Pubdate: Fri, 24 Jan 2003 Source: Amarillo Globe-News (TX) Copyright: 2003 Amarillo Globe-News Contact: http://amarillonet.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/13 JUST SAY NO TO DRUG LEGALIZATION Richardson Avoids Controversy New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson may be going out on a limb by proposing state government spend an extra $175 million next year and then basing this increase on an assumed $50 million in extra tax collections and dipping into the state's tobacco settlement fund. No doubt Richardson, a Democrat, will find support in New Mexico's Democratically controlled Legislature. Time will tell if Richardson is digging a financial hole for the state.In the meantime, at least Richardson won't be digging himself a hole by creating unnecessary controversy, unlike his predecessor. Former Gov. Gary Johnson, a Republican, earned national attention for his adamant support of drug legalization. Johnson was often at odds with members of his own party, the federal government and law enforcement, and monotonously pushed the issue at every opportunity. Following a meeting Wednesday in New Mexico with the nation's drug czar, John Walters, Richardson made it a point to say he will not follow in Johnson's footsteps. "The main message here to the director is that this governor is against legalizing drugs and marijuana," Richardson said. That should be welcome news for New Mexicans. Johnson's personal crusade for drug legalization became a major issue, and detracted from the governor's role. While Johnson is entitled to state his opinion whether in or out of office, his incessant attempts to keep the issue at the national forefront probably will be for what he is most remembered. While Richardson's increase in government spending deserves scrutiny (especially the appropriation of tobacco money), his proposal to reduce the personal income tax rate from 8.2 percent to 7.7 percent as soon as possible has bipartisan support. Senate Minority Leader Stuart Ingle, a Portales Republican, said he was "real hopeful that we can do some of these things." Richardson is off to a good start by distancing himself from needless past controversy. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek