CANDIDATES OPPOSE NEW AMENDMENTS

District 31 Hopefuls Split On Drug Penalties

Republican incumbent Mitch Needelman and Democratic challenger Jodi James
share at least one common belief as they vie for the State House District
31 seat in Tallahassee: Don't mess with the state constitution.

Neither candidate would be disappointed to see the numerous proposed
amendments on this year's ballot voted down.

"I'm a true constitutionalist," Needelman said, who is seeking his second
term in office. "It's a guiding document, not a policy document. They are
all good issues and good to talk about, but not as constitution."

The amendments range from mandated class sizes to handling of pigs on
farms. Education amendments, including one that would offer universal
pre-kindergarten, are the most prevelant.

"I'm sorry they made it to the constitution-amendment phase," James said.
"My son lost pre-kindergarten this year because funding was re-routed. I'm
in favor of universal pre-k but don't think it should be an amendment."

James said if elected she would like to introduce a new way for citizens to
introduce and propose bills without affecting the constitution.

One issue that has divided the candidates throughout the campaign is the
penalty and treatment of those convicted on drug charges.

James, who has fought for years to make marijuana legal and available for
medicinal purposes, said a majority of drug offenders should be treated by
the health-care system and not by incarceration. According to records,
James sold LSD to an undercover officer in 1988 and was sentenced to five
to 15 years in prison. She served less than a year before being paroled.
James said she was living with a boyfriend who was selling drugs at the
time of her arrest.

"We need to focus our resources on getting treatment into the hands of
those who need it," she said. "Our jails are overcrowded, and I was told
that 91 percent of the inmates had mental illness or drug addiction. For
every dollar spent on treatment we would save seven on the cost of
incarceration."

But Needelman, retired from law enforcement, counters that those
incarcerated on drug charges are usually there for some other, and
sometimes more serious, crime.

"The first-time drug user being thrown in jail is a misnomer," Needelman
said. "Let's be honest with the public. I am very clear and strong to the
point on drugs. I don't care what they are doing in California. The best
answer is to say no and tell drug dealers to go away. This is very much an
issue on this campaign."

But James said her stance does not exonerate those in jail for other crimes.

"If a crime is committed against another human being, then that person
needs to be punished," she said. "I'm hard on crimes against people."

Both candidates said they would continue to campaign hard until the
election trying to sway those undecided votes.

"My past makes it clear I am not afraid to take a stand and I will
faithfully represent those who support me," she said.

Needelman said the part-time appointment is in reality a full-time job.

"It's an awesome responsibility but it's an awesome job," he said. "I enjoy
helping people."