GOVERNOR CASTS DOUBT ON MARIJUANA BALLOT ISSUE

Granholm Reminds City That Charter Can't Conflict With State
Law

Gov. Jennifer Granholm and the Attorney General's Office say that Ann
Arbor's charter cannot conflict with state law that makes marijuana
illegal.

In letters to city officials, Granholm and an assistant attorney
general cast doubt on whether a November ballot issue that would
legalize medical use of marijuana in the city would have any legal
impact.

Granholm's letter, made public by the City Council on Tuesday night,
said she did not approve of the proposed amendment to the Ann Arbor
City Charter.

The amendment would direct the city to waive fines, prohibit police
from enforcing the law and halt other punitive measures if it can be
proved that marijuana is being used for medicinal purposes.

According to an accompanying letter from Assistant Attorney General
George Elworth, the Home Rule City Act states "that no provision of
any city charter shall conflict with or contravene the provisions of
the general laws of this state."

"In addition," the letter continues, "city officials have the
authority to enforce state laws within the city that cannot be
abrogated by charter provisions."

What's unclear is just what impact that will have if voters approve
the measure. Elworth concedes in his letter that the city was required
to put it on the ballot after enough signatures were collected.
Charles Ream, a Scio Township trustee, spearheaded the movement to get
the 7,000 signatures necessary to get it on the ballot.

But now, city officials are undecided about what to
do.

"There has been no decision on the city's part with what to do if this
is passed," City Attorney Stephen Postema said.

"It's not at all clear to me what legal position this leaves the city
in," said City Council Member Jean Carlberg, D-3rd Ward.

"The contradiction is if the public would vote yes for it and we don't
enforce it, the public will not understand," Carlberg said.

"We are going to have to deal with that if it happens," Mayor John
Hieftje said.

"I'll seek guidance from the city attorney and city administrator,"
Police Chief Dan Oates said.

The council knew there was a potential for conflicting laws. That's
why they postponed voting on the ballot language for several weeks.

The council voted 7-4 July 19 to put it on the ballot. Council Members
Wendy Woods, D-5th Ward; Mike Reid, R-2nd Ward; Leigh Greden, D-3rd
Ward; and Marcia Higgins, R-2nd Ward, voted against it.

If the ballot initiative passes, state and federal law enforcement
officers would not be prevented from arresting, charging and
prosecuting someone who claims to use pot for medicinal purposes.
Marijuana remains illegal under state and federal law, regardless of
whether it is used, possessed or sold within the city limits.