Pubdate: Fri, 12 Oct 2012
Source: Delta Optimist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc
Contact:  http://www.delta-optimist.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1265
Author: Sandor Gyarmati

MAYOR OPPOSED TO LEGALIZING POT

Lois Jackson Calls UBCM Resolution 'Wrong-Headed' And Says It Would 
Create More Problems Than It Would Solve

Mayor Lois Jackson believes her B.C. municipal colleagues made a 
terrible decision in calling for the decriminalization of marijuana.

At the recent Union of B.C. Municipalities convention in Victoria, a 
majority of municipal leaders voted in favour of a resolution calling 
for the decriminalization and taxation of the drug, although the 
power to change the laws rests with Ottawa.

The motion, which was brought forward from the community of Metchosin 
on Vancouver Island, was a divisive one among the delegates. Those 
opposed maintain decriminalization will lead young people to more 
harmful drugs, while those in favour claim the current system helps 
organized crime reap big profits.

Jackson, who was overseas and not present for the vote, told the 
Optimist the motion was simply "wrong-headed" and would add more 
problems than it could solve.

"I'm struggling not to be too harsh on my fellow councils across the 
province, but I am absolutely disappointed," Jackson said.

"To say there's nothing wrong with it - take a look around the world 
and read the real science. I actually brought this up at the Fraser 
Health board, but I find it quite shocking a lot people laugh about 
this and being home to B.C. Bud. It is unbecoming to the future of 
our province and future children of our province," she said.

Jackson noted it's nonsensical to think municipalities could get some 
taxation benefits from legalized marijuana.

Delta police Chief Jim Cessford maintains that decriminalizing pot 
could create a "huge concern."

He said it also requires a "real stretch" to believe decriminalizing 
marijuana would have any impact on gang shootings or other gang 
violence, but it's ultimately a matter out of his control.
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