HomeMy WebLinkAboutEmail from Gordon Jones regarding the marijuana referendumSweeney, Kathleen
From: Gordon Jones Dones.gordon@sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2014 5:13 PM
To: Lois Miller
Cc: Wahl, Larry; BOS District 4; Bill Connelly; Teeter, Doug; Kirk, Maureen
Subject: Pot Referendum
Lois - (Mt.lda NWatch) Looks like the Pottie people were able to come up with enough valid
signatures. Hoping that the Board of Supervisors will put the referendum on the November ballot.
That would be the right thing to do! Time to wake up the voters of Butte County. Remember -- "Fool
me once, shame on you, Fool me twice, shame on me". Since the first referendum the huge and
widespread downside of the rampant abuse of the California Medical Marijuana legislation has
become fully apparent to most of us here in Butte County. Time now to put on the brakes even
further. Bottom line, our motivation must key to "Get Out the Vote".
In anticipation that the Board will put the referendum on the November ballot thinking that we first
need to see if we can round up a list of all the organizers of Neighborhood Watch Groups here in
Butte County. Need to get them on board. (I have copied Paula Felipe on this e-mail).
Also need to get on line with BSANE.org - Butte County Safe Access. Communicate with them, avoid
duplication of efforts, and certainly direct voters to their excellent site. Nothing like this existed
when we went through the first referendum.
Thinking that the press will oppose both the Pot Growers referendum and Merkels candidacy for a
seat on the Board of Supervisors. Expect a flurry of "Letters to the Editor" from both sides.
Since we have at least 6 months til the election thinking that we want to hold our water for about a
month, get a plan in place and do a brain dump. This is not your typical political issue. We will not be
dealing with rational or benign opponents. Intimidation is part of the Pottie game plan - inherent in
their makeup. That was quite evident to those of us who attended public meetings on this issue. Most
on our side are aware of this and there is a reluctance factor here because of that. Will have to do our
homework on Fair Political Practices issues -- good and appropriate rules, but not designed to deal
with type of adversarial climate that we have here. Also need to think about opposition arguments on
the ballot.
Another critical happening to keep in mind is the apparent intent of Mr. Merkel to run for a seat on the
Board of Supervisors. His presence on our Board of Supervisors would be a huge embarrassment to
Butte County. So, we need to be sure to keep in mind the needs of Larry Wahl as he seeks re-
election in his district.
Finally, take a look on line at a newly released study by Northwestern University/Massachusetts
General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Finally some progress with scientific research - long
past due - to be published today in Journal of Neuroscience. Casual marijuana use linked with brain
abnormalities in students". Most of us who grew up in the 60's were aware intuitively that this was the
case -- saw too many smart and brilliant classmates drop out -- fried their brains -- amotivation -- sad
deal. Hope it get full play in our local papers.
Enough for now. Hope you got the package I left for you at Kens office. Take care.
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