Pubdate: Mon, 28 Mar 2011 Source: Missoulian (MT) Copyright: 2011 Missoulian Contact: http://www.missoulian.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/720 Author: Chadwick R. Powell MISSOULA POLICE CHIEF: THANK YOU, MARK MUIR I'd like to give my most sincere thanks and appreciation to our chief of police here in Missoula. Mark Muir was in Helena recently to discuss medical marijuana. Much of what he said is opposed by many Missoulians. But not by me. One City Council member even questioned why he was in Helena in the first place. The way I understand it is he gave an opinion as the chief of police of Missoula. As a law enforcement officer he sees the increased drug trafficking. He sees the increase in violent crimes. He sees the increase in property crime and vandalism all associated with the legalization of medical marijuana. I see it too. Every day I open the paper or turn on the local news. I have listened to both sides of the argument. I have my own opinion but I feel no need to share it here. I just wish to express my gratitude to a person trying to do their job. The way I understand it is our police chief is open to many options that would decrease medical marijuana crime in Missoula. He is looking for ways to make Missoula a better place to live and it seems he feels that an all out repeal would be an effective solution. I respect his thoughts and the job he is doing. The rest of the city of Missoula should as well. Thank you, Mark Muir. Chadwick R. Powell Missoula - --- MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.