MARQUETTE, MI-- U.P. law enforcement officials joined groups across the state Wednesday in opposing the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Marquette County Prosecutor Matt Wiese issued the following press release:
"The attached list of UP law enforcement officials oppose recreational marijuana in Michigan.
"Across the State of Michigan today Prosecutors, law enforcement officials, business persons, medical professionals, educators, faith-based individuals and other citizens are participating in regional press conferences to publicly tell the citizens of our great state that recreational marijuana is simply bad for Michigan.
"We need only look to states such as Colorado to see that recreational marijuana just does not make sense for our state. As outlined in our attached impact statement, its effect is negative and it is significant. It will compromise our children, safety on Michigan roadways, the quality and productivity of our workplaces and even our healthcare system. Please see the attached one page overview of what has happened in other states for reference.
"Of the handful of states that have passed recreational marijuana, the standard allowance is 1 ounce. The ill-advised Michigan ballot initiative allows for 10 times that amount. Michigan would become highest in the nation and an unfortunate enticement to many.
"Recreational marijuana is not for Michigan. No state in the Midwest has passed recreational marijuana.
"After Ohio voters learned what recreational marijuana was all about, they soundly defeated it.
"2015 Ohio No: 63.65% Yes 36.35%
"In 2015, the citizens of Arizona also rejected recreational marijuana. We are confident that the citizens of the State of Michigan will do the same. Passage of this recreational marijuana proposal would negatively change our state forever.
"Recreational Marijuana is bad for Michigan.
"Vote no on Tuesday, November 6."
Matt Wiese, Marquette County Prosecuting Attorney
Greg Zyburt Marquette County Sheriff
Pete Matonich Gogebic County Sheriff
Brian McLean Houghton County Sheriff
John Cischke Luce County Sheriff
Mark Valesano Iron County Sheriff
Mike Bitnar Chippewa County Sheriff
Dale Rantala Ontonagon County Sheriff
Rick Johnson Baraga County Sheriff
Ed Oswald Delta County Sheriff
Scott Strait Mackinac County Sheriff
Kenny Marks Menominee County Sheriff
Todd Brock Alger County Sheriff
Blake Rieboldt, Chief Marquette City Police Department
Steve Snowaert, Chief Ishpeming City Police Department
Jay Frusti, Chief Negaunee City Police Department
Scott Jennings, Chief Chocolay Township Police Department
Gordie Warchock, Chief Forsyth Township Police Department
Joshua Freed Luce County Prosecuting Attorney
Melissa Powell Iron County Prosecuting Attorney
Karen Bahrman Alger County Prosecuting Attorney
Lisa Richards Dickinson County Prosecuting Attorney
Nick Jacobs Gogebic County Prosecuting Attorney
Matt Wiese Marquette County Prosecuting Attorney
