PRO-POT ACTIVISTS IRKED AT POLICE TAB

Only three people were arrested for possession and there were no
confrontations with police, but a cloud still hung over the 14th annual
Minnesota Tea Party, calling for the legalization of marijuana. The 150 to
300 people at the event -- which started with guest speakers and bands at
the State Capitol and ended with a march to the Governor's Residence on
Summit Avenue -- fell far short of last year's attendance of 1,000. Chris
Wright, chairman of the Grassroots Party and organizer of the event, said
festivals elsewhere in the state, particularly the Harvest Festival in
Albert Lea, likely contributed to low turnout. Even so, police presence was
increased over last year. Two additional off-duty police officers came to
manage traffic if protesters spilled onto the streets, as happened last
year. The Grassroots Party has been asked to pick up the tab, but Wright
said the group refuses to pay the extra $260. ``Just because they think
there's going to be more arrests and lawbreaking, we shouldn't have to pay
more,'' he said. Three people were arrested for marijuana possession,
compared to 13 arrests the previous year. But the party's refusal to pay
could jeopardize its ability to secure future permits, officials said. ``If
you have outstanding bills with the city, the city can't do business (with
you),'' said Sgt. Ray Jefferson of the St. Paul Police Department. He said
the conditions of the permit were based on the number of officers that would
have been adequate at last year's parade.

The permit obtained last year allowed for 1,000 protesters to walk on
sidewalks, but marchers spilled onto the streets, requiring additional
traffic enforcement. ``There's always going to be police out there whether
they're willing to pay for it or not,'' Jefferson said. ``When you have
movement, that's when the costs incur.'' Wright said he is planning to file
a lawsuit, which he hopes will settle the issue before next year's event.
St. Paul City Attorney Clayton Robinson said the city's request for more
officers is not based on the nature of the group.

The city has made other organizations hire additional police as a condition
of their permit, he said, including the Martin Luther King Holiday March and
the Peace and Unity Festival. ``We have no intention of stifling any First
Amendment rights.

On the other hand, we have the obligation of requiring public safety.''
Police presence was low-key on Saturday, with squad cars driving by the
march along Summit Avenue. At the Capitol, at least six participants were
searched for marijuana possession. ``I think they're just making sure that
nothing gets out of hand,'' said Sonya Miklya from Inver Grove Heights.
Others thought the presence was less reasonable. ``I'm a little upset.

I came here to promote something, not abuse any laws,'' said Shawn Provost,
21, from Minneapolis who said there was no reason he was searched. ``I work
at Mickey's Diner (in St. Paul). I serve all these cops coffee everyday.''
Said Capt. Jay Swanson with the Minnesota State Patrol, ``Like actions we
take everyday on the streets, we take action when we believe that a criminal
act is taking place.''

Nancy Ngo can be reached at nngo@pioneerpress.com or (651) 481-0433.