Pubdate: Mon, 30 Aug 2010
Source: River Falls Journal (WI)
Website: http://www.riverfallsjournal.com/
Contact:  2815 Prairie Drive, River Falls, Wisconsin 54022
Fax: 715-425-5666
Copyright: 2010 Forum Communications Co.
Author: Debbie Griffin

PETITION CALLS FOR MARIJUANA QUESTION ON FALL BALLOT

River Falls voters may see a referendum question about medical 
marijuana on the ballot during November's election. City Council 
Member Bob Hughes filed with the city clerk's office Wednesday, Aug. 
25, a petition for direct legislation bearing 800+ signatures.

The question petitioners want added to the ballot: "Should the 
Wisconsin Legislature enact legislation allowing residents with 
debilitating medical conditions to acquire and possess marijuana for 
medical purposes if supported by their physician?"

City Clerk Lu Ann Hecht confirmed that Hughes had submitted the 
petition a few days before the deadline and had the required number 
of signatures. She has forwarded the petition to the city attorney 
for interpretation.

He'll determine if it warrants a direct-legislation referendum or an 
advisory referendum. After that is determined, the City Council will 
decide whether to add the question to the ballot or not.

Hecht was not yet sure what action a direct-legislation referendum 
would motivate. Hughes was not available for comment, other than 
saying to the Journal after Tuesday night's Council meeting that he 
would be filing a petition.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart