CHIEF'S IDEA CALLED DOPEY

Police Chief Julian Fantino's suggestion to snuff out some convictions
for simple marijuana possession isn't enough, says a local pot activist.

"Fantino is being wishy-washy -- you can't decriminalize it but still
let officers charge people if they choose to," said Ron McInnes, a
former organizer of July 1 Cannabis Day smoke-ins in Orillia.

McInnes, 52, arrested at home for marijuana possession the day before
the 1998 Canada Day event, said that even if decriminalization were to
happen, police would still waste resources on drug busts.

Fantino supports an optional ticketing system in which officers could
choose to fine tokers and require them to enter treatment programs.

"I've been to court-ordered drug therapy twice -- it doesn't work and
who's going to pay for it?" said McInnes.