Drug reform topic

Bishop Howard J. Hubbard of Albany will be among prominent public figures -- including a state administrative court judge, a former state senator, and a former federal drug enforcement director -- headlining an April 15 forum on Reform of New York State's Drug Sentencing Laws.

The event, which is free of charge and open to the public, will be held from 1-4 p.m. in the Athletic Recreation Center (ARC) on the campus of Siena College in Loudonville.

The forum, jointly sponsored by Siena College and the New York State Catholic Conference, will address a major public policy priority of the State's Catholic bishops: modification of the Rockefeller-era drug laws to reduce reliance on incarceration and mandatory sentencing provisions. The bishops urge greater emphasis on addiction treatment services, either in conjunction with prison terms, or, where appropriate, as an alternative in incarceration.

The forum will feature an exchange of contrasting views between Thomas Constantine, former director of the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency, and former New York State Senator John Dunne. Mr. Constantine, who is also a former State Superintendent of the New York State Police, will argue in favor of the current drug laws. Mr. Dunne, who was a supporter and sponsor of the Rockefeller Drug Laws, is now active in advocating their reform.

Justice Joseph Trafficanti, Chief Administrative Law Judge for Counties Outside New York City, will give the keynote address. Treatment and research issues will be the focus of presentations by Rev. Peter Young, founder of the Altamont Program that specializes in alcohol and drug addiction treatment services; and Dr. Bruce Johnson of the National Development Research Institute. Bishop Hubbard will offer the Church's perspective.

(Persons wishing additional information may contact Richard McDevitt at the New York State Catholic Conference, 434-6195.)

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