Issue 1, if passed, will make Ohio the best place to live if you are a drug addict or dealer and do not want to change your lifestyle. Under the amendment, possession of deadly drugs like cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl would become a misdemeanor, with virtually no penalty. Possession of these drugs at the current felony level gives us the tools to work with offenders by using probation officers, drug courts, parole officers, and judges to monitor offender behaviors. This allows us to force users and dealers into alternative lifestyles through counseling and incarceration. Without the threat of incarceration, there is little to no incentive for a user or dealer to change, leaving neighborhoods, businesses, parks, and families vulnerable to the crimes that are committed to sustaining drug use.
The thought behind the amendment, that treatment should be the main objective in the criminal justice system, is admirable and we are all aware that we cannot arrest our way out of the drug crisis; however, the amendment, in reality, makes drug use easier and drugs more available, since every user and dealer will understand quickly that there is no real punishment for their continuing conduct.
This amendment is coming from out-of-state groups, which are providing most of the funding behind it. Local criminal justice and treatment experts were not asked for their input until after the amendment language was certified for ballot purposes. The Ohio Legislature had no participation either.
The amendment is poorly drafted. The courts and the criminal justice system will spend countless hours attempting to define what its words mean. This time can be better spent dealing with the tools that we know are working currently. Of even more concern is that the source of funding for treatment, according to proponents of the amendment, will be the dollars saved from using jails and prisons on a lesser basis. This is a pipe dream.
Before you vote, read the amendment in the entirety and consider all the groups and organizations that oppose this amendment. Here in Pickaway County, we the undersigned oppose this amendment. We are working to address the drug problem in Pickaway County. Help Pickaway County stay on the path that is working and vote NO on Issue 1.
Jay Wippel, County Commissioner
Brian Stewart, County Commissioner
Harold Henson, County Commissioner
Judy Wolford, County Prosecutor
Rob Radcliff, County Sheriff
Shawn Baer, Circleville Police Chief
Randall Knece, Common Pleas Court Judge, General Division
Jan Michael Long, Common Pleas Court Judge, Probate and Juvenile Divisions
Gary Dumm, Municipal Court Judge
Mike Parks Democratic Candidate for County Commissioner
I totally agree with the judge. Vote NO one issue 1.
Add my name. Something that we can all agree on – Mike Parks Democratic Candidate for County Commissioner
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