Pubdate: Wed, 23 Feb 2011
Source: Maui News, The (HI)
Copyright: 2011 The Maui News
Contact: http://mapinc.org/url/1Mw4cXws
Website: http://www.mauinews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2259
Author: Lloyd Buell

POLICE EFFORT HAS APPEARANCE OF LOBBYING

I would like to comment on the Feb. 15 article "Police pan pot 
proposals." I have been told that the role of our police force is 
enforcement of the law and it is not their job to question the 
validity of a law but only to enforce it. It occurs to me that taking 
a "'proactive stance' to show the public its opposition to marijuana 
by reaching out to Maui residents at public places" is going beyond 
enforcement and entering the realm of politics.

Perhaps I am misunderstanding something here, but isn't passing out 
pamphlets a political act? Beside being outside of the role of 
enforcement, lobbying for or against any legislation that has a 
direct connection to the lobbyist's employment should be viewed as a 
conflict of interest at the least.

Are the police creating a political platform in order to influence 
the lawmakers and the public? Is this really part of their job? Just asking.

Lloyd Buell

Ulupalakua
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom