Sun, Nov 22 2009
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He said he understands what the campaign is up against.
“It’s a morality issue for a lot of people,” Maddy acknowledged. “We have a big religious community here, and I would say the No. 1 argument is that it’s immoral to sanction marijuana use.” Proposed rules If the proposal is endorsed by voters, possession of less than 35 grams of marijuana or possession of marijuana paraphernalia would become an administrative infraction — like a traffic ticket or nuisance violation — and not a criminal violation in Joplin. Thirty-five grams is about 1 1/4 ounces. Possession cases currently are not referred to the county prosecutor unless the amount of marijuana is 35 grams or more, making it a felony offense, according to Cpl. Chuck Niess of the Joplin Police Department. Numbers provided by the Joplin Police Department indicate that the average age of those arrested for marijuana possession from July 2006 to July 2007 was 26.5 years. They were overwhelmingly male and predominately white. The proposal says adults arrested for simple possession of marijuana, which is 35 grams or less, or for possession of marijuana paraphernalia would not be jailed or have to post bond. Those found guilty of the infraction in municipal court would be subject to a $250 maximum fine. Under current law, those convicted of marijuana possession or possession of paraphernalia within the city are subject to a $500 fine and/or 100 days or less in jail, based on the judge’s discretion at sentencing. ‘Buzz is growing’ “When we started canvassing for signatures in September, a lot of people were just like, ‘Whoa, what’s this?’” Maddy said. But interest is growing, he said. “Now, people are coming forward and saying: ‘I want to be a part of this. Give me a petition. Where can I sign? Where are your events?’” he said. “The buzz is growing, and I think people know this is going to be a relevant issue in 2008.” Whether residents agree with his point of view or not, Maddy said signing the petition is a way to get involved in democracy at the grass-roots level. “Signing the petition doesn’t mean you support this or not support this. It just means that you want to see this voted on,” he said. “The best way to see how the city feels on this issue is to have the most scientific poll you can, and that’s the poll on Election Day.” Maddy said he has been pleasantly surprised at the reception — mixed as it is. 
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