The rising fear of an AIDS epidemic and the stigma of drug addiction has introduced a moral dilemma for both lawmakers and constituents.

Two sides have been drawn in a battle over needle-exchange programs, which provide clean needles to drug users in exchange for used ones. Opponents argue this will lead to an increase in drug use while proponents say the number of drug addictions has not risen and the spread of HIV has remained in check in areas with such programs.

Laws about needle-exchange programs vary from state to state. Some states use public money, others allow private groups to run the program and others have outlawed it completely.

Needle-exchange programs are a necessary weapon in the war against AIDS. Clean needles don't get people high - drugs do. Clean needles do provide those who choose to use drugs one layer of protection from contracting HIV or AIDS. Federal lawmakers need to assess the current way these programs are run and begin to regulate them.

The fact that needle-exchange programs lower the number of HIV and AIDS patients without increasing drug use has been supported by research from both the American Medical Association and the U.S. Department of Health. The federal government has reported the results of such programs and should therefore provide funding for them.

AIDS is a national problem, and legalization of needle-exchange programs on the federal level means the responsibility of operating the programs and monitoring citizen's health does not fall to state politics, as it is in some states where conservative governors are more worried about votes than AIDS cases.

The average cost of treating each AIDS patient is nearly $20,000 in taxpayer money per year. Needle-exchange programs would reduce the number of new AIDS cases and the cost of AIDS to taxpayers.

Lawmakers and constituents need to realize drugs and drug addiction never will disappear. AIDS, however, someday could have a cure, and all precautions should be taken now to prevent the spread of the disease before that day comes.

For the fourth time since 1997, the Trimble Local School District will put a bond issue and tax levy on the ballot, next in May. The previous three have failed, most recently in August by only 19 votes.

Money from the levy will go to building improvements and additions. A tax levy is the only way for the district to get state money for building renovations. If the district raises $968,000 through the levy, the state will grant $11 million for building projects.

The district is the second poorest school district in Ohio. Basic elements of children's education are missing from this district. Some study halls are held in hallways and some teachers are forced to buy their own supplies if they want to hold art classes.

It is essential for this levy to pass in May. Trimble students deserve a better education, which they would get from better learning facilities.

A quality education is a right all children deserve, but not all receive. Property owners who feel the need to vote against the levy must remember the importance of having schools with enough classrooms and class supplies - basics Trimble is working without.

With the passing of this levy, Trimble students can attend a school in better facilities with no overcrowding. The district is not asking for a lot - just enough to properly operate and educate.

The students deserve at least that much.