Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. letter to Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, February 26, 1998

ROBERT l. EHRLICH, JR. BUDGET BANKING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES ASSISTANT MAJORITY WHIP (Congress of tfjr fHniteb States 5?ousc of Etprescnfatibes ©Hashmgton, ©C 20515-2002 February 26, 1998 The Honorable Kathleen Kennedy Townsend Lieutenant Governor State House 1 00 State Circle Annapolis, MD 21401 Dear Kathleen: I am writing in support of the Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) program in Baltimore County and throughout the state of Maryland. As you may already know, I recently teamed up with Michael Gimbel and the SADD program in Baltimore County to help support federal legislation which I introduced to restrict the sale of alcohol over the Internet. This problem has a direct impact on our youth, since over 18 million young people have access to a computer. We recently held a very successful press conference with SADD at Parkville Senior High School in Baltimore County to help launch this initiative, and SADD plans to hold more meetings over the next few weeks. In working with the SADD program, I have been very impressed with the energy, intelligence and commitment of the students. Having an organization in which youths help one another is more powerful and effective than having adults preach to them in a classroom. It is good to know that we have such a successful student-based program working in some of our schools and communities. I was informed by Mike that you and he are discussing the possibility of expanding the SADD program throughout the state of Maryland by creating an organization to coordinate and assist local jurisdictions. I think that is a great idea, and I would certainly support that effort. In the future, I hope that SADD can be made available to all young people in the state of Maryland. Let me know if I can be of assistance in this effort. Sincere lx\ Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Member of Congress