Tip McGuire campaign statements on marijuana laws
The marijuana questions keep coming from main stream media. In a report by The Journal Times entitled Assembly 64 Democratic candidates for Barca’s vacant seat debate issues, the marijuana issue came and a variety of answers came from the Democrats. One wants medicine taxed, one did not mention recreational and one goes all in. Be interesting to see which one wins and what they sponsor as a freshman legislator.
KENOSHA — Three Democratic candidates trying to succeed Peter Barca in Assembly District 64 squared off in their first and likely only forum on Wednesday before the April 2 primary. The winner will go on to face Republican Mark Stalker in a special general election on April 30.
Milwaukee County Assistant District Attorney Thaddeus “Tip” McGuire of Somers, community organizer Gina Walkington of Bristol and U.S. Air Force veteran and chauffeur Spencer Zimmerman of Janesville met on stage at the Gateway Technical College Kenosha campus.
Barca was appointed secretary of revenue by Gov. Tony Evers, so he stepped down, and Evers called a special election on April 30 to fill the vacant position.
Marijuana laws
As the Evers administration explores the outcomes of the legalization of medical or recreational marijuana, the candidates gave their opinions on how they view the controversial topic.
Zimmerman said the state should allow medical marijuana and be able to tax it.
“It’s estimated that the legalization of medical marijuana would bring in $130 million a year in additional tax revenue,” Zimmerman said. “And right now we need to look at different possibilities of additional revenue so we can balance our budget.”
McGuire said he does support medical marijuana, particularly as a way to combat the opioid crisis.
“I think marijuana has substantially less risk than some of those other drugs,” McGuire said. “I believe that any loosening of marijuana laws, however, has to be accompanied by an increase in drug recognition expert training in law enforcement.”
Walkington said she supports the legalization of medicinal marijuana “and beyond.”
“We have this option (medical marijuana) that is safer and more affordable (than prescription drugs); we should absolutely be taking a look at it,” Walkington said.
