TAFT OPPOSITION TO DRUG PROPOSAL CHALLENGED

Supporters of a proposed constitutional amendment on drug treatment want an
investigation of the Taft administration's alleged misuse of public
employees and resources to oppose the campaign.

Edward J. Orlett, a lobbyist, former lawmaker and manager of the Ohio
Campaign for New Drug Policies, yesterday asked state Auditor Jim Petro to
conduct a special audit.

The use of "public employees and resources in an attempt to prevent a
citizen initiative from reaching the ballot and/or to campaign to defeat
the issue is unlawful'' under state law, the Ohio and U.S. Constitution,
Orlett wrote to Petro.

Petro spokeswoman Kim Norris said the request will be reviewed by an
internal committee that includes Petro, his chief legal counsel and other
top staff members.

The committee will meet Jan. 2, she said.

Gov. Bob Taft's spokeswoman, Mary Anne Sharkey, defended the
administration's behind-the-scenes activities. She acknowledged the
administration has been planning opposition to the proposed November 2002
ballot issue asking voters to amend the constitution to sentence
nonviolent, first- and second-time drug-use offenders to treatment instead
of jail.

"We feel it's perfectly proper for the governor, the governor's staff, and
the first lady to discuss and plan strategy to combat something that they
feel is contrary to the policies of this administration.''

Sharkey said if the issue reaches the ballot, Taft and his wife, Hope, will
help form a committee, raise money and campaign against it.

Orlett said that is improper.

"Ohio voters have the right to engage to change the constitution and to
enact laws. What they are doing by trying to stop us is trying to deny us
our constitutional rights.''

Orlett said paid circulators will begin gathering names on petitions
"shortly after the first of the year.''

The committee must gather 335,422 valid signatures of registered voters
from at least 44 of the 88 counties to be certified to appear on the ballot.