Rep. Ron Carlisle is going directly to the source as he prepares for the next meeting of the North Dakota Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse. Carlisle asked a group of drug court participants what they think works for addicts who want to be clean and sober.
Carlisle, who represents District 30 in the legislature, is one of four legislators serving on the commission, which is chaired by Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem. When he was asked to speak at a drug court session, he used the opportunity to seek input from people who have been involved in both the criminal justice system and the state's programming for the chemically dependent.
Carlisle described the commission as a "no-nonsense task force" looking for workable solutions.
Carlisle was prime sponsor of legislation which made it possible for repeat DUI offenders to serve all but 10 days of their mandatory minimum jail sentences by successfully completing drug court. The legislation was unanimously passed by both houses of the legislature. It included a provision requiring approval of drug court programs by the North Dakota Supreme Court.
March 8, 2002