Pubdate: Mon, 20 Nov 2006 Source: Herald-Sun, The (Durham, NC) Copyright: 2006 The Herald-Sun Contact: http://www.herald-sun.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1428 Author: Brianne Dopart CAMPAIGN FOR 'LOVE ROSE' BAN COULD GO STATEWIDE DURHAM -- When the Rev. Melvin Whitley introduced his proposed citywide ban on so-called "love roses," an item sold at Durham convenience stores and, according to Whitley, used by addicts to smoke crack, he told reporters that getting City Council members to vote for a ban would be like getting people to vote for apple pie. Everybody loves apple pie, he said. And he was right, apparently. Whitley's campaign, "Operation Pipe Dream," made news in late August when he delivered letters to 31 Durham convenience stores that allegedly sold the love roses, asking them to stop selling the item and informing them of Whitley's intent to seek a citywide ban. Aside from achieving a unanimous vote for a civil penalty for stores that sell the item at the last council meeting, Whitley has found supporters of the ban across the state. Most recently, Whitley said District 29 N.C. House Representative-elect Larry Hall (D) has agreed to introduce the ban to North Carolina's legislature in hopes of achieving a statewide ban. The council item, passed on Nov. 9, created a $500 fine for stores that sell love roses, the toughest penalty for the sale of them in the entire state, according to Whitley. In Charlotte, the penalty for selling love roses is $50, and in Greensboro it's $100. "I think while some people say it's a small step, it will send the message that Durham is closed for business to drug users," said City Councilman Thomas Stith. "This was the first step in the right direction to show Durham will not stand for this." The unanimous vote in favor of the ordinance also means the city is willing to "move foward ... without analyzing too much," Whitley said, referencing the city attorney and city police department's initial reluctance to support the ordinance. Others willing to move forward with Whitley's campaign include Durham Together for Resilient Youth leaders Earl and Wanda Boone and the Triangle Lost Generation Task Force, a Raleigh-based activism group. "We're looking for some movement on the state level," said Wanda Boone of her organization's willingness to help push the legislation in the General Assembly. Stith called the legislation's chance in the N.C. House "viable." - --- MAP posted-by: Elaine