Pubdate: Thu, 18 Apr 2002
Source: Naples Daily News (FL)
Copyright: 2002 Naples Daily News.
Contact:  http://www.naplesnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/284
Author: Jackie Hallifax, Associated Press
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/props.htm (Ballot Initiatives)

SPONSORS OF DRUG-TREATMENT DRIVE GIVE UP ON NOVEMBER BALLOT

TALLAHASSEE - Sponsors of a petition drive to let low-level drug offenders 
avoid jail time by entering treatment programs have decided against trying 
to make the November ballot.

Instead, the Campaign for New Drug Policies has set its sights on the 2004 
ballot, its Florida chairman said Wednesday.

"We're pulling out," Sydney Smith said from his Miami office. "It's too late."

The campaign is awaiting word from the Florida Supreme Court, which decides 
if citizen initiatives are fairly explained and deal with just one issue.

The state's high court heard oral arguments in December but has not yet ruled.

As well getting the green light from the Supreme Court, petition drive 
sponsors must collect half a million signatures to make the ballot.

Smith said supporters had collected an estimated 300,000 signatures.

The measure is called "Right to Treatment for Rehabilitation for 
Non-Violent Drug Offenses." It would let people charged or convicted of 
possession or purchases of illegal drugs go into a treatment program and 
avoid trial or jail.

The treatment option would be limited to a first or second offense and 
people facing felony charges or serious misdemeanors would not be eligible.

The idea is modeled after California's Proposition 36, approved by voters 
last year. A Santa Monica organization called Campaign for New Drug 
Policies is backing the Florida effort and has given $313,000 toward the 
petition drive.

Dave Fratello, political director of the Campaign for New Drug Policies in 
Los Angeles, called Florida's initiative process dysfunctional and cumbersome.

"With barely more than two months left to collect signatures, it would be 
far too expensive and uncertain to try to make this November's ballot," 
Fratello said. "Instead, win or lose at the Supreme Court this year, we 
will postpone our campaign and work toward a vote in November 2004."

Bush, who has criticized the initiative, said he was pleased by the 
development.

"I am neither surprised nor sorry to see the backers of the 'Right to 
Treatment' initiative leave Florida," he said in a statement issued by his 
office.

The Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association, which represents 
community-based treatment and prevention providers, called the initiative 
seriously flawed.

"The decision by sponsors of the 'Right to Treatment' ballot initiative to 
withdraw their measure represents a major victory for all Floridians," said 
John Daigle, executive director of the group.
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