Supervisor Kathryn Barger issued the following statement today after casting her dissenting vote on a motion asking the Board of Supervisors to oppose Proposition 36:
“I’m supporting Proposition 36 because it will reinstate accountability on crimes destroying the quality of life of law-abiding people in Los Angeles County.
I believe this proposition isn’t about overturning Proposition 47 in its entirety. Proposition 36 was created by a group of bi-partisan state legislators. It’s focused on modifying legal loopholes that repeat offenders exploit as they manipulate the system to avoid legal consequences.
When Proposition 47 became effective, my biggest disappointment was the dismantling of the drug court system. This was a valuable and effective tool that could help introduce treatment for people struggling with drug addiction. We were left empty-handed, with no way to incentivize rehabilitation.
I also believe we can implement Proposition 36’s reforms in a balanced way that respects our Board of Supervisors’ commitment to diversion and rehabilitation. We will continue honoring our sizable, multimillion dollar investments in the work of our County’s Justice, Care and Opportunities Department and Department of Youth Development. Their respective missions are to decrease recidivism, enhance re-entry services, and ultimately prevent individuals from becoming involved with justice systems.
But supporting Proposition 36 sends a clear message to individuals who feel they are beyond the reach of the law: you will be held accountable.”