Pubdate: Wed, 07 May 2008
Source: Vancouver Courier (CN BC)
Copyright: 2008 Vancouver Courier
Contact:  http://www.vancourier.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/474
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n445/a05.html
Author: Kim Capri, NPA city councillor

COUN. CAPRI AND MARIJUANA: A VOLATILE MIX

To the editor:

Re: "Capri wants clock turned back," April 30.

In his column last week, opinion writer Allen Garr made some 
incorrect statements. The following clarifies my comments of April 24.

When illegal activities occur, especially when they are happening en 
masse, there needs to be a police presence providing oversight. The 
use of marijuana, in most cases, whether we agree with this or not, 
is illegal. The VPD are very good at using discretion and determining 
what steps to take (observe and report, enforce, etc) but the 
law-abiding public needs to have comfort that the police are present 
and have the situation in hand.

The question of whether or not marijuana should be legalized is a 
completely different question.

When illegal activities occur in public spaces, many people feel 
uncomfortable and unsafe. For me, the litmus test is whether my 
neighbours, with their small child, would feel comfortable in this 
public situation.

I must emphasize that this is public space that is intended for all 
to enjoy. If the answer is "no," then there is something wrong and I 
do find this troubling and disturbing.

Kim Capri, NPA city councillor
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom