Oakland Tribune
October 22, 2008

THE OAKLAND TRIBUNE is wrong to oppose Prop. 5, a ballot initiative that will save money and lives (Re: “Voters should reject Propositions 5, 6 and 9,” Editorial, Oct. 10).

I am an 89-year-old Oakland resident who is very concerned with crime in our neighborhoods. That’s why I’m voting yes on Prop. 5 because it will make our streets safer. Prop. 5 will actually increase parole supervision for violent offenders, while ensuring that nonviolent parolees receive the rehabilitative services they need to get back on their feet.

Drug abuse is a health issue. Police and criminal justice resources should be focused on serious crimes. Instead of relying on the opinions of a few, overzealous prosecutors, the Tribune should listen to experienced health experts, such as the California Society of Addiction Medicine and the California Nurses Association, who support Prop. 5 because it is the most effective way to deal with addictions that fuel nonviolent crime.

Prop. 5 is also the only ballot initiative that the state’s Legislative Analyst projects will save money — over $2.5 billion! The people of California can no longer afford to wait for sensible policy like Prop. 5.

John Wagers

Oakland