REFORM THE REFORM

Manhattan: Gov. Pataki's plan to reform the state's ineffective and
draconian drug-sentencing laws is a good first step. Two premises on which
the laws were based have been proven erroneous: 1) that long mandatory
sentences would discourage drug use and trafficking, and 2) that drug
treatment is not effective in reducing crime and recidivism.

Unfortunately, the governor's plan does not go nearly far enough and would
not restore judicial discretion in most cases. There is no justification
for requiring the consent of prosecutors to divert low-level, nonviolent
drug sellers, so many of whom sell to support their own drug habits..

Drug treatment should be rehabilitative, not punitive. Progress should be
based on accepted diagnostic evaluations administered by treatment
providers, not prosecutors. Such an approach would enhance the likelihood
of success and result in substantial savings to society.

Deborah Peterson Small

The Lindesmith Center-Drug Policy Foundation