Measure 110 was passed by voters 2 years ago.
It essentially (but not technically) decriminalized using all illicit drugs. The idea was to provide a non-punitive way to engage addicts and compel them into treatment without harsh punishment.
I saw major issues with this when it was put forth. We essentially created a legal drug user base for some of the worst people in the world, the drug cartels.
Our leaders failed to see and raise the alarm on Measure 110’s failure to address the manufacture, distribution, and sale of illicit drugs. As a result we have horrible fentanyl contaminated substances wreaking havoc on our community and greatly exacerbating our homeless crisis. This coupled with our short-staffed police department has magnified the crisis.
We need to either repeal this horrible measure or go forward with decriminalization that address the rest of the illicit drug supply chain.
Trying to “Manage the funding” as many incumbents are discussing will drag this mess out and ultimately fail.
I am honestly very supportive of working to decriminalize drugs in a manner similar to Portugal’s move several decades ago. Recreational drug use is part of our society whether people agree with it or not. Prohibitions force consumers into the black market realm risking their lives when taking substances. Having a system similar to our legalized marijuana would at least ensure consumers access clean substances reducing harm from contaminated substances.
The failure of our elected leaders at all levels to identify and sound the alarm on these common sense shortcomings (manufacture, distribution, sales) of this ballot initiative is part of why I am running.