Pubdate: Wed, 09 May 2001
Source: Terrace Standard (CN BC)
Copyright: 2001 Terrace Standard
Contact:  http://www.terracestandard.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1329
Author: Jeff Nagel
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjparty.htm (Canadian Marijuana Party)

POT IS OUR OWN OIL/GAS WINDFALL, SAYS CANDIDATE

He couldn't be smoked out at the big May 1 all candidates forum at the 
R.E.M. Lee Theatre.

But Marijuana Party candidate Bob Erb did appear two days later before a 
smaller crowd of about 40 students and faculty at Northwest Community College.

The 48-year-old construction worker who professes he's not a polished 
politician held his own. His best shot came after Liberal candidate Roger 
Harris said income tax cuts are necessary to re-energize the economy and 
NDPer Helmut Giesbrecht said it couldn't be done without eventual cuts to 
services like health care and education.

"It can be done," Erb said. "Marijuana production is B.C.'s answer to gas 
and oil production in Alberta."

He said pot is a potential new revenue source that would help pay for both 
tax cuts and increased services.

"None of these people have offered a solution," Erb said, pointing to the 
other candidates, "other than raping our environment, drilling in offshore 
areas and leaving nothing for our children."

He said the party also opposes the firearm registration system being put in 
place.

"We're not happy with the gun registry," he said. "We don't need duck 
hunters and target shooters turned into criminals in this country."
- ---
MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager