Pubdate: Thu, 11 Apr 2002
Source: Wisconsin State Journal (WI)
Copyright: 2002 Madison Newspapers, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.wisconsinstatejournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/506
Author: Marv Balousek

ACTIVIST MASEL UNHAPPY WITH PERMIT

Marijuana booster Ben Masel got part of what he wanted from Madison 
city officials Wednesday, but he won't be allowed to hold a rally 
during a parade by visiting dignitaries this summer.

The Street Use Staff Team granted part of Masel's request for a rally 
permit during the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

Masel - who leads the group weedstock.com, which supports free speech 
and the legalization of marijuana - said he's not satisfied and plans 
to appeal to the City Council or circuit court, if necessary.

Kelli Lamberty, the city's community events coordinator, said the 
permit was approved for the 100 block of Martin Luther King Jr. 
Boulevard from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 14-15. Masel wanted the 100 and 
200 blocks until 10 p.m.

Lamberty said the 200 block, which includes the City-County Building, 
"is not available for street use permits for the duration of the 
mayor's conference."

Masel's permit ends more than an hour before a procession of mayors 
from a Capitol reception to a party on the Monona Terrace rooftop 
June 15.

Masel's event would include speakers and bands, and would address 
governmental drug policies as well as other issues. He said it's 
important to extend the permit to the 200 block.

"The point isn't to have the mayors see that there's an indefinable 
gray blob out there, but so they can read signs and hear speeches," 
he said.
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MAP posted-by: Josh