Pubdate: Wed, 16 Jan 2008
Source: Newsday (NY)
Copyright: 2008 Newsday Inc.
Contact:  http://www.newsday.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/308
Author: Keith Herbert

POLITICIANS BACK HEMPSTEAD VILLAGE ANTI-DRUG PLAN

Nassau District Attorney Kathleen Rice's anti-drug  initiative in 
Hempstead Village may have its critics,  but those with a significant 
stake in the community --  elected officials -- say they support it.

In a telephone survey of elected officials, including  state 
legislators and village trustees, most supported  Rice, who unveiled 
a plan last week that capitalizes on  community support and offers 
nonviolent narcotics  offenders a chance to avoid prison.

"I believe it is a bold and innovative approach that  has not been 
attempted before," said state Sen. Charles  Fuschillo (R-Merrick). "I 
applaud DA Rice's effort to  rid our streets of drugs."

Rice, a Democrat, unveiled the plan Jan. 8 at a meeting  at the 
African-American Museum in Hempstead, near one  of the county's 
largest, most violent and  longest-running open-air drug markets. 
Seventeen  suspected drug dealers were extended an offer -- stop 
dealing drugs at Terrace Avenue and Bedell Street or  get arrested 
and prosecuted. The suspects were given a  letter requesting that 
they attend the public meeting.

At the meeting, Rice had members of the Hempstead  community 
gathered, and she displayed videotape of  undercover drug transactions.

Modeled on a successful strategy in High Point, N.C.,  the plan in 
Nassau offers the suspects social services  instead of jail time.

"I certainly see a need to address the problem of drug  activity in 
the Hempstead community," said Assemb.  Earlene Hooper (D-Hempstead) 
in a statement after a  request for an interview.

Critics of Rice's initiative have questioned why she  chose a black 
neighborhood for the new crime  initiative. The effort suggested drug 
dealing is solely  a black problem, some critics said.

Some wondered how the participants were selected and  others were 
rejected, calling Rice's action an abuse of  power.

Rice said the initiative was implemented where it was  most needed. 
Race wasn't an issue for Hooper.

"The issue whether or not it is a community of black  residents is 
irrelevant because the drug problem  affects every aspect of quality 
of life for all of us  -- even surrounding communities," Hooper said.

Hempstead Village Trustee Don Ryan, a Republican, said  constituents 
have given him "a cross-section" of  opinions about the initiative.

"I think it's the worst way to handle the drug problem,  except for 
all the other ways," he said. "I support the  initiative."

Another trustee, Democrat Perry Pettus, said he's  reserving judgment.

"Some people like it and some don't," Pettus said.  "Something needs 
to be done. Is this the right thing?  I'm not sure."

Nassau legislators Kevan Abrahams and Roger Corbin, who  represent 
Hempstead, didn't return phone calls seeking  comment.

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Staff writer James T. Madore contributed to this story.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom