TAFT WINS STATE GROUP'S BACKING IN EFFORT TO QUASH DRUG INITIATIVE

Columbus - Community boards that help drug and alcohol addicts won't
support a ballot initiative that would require treatment instead of jail
for first- and second-time drug offenders.

The Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities passed a
resolution opposing the initiative, after hearing arguments from both
sides. The association represents 57 county alcohol and drug addiction and
mental health boards.

The association took its position after receiving a commitment from Gov.
Bob Taft's administration to work with the health association to improve
alcohol and drug prevention, treatment and support services.

In a letter last Thursday to Taft's chief policy adviser, Paolo DeMaria,
association officials said the resolution was approved "with the
understanding" that the administration would set up a group to create a
shared vision for services; consider ways to find additional money, such as
an excise tax on beer and wine; and ensure the health association will have
a role in planning, should the ballot initiative pass.

Taft has publicly stated his opposition to the initiative. Ohioans Against
Unsafe Drug Laws, the campaign organized to oppose the initiative, claims
the support of political heavy-hitters from both sides of the aisle,
including first lady Hope Taft; former House Speaker Jo Ann Davidson, a
Republican; and Toledo Mayor Jack Ford, a Democrat.

Ed Orlett, manager of the Ohio Campaign for New Drug Policies, which has
proposed the issue for the November ballot, said Taft cut a deal with the
health association.

"I thought it was pretty clear from the letter that these visions would be
pursued, and a beer and wine excise tax would be pursued to achieve this,"
Orlett said. "The governor has been pressuring treatment groups since last
year."

A Taft spokeswoman, the opposition campaign and a health association
official denied the accusation.

"We have made no commitments other than to work with them," said Mary Anne
Sharkey, Taft's spokeswoman. "This is a time of a very tight budget. If
there is a turnaround in the budget, the governor would look at possibly
putting more money into treatment."

The health association sees a need to improve services, but the initiative
has problems, said Betsy Johnson, chief operating officer.

"We thought the constitutional amendment bypasses the legislative process,
and there is not enough [judicial] flexibility," Johnson said.

The ballot initiative proposes a constitutional amendment to initiate
treatment for nonviolent drug offenders. Supporters have gathered about
half of the 335,442 signatures needed to get the issue on the ballot.

The proposed initiative calls for $19 million in startup costs and $38
million in annual appropriations from the state.