ASSEMBLY VOTES NO ON 2

The Anchorage Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution, 8-3, to oppose
Proposition 2, the legalization of marijuana, on the Nov. 2 state
election ballot.

Chugiak Assemblywoman Debbie Ossiander sponsored it, saying a
well-funded effort backs the legalization of pot, and there has not
been enough local discussion. She said she's concerned about children
using drugs in school, health problems and impaired driving.

Assemblywoman Janice Shamberg said she shared Ossiander's disdain for
drug use but wasn't sure if the Assembly should pick this one ballot
item to take a stand on.

Assemblyman Allan Tesche launched a debate about whether the Assembly
should be advising voters without studying the issue or holding a
public hearing. "Are we sufficiently informed to advise the public how
to exercise their rights to vote?" he asked.

Assemblymembers Anna Fairclough and Dick Traini said passing
resolutions about ballot items is not uncommon. "If you vote no for
this, you're telling your constituents you support people selling
drugs," Fairclough said.

Shamberg, Tesche and Tremaine voted against the resolution to oppose
the ballot measure.

Among other objections, the Assembly resolution says marijuana is
illegal under federal law and that pot use can cause health problems,
reduce performance in school and affect driving.

The proposition would make marijuana legal for adults 21 and over and
generally regulate it the way the state and local governments now
regulate tobacco and alcohol.

Campaign Notebook is a periodic feature during the election season.
This installment was reported by Don Hunter, Anne Aurand, Lisa Demer
and Nicole Tsong.