LEGALIZE MARIJUANA?

'I Don't Have a Problem With It at All,' Says Cieslewicz

Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz said on a radio talk show Friday that if
it were up to him, marijuana would be legal.

"I don't have a problem with it at all," Cieslewicz said on the "Sly
In The Morning" show on WTDY-AM (1670).

But mayoral spokeswoman Rachel Strauch-Nelson said Monday that "it was
just a personal opinion" and "not a policy initiative of any kind."

"I thank him for his candor, but I'm disappointed he's not willing to
take it any farther," said Gary Storck. co-founder of the Madison
chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.

"This is a city that's known for cannabis - why not run with it?"
Storck said, adding that it would be better than Madison being known
for alcohol intoxication. "If it's legal, the city could benefit from
all the green businesses that would grow up around it."

Cieslewicz made the comment while discussing a recent incident at a
State Street lounge where a Madison police officer said she smelled
burnt marijuana but failed to investigate further after she saw
Downtown Ald. Mike Verveer. Officer Carrie Hemming was given a letter
of reprimand.

"It doesn't matter what I think," Cieslewicz said. "What matters is
what is legal and illegal now."