January 1, 2014

Carpino Op-Ed: No to Reducing Drug-Free School Zones

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I am not only your state representative, but I am also a parent with young children. Therefore, the thought of a legislative proposal being pushed by some, which would reduce drug-free school zones around our schools, infuriates me. Actually, I find it outrageous.

I may not be among the criminal justice experts advocating for this brilliant idea, but I’m a parent and I have a couple of questions. Have we lost our minds? And, what messages are why trying to send? I don’t care where you live in Connecticut- Cromwell, Portland, New Haven or Hartford, if you sell drugs near a school; you should fear a harsher penalty. Harsher penalties are merited and deserved-selling drugs are illegal and children are our greatest treasure.

I get a lot of mail from constituents on countless issues. Let me tell you about a couple of letters I have not received.

A drug pusher looking to increase business

‘As you know business is tough right now. One thing that would help me increase my customer base would be a reduction in the drug free school zones. The increased penalties for selling drugs within 1500 feet of a school is too restrictive, could you kindly reduce the zone to 200 or 300 feet? It would be much easier for me to target innocent children with my deadly product without the risk of a long prison sentence. Once I get the children hooked on the drugs, my business will thrive again.’

Parents wanting drug dealers to have easier access to their children

‘My neighbors and I would like to enhance the opportunity for drug dealers to get our children hooked on drugs. We’d also like to see criminal activity increase and the property values of our homes decrease as drug pushers set up shop near playgrounds and ball fields in the area neighborhoods.’

As a state representative, I represent thousands of school children in Cromwell and Portland. Every one of these kids will face struggles during their lives, but giving drug dealers reduced penalties for selling close to their schools is one danger we should never impose on them.

Last year, when this proposal came to the floor of the House of Representatives, I stood in opposition against this proposal making my view known to the membership. I said it that day, and I’ll say it again to supporters of the bill and to drug dealers everywhere: “Stay away from my District. Stay away from my schools. And, stay away from my kids.”