Washington County Commissioners voted 2-1 to authorize the release of a letter of intent to the State Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs of their desire to assume the responsibilities of drug and alcohol programs under the County’s department of Human Services. The measure calls into question the continued existence of the Washington Drug and Alcohol Commission (WDAC). During public comment at the meeting, Cheryl Andrews, Executive Director of the WDAC, said the county relinquished responsibility of the programs more than 20 years ago. She felt that the transition would be detrimental to recovery efforts of addicts. Several people in public comment characterized the measure as a money and power grab. Heaven Sensky-Kirsch from the Center for Coalfield Justice is one of those people. She also said that the county being closely affiliated with law enforcement may deter people from seeking recovery. Commissioner Larry Maggi dissented saying that the WDAC has done a great job all these years. He is concerned that the move is an expansion of government and the county should let the experts continue to do their job and keep government out of it.