MORAN — A pair of recent events compelled Michael Swift to act.
First, just days before his high school graduation in May, Jesse Lee Holman, a good friend of Swift’s, died of an accidental overdose of prescription drugs.
The second, about a week ago, was Swift’s participation in a leadership conference in Washington, D.C.
“When I got back I knew I wanted to do something,” Swift said.
Swift’s hastily arranged community gathering Wednesday evening at the Moran City Park drew a crowd of more than 20.
Swift’s goal — to help eradicate Moran’s drug problem.
“I don’t want Jesse’s death to be the first” of its type, Swift told the Register afterward. “I want it to be the last.”
Wednesday’s meeting was purely for brainstorming.
He solicited thoughts on a number of ideas he learned about to help combat improper drug use, from setting up collection points or receptacles for people to drop off drugs or paraphernalia.
The idea is to use any means possible to get drugs out of the home, he said.
Swift also suggested finding ways to develop a walking trail or add amenities to Moran City Park, with more playground equipment or a “movie wall,” in which movies coiuld be shown regularly.
The last — and most expensive option — would be to see if a community swimming pool could be built in Moran.
Building a local pool would draw more Moran youth who may not be able to afford trips to swim in Iola because of sky-high gasoline costs, Swift said.
He acknowledged that all of his ideas came at a literal cost.
“That’s why it’s important to work together,” he said. “If everybody is involved, the load is lighter for each of us.”
A HANDFUL OF adults were on hand for Swift’s presentation as well, including Lori Holman, Jesse’s mother, and Marmaton Valley High School Principal Jeremy Boldra.
