POLITICIANS BACK HEMPSTEAD VILLAGE ANTI-DRUG PLAN

Nassau District Attorney Kathleen Rice's anti-drug initiative in
Hempstead Village may have its critics, but those with a significant
stake in the community -- elected officials -- say they support it.

In a telephone survey of elected officials, including state
legislators and village trustees, most supported Rice, who unveiled
a plan last week that capitalizes on community support and offers
nonviolent narcotics offenders a chance to avoid prison.

"I believe it is a bold and innovative approach that has not been
attempted before," said state Sen. Charles Fuschillo (R-Merrick). "I
applaud DA Rice's effort to rid our streets of drugs."

Rice, a Democrat, unveiled the plan Jan. 8 at a meeting at the
African-American Museum in Hempstead, near one of the county's
largest, most violent and longest-running open-air drug markets.
Seventeen suspected drug dealers were extended an offer -- stop
dealing drugs at Terrace Avenue and Bedell Street or get arrested
and prosecuted. The suspects were given a letter requesting that
they attend the public meeting.

At the meeting, Rice had members of the Hempstead community
gathered, and she displayed videotape of undercover drug transactions.

Modeled on a successful strategy in High Point, N.C., the plan in
Nassau offers the suspects social services instead of jail time.

"I certainly see a need to address the problem of drug activity in
the Hempstead community," said Assemb. Earlene Hooper (D-Hempstead)
in a statement after a request for an interview.

Critics of Rice's initiative have questioned why she chose a black
neighborhood for the new crime initiative. The effort suggested drug
dealing is solely a black problem, some critics said.

Some wondered how the participants were selected and others were
rejected, calling Rice's action an abuse of power.

Rice said the initiative was implemented where it was most needed.
Race wasn't an issue for Hooper.

"The issue whether or not it is a community of black residents is
irrelevant because the drug problem affects every aspect of quality
of life for all of us -- even surrounding communities," Hooper said.

Hempstead Village Trustee Don Ryan, a Republican, said constituents
have given him "a cross-section" of opinions about the initiative.

"I think it's the worst way to handle the drug problem, except for
all the other ways," he said. "I support the initiative."

Another trustee, Democrat Perry Pettus, said he's reserving judgment.

"Some people like it and some don't," Pettus said. "Something needs
to be done. Is this the right thing? I'm not sure."

Nassau legislators Kevan Abrahams and Roger Corbin, who represent
Hempstead, didn't return phone calls seeking comment.

Staff writer James T. Madore contributed to this story.