Eugene City Council Members Vote Tonight On Whether to Increase Fines For Marijuana Possession For pot puffers getting busted this year, the current $100 fine may go up in smoke. The Eugene City Council will vote tonight on an ordinance to increase the fine for less-than-an-ounce of marijuana from $100 to $250 -- a controversial proposal that sent ripples through the pot-smoking community and provoked heavy criticism at the City Council's public forum last month. Supporters of the proposal hope the increase will provide an incentive for marijuana offenders to join a new, low-cost diversion program called "Marijuana and Other Drugs," run by the University's Substance Abuse Prevention Program. Court officials have said the program will cost $90 and will be open to all offenders. Without the increase, there would only be a $10 difference between the new diversion program and the fine, prompting city leaders to speculate most offenders would choose the fine. [continues 286 words]
Eugene City Council members vote tonight on whether to increase fines for marijuana possession For pot puffers getting busted this year, the current $100 fine may go up in smoke. The Eugene City Council will vote tonight on an ordinance to increase the fine for less-than-an-ounce of marijuana from $100 to $250 -- a controversial proposal that sent ripples through the pot-smoking community and provoked heavy criticism at the City Council's public forum last month. Supporters of the proposal hope the increase will provide an incentive for marijuana offenders to join a new, low-cost diversion program called "Marijuana and Other Drugs," run by the University's Substance Abuse Prevention Program. Court officials have said the program will cost $90 and will be open to all offenders. Without the increase, there would only be a $10 difference between the new diversion program and the fine, prompting city leaders to speculate most offenders would choose the fine. [continues 287 words]
With Two Newly Elected Councilors, The Eugene City Council Has A Full Legislative Plate For 2003 They may seem like governmental faces in the crowd to many University students, but the members of the Eugene City Council have a bigger effect than students may think. In fact, the eight council members could decide many big issues this year, from a marijuana fine increase to the location of a new sports arena. The City Council, the legislative part of Eugene's government, develops policies and legislation for the city. Next to the City Council stands the city manager, who often oversees policy implementation and hires city staff. [continues 828 words]
Community members spoke out Monday about a new city ordinance concerning marijuana possession Eugene and Springfield citizens opposing a new city ordinance aimed at increasing the fine for possession of less than an ounce of marijuana voiced their concerns Monday night before the Eugene City Council. The ordinance, which would increase the fine from $100 to $250, is designed to give more incentive for people to join a new, inexpensive diversion program that would cost about $90 for any offender. The current state diversion program costs between $600 and $900, according to Municipal Court Judge Wayne Allen. [continues 432 words]
