Pubdate: Tue, 23 Apr 2002
Source: Columbus Dispatch (OH)
Copyright: 2002 The Columbus Dispatch
Contact:  http://www.dispatch.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/93
Section: Editorial & Comment 08A
Author: J. Huston McCulloch

PROTECT THE CONSTITUTION BY PASSING NEW DRUG LAW

In reference to the April 14 Dispatch editorial "Constitution abuse," I 
agree that the drug-treatment referendum likely to be on the November 
ballot inappropriately writes details into the state's constitution that 
should be left to legislation. As things stand, however, the proposal, 
which would require treatment rather than jail time for first- and 
second-time drug possession, has a very good chance of passing.

A Dispatch-sponsored Buckeye State Poll conducted last August found that 74 
percent of Ohioans would approve of it. A full 30 percent expressed strong 
approval, while only 9 percent strongly disapproved. Despite this 
overwhelming support, the General Assembly still can thwart this referendum 
easily, thereby preserving its power to tinker with details and 
appropriations, simply by passing the substance of the proposal as 
legislation before November.

If the law is already on the books, voters easily can be persuaded not to 
enshrine it into the Ohio Constitution, as well.

J. Huston McCulloch

Upper Arlington
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