Measure 110 aims to decriminalize minor drug offenses, expand treatment

But opponents say it's poorly written and won't achieve goals

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- While on the national stage, policies are being debated on the national stage, there is one Oregon ballot measure that's causing much debate: Measure 110.

According to voteyeson110.org, "This measure expands access to treatment and removes unfairly harsh punishments for minor, non-violent offenses."

Former prosecutor Inge Frykland is in support of the measure. She said Wednesday that treatment is cost-effective, compared to putting somebody in jail or prison, among other arguments.

"You see somebody with a rap sheet showing the arrests and convictions of a drug possession -- that's pretty much the end of their chances of ever getting a job in a legitimate economy," she said. "It ruins lives, and it doesn't solve anything."

Frykland said of the current system, "It's nothing but negatives, and it doesn't solve the process of addiction."

On the other side of this argument is Oregon Recovers, which opposes Measure 110.

In a statement, the organization, said "Decriminalization of addiction — not just drug possession - -is hugely important. But how you implement decriminalization is likewise hugely important. "

"Measure 110 is so poorly written," they said. "it will lead to additional unnecessary deaths, further destabilize Oregon’s fractured and incomplete behavioral health system and will reduce enrollment in treatment centers across the state. It dismantles one system of intervention before building a new system."

Opponents liken the measure to an effort 40 years ago that closed many outdated mental hospitals without creating outpatient or other services for the former patients.

Also, Oregon Recovers claims, "Despite campaign rhetoric targeting communities of color, the truth is that the ballot measure sets no racial nor restorative justice goals. "