Pubdate: Sun, 25 Aug 2002
Source: Intelligencer & Wheeling News-Register (WV)
Copyright: 2002 The Intelligencer & Wheeling News Register
Contact:  http://www.intellnews.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1633

OHIO DRUG PLAN ABSURD

A proposal likely to be on the November election ballot should be rejected 
by Ohio voters, because it virtually raises a white flag in the war against 
drugs.

The measure, set forth as a proposed constitutional amendment as a result 
of a statewide petition drive, probably will be labeled as State Issue I. 
It would allow people convicted of using illegal drugs - even repeat 
offenders - to demand that judges send them to drug treatment programs 
instead of jail. In such cases, judges would be permitted to order 
treatment for no more than 18 months, followed by a maximum of 90 days of 
court supervision.

Adding insult to injury, the ballot initiative would require that Ohio 
spend $247 million on drug treatment programs through the 2009 fiscal year.

Judges should have the discretion to provide treatment instead of jail for 
some drug offenders. They should not be required to do so. Ohioans should 
reject Issue I.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom