Pubdate: Wed, 28 Nov 2012
Source: Indianapolis Star (IN)
Copyright: 2012 Indianapolis Newspapers Inc.
Contact: http://www2.indystar.com/help/letters.html
Website: http://www.indystar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/210
Author: Chris Sikich

INDIANA STATE POLICE LEADER SAYS HE WOULD LEGALIZE MARIJUANA AND TAX IT

When it comes to legalizing marijuana, the politics can be
tricky.

Paul Whitesell, superintendent of the Indiana State Police, learned
that Tuesday after he told the State Budget Committee: "If it were up
to me, I do believe I would legalize it and tax it."

Later in the day, after news of his comments spread, the Indiana State
Police issued a written statement clarifying the words of the agency's
leader. The statement described Whitesell's comments as a
"philosophical" opinion, not an official one.

"Although the superintendent personally understands the theoretical
argument for taxation and legalization, as a police officer with over
40 years of experience he does not support the legalization of
marijuana," the statement said.

Whitesell is the latest in series of state officials in recent months
to bring attention to the issue of decriminalizing or lessening
penalties for marijuana possession.

Some political observers say the growing conversation indicates the
issue could receive serious debate when the Indiana General Assembly
convenes in January. However, considerable doubts remain that Indiana
would go as far as Colorado and Washington, where voters earlier this
month approved ballot initiatives to legalize small, recreational
amounts of the drug.

Robert Dion, a political science professor at the University of
Evansville, said that while there is a shift in the national attitude
toward marijuana, he doesn't think conservative Indiana will be among
the leaders in easing laws against pot.

However, two Indiana lawmakers have said they would like to move in
that direction.

Sen. Karen Tallian, D-Portage, told The Star in September she would
like to decriminalize marijuana for recreational users.

Sen. Brent Steele, R-Bedford, plans to file a bill to decrease the
punishment for possession of 10 grams or less of marijuana to an
infraction and a $500 fine. The penalty now is a misdemeanor charge
that carries a $5,000 fine and jail time.

Steele has said his intent is to save money on incarceration costs
that could be used to deal with more serious, violent offenders.

Dion said Steele's support should at least foster a serious
discussion. After all, Steele is an attorney who is chairman of the
Senate Judiciary Committee. He knows how to navigate in the
legislature, having served in the Senate since 2004 and previously in
the House from 1995 to 2002.

"At the least, it's going to get more of a hearing because it comes
from a respected, longtime conservative lawmaker," Dion said. "When
Brent Steele says something, people sit up and listen."

But the political waters facing the proposal are murky.

"This is a tricky issue," said Andy Downs, director of the Mike Downs
Center for Indiana Politics. "There are very reasonable arguments on
both sides of the issue."

House Speaker Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, said he had not yet
considered lessening the penalties for marijuana, but he has concerns
about legalizing the drug.

"As an entry drug, I think marijuana is more powerful than it's given
credit for," he said. "I know some states have taken that step (to
legalize it), but I don't find it advisable at this point."

Any political fallout over the State Police superintendent's comments
remained unclear Tuesday evening.

Whitesell wasn't talking. State Police spokesman David Bursten said
Whitesell wouldn't be made available for an interview.

Dion said the comments may have been an "an unfortunate moment of
candor" for Whitesell as a nonpolitician at the government hearing.
After all, he was simply responding to a question from Democratic Rep.
Sheila Klinker about proposals to decriminalize small amounts of the
drug.

Still, Whitesell could face repercussions, Dion said.

Appointed by outgoing Gov. Mitch Daniels, Whitesell is finishing his
eighth year as State Police superintendent. Gov.-elect Mike Pence can
either keep Whitesell as head of the agency or appoint someone new.

Daniels' office declined comment, through spokesman Jake Oakman.
Pence's spokeswoman, though, made the incoming governor's position
clear in one regard.

"Gov.-elect Pence opposes the decriminalization of marijuana, and he
will base his decisions about the leadership of his administration on
a broad range of qualifications rather than a stance on one issue,"
spokeswoman Christy Denault said.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.
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