Pubdate: Fri, 21 Jun 2002 Source: Post-Standard, The (NY) Webpage: www.syracuse.com/opinion/poststandard/index.ssf?/base/opinion-1/102465211431593.xml Copyright: 2002, Syracuse Post-Standard Contact: http://www.syracuse.com/poststandard/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/686 Author: Joan K. Christensen DRUG LAW REFORM VOTE REFLECTED LOCAL CONCERNS To the Editor: On June 17, the state Assembly passed a plan to reform New York's ineffective and outdated Rockefeller drug laws. The legislation would allow judges to send some nonviolent, lower-level offenders to effective drug treatment programs instead of prison. I was the only Central New York Assembly member to support this legislation. I believe it is a balanced and comprehensive approach that places an emphasis on helping to end the destructive cycle of drug abuse through treatment, while at the same time imposing stringent prison sentences for anyone convicted of possessing a loaded handgun with the intent to use it while selling or attempting to sell drugs. The Assembly plan also retains life sentences for drug kingpins who engage in major drug trafficking. My vote aimed to keep negotiations on this issue moving forward, in direct response to concerns conveyed to me by my constituents. We have seen the devastating effect of drug addiction in our communities. Substance abuse is at the root of crime. The Assembly's plan is designed to get at the root cause of drug use - addiction. Our plan gives courts, prosecutors, prison officials and treatment providers the tools they need to fight drug addiction and reduce crime. My vote took courage, because I decided to stand up for sound public policy and my constituents on a politically charged issue. The Assembly's plan moves us forward toward real reform of ineffective laws. We have the opportunity to save lives by shifting our laws away from a focus on retribution and toward rehabilitating drug abusers. I hope that the Senate and the governor will join with the Assembly to pass meaningful reforms to New York's drug laws. Joan K. Christensen - Member, State Assembly Syracuse - --- MAP posted-by: Beth