STAND ON MARIJUANA QUESTIONED

As a special assistant county attorney, I am all too familiar with the
harm caused to our community by illegal drugs.

I have seen firsthand the tragic consequences which often occur when
judgment is impaired by drug use. Domestic violence and vehicular
tragedies are just two of the consequences of drug use that we in law
enforcement have experienced. Our youth are especially vulnerable to
the dire consequences of illegal drug use. Those who advocate the use
of illegal drugs arguing for recreational use open a Pandora's box
inevitably filled with tragedy. That's why I was both surprised and
concerned when I learned that District 20 state Senate candidate Donna
Gratehouse had advocated her support for a "study" which may have as
its result a recommendation for legalizing marijuana for "recreational
purposes." I would hope that Gratehouse would realize - as do law
enforcement professionals, teachers, social workers and crime victims
- - that there are great dangers posed by the recreational use of
illegal drugs.

I suggest that information about the harmful affects of illegal drugs
can be found at the Maricopa County Attorney's Web site,
http://www.drugfreeaz.com. I recommend that Web site to Gratehouse.

Barnett S. Lotstein

Special Assistant Maricopa County Attorney

Phoenix