OFFICIALS: JUST SAY NO TO POT

Elected officials in the San Mateo Union High School District are
taking a stand against a statewide measure that would legalize
marijuana for people over 21 years old, arguing passage of
Proposition 19 will have negative effects on the youth it serves.

Led by Trustee Peter Hanley, the Board of Trustee unanimously voted
Thursday to oppose Proposition 19. The measure, which goes before
California voters this November, would give adults 21 or older the
ability to possess up to one ounce of cannabis, to be consumed at
home or licensed business establishments.

Hanley believes, if passed, the measure would create numerous issues
for the district like maintaining a drug-free work environment and
helping children be mindful of negative side effects from using marijuana.

"I have become increasingly concerned about the implications [of
Proposition 19] for education. I don't see it being discussed," he said.

Hanley has multiple concerns. First, legalizing marijuana would allow
for more production, in turn lowering prices and making it more
accessible to the teens attending schools.

"Too many kids are already using. This is a significant part of our
discipline," he said.

Proponents of the measure, however, argue acquiring marijuana will
become more difficult as it will require identification to be
purchased and there will be criminal penalties for providing cannabis
to a minor, according to the Yes on Prop. 19 website.

Maintaining a drug-free work environment is also a concern for
Hanley. The federal government requires employers who receive a
certain amount of federal funding, like a school district, to keep a
drug-free environment to be eligible.

Proponents argue employers maintain the right to have a drug-free work place.

In a July document, the California Legislative Analyst's Office says
that Proposition 19 "does specify that employers would retain
existing rights to address consumption of marijuana that impairs an
employee's job performance."

The issue was examined by Chief Deputy County Counsel John Beiers who
found the law does not clearly outline an employee's rights on the
issue. Basically, it would need to be decided by a judge.

Hanley also questions at what level someone would be impaired from
driving or being in the classroom. He worries open fields adjacent to
schools could soon become a place with cannabis growing without
proper zoning regulations.

Due to the many concerns, Hanley is hoping other school districts
will follow San Mateo Union's lead coming out against the measure.
Admittedly, even if these concerns were addressed, Hanley would still
be against legalization of cannabis.

To learn more about Proposition 19 visit http://yeson19.com/ or
http://www.noonproposition19.com/.