Pubdate: Tue, 21 Oct 2008 Source: San Francisco Chronicle (CA) Copyright: 2008 Hearst Communications Inc. Contact: http://www.sfgate.com/chronicle/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/388 Author: Jonathan Perri SMART MOVE FOR YOUTH Editor - Having worked as an Adolescent Substance Abuse Counselor for nearly a year, I am aware of the need for affordable and accessible drug treatment for teens. That is why I support Proposition 5. Prop. 5 will provide increased funding for youth treatment programs, helping to ensure young people get effective and comprehensive drug treatment. It will also help to remove criminal convictions for young people arrested with small amounts of marijuana and require that they receive counseling rather than an arrest record that holds them back from employment and financial aid - and increases the likelihood of continued drug use. Increasing the availability and accessibility of drug treatment for the youth of California is a smart move that voters should support. Jonathan Perri Students for Sensible Drug Policy San Francisco - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake