Perry County discusses State Issue 1

NEW LEXINGTON, Ohio – Perry County officials join the discussion around State Issue 1.

In a press conference Thursday afternoon members of the Perry County court, along with local law enforcement, took a stand against State Issue 1. If passed, the amendment would downgrade the possession of drugs from a felony to a misdemeanor. Judge Luann Cooperrider said it would also tie the hands of the courts, making it almost impossible to court order offenders into treatment.

“Treatment is the way to go, I just have concerns with Issue 1 if it passes the manner in which it’s written will not allow us to do what we need to do as judges,” said Judge Cooperrider.

Judge Tina Boyer said if State issue 1 is passed not only will it mean little to no consequences for those caught possessing drugs, people who are already serving time could see reduced sentences.

“All they have is probation and there’s no threat of consequences if they don’t do what they are told to do, the judges can’t do anything, probation officers can’t do anything,” said Judge Boyer

Judge Boyer said the amendment would allow for the possession of dangerous amounts of drugs and that as a whole State Issue 1 needs to be greatly revised. The amendment will be on the ballot for the November 6th election.