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Councilor Takes Heat For Pot-Issue Support
Felisa Cardona and George Merritt | Denver Post | 10/16/2006

A Denver City councilman who chairs the safety committee has angered police by saying he approves of a statewide initiative that would legalize small amounts of marijuana.

In a newsletter dated Fall 2006 that explains his views on each of the upcoming ballot initiatives, At-Large Councilman Doug Linkhart wrote that he will "probably vote for" Amendment 44 - which would legalize possession of an ounce of marijuana for those 21 and older.

"There is little evidence that marijuana use by adults has a negative impact on the broader community - and certainly not as many negative effects as alcohol," Linkhart wrote. "Let's spend our law enforcement dollars on more important matters."

Several Denver police and city officials said they were astounded by Linkhart's comments.

"We have an elected city official in charge of the Public Safety Committee condoning the use of an illegal substance, and the Police Department's role is to control the use of illegal substances," Denver Police Protective Association president Mike Mosco said. "We would hope that the chair of the Public Safety Committee would have a better understanding of what the police department does."

And Police Chief Gerry Whitman said Linkhart's view defies "common sense."

"What kind of example is this for your children?" he said.

Councilman Charlie Brown said he was disappointed. "It's shocking," he said. "Speaking as chairman of the Economic Development Committee, I can tell you that that is not the kind of business I want to attract to Denver."

Asked about the comments, Linkhart said the research he has done supports his decision. "I don't see the evil there," he said.

He noted the support a similar, but local, initiative won in Denver. "I don't think I'm alone on this," he said. "As far as I can tell, I represent the public."

Linkhart's newsletter included basic information on 16 state and local ballot questions. His recommendations for voting on the various initiatives ranged from "absolutely" on the domestic-partnership referendum to "no" on several.

For the marijuana amendment, his recommendation was "your choice."

A statement on the letter said it was paid for by Linkhart's political campaign - not taxpayers.

Proponents of Amendment 44 were pleased by Linkhart's comments.

"He is now the only councilman who is officially representing the people who elected him into office," said Mason Tvert, campaign director of Safer Alternative for Enjoyable Recreation. "Other elected officials could learn a thing or two on how we spend these city resources."

But Robert McGuire, a campaign coordinator for Save Our Society from Drugs, said: "It's reprehensible that someone in that position of authority would advocate for passing something like this."

Staff writer Felisa Cardona can be reached at 303-954-1219 or fcardona@denverpost.com.

 

troublemaker_42

No, we have an official who is in favor of removing marijuana from the list of illegal drugs. He isn't condoning use of an illegal drug....he is simply expressing his wish to hvae a sdrug that is now illegal becpome LEGAL. if its legal, its of no concern to the police. Yet another thinly veiled attempt to discredit anyone who supports legalization by painting them as a villian