FORD, ISSUE 1 DIRECTOR DEBATE DRUG TREATMENT VERSUS PRISON

Pair Differ On Best Way To Help 1st, 2nd Offenders

Mayor Jack Ford and Edward Orlett, director of the Issue 1 campaign that
would offer drug treatment instead of prison for first and second-time drug
users, verbally sparred over the issue yesterday

Mr. Orlett, a former Dayton-area state representative, said Issue 1 is
needed because the current efforts to stem drug use and drug users are
failing. He blamed a 65 percent recidivism rate for first and second-time
drug offenders on a prison system that provides minimal treatment.

"That's a revolving door we must stop," Mr. Orlett said. "The cost to
taxpayers [for keeping drug users in prison] is $23,000 a year for each
prisoner. It cost us $3,500 a year for treatment. Issue 1 will pay for itself."

Mr. Ford, the founder of Substance Abuse Services, Inc., said the
legislation was a "California-style amendment that has gone too far,"
handcuffing the ability of local judges to sentence drug users while giving
a free pass to those who commit crimes while on drugs.

"You would think I would be the first person who would support something
like this," Mr. Ford said. "Legislation like this ignores one of the more
important problems in treatment, and that's denial."

Mr. Ford said drug abusers often fall into relapse numerous times and the
bill doesn't serve the real needs of those it is supposed to help. He said
the treatment costs are a lot higher than Mr. Orlett said.

Lucas County Common Pleas Judge Jim Jensen, who attended the luncheon,
urged the audience to vote against the issue, saying that many judges are
already offering drug treatment in court and the issue would take away that
discretion.

Judge Jensen said the issue would limit the time judges can give to drug
users and called the overall measure "anti-treatment."

Mr. Orlett argued that judges are ordering such treatment in counties where
there are drug courts. He said, though, only 20 percent of the state's drug
users live in counties where there are drug courts.

Mr. Ford countered by saying there is a movement to widen the use of drug
courts around the state, eliminating the need for a state constitutional
amendment.

Mr. Ford also complained that the issue would seal a person's drug-use
conviction. Mr. Orlett said that would happen only if that person
successfully completes drug treatment and remains clean for over 18 months.

"This helped me make up my mind," said Craig Roberts, who declined to say
to which point of view but gave a small hint. "I thought what Judge Jensen
had to say was critical. I think it was great to have that point of view in
a debate like this."

Joe Coyle, from the Maumee Rotary, said the debate made up his mind as
well, but also declined to elaborate. "The debate was enlightening and
detailed," Mr. Coyle said.