SMART MOVE FOR YOUTH

Editor - Having worked as an Adolescent Substance Abuse Counselor for
nearly a year, I am aware of the need for affordable and accessible
drug treatment for teens. That is why I support Proposition 5.

Prop. 5 will provide increased funding for youth treatment programs,
helping to ensure young people get effective and comprehensive drug
treatment. It will also help to remove criminal convictions for young
people arrested with small amounts of marijuana and require that they
receive counseling rather than an arrest record that holds them back
from employment and financial aid - and increases the likelihood of
continued drug use.

Increasing the availability and accessibility of drug treatment for
the youth of California is a smart move that voters should support.

Jonathan Perri

Students for Sensible Drug Policy

San Francisco