LUCAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OPPOSE DRUG-TREATMENT AMENDMENT

The Lucas County commissioners have added their voices to local elected
officials who oppose changing the Ohio Constitution to require drug
treatment rather than criminal sanctions for first and second-time drug
offenders.

At a meeting yesterday, the commissioners passed a resolution against Issue
1, which is on the ballot Nov. 5. They presented the resolution to Toledo
Mayor Jack Ford, founder of Substance Abuse Services, Inc., who also
opposes the issue.

"It junks up the constitution of Ohio," Mr. Ford said. "And it handcuffs
judges who need the sanctioning power to coerce people into treatment."

Sandy Isenberg, president of the commissioners, said passage would be a
setback to drug courts that require a defendant to complete a treatment
program to avoid conviction. "This sends the wrong message. It takes the
strength and commitment [to treatment programs] out of the judges' hands,"
she said.