The Great Debate:

AN EXAMPLE OF CIVIL DISCOURSE AT ITS BEST

CHICO -- In a room where controversial city issues are often hotly
debated, Chico State University students and community members
exemplified the strength of civil discourse Thursday evening, taking
well-educated and articulated stances on the legalization of marijuana.

Following a semester worth of research and discussion on the
California November ballot initiative, Chico State's First Year
Experience program partnered with the city of Chico to host The Great
Debate in the City Council Chambers.

Students presented panel discussions featuring the perspectives of
health care workers and law enforcement officials regarding the
legalization of marijuana throughout the day with the event
culminating with a debate amongst six community members tied to the
issue.

Chico lobbyist Max Del Real, Chico State sociology professor Marianne
Paiva and Executive Chancellor of Oaksterdam University Dale Clare
spoke in favor of legalizing the drug, with City Councilor Scott
Gruendl, Assistant City Manager John Rucker and Work Training Center
Director Carl Ochsner standing against legalization.

Clare and Del Real both said the legalization of marijuana could
greatly impact California's economy, with Clare saying there is an
opportunity to gain millions of dollars in tax revenue while providing
employment for Californians.

"We have an opportunity for tens of thousands of green, sustainable
jobs," Clare said.

Clare noted the prohibition of marijuana increases its access to
juveniles, saying legalization actually provides regulations to
control cannabis use and cultivation.

But Rucker and Gruendl argued that legalizing marijuana has
far-reaching social impacts.

Gruendl said marijuana addiction, especially among youth, is a "grave
concern" of his, saying legalizing marijuana will only perpetuate the
potential for addictive behavior.

Rucker said the ballot initiative itself is "misleading, poorly
written and not in the best interest of California residents," saying
legalization should occur on a federal level.

If it's not, Rucker said California is inviting organized crime into
the state.

But although the legalization of marijuana is a topic of great
interest to citizens, Thia Wolf, First Year Program director, said
Thursday was more about presenting a model for civil discourse than
swaying voters' opinions on legalizing marijuana.

"We want to show that people can disagree and be reasonable about it,"
Wolf said.

Wolf said to her knowledge, the event -- with its collaborative nature
between the city and Chico State -- is the first of its kind in the
state.

Rucker, who had a hand in organizing The Great Debate, said there is
an intrinsic value to civil discourse, adding that he was hopeful city
residents could learn from Thursday's event and bring their knowledge
into future city forums.

"I think our community really enjoys educated discussion on hot
topics," Rucker said. "The fact that everyone was polite and civil
tonight shows that."