Pubdate: Mon, 28 Oct 2002
Source: Florida Today (FL)
Copyright: 2002 Florida Today
Contact: http://www.floridatoday.com/forms/services/letters.htm
Website: http://www.flatoday.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/532
Author: John A. Torres

CANDIDATES OPPOSE NEW AMENDMENTS

District 31 Hopefuls Split On Drug Penalties

Republican incumbent Mitch Needelman and Democratic challenger Jodi James 
share at least one common belief as they vie for the State House District 
31 seat in Tallahassee: Don't mess with the state constitution.

Neither candidate would be disappointed to see the numerous proposed 
amendments on this year's ballot voted down.

"I'm a true constitutionalist," Needelman said, who is seeking his second 
term in office. "It's a guiding document, not a policy document. They are 
all good issues and good to talk about, but not as constitution."

The amendments range from mandated class sizes to handling of pigs on 
farms. Education amendments, including one that would offer universal 
pre-kindergarten, are the most prevelant.

"I'm sorry they made it to the constitution-amendment phase," James said. 
"My son lost pre-kindergarten this year because funding was re-routed. I'm 
in favor of universal pre-k but don't think it should be an amendment."

James said if elected she would like to introduce a new way for citizens to 
introduce and propose bills without affecting the constitution.

One issue that has divided the candidates throughout the campaign is the 
penalty and treatment of those convicted on drug charges.

James, who has fought for years to make marijuana legal and available for 
medicinal purposes, said a majority of drug offenders should be treated by 
the health-care system and not by incarceration. According to records, 
James sold LSD to an undercover officer in 1988 and was sentenced to five 
to 15 years in prison. She served less than a year before being paroled. 
James said she was living with a boyfriend who was selling drugs at the 
time of her arrest.

"We need to focus our resources on getting treatment into the hands of 
those who need it," she said. "Our jails are overcrowded, and I was told 
that 91 percent of the inmates had mental illness or drug addiction. For 
every dollar spent on treatment we would save seven on the cost of 
incarceration."

But Needelman, retired from law enforcement, counters that those 
incarcerated on drug charges are usually there for some other, and 
sometimes more serious, crime.

"The first-time drug user being thrown in jail is a misnomer," Needelman 
said. "Let's be honest with the public. I am very clear and strong to the 
point on drugs. I don't care what they are doing in California. The best 
answer is to say no and tell drug dealers to go away. This is very much an 
issue on this campaign."

But James said her stance does not exonerate those in jail for other crimes.

"If a crime is committed against another human being, then that person 
needs to be punished," she said. "I'm hard on crimes against people."

Both candidates said they would continue to campaign hard until the 
election trying to sway those undecided votes.

"My past makes it clear I am not afraid to take a stand and I will 
faithfully represent those who support me," she said.

Needelman said the part-time appointment is in reality a full-time job.

"It's an awesome responsibility but it's an awesome job," he said. "I enjoy 
helping people."
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MAP posted-by: Beth