UPDATE: I have seen some poorly thrown together pressers before, but this one took the cake. During the briefing which featured mostly TenHaken, he was asked about the monicker ‘Reject IM 27’ he said it isn’t a slogan just some materials that his PAC, Next Gen came up with. They also tried to link homelessness to Rec MJ legalization. If I wasn’t surrounded by Republicans I probably would have busted up laughing. Sheriff Milstead also went after a retired veteran and SFPO for supporting IM 27. I didn’t catch everything he said, but I think he questioned his mental state. I also enjoyed Maggie Sutton’s phone going off while in the middle of the presser. Several reporters asked questions, but I think one of the TV stations cameramen really went after them about why they are so opposed. Patrick Lalley with Sioux Falls Forum also asked PTH about his conflict if it passes and he has to implement policy. Paul pretty much said he would use the power of Home Rule Charter to limit access. This is pretty bold statement considering the city still has to follow state law and the council approves all ordinances. Lalley also asked Minnehaha County State’s Attorney, Dan Haggar about what the city and county are currently doing to combat illegal MJ use right now. There was a lot of stammering. A few days ago PTH posted a video on his FB page where he tricked his youngest daughter into believing MJ edibles were real candy to prove a point. Here’s the deal, potheads won’t be going to schools handing out edibles. Unfortunately polling for IM 27 has it a neck and neck race, and if SF doesn’t carry the measure, it won’t pass.
Leaders(?) will have a presser tomorrow to spread more baloney about the harmful effects of marijuana. The only thing IM 27 does is decriminalize possession of small amounts of recreational MJ for adult use. There is nothing in the measure that sets up dispensaries or a taxation system. That will be the job of the legislative ‘leaders’ to take that on if the measure passes. There is also NO exemption for use of the product under the age of 21 (just like tobacco and alcohol).
As mentioned by the chair and proponent of IM 27, if legalizing Rec MJ across the country (about 20 states) has been so harmful and detrimental, then why hasn’t any of these states repealed the legalization? It’s simple. Because the benefits of legal MJ for adults outweighs any issues that may arise from legalization.
The opponents are trying to make this about the kids, but it has nothing to do with kids, enforcement or taxation. If the leaders in this state really want to make a difference, they would climb aboard and find a logical way to regulate, sell and tax Rec MJ for the betterment of all.
I encourage anyone who supports IM 27 and know what the opponents are pushing is total BS to show up to the presser tomorrow and call them out on their stats. It’s time we publicly call them out on their games and the dark money funding their opposition campaign from the mayor’s PAC’s donors.
Ten years from now, a cannabis factory will be built in this town with the help of a TIF.
Ginormous misstep by the Mayor. Proud to cancel his vote.
The only way I’d vote NO by accident is really really stoned.
Steve, the opponents know that they need to have SF voters turn this down in order to win. So they recruited the chief endorser to put them over the top, and it may work. But, initiated measures are NOT candidates or people, they are issues, and it will be interesting to see if voters jump on the PTH band wagon. I agree, I think it is a bad look for him to come out against this and throw money at it, especially since it passed overwhelmingly last time in Sioux Falls. It also looks bad for the mayor of any municipality in SD to be openly opposed to this. If it passes, the city could be faced with opening dispensaries and receiving revenue from MJ sales. How will the mayor handle this if he is personally opposed. This guy wouldn’t know ethics if it hit him like a 100 pound bale of wet ditch weed.
Well, I just spotted for the first time a new Thune commercial involving all of the Thune women with the senator in the background like some kind of shadowy figure from some soap opera scene. But I was disappointed in the ending, however. They should have had one of the granddaughters look into the camera and say:….. “Don’t worry Grandpapa….. ‘They know what to do’…. “….. 😉
VSG
( and Woodstock adds: “Well, I would like to see a Thune commercial where all of the Thune women are at a city park on their hands and knees looking for some night crawler action”…. 🙂 )
I had to chuckle at this. The puppet master and his deep pocketed friends trying to act all moral while attempting to persuade voters. The next 10 days should prove interesting.
But, I get all my info here, and you guys are always wrong, so, I’m changing to NO
Good presser! Too bad so much Reefer Blindness is afflicting a number of supporters of IM27 that the harm is completely oblivious to them. Don’t normally bet but I’d say IM27 is going down in defeat. Besides SD already has recreational weed. It’s called Medical to fool voters.
Maybe the pain of defeat will then qualify everyone.