Pubdate: Wed, 04 Jul 2012
Source: Nelson Star (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 Black Press
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/4kNvY8sy
Website: http://www.bclocalnews.com/kootenay_rockies/nelsonstar/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4866
Author: John Dooley
Note: Mayor John Dooley shares the Wednesday council column with the 
rest of his colleagues around the table.
Cited: Stop the Violence BC: http://stoptheviolencebc.org/

THE WRONG APPROACH

I welcome the opportunity to focus this column on an issue that has 
clearly generated much debate at both city council's table and in our 
community.

The fact that the debate continues demonstrates exactly what I was 
concerned about, and that is the need for a thorough and informed 
discussion around the motion put forward by Councillor Donna 
Macdonald on June 11. I believe that all citizens are concerned about 
drug use and associated criminal activity, and that is common ground we share.

The wording of the motion as dictated by Councillor Macdonald: 
"Nelson city council support the adoption of a public health based 
regulatory approach to cannabis taxation and control, as proposed by 
the Stop the Violence BC and the mayor write the Union of British 
Columbia Municipalities, and the federation of Canadian 
Municipalities, the provincial and federal ministers in the justice 
and health departments, and Stop The Violence BC, to inform them of 
Nelson's city council's support."

I realize that my passion around the issue may have impeded my 
responsibility to act as chairperson to the best of my ability.

To me, this is not only an issue about the legalization of marijuana, 
but rather an issue around process and how decisions are made at the 
council table. Anytime I see our community being put in a difficult 
position you can expect me to raise questions and advocate for 
thorough process. I have been proud of the record we have around 
process. In many cases, we have taken months to decide on certain 
directions. Some examples include: the City of Nelson's water master 
plan, our city's transit discussions, and the current Civic Theatre 
issue. We have had more community input on dogs and skunks.

I continue to be surprised by the fact that some people who have been 
strong advocates for thorough dialogue, community input and the 
seeking of advice from well informed experts did not bring those same 
values and expectations to this discussion.

I believe that an initiative such as this requires a thorough 
analysis of both the pros and cons of the proposal. What is being 
proposed is not within our jurisdiction and will not be possible 
unless senior levels of government are on board. Perhaps parts of the 
proposal could be looked at with a plan determined to evaluate impact.

Instead of having a thorough debate, council ended up with a motion 
put forward as part of a busy council agenda without so much as a 
presentation to council from the police chief, a public health 
officer, a social worker, a business person, a parent group or any of 
our school district councillors... and that's just a short list.

There are other things to consider as well. For example, if marijuana 
is taxed will it be guaranteed that people in Nelson, or the average 
Canadian, is going to see evidence that the cash will go toward 
worthwhile initiatives that add value to our society? What other 
costs in terms of social and health pitfalls need to be thought 
about, such as the risk associated with smoking? I have heard some 
sources say that one joint has the same impact as seven normal cigarettes.

Councillors and citizens are reminded that when I sign on City of 
Nelson letterhead, I see that signature belonging to the people of Nelson.

If we are to return to this proposal I would like to see us move 
forward with a thorough discussion. I believe that we should request 
more input from previously noted experts so that council and the 
community can make a well informed decision on what has become a 
matter of considerable social and economic importance.

Councillor Robin Cherbo proposed what I thought was a reasonable 
solution by putting forward a motion to request that the province of 
British Columbia and the Union of BC Municipalities do additional 
policy research on this topic. The UBCM has the time and resources to 
ensure that a full discussion can be had by all municipal leaders.

At this point I feel that is where this issue belongs.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom