MARIJUANA LAW ON BACK BURNER

Lafayette Will Not Be Discussing Bigger Fine Anytime Soon

LAFAYETTE -- A proposed city law change that would raise the fine for
marijuana possession by 10 times appears to have gone up in smoke.

In February, the City Council approved the first reading of an
ordinance that would repeal Lafayette's $100 fine for cannabis
possession and increase the possible penalty to a maximum $1,000 fine
and a year in jail. Controversy followed, with a backup municipal
judge resigning over the matter and protests from the American Civil
Liberties Union and other groups.

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A discussion on the matter that the council had scheduled for April
was postponed, and city officials now say the matter is on the back
burner indefinitely.

"It's on hold," said Gary Klaphake, Lafayette's city administrator.
"And that's not an editorial on whether it's good or bad or whether we
should or shouldn't; it's about time management."

Klaphake said taking up the issue would likely result in thousands of
e-mails and phone calls to the city, as well as public hearings with
hours of testimony from those on all sides.

"That's such a huge distraction for such a minimal return," Klaphake
said.

The city has more pressing matters to deal with aE" such as budgets,
street repairs and a new police station aE" that affect more
residents, he said.

That's good news to marijuana-reform group Safer Alternative For
Enjoyable Recreation, which joined with several other Colorado
organizations to oppose the ordinance.

"We're very glad to see that the city of Lafayette isn't going to
spend any more time worrying about a drug that's less harmful than
alcohol," said SAFER executive director Mason Tvert.

City Councilman David Strungis, who voted against the ordinance on
first reading, said he thinks the issue will eventually come back up.
He still isn't in favor of it, though.

"The punishment should fit the crime," Strungis said. "The fact that
someone could spend up to a year in jail or pay a $1,000 fine for
something that's a misdemeanor seems too far away from the crime for
me."