MANY ALDERS SOFT ON WEED

Many of Madison's political leaders feel that relaxing marijuana laws is a
good thing. Here's a run down of where our alders stand on the issue, at
least those who responded to coreweekly's query.

District 2 Ald. Brenda Konkel supports full legalization, as does District
12 Ald. Brian Benford, District 8 Ald. Austin King and District 10 Ald. Ken
Golden, who said, "No one should be in jail for smoking a joint."

Mayor Dave supports decriminalization, which means either the laws remain
on the books but aren't enforced or penalties for possession are monetary
forfeitures rather than jail sentences. District 7 Ald. Zach Brandon said
he falls somewhere between criminalization and decriminalization. District
4 Ald. Mike Verveer supports decriminalizing marijuana for medical use, as
does District 5 Ald. Robbie Webber.

District 6 Ald. Judy Olson didn't respond to coreweekly's query, but in
2002, she sponsored a proposal to allow citizens to grow marijuana for
medicinal uses within the city.

District 16 Ald. Judy Compton doesn't support any form of legalization, she
said.

The following alders did not respond to coreweekly's query: District 9 Ald.
Paul Skidmore, District 14 Ald. Tim Bruer, District 17 Ald. Santiago Rosas,
District 18 Ald. Paul Van Rooy and District 20 Cindy Thomas. No position
statement was sought from Madison's newly elected alders.