Is a 35-year sentence for possessing 4.6 ounces of marijuana too stiff?
Here are board members’ responses: • Keven Ann Willey, Editor of the editorial page: Yes. • Sharon Grigsby, Deputy editorial page editor: Yes. While I don’t favor the decriminalizing of pot, I think our tax dollars can be better spent than in housing this guy in the state prison system for even a third of a 35-year sentence. How to use those dollars instead? A better way to attack the drug problem would be increased investment in SAFEP or similar state programs that deal specifically with crimes related to substance abuse. SAFEP, an intensive six-month community program that a judge orders as a modification of parole/community supervision. SAFEP is a break-the-addictive-cycle boot camp that’s had good results in many cases. There may be something far better out there; this just happens to be a program I’ve heard much about over at the county jail. • Mike Hashimoto, Assistant editorial page editor: Since I favor decriminalizing marijuana possession, it would be tough for me to salute th
