Pubdate: Thu, 20 Dec 2001
Source: Columbus Dispatch (OH)
Copyright: 2001 The Columbus Dispatch
Contact:  http://www.dispatch.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/93
Author: Alan Johnson

TAFT OPPOSITION TO DRUG PROPOSAL CHALLENGED

Supporters of a proposed constitutional amendment on drug treatment want an 
investigation of the Taft administration's alleged misuse of public 
employees and resources to oppose the campaign.

Edward J. Orlett, a lobbyist, former lawmaker and manager of the Ohio 
Campaign for New Drug Policies, yesterday asked state Auditor Jim Petro to 
conduct a special audit.

The use of "public employees and resources in an attempt to prevent a 
citizen initiative from reaching the ballot and/or to campaign to defeat 
the issue is unlawful'' under state law, the Ohio and U.S. Constitution, 
Orlett wrote to Petro.

Petro spokeswoman Kim Norris said the request will be reviewed by an 
internal committee that includes Petro, his chief legal counsel and other 
top staff members.

The committee will meet Jan. 2, she said.

Gov. Bob Taft's spokeswoman, Mary Anne Sharkey, defended the 
administration's behind-the-scenes activities. She acknowledged the 
administration has been planning opposition to the proposed November 2002 
ballot issue asking voters to amend the constitution to sentence 
nonviolent, first- and second-time drug-use offenders to treatment instead 
of jail.

"We feel it's perfectly proper for the governor, the governor's staff, and 
the first lady to discuss and plan strategy to combat something that they 
feel is contrary to the policies of this administration.''

Sharkey said if the issue reaches the ballot, Taft and his wife, Hope, will 
help form a committee, raise money and campaign against it.

Orlett said that is improper.

"Ohio voters have the right to engage to change the constitution and to 
enact laws. What they are doing by trying to stop us is trying to deny us 
our constitutional rights.''

Orlett said paid circulators will begin gathering names on petitions 
"shortly after the first of the year.''

The committee must gather 335,422 valid signatures of registered voters 
from at least 44 of the 88 counties to be certified to appear on the ballot.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens