MARIJUANA PARTY ABOUT MORE THAN JUST POT

There's more to the Marijuana Party than the pot plank.

Although a major focus is on decriminalization and legalization of
marijuana, Peace River South candidate Michelle Rainey-Fenkarek said the
party supports a wide range of measures.

"I know I got a bit of laughter in response to the name, but it's not just
about marijuana," she said. "We have a platform of issues that are based on
no new taxes, restorative justice, ending the drug war, decentralization of
forestry, diversity in health care as well as we don't believe in gun control."

Indeed, the party maintains a highly-individualist bent.

"We believe that you can do what you want in your own home, as long as
you're not hurting anybody," she said. "We are over-governed, and it's time
we have awareness and attention brought to a party like this."

Rainey-Fenkarek is living in the Lower Mainland now, but she lived in
Dawson Creek from 1989 to 1993.

She is an avid supporter of allowing use of marijuana for medical purposes.
Just prior to moving to Dawson Creek, she was diagnosed with Crohns disease
which causes a host of problems related to the inflammation of the small
intestine.

"Not until I moved back to the Lower Mainland was I introduced to the use
of cannabis for medical purposes, and it saved my life," she said.

"I believe that we do need our doctors, but unfortunately they believe in
marijuana as a last resort. You have to be on death's door before the
government will allow you to use it legally."

Rainey-Fenkarek also stressed that she's a responsible citizen and a
functioning member of society.

"The misconceptions of marijuana being a gateway drug or that you don't
prosper or that you can't function are completely incorrect," she said.
"I'm married, I have a mortgage, I conduct a very responsible life."

She also had a 10-year career in banking which ended about a year ago when
she resigned to become the party's deputy financial agent and personal
assistant to party leader Mark Emory.

Rainey-Fenkarek was in the South Peace for three days campaigning last
week, and she'll be taking part in the all-candidates meeting Monday, May 7
at the Kiwanis Arts Centre, 7 p.m. start.