Pubdate: Sat, 16 Oct 1999 Source: Albuquerque Journal (NM) Copyright: 1999 Albuquerque Journal Contact: P.O. Drawer J, Albuquerque, N.M. 87103 Website: http://www.abqjournal.com/ Author: Loie Fecteau, Journal Capitol Bureau MAP's: Topical News Shortcut for articles about the Gov.: http://www.mapinc.org/johnson.htm GOV. FINDS SUPPORT FOR DRUG VIEWS Carlsbad mortgage banker Joan Peeper thought Republican Gov. Gary Johnson had gone off the deep end on the subject of drugs -- until she heard him speak on the issue Friday. "I thought you were nuts until I listened to you," Peeper told Johnson after a speech in Albuquerque. Peeper said in an interview she thought Johnson made sense in calling for a re-examination of the nation's drug policies and in suggesting that drug legalization be considered. "It's worth examining," said Peeper, who works at Carlsbad National Bank. "We haven't made progress (in the drug war), and we need a new approach." Johnson spoke Friday to about 85 members of the New Mexico Mortgage Bankers Association and New Mexico Mortgage Brokers Association at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The speech was his first in New Mexico since his well-publicized visit to Washington, D.C., earlier this month, where he gave a couple of speeches and made the TV talk-show circuit. Johnson's comments on drugs, especially those supporting legalization, have prompted a barrage of criticism, especially from law enforcement officials. But, on Friday, Johnson and his drug policy talk were warmly received by many of the people attending the mortgage bankers' and brokers' convention. "Thank you for having the guts to take this issue on, for having the honesty to speak out," said D'Nette Wood Schueler, a mortgage broker with Zia Mortgage Lending Inc. in Albuquerque. The governor was alternately emphatic and humorous in the course of his half-hour speech. Johnson said billions of dollars now spent on drug enforcement could be redirected toward treatment and education programs if drugs such as marijuana and heroin were legalized. However, Johnson stressed he was not condoning drug use, which Peeper and others said they were glad to hear. "Don't do drugs," Johnson said. "Drugs are a handicap." But Johnson, who has admitted using marijuana and trying cocaine while in his 20s, said he does not believe people belong in jail for using drugs, as long as they don't commit other crimes. Barry McCaffrey, President Clinton's national drug policy chief, has called Johnson's drug stance irresponsible. Santa Fe County Sheriff Ray Sisneros this week called Johnson "an idiot" and said he should resign. State Public Safety Secretary Darren White, a Johnson Cabinet member, has said the governor's support of drug legalization has damaged the morale and credibility of law officers across New Mexico. But Jack Thompson, president of the New Mexico Mortgage Bankers Association, said he agrees with Johnson that alcohol and tobacco cause more health-related problems than drugs. "As an employer, I know for a direct fact that alcohol and tobacco use cost me more sick days and more money than drug use ever will," Thompson, a vice president of North American Mortgage Co. in Albuquerque, said in an interview. "It's extremely rare that I lose an employee or have sick times due to drug-related issues," Thompson said. "In fact I don't remember ever having it happen, but I've had a lot of people get sick and miss time and even pass away from tobacco and alcohol." Thompson said his own family has suffered health-related problems from alcohol and tobacco use. "My grandmother and my grandfather both passed away from emphysema and they were both (cigarette) smokers," Thompson said. Another family member has liver problems "because he drinks a lot of scotch," Thompson said. "And they're the same people that stand up and say, 'Don't ever smoke marijuana,' as they're drinking their scotch and smoking their cigarettes and dying." However, Thompson said, Johnson needs to speak out even more strongly against using drugs, especially to young people. Johnson has said he hasn't used drugs since the late 1970s. He quit drinking alcohol 12 years ago. "He is a triathlete," Thompson said. "He's in great shape and he's somebody who could really be a role model of physical health." Johnson, who peppered his speech with self-deprecating humor, told the group he is now so health-conscious that "anal as I am, I don't even do candy bars." Johnson said he believes he's being hammered by McCaffrey and law enforcement officers because he is "speaking the truth." "None of this would have any resonance at all if this was crazy," Johnson told reporters after his speech. "What's crazy is the current war (on drugs)," Johnson said. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake