Askins praises drug court as alternative to prison

Jul 30, 2010 — Tulsa World

Ricky Maranon

Jul. 30, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- SAPULPA ­-- A Creek County courtroom was filled to capacity Thursday, but the spectators were there to recognize achievement, not witness a trial.

A handful of former drug offenders were praised by Lt. Gov. Jari Askins for their completion of the state's drug court program.

"I come here today because I am proud of your achievement," Askins said. "As a former judge, I can tell you many of us used to think the solution used to lie in sending someone to jail, because there was the belief that the institution would change the person, but we can now see that alternatives for people who really want to turn their lives around really work."

The speech was not a part of Askins' campaign for governor. She said she was at the graduation ceremony as a former judge and legislator who sponsored bills touting alternatives to prison.

"When we designed this program, we had you in mind," she said. "This program isn't for the one-time offender or even the drug dealer with the large rap sheet. This program is for people like you who really want to pick themselves up and change for the better."

Askins said the success of the 10 graduates who were diverted from prosecution to treatment gives lawmakers an idea of what is working when it comes to prison alternatives.

"It is your responsibility to press

forward as a new law-abiding citizen," she said. "Your success is a symbol to others who will be in drug court 10 years from now that success is possible."

As a part of moving forward, the court expunged the convictions from the records of three graduates.

Askins said the state needs to find alternatives to prison for people who are serious about turning their lives around.

"We need to find alternatives for everyone who wants to change," she said after the ceremony. "We have a high female incarceration rate, but we have just as many men in jail that need solutions, too."

In an interview after the speech, Askins said that with the support of Attorney General Drew Edmondson and her experience as a Stephens County special judge, her campaign will present itself as one with solutions to problems in the state's Corrections Department.

"Oklahoma is a conservative state, and both candidates for governor are conservative," Askins said. "This race is going to come down to who has a track record of fiscal responsibility and who has solutions for problems like overpopulation in our Corrections Department."

Askins said that although many people might think she is the underdog in the governor's race, she feels that this race is exactly like the one she made for the state's second-highest job four years ago.

"Polls have always underestimated us and predict our downfall, and we always end up on top," she said. "That's how we ran for the Lieutenant Governor's Office, and that's how we are running for governor."

Askins said she hopes to reach out to Republicans who don't feel a connection with the GOP nominee, U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin.

"I've worked with Republicans in the past, and I've had Republican support in the past," Askins said. "I have a record of bipartisanship, and that is shown by who is supporting me in the campaign."

Henry backs Askins for governor

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Gov. Brad Henry is backing fellow Democrat Lt. Gov. Jari Askins in the Nov. 2 gubernatorial election.

"I will be supporting Jari Askins this November and anticipate making a more formal endorsement announcement in the weeks to come," Henry said Thursday.

"Jari is an outstanding public servant and has been an invaluable partner in my administration. She loves Oklahoma and has the experience necessary to take our state to the next level. I think she would make a great governor."

Henry is serving the final year of his second term.

Term limits prevented him from running again.

The governor and Askins met briefly on Wednesday, Henry spokesman Paul Sund said.

"He will do whatever she thinks will help her," Sund said.

Askins and Republican U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin advanced to the general election from Tuesday's party primaries.

Republican candidates to top ballot

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Republican candidates will appear first on the Nov. 2 general election ballots, state Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax said Thursday.

"Lots were drawn to determine the order in which political party candidates will appear on the general election ballot," Ziriax said.

"Republicans will be first, Democrats will be second, and, by law, independents follow the recognized political parties."

In the primary and runoff elections, partisan races are rotated evenly so that each candidate is at the top of the ballot an equal number of times, Ziriax said.

"For the general election, there is no rotation of candidate names," he said.

In 1994, a lawsuit was filed challenging a state law that required Democrats to be listed first. The suit was successful, and the Election Board began using the lottery system.

-- Barbara Hoberock, World Capitol Bureau

-- Barbara Hoberock, World Capitol Bureau

Ricky Maranon 581-8475

ricky.maranon@tulsaworld.com

Newstex ID: KRTB-0205-47464461