SOME ANSWERS, PLEASE

State budget shortages are causing major cutbacks in corrections and other
important public programs. In the fiscal year July 1, 2001-June 30, 2002,
approximately 39 percent of Payne County felony cases were non-violent with
drug charges. That is a large amount of tax money to prosecute non-violent
drug use. The Drug Policy Forum invited our district drug task force to
give a presentation. We were told that approval by the district attorney is
required. Our invitation was rejected. We were told it would cause the drug
task force stress. Now wait a minute! The drug task force speaks to other
groups. Furthermore, they are under stress far beyond any questions we
could ask. They face armed "criminals" during drug raids. Why are we, as
tax-paying citizens, not given the privilege of a presentation? Both
candidates for district attorney are invited to a public discussion of drug
policy issues Oct. 9, 7 p.m. at The Strode Hospitality Center, 324 W.
Seventh. Candidate Steve Holcombe has agreed to speak.

The current district attorney has not accepted the invitation. Prosecution
of non-violent drug users is a major expense. We need answers.

Jeff Pickens

Stillwater