To: The Mayor of Charlottesville and Charlottesville City Council
Charlottesville City Council: Pass a resolution against the War on Drugs!
The War on Drugs, and specifically Marijuana, has caused more problems than it has created, and local government must address the issue. In this time of near crisis, our nation, our state, and and our city cannot afford to continue wasting resources arresting, prosecuting, and imprisoning citizens for marijuana crimes.
Please support and pass the resolution that will be presented to you at the April 2 Charlottesville City Council meeting.
Why is this important?
In February, a couple of statements were read to Charlottesville City Council asking them to establish an ordinance that will allow the police to charge citizens found with marijuana to be charged with a minor, local ordinance violation instead of a Virginia criminal charge.
The council said they would not be able to establish such an ordinance. Unlike some states, Virginia has a law called the Dillon's Rule, which prevents localities from passing ordinances that intend to work around state law. However, four of the five council members expressed disappointment in Virginia's drug policy and showed some willingness to support a change of that policy.
A resolution opposing the War on Drugs will be presented at the April 2nd Charlottesville City Council meeting. It says that the War on Drugs, and specifically marijuana, has not been working. It also declares that marijuana violations should be Charlottesville's "lowest law enforcement priority" and it petitions the Virginia General Assembly and the governor to consider state-wide legislation that supports reforming marijuana laws and penalties.
The resolution is constantly evolving, and may be modified by the council. You can read the most recent form of the resolution here.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Charlottesville-Residents-for-the-Decriminalization-of-Marijuana/250207961726090