As a former prosecutor, I know that insufficient resources are causing Oregon’s criminal justice system to burst at the seams. Officers are stretched thin. Prosecutors and defense attorneys struggle to handle caseloads, and there aren’t enough courtrooms, probation officers or jail space to handle offenders. Drug treatment options are vastly underfunded.
Drug crimes unquestionably contribute a disproportionate burden. By passing Measure 91 and responsibly legalizing, regulating and taxing marijuana, Oregonians can direct critical resources towards violent crime and drugs such as methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine.
Measure 91 Creates New Revenue
But Measure 91 does more than just make better use of existing limited resources. It also creates new revenue through taxes and mandates that 35% of all such revenue must go to law enforcement.
Getting Our Priorities Straight
Over the last decade, almost 100,000 Oregonians have been detained for marijuana offenses. Every minute that an officer or a judge spends on a marijuana case is time and money away from more serious crime. Recent statistics show that Oregon has nearly 150 untested rape kits, more than 50 missing children, and multiple unsolved murders.
Given severely limited resources, law enforcement does a phenomenal job. But we can be smarter with our resources by responsibly legalizing, regulating and taxing marijuana in Oregon.
Doesn’t Change DUII Laws
Existing Oregon law forbids driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs to a noticeable or perceptible degree. Measure 91 does not change Oregon DUII law whatsoever, and that law is sufficient to successfully prosecute anyone who drives while impaired by marijuana.
Support Measure 91
Legalizing, regulating, and taxing marijuana in Oregon through Measure 91 means:
· Shrinking the black market and influence of drug cartels;
· Increased funding for proven drug education and prevention programs for youth;
· Creating tax revenue for schools and police.
Please vote Yes on Measure 91
Darian Stanford, Former Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney
(This information furnished by Darian A Stanford, Slinde Nelson Stanford.)