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As a Jackson County commissioner, I write to urgently address the disastrous consequences of Measure 110, the Drug Addiction Treatment and Recovery Act. What was intended to be a solution has transformed into a dire situation that demands our immediate action.

Our role as representatives of this community comes with the responsibility of ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents. Jackson County has always been a place where families can thrive, businesses can flourish and people feel secure.

However, the current trajectory of Measure 110 jeopardizes our communities in many of these fundamental livability and quality of life concerns.

Perhaps most concerning is the more than doubling of overdose deaths since Measure 110’s implementation. This unsettling rise demands our immediate attention, calling for a comprehensive reevaluation of our approach to drug addiction and recovery. The health and safety of our community are on the line, and we must act decisively.

Despite its intended purpose to reduce crime, Measure 110’s enforcement provisions have proven ineffective. Treatment resources are underutilized, and meaningful penalties for noncompliance are notably absent. Instead of fostering a path to recovery, the measure inadvertently reduces the vital accountability that drives positive change.

Furthermore, Measure 110’s unintended consequences extend to lower utilization of treatment courts and in-custody programs. These programs have proven to be among the most effective methods to change behavior and improve lives. By focusing on accountability and structured support, they offer individuals a pathway to meaningful recovery and reintegration into their community.

Moreover, the decriminalization of hard drug possession, while aiming to lower arrests, overlooks the nuanced complexities of addiction.

It’s crucial to acknowledge that reducing arrests does not inherently translate to reducing crime. Legalizing once-illegal activities doesn’t magically eliminate the negative consequences those activities create. Research highlights that drug users are more prone to engage in criminal activities such as burglary and theft, leading to a decrease in community safety and cohesion.

This unlawful behavior not only strains our law enforcement resources but also compromises the quality of life we cherish.

Another disheartening aspect is the impact on our public spaces. Families, who once enjoyed our parks without worry, now express concern about safety. The fear of encountering public nuisance behaviors and unsafe conditions has led to the unfortunate avoidance of spaces that should be havens for our families.

The fiscal implications of Measure 110 are undeniable. In 2021, an estimated $50,000,000 in marijuana tax revenue was diverted from counties by Measure 110. By redirecting marijuana tax revenue from counties, essential services such as law enforcement and public health suffer the brunt of financial setbacks. This financial strain hampers our capacity to effectively address the multifaceted challenges posed by drug addiction.

Furthermore, Oregon’s decriminalization policy has inadvertently made our state an appealing destination for hard drug users from neighboring areas. This influx places undue pressure on our resources and complicates efforts to effectively address the ongoing drug overdose crisis.

Repealing Measure 110 is not about turning our backs on those grappling with addiction; it’s about adopting a more comprehensive approach.

We need to prioritize a delicate balance between accountability and treatment, addressing the root causes of addiction.

I strongly urge our representatives in the Oregon Legislature to promptly repeal this measure in order to better support individuals and our communities.

Let’s make our voices heard. Engage in conversations with your local Oregon legislator, articulating your concerns about Measure 110’s negative impacts on our community.

Together, we hold the power to shape a safer, healthier and more resilient Jackson County. Repealing Measure 110 is one collective avenue we have to realizing this shared vision.