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