DRUG LAW REFORM VOTE REFLECTED LOCAL CONCERNS

To the Editor:

On June 17, the state Assembly passed a plan to reform New York's
ineffective and outdated Rockefeller drug laws. The legislation would allow
judges to send some nonviolent, lower-level offenders to effective drug
treatment programs instead of prison. I was the only Central New York
Assembly member to support this legislation. I believe it is a balanced and
comprehensive approach that places an emphasis on helping to end the
destructive cycle of drug abuse through treatment, while at the same time
imposing stringent prison sentences for anyone convicted of possessing a
loaded handgun with the intent to use it while selling or attempting to
sell drugs. The Assembly plan also retains life sentences for drug kingpins
who engage in major drug trafficking.

My vote aimed to keep negotiations on this issue moving forward, in direct
response to concerns conveyed to me by my constituents. We have seen the
devastating effect of drug addiction in our communities. Substance abuse is
at the root of crime. The Assembly's plan is designed to get at the root
cause of drug use - addiction. Our plan gives courts, prosecutors, prison
officials and treatment providers the tools they need to fight drug
addiction and reduce crime.

My vote took courage, because I decided to stand up for sound public policy
and my constituents on a politically charged issue. The Assembly's plan
moves us forward toward real reform of ineffective laws. We have the
opportunity to save lives by shifting our laws away from a focus on
retribution and toward rehabilitating drug abusers. I hope that the Senate
and the governor will join with the Assembly to pass meaningful reforms to
New York's drug laws.

Joan K. Christensen - Member, State Assembly

Syracuse