Pubdate: Tue, 01 Apr 2003
Source: Columbia Missourian (MO)
Copyright: 2003 Columbia Missourian
Contact:  http://www.digmo.org/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2282
Author: Quinn O'Brien
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/props.htm (Ballot Initiatives)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

CHIEF SAYS HE'S SORRY FOR ARTICLE

Randy Boehm Urged A 'No' Vote On Prop. 1 In A Neighborhood Watch Newsletter.

Columbia Police Chief Randy Boehm apologized Tuesday for using a 
city-financed newsletter to campaign against the marijuana initiative on 
the April 8 ballot.

Boehm wrote an article in the March 24 issue of the "Neighborhood Watch - 
Crime Blockers" newsletter, which is published and mailed by the 
(http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Police/About_Us/ Columbia Police Department in 
which he urged voters to "go to the polls and vote NO on the proposed 
ordinance." Improper Action Under 
(http://www.moga.state.mo.us/statutes/c100-199/1150646.htm) Section 115.646 
of the Missouri Revised Statutes, no contribution or expenditure of public 
funds can be made to advocate, support or oppose any ballot measure.

"It was improper," Boehm said on Tuesday. "I was not as familiar as I 
should be about that rule. I put an article in every newsletter. I didn't 
take into account that it could be against the law."

Dan Viets, a lawyer and advocate of the proposed ordinance, brought the 
newsletter to the attention of public officials including Second Ward 
Councilman Chris Janku last week.

"The state statute prohibits spending any public money on campaigns," City 
Counselor Fred Boeckman said. "After Councilman Janku called it to my 
attention, I called Chief Boehm and explained the law. He was apologetic."

The Proposal

The city proposal, which will appear on the ballot as 
(http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Council/City_Election/proposition1.html) 
Proposition 1, would require that all misdemeanor marijuana possession 
cases be sent to Municipal Court, reduce fines for first-time offenses to 
$25 and allow medicinal use of the drug for seriously ill patients with a 
doctor's recommendation.

Mayor Darwin Hindman said Tuesday that he had not heard about Boehm's 
article, but he said any decision by the council to take action against 
Boehm would take place in an open meeting of the City Council.

"I don't mind admitting when I make a mistake, but I hope we can find a way 
to keep the focus on the proposed ordinance," Boehm said. "I hope the 
public can get proper information so they can make an informed vote."

[SIDEBAR]

Related Links

* http://www.moga.state.mo.us/statutes/c100-199/1150646.htm -- Missouri 
Revised Statutes

* http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Police/About_Us/ -- Columbia Police Department

* http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Council/City_Election/proposition1.html -- 
Proposition 1
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MAP posted-by: Jackl