COUN. CAPRI AND MARIJUANA: A VOLATILE MIX

To the editor:

Re: "Capri wants clock turned back," April 30.

In his column last week, opinion writer Allen Garr made some
incorrect statements. The following clarifies my comments of April 24.

When illegal activities occur, especially when they are happening en
masse, there needs to be a police presence providing oversight. The
use of marijuana, in most cases, whether we agree with this or not,
is illegal. The VPD are very good at using discretion and determining
what steps to take (observe and report, enforce, etc) but the
law-abiding public needs to have comfort that the police are present
and have the situation in hand.

The question of whether or not marijuana should be legalized is a
completely different question.

When illegal activities occur in public spaces, many people feel
uncomfortable and unsafe. For me, the litmus test is whether my
neighbours, with their small child, would feel comfortable in this
public situation.

I must emphasize that this is public space that is intended for all
to enjoy. If the answer is "no," then there is something wrong and I
do find this troubling and disturbing.

Kim Capri, NPA city councillor