MAKING MARIJUANA 'LOWEST LAW ENFORCEMENT PRIORITY' FOR KALAMAZOO
POLICE A STEP CLOSER TO CITYWIDE VOTE

KALAMAZOO - The group pushing for a Kalamazoo city charter amendment
that would make the possession of a small amount of marijuana a minor
priority for Kalamazoo police is close to its goal of seeing the issue
put to a citywide vote.

The Kalamazoo Coalition for Pragmatic Cannabis Laws seeks a change in
the city's charter so that the use or consumption of 1 ounce or less
of pot by anyone 21 and older is the "lowest law enforcement priority"
in Kalamazoo.

The group has been circulating a petition and obtained the 2,579 valid
signatures needed as of Friday for the question to be placed on
Kalamazoo's Nov. 8 ballot, according to Kalamazoo City clerk's office.

The group has done its part but there are a two more steps to complete
before it can appear on the ballot.

Since this is a proposal to change to the city's charter, the ballot
language must go to the state attorney's office for approval and then
to the governor's office.