PAGE UNAWARE OF DRUG COURTS HERE

I am writing to you regarding the Nov. 25 column, "Rush makes good
case for drug reforms," by Clarence Page. I believe that he must be
unaware of the status of drug reform in Florida. This state has
wholeheartedly embraced drug reform through the dramatic expansion of
the drug court system, with a statutory pre-trial option to any
"first-time abuser" to participate in a drug court, with the
opportunity to have the case dismissed upon successful completion.

This is exactly the option that Mr. Page claims that the governor
opposes. He also seems to be unaware that the governor's daughter,
Noelle, participated in this same drug court option that is available
to anyone with a possession charge. Ironically, because she was
involved in drug court, she was not sent to jail when she had some
problems in gaining and maintaining sobriety, just as the drug court
system is designed to operate. She did experience shock incarceration
as a motivational tool, as studies show that coerced treatment works.

There are over 90 drug courts in Florida currently, and over 10,000
clients enrolled in treatment due to their participation in drug
courts. For the record, the governor supported drug courts as a
candidate, and has been enormously supportive since taking office,
which Mr. Page should know before taking an ill-informed cheap shot at
him. If Mr. Page would like more information regarding the drug court
system in Florida, I would like to extend to him an open invitation to
visit our drug court here in Miami, the first one in the country, and
allow us to show him how the courts have become an integral part in
helping people out of the scourge of drug abuse.

Robert J. Koch, Drug court Coordinator, 11th Judicial Circuit Miami