HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 2a: Resolution 6747 Opposing Proposition 19: The Initiative to Legalize Marijuana in CaliforniaDATE: October 5, 2010
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Don Penman, City Manager''
BACKGROUND
DISCUSSION
RECOMMENDATION
STAFF REPORT
Office of the City Manager
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION NO. 6747 OPPOSING
PROPOSITION 19: THE INITIATIVE TO LEGALIZE MARIJUANA
CALIFORNIA
Recommendation: Adopt
An initiative has been placed on the November Statewide ballot which would legalize
marijuana in California. Many concerns have been raised about the impacts of passage
of this measure in the State. While the City typically does not take positions on
Statewide initiatives, staff believes this particular measure has such significant
implications that we are recommending that the Council adopt the attached resolution in
opposition to this measure.
Upon reviewing the contents of Proposition 19, the statewide initiative to legalize
marijuana in California, staff has many concerns regarding its impacts both from a
business as well as law enforcement standpoint. With over 300 full time employees and
100 part time staff at various times, there is great certain that this measure will allow
City employees to utilize marijuana and how this may impact them in the workplace.
The City sees significant liability in this situation. Staff also believes that the public
safety is at risk due to "drugged" drivers on the roadway.
Proposition 19 is opposed by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, California Bus
Association, California District Attorney's Association, the California Police Chiefs
Association and the California Chamber of Commerce.
It is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution 6747, A Resolution of
the City Council of the City of Arcadia, California, opposing Proposition 19: The
Initiative to Legalize Marijuana in California.
RESOLUTION NO. 6747
A RESOLTUION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, OPPOSING PROPOSITION 19:
THE INITIATIVE TO LEGALIZE MARIJUANA IN CALIFORNIA
WHEREAS, Proposition 19 will prevent private and public employees from
complying with federal drug -free workplace rules, resulting in the loss of millions of
dollars in federal contracts for California businesses, as well as the loss of federal
research grants by California colleges and universities; and
WHEREAS, Proposition 19 prevents employers from taking any disciplinary
action against employees who come to work under the influence of marijuana; and
WHEREAS, Proposition 19 allows commercial truck drivers, public transportation
operators, doctors, nurses, heavy equipment operators, bus drivers, police officers, and
others upon whom the safety of the public depends, to be under the influence of
marijuana while performing their jobs; and
WHEREAS, provisions of Proposition 19 will threaten public safety and endanger
thousands of innocent Californians through increased "drugged driving "; and
WHEREAS, Proposition 19 is opposed by Mothers Against Drunk Driving,
California Bus Association, California District Attorneys Association, the California
Police Chiefs Association and the California Chamber of Commerce.
NOW, THEREFRE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA,
CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY FIND, DETERMINE AND RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City Council of the City of Arcadia opposes Proposition 19, the
ballot measure to legalize marijuana in California on the November ballot.
1
ATTEST:
City Clerk
SECTION 2. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution.
Passed, approved and adopted this
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Stephen P. Deitsch
City Attorney
2
day of , 2010.
Mayor of the City of Arcadia