionable facility.

www.stop-narconon.com

I also would like to attach a letter from just an ordinary Dad and his devastating experience with Narconon. Thanks you for listening.

Anita Gogolla

Attached copy of Letter from Greg Beha dated September 11, 2006.

To Whom It May Concern

During the last week of May 2006, we called 1-800-No Drugs, looking for a Drug Rehabilitation Center to send our son to. They hooked us up with Narconon Stone Hawk Rehabilitation Center of Battle Creek Michigan. We talked with Ramsy Darwish, CCDC an Intake Counselor at Stone Hawk about our situation. He convinced us (calling us every 2 or 3 days for a month) that Stone Hawk is where our son should be. We finally agreed with him and on June 30th we entered our son into the Stone Hawk Rehabilitation Center at a cost of $23,500 (This is a 3 to 6 month program and money had to be paid upon entering the program) Ramsy Darwish was there to help check him in. We were going to pay $15,000 with a credit card we borrowed, and Ramsy told us that we would have to fax the signature of the card to him before he could run it through, (which we never did). The rest of the money we were wiring from our bank. One of the questions that we asked was if our son threw a fit were they going to throw him out. Ramsy assured us that they dealt with that all the time and that would not be a problem.

On July 2, (2 days into Detox) our son passed out and was vomiting blood, the RN at the center would not let him go to the hospital. Our son finally convinced them to take him to the hospital. They said they would take him AMA (against medical advice). At the hospital they said he was dehydrated and started him on IV's. After gomg back to Stone Hawk, he finished the detox withdrawal part of the program.

Our son started the next phase of the program (Therapeutic Training Routines Course) which teaches one's ability to confront and communicate. Our son was having problems with getting through this phase. During this period we were talking with our son and the counselors (Anthony, Patty, and Ramsy) trying to get our son through this part of the program. On July 13th or 14th we talked to Patty (our son's counselor) and he told us that if he couldn't get our son though this course by the end of weekend that they would have to let him go. We called Ramsy and told him about the situation and he assured us that he would talk to our son to help get him through the program.

On July 18th around 7:00pm (18 days into the program) they loaded my son's belongings and drove him 26 miles away to a motel room and dropped him off. (They paid for his room (from his medical fund) and gave him $10.00 out of the money we already paid).

We have a phone message that says; "This is Jai the administrator of Stone Hawk of Battle Creek (our son, name withheld) just bad another outburst and we are basically washing our hands at this point and time, he is being on a 2 week AMA, basically a 2 week suspension"

On July 27th we got a hold of the owner of Stone Hawk (Per Wickstrom) and he told us that there would be No Refund and that our son was on a 30 day suspension AMA and that he was going to hold the bed for 30 days. Our son could have up to 3-30 day suspensions (and he would hold a bed all this time) before they kicked him out.

Does "Narconon Drug Rehabilitation Centers" that are all over the United States have a No Refund program where they can take your money ($23,500) and stick it to you?

Still waiting on my refund

Sincerely,

[signed]
Greg Beha
gregbe at frognet dot net

www.vincedaniels.com/article16.html
http://www.clambake.org
http://stop-narconon.org


From: George & Carra Schoene [schoenes at chartermi dot net]
Sent: Monday, October 02, 2006 1:10 PM
To: Denise Blakeslee
Attachments: Petoskey Handout - 2.doc

The Narconon Stone Hawk Rehabilitation Center (under the name TIA Corporation) tried to get into tiny Wolverine and the citizens there said, "NO".

When they tried in Petoskey, the citizens also said, "no". You should try to get the TIA proposals and Planning commissions hearing minutes from Cheboygan County and Petoskey to find out the true story about Stone Hawk. See the following website: http://www-2.cs.cmu.edu/~dst/Narconon/

[attachment Petoskey Handout follows]

STOP DRUG REHAB AT REUS

The TIA Corp. of Battle Creek is proposing to purchase the Reus Residence on Arlington Avenue to turn it into a drug and alcohol abuse center. TIA Corp. operates the Narconon Stone Hawk treatment facility in Battle Creek and wants to expand to Petoskey. We are opposed to the Reus Residence being a Narconon drug and alcohol abuse center for these reasons:

Size and population: TIA proposes to house 63 addicts, younger and more active than the approximately 35 elderly residents that lived at the old rest home next to Lockwood-McDonald. Similar Narconon facilities have far larger facilities and grounds (Reus is 2 acres), and they are further from residential areas. The turn-over rate is 8-12 addicts per week here.

Demographics: Sixty-two percent of residents in the Stone Hawk location are addicted to crack, heroin, or are cross addicted; and 33 percent more are addicted to alcohol. The average “student” has been addicted for over 20 years. On average, these people committed a crime every 11 days to support their habit. Many will not be Northern Michigan residents, so they will be importing additional drug and crime problems to the area.

Economic Plan: TIA's Application for Conditional Use Permit indicates that they would have an addict population of 70-105. This indicates that they intend to expand from 63 proposed in their Site Plan..

Security: TIA Narconon's proposal indicates that it would not be a lock down facility. Theft “students” are supposed to be escorted when out of the facility to ensure that they do not wander. But Narconon's websites state that “students” go for long walks. One can assume that addicts will go on walks through the adjacent residential neighborhoods of Petoskey, the downtown and the Bayfront Park, and Bay View. Addicts will be in close proximity to a hospital and the proposed Hospice, both of which stock drugs.

Methodology: Narconon conducts their treatments outside of the medical mainstream and their treatments are not considered to follow best practices. Former U. S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop describes the detoxification as practiced by Narconon as dangerous and can be detrimental to your health. The California Medical Association has declared unanimous support for school districts that have dropped Narconon. Oklahoma denied certification to the Narconon Chilocco facility and required that the patients be transferred to other facilities because the program was unsafe.

Medical Care: Narconon has a “cold turkey” approach to detox. Many addicts have a drug or alcohol dependency as well as a mental disorder. Narconon's treatment does not provide for treating addicts' mental health problems. Narconon generally does NOT hire local citizens as counselors but imports Narconon graduates to provide peer counseling. Few will have real medical therapy training.

Zoning: We believe that there is an issue as to whether the proposed use is a convalescent home as defined in the zoning ordinance. We believe that the Petoskey inappropriately recommended that the treatment facility be considered under the convalescent home zoning requirements.