Pubdate: Wed,  4 Jun 2003
Source: New York Times (NY)
Copyright: 2003 The New York Times Company
Contact:  http://www.nytimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/298
Author: Al Baker
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?140 (Rockefeller Drug Laws)

MOVEMENT SEEN FOR CHANGE ON ROCKEFELLER DRUG LAWS

ALBANY, June 3 - An effort to revise the Rockefeller-era drug laws
picked up momentum today as New York's governor and two top
legislative leaders sought to find middle ground on the issue, which
has only led to quarrels in the past.

Russell Simmons, the hip-hop businessman who has emerged as a leading
advocate for changing the mandatory penalties for drug crimes, which
many view as too strict, traveled to the capital today to meet with
legislative leaders to press for changes. On Wednesday in New York
City, a rally is planned in City Hall Park by other members of the
coalition seeking changes in the laws, including Andrew M. Cuomo, who
ran unsuccessfully for governor last year. Mr. Cuomo said it would
feature speeches by 35 elected officials, grass-roots advocates and
entertainers, including Carly Simon and the hip-hop artist 50 Cent.

Mr. Cuomo said the broad coalition, known as "Countdown to Fairness,"
had created more awareness and political pressure about the issue than
ever before. He said it might lead to reform after two and a half
years of legislative gridlock as well as change "the Albany apathy and
dysfunction." But time is running out: there are fewer than three
weeks left in the legislative session.

Despite talk of a middle ground, Mr. Cuomo and others in the coalition
seemed less likely to support a compromise. He said his goal was full
repeal of the laws adopted 30 years ago, in the height of a crime wave
linked to the drug trade. The laws were named for Gov. Nelson A.
Rockefeller, who sponsored them. "Obviously, very little happens
without compromise, I understand that," Mr. Cuomo said. "And the
question is, are they offering a good compromise or a bad compromise?
And the optimum is full repeal."

Short of providing details about a possible compromise, Gov. George E.
Pataki and the state's two legislative leaders emerged from a meeting
yesterday and each voiced hope that a compromise would be struck.

"I think, from my standpoint, we've seen some progress in that what
I'd want to see is a balanced approach where, yes, we lower the
sentences for offenders who could face 15 to 25 years to life for
convictions to make them more reasonable," Mr. Pataki said. "And I
also want to see tougher sentences for people who use children or sell
drugs near schoolyards or who have a weapon, use a gun, or drug
kingpins, and I think we're seeing some progress toward that."

Mr. Simmons, who met with the governor on Monday night, came to Albany
to speak personally with Joseph L. Bruno, the Republican Senate
majority leader, and Sheldon Silver, the Democratic Assembly speaker.

Mr. Simmons has spent more than $100,000 in the last week, mainly on
radio advertisements advocating change. Momentum for change has come
from "enthusiastic young people," he said. "I think the hip-hop
community is moving toward a more conscious space." He added, "We need
young, honest hearts and ideas involved in this process, and that's
what we're trying to do."

All three sides in state government agree that the mandatory sentences
for minor drug offenses are harsh. A main sticking point is who should
have the largest voice in sentencing. The governor would let
prosecutors decide but would allow defendants to appeal a decision to
a judge. Senate Republicans have repeatedly supported Mr. Pataki's
position, but Assembly Democrats want the power to go to judges.

Asked if reforms could be achieved this year, Mr. Silver, who was
standing next to Mr. Simmons, said, "I would hope that maybe Russell
Simmons' intervention is the catalyst that brings it about."

In his meeting with Mr. Bruno, Mr. Simmons discussed different
approaches to bridging differences that have existed over the years,
an aide to the senator said. "There has been discussion on Rockefeller
that has sort of picked up in the last week or so," said the aide,
John E. McArdle. "It is one of those issues we would like to get
resolved before the end of the year."

Mr. Simmons said: "There is compromise on a lot of issues that could
be made. Now, are we going to get full discretion back from the
D.A.'s? I don't think so. But are we going to make a deal? I think
so."
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake