Pubdate: Wed, 28 Aug 2002
Source: Parkersburg News, The (WV)
Copyright: 2002, The Parkersburg News
Contact:  http://www.newsandsentinel.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1648
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?206 Ohio Campaign for New Drug Policies

WHITE FLAG

Ohio Voters Should Soundly Reject Proposal Because It Surrenders In War 
Against Drugs

A proposal likely to be on the November election ballot should be rejected 
by Ohio voters, because it virtually raises a white flag in the war against 
drugs.

The measure, set forth as a proposed constitutional amendment as a result 
of a statewide petition drive, probably will be labeled as State Issue I. 
It would allow people convicted of using illegal drugs - even repeat 
offenders - to demand that judges send them to drug treatment programs 
instead of jail.

In such cases, judges would be permitted to order treatment for no more 
than 18 months, followed by a maximum of 90 days of court supervision.

Adding insult to injury, the ballot initiative would require that Ohio 
spend $247 million on drug treatment programs through the 2009 fiscal year.

Judges should have the discretion to provide treatment instead of jail for 
some drug offenders. They should not be required to do so. Ohioans should 
reject Issue I.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens