Controversial Road Millage Defeated by Vote of 10,340 to 5,543

FERNDALE

Ferndale voters made the city the third in the state to legalize the
use of marijuana for medical reasons after approving a proposal
1,894-1,222 Tuesday.

The proposal would decriminalize the possession and use of marijuana
if prescribed by a doctor. Ferndale joins Ann Arbor and Detroit in
approving similar local laws.

Donal O'Leary, who led a coalition that promoted the initiative, said
voters "made a statement loud and clear that we do not want our
neighbors persecuted just for using the medicine that they and their
doctors both agree is right for them."

Ferndale Police Chief Mike Kitchen, who was unavailable Tuesday night,
has said he would disregard the law if passed, noting it is still
illegal under state and federal laws.

Ferndale voters also approved hiking the city mayor's pay for the
first time since 1927 by a razor-slim 1,554-1,543 margin. The mayor's
salary will rise to $8,142.24. Voters were less kind to council
members, however, denying them a raise to $5,428.16 by a 1,636-1,449
vote.

Finally, voters rejected a proposal to scrap the city's Police and
Fire Board 1,735-1,126.