Opinion

Initiative 685

Lt. Gov. Owen calls it right

Lt. Gov. Brad Owen should be praised for his ethical and courageous stand
in speaking out against I-685, the legalization of drugs initiative.

Far too often, we criticize public officials for checking to see which way
the wind blows before taking a position. Lt. Gov. Owen took on this issue
early and has correctly held those accountable publicly for fraudulently
selling this issue as a medical use of marijuana.

Clearly, if I685 were to pass, heroin, LSD and almost all other
illegitimate drugs would become legal, plus nearly 300 inmates would be set
free.

Not to mention, it would make our existing drug laws unenforceable. If we
think crime is bad now, stand by.

The lieutenant governor is right to speak out against something that is not
in the public interest.

As police chief, I have learned to truly appreciate those in government who
do what is right for the public rather than what is popular. Lt. Gov. Owen
is one of those individuals and he makes me proud.

John H. Turner
Police Chief
Mountlake Terrace