Pubdate: Wed, 23 Apr 2014
Source: Oakland Press, The (MI)
Copyright: 2014 The Oakland Press
Contact:  http://www.theoaklandpress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2114
Author: Aftab Borka
Page: 3

ACTIVISTS SEEK PROPOSAL TO DECRIMINALIZE POT

Several marijuana decriminalization activists turned in the required
number of signatures to put their proposal on the August ballot in the
cities of Oak Park and Hazel Park on Tuesday.

Andrew Cissell, a 26-year-old Oak Park resident who is also running
for the Michigan House from the 27th District, led a group of
activists to submit about 1,600 signatures to the city of Oak Park and
over one hundred to the city of Hazel Park.

"We are fighting for freedom. We are fighting for the ability to
possess small amounts of marijuana for adults on their private
property," Cissell said. "It's pretty simple. It's pretty
straightforward."

Cissell said it was a small victory to submit the required number of
signatures but the real victory will happen in August if the voters
approve his proposal to decriminalize pot.

The campaign has been organized by the Safer Michigan Coalition, which
also worked for the local marijuana legalization in Kalamazoo in 2011,
Detroit, Flint and Ypsilanti in 2012, and Lansing, Jackson and
Ferndale in 2013.

Tim Beck, the co-founder of the coalition, was confident that they
will also win in Oak Park and Hazel Park.

"We are sending a message to the legislature in August and in November
that this is something that the people want. And we have overwhelming
support in that regard," said Beck.

Cissell has continued his activist efforts despite trouble with
authorities. He was earlier this year convicted of misdemeanor fraud
because he did not live in Ferndale when he sought to that city's law
changed. His attorney, Lisa Dwyer, said Cissell's activist efforts led
law enforcement to target him. His conviction will not impact Ferndale
voters' approval of legalized marijuana.
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