Winnebago County Board rejects advisory referendum on marijuana legalization
The Winnebago County Board narrowly decided voters will not be able to express their opinions on marijuana legalization this November.
Supervisor Brian Defferding was one of several board member to introduce the resolution for a referendum, which would ask voters how they feel about legalization.
An advisory referendum is not legally binding. It’s meant to send a message to lawmakers.
“It states simply put, cannabis should A, be legal and decriminalized and taxed and regulated similarly to alcohol. Or B, legal for medical purposes only, C, still punishable under current law, or D, none of the above,” Defferding told FOX 11.
After debate, 18 supervisors voted against the referendum, and 16 in favor.
“Drug use of any kind, and alcohol use of any kind does not usually make people’s lives better. It’s kind of a slippery slope. We start doing one type of drug, we do another type of drug. Alcohol is the same way. Have a little bit, sometimes people get carried away with it,” Supervisor Michael Brunn said.
“We’ve been fighting this war on drugs for almost 100 years, and we’re not winning it. We need to concentrate on hard, addictive substances like opioids and stop filling our jails and prisons and courts with those people who are possessing small amounts of marijuana for their own use,” Supervisor Karen Powers said.
NOTES:
After much discussion, motion by Supervisor Eisen and seconded by Supervisor Farrey to call for the question.
Vote to Call for Question: AYES: 18; NAYES: 16 – Konetzke, Ramos, Gabert, Binder, Schorse, Wingren, Norton,
Warnke, Schellenger, Powers, Locke, Finch, Youngquist, Rasmussen, Egan, and Ellis; ABSTAIN: 0; ABSENT: 2 –
Konrad and Gordon. FAILED. This vote required two-thirds of the membership to pass.
Vote on Resolution: AYES: 16 – Eisen, Ramos, Defferding, Lenz, Neuhoff, Spellman, Bolante,
Lautenschlager, Norton, Zellmer, Schellenger, Buck, Powers. Wise, Farrey and Snider; NAYES: 18; ABSENT: 2 –
Konrad and Gordon. LOST
