SHERIFFS, POLICE CHIEFS OPPOSE MARIJUANA QUESTION

Sheriffs and police chiefs from across Nevada are joining forces to fight a
November ballot question that would legalize up to 3 ounces of marijuana
for adults.

"As a leader of law enforcement, I don't want to be responsible for the
increase of criminal activity that, make no mistake about it, will follow
the passing of this measure," Sparks Police Chief John Dotson said during a
Wednesday news conference.

Dotson is president of the Nevada Sheriffs and Chiefs Association, which
voted last week to oppose Proposition 9. Reno Police Assistant Chief Jim
Weston, Washoe County Sheriff Dennis Balaam and Washoe County District
Attorney Richard Gammick joined Dotson at the news conference.

Law enforcement agencies throughout the state planned similar news
conferences Wednesday.

Dotson said 84 percent of convicted drug users referred to Washoe County
drug court started with marijuana. In a survey of arrests in southern
Nevada, 41 percent of those arrested for domestic violence and 31 percent
of those arrested for violent crimes tested positive for marijuana.

"Drugs, by definition, alter behavior and these statistics speak for
themselves," Dotson said.

Meanwhile, the Washoe County Libertarian Party has endorsed Proposition 9.

The ballot question, said Libertarian Brendan Trainor, sends an important
message to state government and its law enforcement officers: Do not arrest
or intimidate responsible adult marijuana users.

Trainor is former chairman of the county party and a party candidate for
Congress in District 2. He also said the measure would help the sick and
dying get pot they now can obtain legally at a reasonable price.