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INGS: HERE'S WHY I'M VOTING NO ON EASING POT PENALTIES

The City of Orlando 2016-36 Ordinance relating to the possession of cannabis and cannabis paraphernalia encourages bad behavior.  Accountability to our community as a whole for a wholesome life is a must for us as elected officials.

If we were to sanction this ordinance, we would be going down a very slippery slope.  People are confused.  Some think this measure would decriminalize, or legalize, marijuana, and others think it allows the use of medical marijuana.  People need to know, and understand, that this ordinance would make it easier for criminals to use marijuana with fewer criminal charges and less punishment.

We should want criminals to stop being criminals.  We should be doing everything we can to get people off drugs, not make them feel comfortable in knowing that it is OK for them to use, and possess, up to 20 grams of marijuana because all they would get is a civil citation and a $50 fine.

Orlando is a family-oriented tourist destination.  The name Orlando is a positive brand for the entire Central Florida region.  This means a thriving economy with robust development opportunities and profitability.  The return is great when investing in Orlando.

There are three major theme parks in Orlando: Universal, Disney and SeaWorld.  There are several minor, but significant, attractions in Orlando: Fun Spot America, I-Drive NASCAR, the Holy Land Experience, Dave & Buster's and the Helicopter Tour Rides.

Why tarnish a positive image? We need to keep our communities safe.  Some communities are struggling to stay safe, be safe and feel safe.  Homeowners complain about not being able to enjoy the outdoors of their homes because of the heavy marijuana smoke in the air.

Who are we trying to protect? This ordinance would encourage the open use of marijuana, even in public places.  It is little changes like decriminalizing marijuana that would cause bigger problems later in our communities, public places and parks.

The police officers, state attorney and judges already have options, such as issuing a Notice to Appear and conducting a pre-trial diversion program.  What message would be sent by issuing just civil citations and $50 fines? Where's the accountability?

Remember, we lowered the drinking age of alcoholic beverages from 21 to 19 years old.  We saw, and experienced, the vast problems it created.  So we raised the age back to 21.  We have aggressive campaigns and operations to catch or apprehend underage drinkers.  We also run sting operations to catch, and arrest, business clerks, owners and attendants for selling alcoholic beverages to minors.

Creating this city ordinance to relax the laws for criminal users and possessors of marijuana is not in the best interest of our communities.  One homeowner, at a local homeowners association meeting last week, in my district, said, "This is leading the way to legalize marijuana."

That may not be the intent here, but that is his perception.  Based on all that I have said, I am voting no on the ordinance.