KEATING JUST SAYS NO

Gov. Frank Keating is being called to task for his second parole denial to
William Foster, who admitted to growing and using marijuana - but for
medicinal purposes.

Keating originally denied Foster parole in January 1999 and again this
month. On both occassions the state Parole Board voted to parole Foster.

Foster was originally given a 93-year sentence for growing and cultivating
marijuana. The sentence was reduced to 20 years after a court found it
excessive. Foster has served four years.

The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Law is criticizing
Keating for releasing two "violent offenders" and not releasing Foster.

"It's simple," said NORML Foundation executive director Allen St. Pierre.
"Will Foster should be paroled and immediately returned to the care of his
family.

"Governor Keating has always fancied himself a drug warrior, but what kind
of message is he trying to send by paroling violent criminals while keeping
Mr. Foster in prison - despite the parole board's unanimous recommendation
to release him, not once but twice."

Keating spokesman Phil Bacharach said though he wasn't familiar with the
two violent offender cases referred to in the NORML statement, Keating
wouldn't release Foster because there isn't consensus on Foster between the
Parole Board and the inmate's investigating parole officer.

"The governor's office is certainly aware of the certain sense of notoriety
surrounding Mr. Foster's case, but he also believes parole should be
limited to cases in which the investigating parole officer recommends
release for the individual," Bacharach said.