Pubdate: Fri, 24 Aug 2001
Source: Naples Daily News (FL)
Copyright: 2001 Naples Daily News.
Contact:  http://www.naplesnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/284
Author: Mike Branom, Associated Press

BUSH ATTACKS DRUG TREATMENT BALLOT INITIATIVE (2)

ORLANDO - A proposed ballot initiative that would require courts to offer 
treatment to certain drug offenders came under attack by Gov. Jeb Bush on 
Thursday.

The initiative, called "Right to Treatment and Rehabilitation for 
Nonviolent Drug Offenders," would force judges to grant treatment or 
rehabilitation to anyone charged with simple possession of drugs or drug 
paraphernalia.

"To suggest there should be no penalties for continued drug use is to stick 
our heads in the sand," Bush said.

Only first and second-time drug offenders would be eligible for treatment. 
Also, those accused of selling drugs and offenders facing accompanying 
charges of theft or violent crimes, drunken driving or other serious crimes 
would be barred from the treatment alternative.

A California group supported by billionaire financier George Soros is 
trying get the constitutional amendment on Florida's 2002 ballot.

The idea is modeled after California's Proposition 36, approved by voters 
last year.

Sydney P. Smith, chairman for the Florida Campaign for New Drug Policies, 
said Bush's criticism is a typical misrepresentation of the proposed amendment.

"People keep misstating what the law is because they don't have a prayer 
(of stopping its approval)," Smith said.

The initiative needs petition signatures of 488,722 Florida voters to make 
it on the ballot.

The petition effort recently surpassed the 48,869 signatures needed to 
trigger a review by the state attorney general and then the Florida Supreme 
Court to ensure the measure complies with ballot laws.

Among the requirements are that the measure be only about one subject and 
that the wording be clear.

Bush made his remarks at a luncheon in Orlando honoring the 30th 
anniversary of the Center for Drug Free Living.

The center is one of 78 community and law-enforcement programs helping 
people fight substance abuse that will receive $4 million in grants from 
the state, Bush said.

"Prevention is the key to reducing drug abuse in our state," Bush said. 
"Preventing the illegal use of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco among our young 
people now will save us a myriad of costs later - social, economic and, of 
course, human.

"These grants will go a long way in aiding our prevention efforts."
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens