Pubdate: Tue, 23 Aug 2005
Source: Flint Journal (MI)
Copyright: 2005 Flint Journal
Contact:  http://www.flintjournal.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/836
Note: Prefers to print letters from people in the area of The Flint Journal
Author: Christofer Machniak
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal)

PRO-MEDICAL POT GROUP SEEKS CITY COUNCIL'S AID

FLINT - A technicality has stopped a local group from getting a
medical marijuana ballot initiative before city voters in November,
but supporters now hope the City Council will intervene.

Leaders of the Flint Coalition for Compassionate Care asked the
council Monday to put their question on the Nov. 8 ballot.

The group collected 1,700 signatures, more than enough to get the
measure on the ballot, but it was rejected by City Clerk Inez M.
Brown, who said the ballot language contained a legal defect that
violated the Flint City Charter. Her decision was backed by the Flint
Election Commission and legal research, she said.

The group on Monday turned to the council, which has the power to put
proposed ordinance changes before voters with a two-thirds vote, group
leader Brian Morrissey said.

"We believe there is a correction the City Council can make,"
Morrissey said. "There's a lot of public support for this."

The council later in the meeting asked City Attorney Trachelle Young
to research the issue.

The measure would provide for a medical exemption for possession of
marijuana and marijuana paraphernalia under city ordinance. City
officials say the change would be symbolic, but advocates say it would
make the medical use of marijuana the city's lowest law enforcement
priority. Similar measures were approved in Detroit and Ann Arbor in
2004.

Fourth Ward Councilman Joshua Freeman said the issue isn't a top
priority for him, but added he would support the council stepping in.

"They had the signatures do it. I don't have a problem with letting
voters decide if they want it," Freeman said. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake