Pubdate: Wed, 27 Apr 2016
Source: Orlando Sentinel (FL)
Copyright: 2016 Orlando Sentinel
Contact:  http://www.orlandosentinel.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/325
Note: Rarely prints out-of-state LTEs.
Author: Samuel B. Ings
Note: Samuel B. Ings is an Orlando city commissioner in District 6.

INGS: HERE'S WHY I'M VOTING NO ON EASING POT PENALTIES

The City of Orlando 2016-36 Ordinance relating to the possession of 
cannabis and cannabis paraphernalia encourages bad behavior. 
Accountability to our community as a whole for a wholesome life is a 
must for us as elected officials.

If we were to sanction this ordinance, we would be going down a very 
slippery slope. People are confused. Some think this measure would 
decriminalize, or legalize, marijuana, and others think it allows the 
use of medical marijuana. People need to know, and understand, that 
this ordinance would make it easier for criminals to use marijuana 
with fewer criminal charges and less punishment.

We should want criminals to stop being criminals. We should be doing 
everything we can to get people off drugs, not make them feel 
comfortable in knowing that it is OK for them to use, and possess, up 
to 20 grams of marijuana because all they would get is a civil 
citation and a $50 fine.

Orlando is a family-oriented tourist destination. The name Orlando is 
a positive brand for the entire Central Florida region. This means a 
thriving economy with robust development opportunities and 
profitability. The return is great when investing in Orlando.

There are three major theme parks in Orlando: Universal, Disney and 
SeaWorld. There are several minor, but significant, attractions in 
Orlando: Fun Spot America, I-Drive NASCAR, the Holy Land Experience, 
Dave & Buster's and the Helicopter Tour Rides.

Why tarnish a positive image? We need to keep our communities safe. 
Some communities are struggling to stay safe, be safe and feel safe. 
Homeowners complain about not being able to enjoy the outdoors of 
their homes because of the heavy marijuana smoke in the air.

Who are we trying to protect? This ordinance would encourage the open 
use of marijuana, even in public places. It is little changes like 
decriminalizing marijuana that would cause bigger problems later in 
our communities, public places and parks.

The police officers, state attorney and judges already have options, 
such as issuing a Notice to Appear and conducting a pre-trial 
diversion program. What message would be sent by issuing just civil 
citations and $50 fines? Where's the accountability?

Remember, we lowered the drinking age of alcoholic beverages from 21 
to 19 years old. We saw, and experienced, the vast problems it 
created. So we raised the age back to 21. We have aggressive 
campaigns and operations to catch or apprehend underage drinkers. We 
also run sting operations to catch, and arrest, business clerks, 
owners and attendants for selling alcoholic beverages to minors.

Creating this city ordinance to relax the laws for criminal users and 
possessors of marijuana is not in the best interest of our 
communities. One homeowner, at a local homeowners association meeting 
last week, in my district, said, "This is leading the way to legalize 
marijuana."

That may not be the intent here, but that is his perception. Based on 
all that I have said, I am voting no on the ordinance.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom