Somerville rocks, so why does our Mayor oppose Question 2?

[ron_newman]

Somerville has a well-deserved image of being a haven for offbeat and creative types, so I'm confused and disappointed to see Mayor Joe take part in a press conference opposing Question 2.

As the city's press release itself points out, "Question 2 would decriminalize marijuana use and make possession of small amounts of marijuana punishable only with a fine similar to a traffic violation." (Actually, the police can also seize the marijuana.) That seems to me like just plain common sense. It saves the city money by not wasting police and court time on prosecuting a victimless "crime".

The campaigners against Question 2 call themselves the "Coalition for Safe Streets", but this question has nothing to do with either safety or streets.

Why did you do this, Mayor Joe?

Comments

[exsplusohs.livejournal.com]

In the past decade we have worked diligently on the local, regional and state levels to curb marijuana use, especially among our youth. The approval of Question 2 in November would undermine all of those efforts,” said Mayor Curtatone. “Question 2 poses a very real threat to our youth and our communities. Drug use is a public health, safety and quality of life issue and Question 2 would increase marijuana use while putting more of our youth behind the wheel while high on drugs.

Maybe I'm just confused about Prop 2, but I thought the penalties for minors stayed the same, as did the penalties for driving while high?

[ron_newman]

You're not confused at all. You're correct. If you have any doubts, read the Secretary of State's page on Question 2, and the full text of the question.

[exsplusohs.livejournal.com]

Okay then, I change my response to: WTF!?