San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan stated at the announcement of Proposition 36, 'People are dying who don't have to die, and businesses are closing that don't have to close. There is an answer. The answer is treatment.' He emphasized that this measure seeks to shift from an era of mass incarceration to one of mass treatment, highlighting the importance of providing substance abuse treatment to those struggling with addiction.
Mahan noted that Proposition 36 aims to bring necessary treatment to individuals addicted to fentanyl, commenting that it would impose court-mandated drug treatment for repeat offenders. This approach seeks to address both public health and safety concerns.
The proposal has sparked controversy among state leaders, with opposition from Gov. Gavin Newsom and other Democratic leaders who worry that it could regress California to tough-on-crime policies that previously led to skyrocketing prison populations. In contrast, Mahan and his supporters believe that Proposition 36 is essential to save lives and maintain community safety.
Mahan's support for Proposition 36 is seen as a move to align with a progressive approach to crime reform, contrasting with the concerns expressed by prominent Democratic figures who fear creating a new cycle of incarceration instead of rehabilitation.
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