Pubdate: Tue, 25 Jul 2006
Source: La Crosse Tribune (WI)
Copyright: 2006 The La Crosse Tribune
Contact: http://www.lacrossetribune.com/tools/submit.php
Website: http://www.lacrossetribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/229
Author: Reid Magney
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

DOOBIE DO-OVER?

In June, the La Crosse County Board voted 15-12 to make possession of 
less than 25 grams of marijuana a county ordinance offense.

Some supervisors who opposed the ordinance are looking to revisit the 
issue, especially since the vote was close and eight supervisors 
weren't there to vote.

But when you're on the losing side, you can't just call a do-over. 
You've got to find somebody from the winning side to change his mind 
and ask for reconsideration.

Freshman supervisor Jason Gillett could be that person, putting him 
under a lot of political pressure. "I voted for it because I thought 
it was the right approach," said Gillett, but he added he feels 
"hoodwinked" because the county fine is $249, not the $1,000 allowed 
by state law.

Gillett's position on this and other issues hasn't endeared him to 
some board members.

Board Chairman Steve Doyle is trying to mentor Gillett in proper 
board etiquette, though others see it as politics. "He needs to learn 
to walk before he runs," Doyle said.

Don't look for a repeal of the pot ordinance anytime soon, though 
there might well be an attempt to raise the fine.