''I personally ... don't support needle-exchange programs, and as a policy won't use state money for needle-exchange programs,'' said James Haveman Jr., director of the Community Health Department.
Mayor John Logie wants a special committee to consider an anti-drug strategy that covers prevention, treatment and punishment for non-violent offenders.
He has suggested the exchange of dirty needles for clean ones because used needles can pass hepatitis and AIDS among drug abusers.
''When you start getting into needle-exchange programs, there's something that works against abstinence,'' Haveman said during a visit to the city.
He is a former director of Grand Rapids-based Project Rehab, which offers treatment for people who abuse alcohol and other drugs.
''I would much rather put the money into treatment. ... The thing I will not do is endorse needle-exchange programs to give people cover politically,'' Haveman said.
Michigan's director of drug-control policy has a similar position.
''There's been a mixed message sent to the public, where you say don't do drugs, but if you do drugs use clean needles. Our policy is zero tolerance,'' said Darnell Jackson, a former prosecutor and deputy police chief in Saginaw.
But both men said the ultimate decision rests with communities.
The Grand Rapids task force has not been created. When he made the needle suggestion earlier this month, the mayor said he would be perceived as condoning illegal behavior.
''But we have to balance the harm with the benefit,'' Logie said.
Police Chief William Hegarty said cocaine is his department's main challenge, not heroin, which is injected.
Haveman, too, said heroin is not as popular in Kent County as cocaine or alcohol.