Pubdate: Thu, 30 Dec 2004
Source: Isthmus (WI)
Copyright: 2004 Isthmus
Contact:  http://www.thedailypage.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/215
Author: Bill Lueders
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)

CITY REAFFIRMS WISDOM OF FIRING POT USERS

Madison officials charged with implementing the city's policy
regarding employee drug use have just completed a review requested by
Mayor Dave Cieslewicz and concluded -- surprise! -- that the current
policy is perfectly swell.

Interim Human Resources Manager Roger Goodwin and City Attorney
Michael May have compiled a detailed 28-page report recommending that
penalties not be reduced and no distinction be made between marijuana
and harder drugs. If the city does add more disciplinary steps before
a repeat offender is fired, they recommend that the penalty for first
offense be toughened.

Cieslewicz requested the review after concerns were raised by Tom
Neale, a city streets worker who is now one positive urine test away
from being fired for off-the-job marijuana use (Watchdog, 10/8/04).
Neale reminded Cieslewicz of his campaign promise to rethink the
city's penalties, which are harsher than federal law requires.

So what does Cieslewicz think now? "Given the data provided in the
report and the increased liability to the city of relaxing our
standards," says his chief of staff, Janet Piraino, "the mayor
believes our current policies are reasonable and is not inclined to
propose any changes at this time."
- ---
MAP posted-by: Derek