October 26, 2014 At the recent debate with the two candidates for state representative from the 1st Barnstable District, the moderator asked a yes/no question: Should marijuana be legalized? Tim Whelan answered no; Elisa Zawadzkas answered yes. I disagree with Ms. Zawadzkas position. Given the continually reported problems with addiction on Cape Cod in general, and the 1st Barnstable District specifically, I question candidate Zawadzkas commitment to helping curtail addiction problems. Marijuana can be a gateway drug for so many young people on the unfortunate path to addiction. I have spoken with Whelan of my concerns. He explained that in his decades of service as a state trooper he learned that drugged-driving laws in Massachusetts are nearly unenforceable. Additionally, full legalization of marijuana will likely lead to more loss of life in DWI drug crashes. I am deeply concerned. Ms. Zawadzkas conviction and support for the legalization of marijuana doesnt seem to march in the direction of improving public safety by any measure. More experienced representation in the Statehouse is clearly whats needed here. A vote for Tim Whelan on Nov. 4 will be a vote for someone who has the benefit and firsthand experience to improve our public safety. Linda Bond South Yarmouth
Posted on: Sun, 26 Oct 2014 13:50:52 +0000