Pubdate: Tue, 17 Jul 2012
Source: Peoria Journal Star (IL)
Copyright: 2012sPeoria Journal Star
Contact:  http://pjstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/338
Note: Does not publish letters from outside our circulation area.
Author: Joe Ward

MARIJUANA DECRIMINALIZATION GETS ITS FIRST READING

In Face of Community Opposition, Galesburg Aldermen Explain Reasoning 
Behind Ordinance

GALESBURG - A proposed ordinance to allow police to ticket for small 
possession of marijuana offenses was met mostly with disapproval from 
the public, who said lessening a fine sends the wrong message to 
Galesburg youth about the use of the drug.

The council on Monday heard a first reading of the proposed ordinance 
that would allow police to issue tickets for possession of 2.5 grams 
or less of marijuana. The council will vote on the resolution, which 
was not amended at Monday's council meeting, at its July 30 meeting.

Tina Gummerson, Drug Free Community coordinator, said a prevailing 
perception exists in the community that lesser repercussions could 
equate to legalization.

"Decriminalization could have the perception that it's legal, and it 
is not legal," Gummerson said.

Gummerson added that, contrary to some beliefs, the ability to ticket 
for marijuana possession would not be a significant boost of revenue 
for the city.

"It doesn't seem like it will have much benefit for our local 
circumstances," Gummerson said. "If there isn't additional revenue, 
it seems to us the cons outweigh the pros."

The marijuana ordinance appeared before the council in the spring, 
when it was tabled by Mayor Sal Garza because of this perception.

A group was formed to help dispel myths, and Alderman Jeremy Karlin, 
Ward 7, said he offered to speak to local youth about the ordinance 
and the dangers of drug use.

Proponents for the ordinance say it will reduce time needed to arrest 
possession of marijuana cases, will free up court time, provide 
additional revenue streams to the city and also reduce the occurrence 
of life-altering penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana.

"The biggest beneficiaries isn't the city or the courts ... the 
biggest beneficiaries are the city's youth who won't have their 
future tarred," said local businessman Mike Kroll.

"We all still agree that the use of cannabis is illegal. What this 
does is provide an alternative sanction to police officers on the 
street," said Karlin. "At such a young age, it seems to me that 
individuals should be able to rebound from a mistake."

Having a marijuana offense on one's record could restrict access to 
student loans and future employment. Alderman Ken Goad, said those 
realities should be understood before undertaking in illegal acts.

"I learned fairly young that if I get caught doing something illegal, 
I don't do it again," Goad said.

Many cases of possession of marijuana end up being thrown out of 
court, and Illinois communities adopting similar ordinances have 
referenced such facts as reason for the law change, so that a penalty 
is still leveraged against offenders. Karlin said there are city 
ordinances regarding speeding and fighting that differ from penalties 
levied by the state, but that no one is under the impression that 
either activity is legal.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom