Pubdate: Tue, 01 Apr 2003 Source: Columbia Missourian (MO) Copyright: 2003 Columbia Missourian Contact: http://www.digmo.org/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2282 Author: Quinn O'Brien Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/props.htm (Ballot Initiatives) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) CHIEF SAYS HE'S SORRY FOR ARTICLE Randy Boehm Urged A 'No' Vote On Prop. 1 In A Neighborhood Watch Newsletter. Columbia Police Chief Randy Boehm apologized Tuesday for using a city-financed newsletter to campaign against the marijuana initiative on the April 8 ballot. Boehm wrote an article in the March 24 issue of the "Neighborhood Watch - Crime Blockers" newsletter, which is published and mailed by the (http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Police/About_Us/ Columbia Police Department in which he urged voters to "go to the polls and vote NO on the proposed ordinance." Improper Action Under (http://www.moga.state.mo.us/statutes/c100-199/1150646.htm) Section 115.646 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, no contribution or expenditure of public funds can be made to advocate, support or oppose any ballot measure. "It was improper," Boehm said on Tuesday. "I was not as familiar as I should be about that rule. I put an article in every newsletter. I didn't take into account that it could be against the law." Dan Viets, a lawyer and advocate of the proposed ordinance, brought the newsletter to the attention of public officials including Second Ward Councilman Chris Janku last week. "The state statute prohibits spending any public money on campaigns," City Counselor Fred Boeckman said. "After Councilman Janku called it to my attention, I called Chief Boehm and explained the law. He was apologetic." The Proposal The city proposal, which will appear on the ballot as (http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Council/City_Election/proposition1.html) Proposition 1, would require that all misdemeanor marijuana possession cases be sent to Municipal Court, reduce fines for first-time offenses to $25 and allow medicinal use of the drug for seriously ill patients with a doctor's recommendation. Mayor Darwin Hindman said Tuesday that he had not heard about Boehm's article, but he said any decision by the council to take action against Boehm would take place in an open meeting of the City Council. "I don't mind admitting when I make a mistake, but I hope we can find a way to keep the focus on the proposed ordinance," Boehm said. "I hope the public can get proper information so they can make an informed vote." [SIDEBAR] Related Links * http://www.moga.state.mo.us/statutes/c100-199/1150646.htm -- Missouri Revised Statutes * http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Police/About_Us/ -- Columbia Police Department * http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Council/City_Election/proposition1.html -- Proposition 1 - --- MAP posted-by: Jackl