VAIL TOOK RIGHT POSITION ON MARIJUANA SHOPS

Vail, you should be proud of the stand you have taken banning
"medical" marijuana dispensaries. Marijuana, contrary to all the
users who'd like to quote statistics to the contrary, is a
well-established gateway drug, and banning dispensaries, as well as
enforcing the minimum drinking age, are great first steps toward
ensuring that your guests are safe while they're in Vail and able to
go home in one piece.

I recently wrote a letter to the editor for publication in the Aspen
Times when Sheriff Bob Braudis decided to retire because it's time
that Aspen addresses the substance-abuse issue there. Aspen's suicide
rate is regularly the worst in Colorado and among the worst in the
nation, and local experts believe it's due to alcohol and substance
abuse.

I encourage you to refer to the letter I wrote at

http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20100504/LETTER/100509971&parentprofile=search

If anyone doubts the damage that is being done by law enforcement's
current attitude toward drug offenses, have them read that letter,
and if you want someone to come and speak to civic or school groups
about it, I'd be glad to.

Kevin Stephenson

Vail,Colorado