Pubdate: Tue, 06 Aug 2002 Source: Newsday (NY) Copyright: 2002 Newsday Inc. Contact: http://www.newsday.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/308 Author: Jordan Rau Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?140 (Rockefeller Drug Laws) PATAKI RIVALS VIE FOR LATINOS Dems Address Drug Law Reform Gov. George Pataki's Democratic rivals simultaneously vied for Latino voters yesterday as Andrew Cuomo called for gutting the most unpopular elements of the Rockefeller-era drug laws and State Comptroller H. Carl McCall began broadcasting television commercials narrated by Fernando Ferrer, whose mayoral campaign last fall galvanized thousands of Latinos. At a campaign appearance in upper Manhattan, Cuomo called for the abolition of the mandatory minimum sentences that require judges to sentence non-violent, low-level drug offenders to prison terms. He also said that sentences should not be solely determined by the quantity of drugs an offender is caught with, but should also take into account the role of the offender in a drug deal. These two aspects of drug sentencing under the Rockefeller-era laws are very unpopular among blacks, Latinos and civil libertarians, who say the laws have led to people being incarcerated for long periods even if they were peripheral players in drug deals. Prosecutors have fought attempts to dramatically change the sentencing rules, and the wide divergence of opinions has blocked any changes to the laws despite two years of negotiations between Pataki and the Legislature. "Repeal of mandatory minimum sentences, coupled with renewed emphasis on treatment, will restore rationality to our state's drug policies," Cuomo said. He was joined in his announcement by Anthony Papa, who had been imprisoned for 12 years under the Rockefeller laws until Pataki granted him clemency in 1997. "The issue is being tossed around like a football and each side is blaming each other for not cooperating," said Papa, an artist. "We need somebody with a track record of getting things done like Andrew Cuomo." In response to a reporter's question, Cuomo admitted that he had tried marijuana in his youth. McCall has supported efforts in the Democrat-controlled Assembly to give judges more power over setting sentences and expanding drug treatment. The most recent Assembly compromise proposal retains much of the existing Rockefeller mandatory sentencing rules. "Carl McCall's been out talking about this issue and advocating for reform for well over a year," said spokesman Steve Greenberg. Pataki spokesman Michael McKeon said the governor would continue to try to reach a compromise with the Legislature. "We have a comprehensive plan that provides some added judicial discretion and recognizes the important role that prosecutors play," McKeon said. The McCall commercials, which start tomorrow on Latino radio and TV stations, are part of that campaign's efforts to create a black-Latino coalition large enough to help McCall beat Cuomo and then Pataki. McCall had supported Ferrer last year, and this year many of the prominent Latino leaders who supported Ferrer's bid are backing McCall, who is seeking to become New York's first African-American governor. Today, Cuomo plans to court New York's Jewish vote by flying to Israel for a multiday tour intended to show his sympathy for victims of the recent bombings. - --- MAP posted-by: Jackl