Russell wrong on Rockefeller drug reforms

It's no secret that New York is facing a terrible economic crisis that's causing tough choices to be made to keep the state's budget balanced while continuing to invest in the future.

In that process, we hope that our elected officials make the right choices in Albany and not enact misguided policies that could put lives at risk. Unfortunately, Assemblywoman Addie Russell has done just that by supporting dangerous and reckless "get out of jail free cards" for convicted drug criminals. This year, she joined with her New York City-based Democratic colleagues to balance the state's books by enabling a sanctioned prison break of close to 1,100 convicted drug dealers (Assembly Bill 156-B).

Among those who could potentially see their sentences reduced and freed from prison starting this month are criminals who sold drugs to children and drug dealers who operated methamphetamine laboratories. Since the passage of the first Rockefeller drug reforms in 2004, not only has the overall crime rate decreased, but so has the number of incarcerated drug defendants.

Yet, the fact that the only drug defendants who are actually sent to state prison are drug dealers, individuals who prey on addiction and threaten the lives of our children doesn't seem to faze Assemblywoman Russell. Her support of the recent drug law reforms shows she just doesn't get it. The fact is, the threat of incarceration by those facing criminal prosecution has proven to be the most effective incentive to enter and successfully complete a treatment program. And she has seemingly ignored the fact that the number of defendants placed in treatment has dramatically increased.

These changes to the Rockefeller drug laws needlessly place north country families and children in jeopardy. As our community works to combat rising drug abuse, representatives like Addie Russell seem to be doing their best to undermine our efforts.

Her support of the latest Rockefeller drug law reforms will lessen sentences weakening police departments' ability to use informants in undercover stings. Addie Russell's reforms will lead to higher crime rates and undermine prosecutorial authority. In addition, her reforms may lead to the loss of correction officer jobs in the region. Just imagine the impact of the loss of these jobs to our economy, the families and communities. That would be a horrible blow to the north country.

Addie Russell continues to demonstrate just how out of touch she is with north country residents.

Nick Vaugh

Ogdensburg

The writer is an Ogdensburg city councilor.