Pubdate: Tue, 13 Aug 2002
Source: Arizona Republic (AZ)
Copyright: 2002 The Arizona Republic
Contact:  http://www.arizonarepublic.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/24
Author: Elvia Diaz
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/props.htm (Ballot Initiatives)

MARIJUANA INITIATIVE QUALIFIES FOR BALLOT

A medical marijuana initiative has made it to the November ballot amid 
claims that Maricopa County Attorney Rick Romley continues to misuse his 
office to fight the proposal.

Proposition 203, which would require a state agency to provide marijuana to 
the ill and decriminalize small amounts of the drug, has enough signatures 
to qualify for the ballot, the Secretary of State's Office said Monday.

Sam Vagenas, who is backing the ballot initiative, said Romley is using his 
county attorney's Web site to oppose the measure. State law prohibits 
Romley from using county resources to promote a ballot initiative.

Last month, Romley admitted using county stationary to challenge John 
Sperling, the chief sponsor of Proposition 203, to a debate. He has 
reimbursed the county $2.89 for the stationery, said Romley's spokesman, 
Bill FitzGerald.

But there is nothing illegal in posting news releases out of his office 
because discussing drug policy issues is part of Romley's responsibilities, 
FitzGerald said.

Romley is backing Proposition 302, which would let judges send first- and 
second-time drug offenders to jail if they refuse treatment.
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