Pubdate: Wed, 03 Jul 2002 Source: Journal News, The (NY) Copyright: 2002 The Gannett Company, Inc. Contact: http://www.nyjournalnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1205 Author: Audrey Rogers Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?140 (Rockefeller Drug Laws) MATUSOW'S DRUG LAW VOTE FAILS COMMUNITY It is most unfortunate that yet again, despite bipartisan recognition that New York's Rockefeller drug laws need change, the New York state Legislature has failed to agree on the terms of the reform. Incredibly, Assemblywoman Naomi Matusow was the only Democrat in Westchester County to vote against a compromise bill that the Assembly passed last week. Ms. Matusow's remarks on a local news show that the bill might let violent felons go free is simply incorrect. In fact, according to a press release by Assembly Leader Sheldon Silver, the "cornerstone of the Assembly plan is an effort to reduce New York's crime rate by ensuring that non-violent offenders complete effective drug treatment" (emphasis added). The Assembly bill Ms. Matusow, D-North Castle, voted against actually increased sentences for major drug traffickers and adult offenders attempting to sell drugs to children, while it saved taxpayers millions of dollars currently spent to incarcerate non-violent offenders. One can only wonder why Ms. Matusow would go against her own party in failing to recognize that reform is long overdue. Her vote demonstrates a lack of understanding of the issues, and her constituents should be disappointed in her action. Audrey Rogers, White Plains - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom