POT ISSUE ELICITS CLASH OF INTERESTS

Proposition 1 Focus Of Contentious Forum

At one point during the League of Women Voters' debate on Proposition 1,
the ordinance that would soften Columbia's marijuana ordinances, the
discussion turned to whether using marijuana promotes a healthy diet.

Don Shrubshell photo Lt. Ed Moses of the Missouri Highway Patrol talks last
night about the dangers of marijuana as Proposition 1 proponent Anthony
Johnson makes notes during a League of Women Voters forum. Lt. Ed Moses of
the Missouri Highway Patrol said that those who want marijuana legalized
for medicinal use often argue that it helps stimulate appetite for cancer
and AIDS patients. But under the influence of marijuana, Moses said, people
get "the munchies." "When you get the munchies, you don't crave nutritious
Power Bars or steaks and salads," he said. "You crave junk food. That's not
compassion, that's cruel."

Moses spoke in reference to a provision of the April 8 ballot measure in
Columbia that would make possession of up to 35 grams of marijuana a
municipal offense similar to a traffic ticket and allow "seriously ill"
persons to obtain and use marijuana if recommended by a doctor.

Sarah Duff, communications director for the organized group that supports
the initiative, asked Moses how he would know what people under the
influence of marijuana crave.

Moses shot back that he had never used marijuana but that he had observed
the devastation the drug had wrought on people's lives.

Moses' adversary, University of Missouri-Columbia law student Anthony
Johnson, responded, "I have never seen a study or seen why marijuana or any
other drug would only direct your appetite toward junk food, and I believe
it's been proven marijuana helps with nausea."

And so went a portion of the debate last night, during which the main
speakers found little common ground and often employed conflicting facts,
figures and strong language to make their points.

In his opening remarks, Johnson, who drafted the proposed city ordinance,
argued that passing the ordinance would free up police resources to go
after murderers, rapists and robbers.

But Moses said he believes child neglect and abuse would increase if the
proposition passes, based on his experience as an undercover narcotics officer.

Why should voters allow marijuana use to skirt existing law and regulatory
processes, Moses asked. "What other medicine do we hold a vote for?"

Rose Wibbenmeyer, a city prosecutor, asked how the legal system would be
expected to deal with the revenue shortfall if fines were reduced to $25
for first-time offenders from the rate of $200 to $300.

Money would be saved in not taking offenders to jail, Johnson said.

Columbia attorney Dan Viets, a longtime proponent of relaxing marijuana
laws who helped get Proposition 1 off the ground, said, "That the city
court budget is depending on fines to support it is an issue in itself."
The discussion did not change Eve Pearson's mind.

"After hearing the discussion tonight, I feel even more against it," said
Pearson, who is concerned that passing the proposed ordinance would send a
message of drug tolerance to youths. "I just have a very strong concern
that people are going to be complacent and not understand the need to get
out and vote against this."

Pearson said she identified with many arguments presented by Moses, who
said that the measure would ultimately lead to more social ills and
increased usage.

But Amanda Broz, 23, an MU graduate student, said she believed the measure
is "something good to support."

"I heard a lot of conflicting facts here tonight," she said, "and I think
you can sway the facts any way that suits your argument. I think" Moses
"used a lot of rhetoric typical of the war on drugs."

Broz said she believed Johnson presented a common-sense approach to drug
law reform.

Before the debate on Proposition 1, Columbia City Council candidates from
the Second and Sixth wards fielded questions from the audience.

A question about using "green power" - or electricity from wind-powered,
solar or other generators - drew distinctions among the candidates.

In the Sixth Ward race, Brian Ash said that people should be able to
purchase green power if they are willing to pay extra. Ben Orzeske said
green power shouldn't be a priority in tight fiscal times. Austin Hake said
Columbia should set the standard and buy "green" power, as long as it is
not "incredibly expensive."