SHERIFF ROMERO OPPOSED TO QUESTION 9

Supporters of Question 9 on the November ballot won't find any support from
the White Pine County Sheriff's Office.

Earlier this week Nevada Conference of Police and Sheriffs President Andy
Anderson said the NCOPS nine-member board had voted unanimously to support
the ballot question, which would change Nevada's Constitution, allowing
adults to possess up to three ounces of marijuana legally.

Since Anderson's announcement, NCOPS board members and other police
organizations, have denounced the alleged endorsement (see adjacent story).

But there's no confusion at the White Pine County Sheriff's Office.

"We definitely don't support it," Sheriff Bernie Romero told the Times
yesterday. "The sheriffs and chiefs (of police) don't support it... and I
don't support it."

Nevadans for Responsible Law Enforcement, actually a national group that
started the ballot initiative, claims legalizing marijuana would allow the
police to put more of their resources into fighting serious crimes.

But Romero said since Nevada reduced possession of one ounce or less of
marijuana to a misdemeanor last October, there have been few cases. The
citation is handled like a traffic ticket now. Those charged are either
fined or forfeit their bail.

Romero said he believes that legalizing marijuana would lead to more cases:
driving under the influence, sales, under-aged smokers or smoking in public.

And if it becomes legal, "that's just going to lead to something else,"
Romero added.