In a recent news piece and a follow-up editorial, The Oregonian/OregonLive has asserted as fact that Oregon’s Measure 110, which decriminalized possession of small amounts of drugs for personal use, is failing to meet its goals, (“Audit: Oregon’s drug decriminalization Measure 110 shows $33 million in grants drew scant evidence of effectiveness,” Jan. 19 and “Editorial: A narrow window to prove Measure 110 can work,” Jan. 22). Surprisingly, the only goals mentioned in the pieces are those that address drug addiction and drug treatment.

Measure 110 is a great success in an area not mentioned. Since it passed, how many hundreds, maybe thousands, of Oregonians have avoided being arrested for possession of drugs for personal use? How many Oregonians have avoided the life-ruining effects of these arrests? How many have not lost their jobs, or their families? How many will not have the stain of an arrest and conviction damaging the rest of their lives? The number of arrests that haven’t been made is the success of Measure 110.

Michael Barton, Portland

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