PETITION CALLS FOR MARIJUANA QUESTION ON FALL BALLOT

River Falls voters may see a referendum question about medical
marijuana on the ballot during November's election. City Council
Member Bob Hughes filed with the city clerk's office Wednesday, Aug.
25, a petition for direct legislation bearing 800+ signatures.

The question petitioners want added to the ballot: "Should the
Wisconsin Legislature enact legislation allowing residents with
debilitating medical conditions to acquire and possess marijuana for
medical purposes if supported by their physician?"

City Clerk Lu Ann Hecht confirmed that Hughes had submitted the
petition a few days before the deadline and had the required number
of signatures. She has forwarded the petition to the city attorney
for interpretation.

He'll determine if it warrants a direct-legislation referendum or an
advisory referendum. After that is determined, the City Council will
decide whether to add the question to the ballot or not.

Hecht was not yet sure what action a direct-legislation referendum
would motivate. Hughes was not available for comment, other than
saying to the Journal after Tuesday night's Council meeting that he
would be filing a petition.