Pubdate: Thu, 18 Jul 2002
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2002 Times Colonist
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/victoria/timescolonist/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481

POT CRUSADER READY TO ENTER POLITICS, MAYOR UNDECIDED ON SECOND TERM

A crusader for more liberal marijuana laws has become the first announced 
candidate for Victoria mayor in the upcoming fall election.

Ted Smith, 33, informed city council of his intention after expressing 
frustration over the city's approach to his business, which attempts to 
provide pot to medical users.

He currently faces six drug trafficking charges and his Cannabis Buyers 
Club of Canada has been raided by city police four times.

But Smith said recently he does not plan to be a single-issue candidate, 
citing the need for more attention to the human side of downtown development.

Mayor Alan Lowe said he has not yet decided whether to seek re-election but 
he is getting close to making a decision.

"Maybe I need to take a walk in the snow," Lowe said, laughing.

Smith isn't the only pro-pot candidate to get involved in civic politics. 
Philippe Lucas, president of the Vancouver Island Compassion Society, said 
he plans to seek a Green Party nomination to run for a seat on city council.

Earlier this month, Lucas received an absolute discharge after pleading 
guilty to possession of less than three grams of marijuana following a raid 
of the Compassion Society's office in Oak Bay. The raid occurred after 
Lucas reported a break-in to police.

Lucas also said he doesn't want to be seen as a single-issue candidate and 
has rejected running for the Marijuana Party because of its "libertarian" 
policies.

The Victoria Civic Electors, the NDP's municipal wing, earlier nominated 
six candidates for council, including incumbent councillors Rob Fleming, 
Pamela Madoff and Denise Savoie.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom