TAKING THE INITIATIVE ON DRUG TREATMENT

Your July 16 editorial headlined "Only carrots" summed up opponents'
arguments against the Ohio Drug Treatment Initiative. Readers will want to
consider information in support of this issue, also.

The initiative would provide treatment instead of prosecution or jail time
for nonviolent, first-or second-time drug possession offenders only. Drug
traffickers, violent offenders and drivers under the influence would not be
eligible.

Treatment is not required for those who reject it or screw up. They would
go to jail just the same as they do now. Judges are given that authority in
Subdivision (G)(3), contrary to what opponents claim.

A copy of the initiative may be found at www.ohiodrugreform.org for
verification.

Drug treatment instead of prison will save money. Prison costs six times
the cost of treatment in Ohio. Thousands of young Ohioans get a "scarlet F"
(felony) record for drug possession. This disqualifies them for student
loans and many job opportunities.

This initiative has nothing to do with legalizing or decriminalizing
marijuana or any other drug. The legislature decriminalized marijuana in
this state 25 years ago.

What is proposed is the logical extension and expansion of the present drug
court system. Only half, or 24, of Ohio's drug courts process adult felony
offenders. They only serve about 1,500 of the 6,000 Ohioans charged with
felony drug possession each year.

The initiative is a constitutional amendment, as any Ohio ballot issue that
appropriates money must be. Ohio voters have passed 18 previous
appropriation amendments to address other social problems. Why not an
amendment for this important social need?

Legislation similar to this initiative has not received a hearing in Ohio.
A ballot issue -- with funding -- is the only way to address Ohio's drug
problems.

Ohio voters should pass this good amendment.

Edward J. Orlett

Director

Ohio Campaign For New Drug Policies

Columbus