News & Updates
Statesman Journal, October 30, 2008
Measure 57 has greater benefits than 61
"There's a very good chance that next week Oregonians will lengthen the sentences for criminals who commit property crimes...Area law enforcement officials say Measure 57 is better. The Statesman Journal Editorial Board shares that view...Marion County District Attorney Walt Beglau, Sheriff Russ Isham and Polk County Sheriff Bob Wolfe are among the many law enforcement officials who favor Measure 57. They aren't soft on crime; they've just seen that drug treatment works...A good response is to vote yes on Measure 57 and no on 61."
Medford Mail Tribune, October 21, 2008
Measure 57 is the Best Way to Fight Crime
Mark Huddleston: "As your district attorney, my office works hard to make sure offenders are convicted and get the tough sentences they deserve. But the reality is, we often see the same people again and again. That's why prosecutors and other law enforcement officers helped draft Measure 57."
Yamhill News-Register, October 19, 2008
Column: Jack Crabtree - It's Time to Hold Criminals Accountable
Yamhill County Sherrif Jack Crabtree: "...law enforcement officers like me are supporting Measure 57; it’s the only measure on the ballot that toughens sentences for drug trafficking, theft against the elderly, repeat property and identity theft crimes, and requires addiction treatment."
KDRV, October 17, 2008
Yes on Measure 57, No on Measure 61
Jackson County District Attorney Mark Huddleston says: "Whichever one gets the most votes will become law. The other won't, even if they both get at least 50 percent.'"
The Skanner, October 17, 2008
Yes on Measure 57, No on Measure 61
"These two measures are linked, because as the over-harsh and wasteful Measure 61 was approved for the ballot, state law enforcement and social service providers gathered together to craft a more responsible alternative, Measure 57..."
Blue Mountain Eagle, October 16, 2008
Yes on Measure 57, No on Measure 61
"The measure ... is a better fit for the judicial system..."
Willamette Week, October 16, 208
Yes on Measure 57, No on Measure 61
"Measure 61 would sentence first-time offenders to mandatory minimums. Measure 57 is a cheaper alternative that targets repeat offenders and mandates treatment for addicted felons."
Daily Astorian, October 15, 2008
Guest Column: Measure 57 is the Better Choice
Josh Marquis, District Attorney for more than 14 years, writes in support of Measure 57: "I hope you will join me in voting yes on Measure 57."
East Oregonian, October 15, 2008
Letter: Sheriff believes Measure 57 is best of two choices
"My point is simple—simply incarcerating drug abusers without a treatment option accomplishes only one thing, it keeps offenders from committing new crimes while they are incarcerated. It doesn't fix the problem ... As a founding and current member of the Governor's Meth Task Force, I have had the opportunity to see the successes that occur when drug treatment has been provided."
Oregonian, October 13, 2008
2 Oregon Measures
"Measure 61 would impose mandatory prison sentences for identity thieves, drug dealers and burglars—no matter their criminal record. It is estimated it would increase the state’s 13,673 prison population by at least 30 percent."
Oregonian, October 13, 2008
City Club Backs Measure 57
The City Club of Portland on Friday voted to endorse Measure 57 over Measure 61.
Oregonian, October 12, 2008
Property Crime
"Prosecutors and other law enforcement professionals who work on the front lines of our communities crafted Measure 57... Our goal with Measure 57 is to ensure that we have the tools needed to make the communities across Oregon safer."
Bend Bulletin, October 5, 2008
It’s time to vote for Measure 57
"Simply locking criminals up without treatment does nothing to protect society in the long run, a truth Measure 57 addresses. It should be approved."
Eugene Register Guard, October 3, 2008
Measure 57: Yes - Measure 61 is too Rigid, Costly and Lacks Treatment
“For voters who think Oregon needs tougher sentences on drug and property crimes, Measure 57 is clearly the preferable approach."
Portland Business Journal, October 2, 2008
Yes on 57, No on 61
“The four business advocates will back Measure 57, which would increase prison terms for those convicted of specific drug and property crimes."
Bend Bulletin, September 29, 2008
Lawmakers draft answer
"Backers of Ballot Measure 57 are adamant that the proposal is the best use of tax dollars to both crack down on property crime offenders and prevent recidivism through drug and alcohol treatment."
The Gresham Outlook, September 27, 2008
Yes on 57, No on 61
“A better alternative is being offered by the Legislature in the form of Measure 57. It also increases sentences for these types of crimes, but does so in a way that Oregon can afford. We recommend voters choose Measure 57 over Measure 61.”
KINK FM, September 26, 2008
Yes on 57, No on 61
“Measure 57 provides the stick that is sometimes necessary to get drug addicts into treatment and the resources to provide that treatment. It would end what incoming Attorney General John Kroger calls our catch and release system of dealing with property criminals. It also would increase penalties and require a mandatory minimum sentence for high level drug dealers, even on the first offense.”
OPB Radio, September 10, 2008
Law Enforcement Supporters Kick Off Measure 57 Campaign
"[Clackamas County DA] John Foote: ‘The sentences for repeat property offenders at the top end are longer in [Measure 57]. Second of all, this measure covers almost twice as many crimes. And finally this measure has a treatment component ... we don’t think treatment is a substitute for punishment. It’s a compliment for punishment.’ “
Oregonian, September 10, 2008
Anti-Crime Measure Unveils Broad Coalition
“A coalition of law enforcement, drug treatment providers and advocates for seniors and children kicked off their campaign for Measure 57, which would increase prison sentences for burglars and thieves.
"‘It’s got the tougher sentences we need to stop repeat offenders, fight elder abuse and drug traffickers,’ Clackamas County District Attorney John Foote said in a statement. ‘It’s smarter and more focused by requiring drug treatment in addition to tougher sentences.’ “
OPB Radio, September 10, 2008
Measures 57 And 61: A Case Of Dueling Ballot Measures
“Bruce W. Hanson ... thinks mandatory sentences can be an effective deterrent. But he says the emphasis needs to be on long-term rehabilitation.
"Bruce W. Hanson: “You don’t throw them away. You re-educate in a verypositive fashion so that they do not have a choice to go the other way. You get them back on track and you make them a productive member of society.”
The Portland Tribune, September 4, 2008
Wheeler Wrangles for Women at Wapato
Partnership with state could open vacant jail beds to female inmates.
“Measure 57, a competing, less expensive alternative referred to the ballot by the 2007 Oregon Legislature, also would boost prison sentences on a similar array of crimes – though it would focus penalties on repeat offenders and also provide for drug and alcohol treatment.”