Proposition 5, a statewide voter initiative on this November’s ballot, poses the greatest threat to public safety in more than 20 years. I strongly encourage you to join with me and vote NO on Proposition 5.

Proposition 5 is a virtual “get out of jail free” card for those accused of domestic violence, child abuse, home burglary, identity theft or killing someone while driving under the influence. Instead, they may avoid prosecution altogether by claiming “the drugs made me do it.”

Proposition 5 shortens parole from three years to just six months for drug dealers who sell or distribute up to $50,000 of meth. This creates a virtual “express lane” for drug dealers to get back on the streets. Proposition 5 should be more aptly named the “Drug Dealers Bill of Rights.”

Proposition 5 is so dangerous that numerous prominent Individuals and organizations have joined together against it including Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Attorney General Jerry Brown, former Governors Gray Davis, Pete Wilson, and George Deukmejian, as well as Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the entire law enforcement community.

Please do your part to stop this dangerous initiative by asking your family, friends and neighbors to vote NO on Proposition 5. We simply cannot afford the massive havoc this initiative will wreak on our families, schools and communities.

Your NO vote on Proposition 5 will help protect your neighborhoods from violent crime. Thank you for your help in this effort.

Jon E. Hopkins is district attorney of Lake County.

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