Pubdate: Thu, 28 Oct 2004 Source: Spartanburg Herald Journal (SC) Copyright: 2004 The Spartanburg Herald-Journal Contact: http://www.goupstate.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/977 Author: Andrea de Ugarte Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?199 (Mandatory Minimum Sentencing) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/prison.htm (Incarceration) DRUG SENTENCING After reading the article in the Upstate on Oct. 16 about the race for sheriff, I see Chuck Wright as a candidate with a logical solution to the drug problem. On the other hand, there's candidate Jack Owens, whom I might have randomly voted for, being a loyal Democrat. Owens is for stiffer penalties for drug offenders to resolve our drug problems. It's hard to believe some still think adding more time to offenders' sentences will fix the problem. South Carolina not only has stiff drug penalties already in place, it has strict mandatory minimum sentences. Oftentimes, small-time drug dealers must serve 85 percent of their sentences because these tough laws classify many of them as violent offenders. According to 2003 S.C. Department of Corrections statistics, 22 percent to 25 percent of all S.C. prisoners are classified as dangerous drug offenders. More prisoners are classified as dangerous drug offenders than for any other crime. South Carolina's strict sentencing laws are ineffective as well as cruel and counterproductive. The only good thing to come out of this situation is more jobs for corrections officers and more federal funds for the counties that house these prisons. Chuck Wright supports proven methods such as building self-esteem and skills to combat our drug problem. I hope we can elect candidates regardless of political party who support what's truly in our best interest and who do not just tell us what they think we want to hear. The community will demand answers, but it's up to our leaders to come up with well-thought-out plans that work for the long term and not just offer us the popular quick fix that doesn't work. Andrea de Ugarte Spartanburg - ---