• ACTIVISM & OP-ED
    • DECRIMINALIZE NORFOLK
    • NFK Voter Turnout Project
      • What is the Norfolk Voter Turnout Project?
      • Pledge To Vote
      • Committed Voters & Teams
      • Voter Info: Where, When, What You Need to Bring
      • The Races & Candidates
      • What the City of Norfolk Does (Why This Matters)
    • CYCLING & MASS TRANSIT
  • HR NEWS
    • SOUTHSIDE
    • PENINSULA
  • 757 LOCAL BIZ
  • ARTS
    • FOOD
    • MUSIC
    • THEATRE
    • VISUAL ARTS
  • NEON DISTRICT
  • LOCAL GUIDES
    • REASONS TO LEAVE YOUR HOUSE
  • CONTACT
    • ADVERTISE
    • CONTRIBUTE
    • FEEDBACK
  • NFK YOGA MONTH
  • MENTALLY HEALTHY NORFOLK

AltDaily

Hampton Roads' source for creative culture, intelligent commentary and pressing news

You’re Invited: Stop By Norfolk City Council to Lobby for Marijuana Reform

October 8, 2016 By Jesse Scaccia

At some point in the next two weeks or so the Norfolk City Council will decide on its legislative agenda for the 2017 session in Richmond.

It is our hope that they include marijuana reform, as suggested by Councilman Paul Riddick.

marijuana-1114713_960_720

It is critical that our elected officials know that this is the will of their constituency. A letter writing campaign has been ongoing, but face-to-face testimonials are also vital.

We will speak in favor of marijuana decriminalization — and Norfolk’s leadership on this issue — at the City Council meeting this Tuesday, October 11th.

14202758_1776412765974000_1732545043826628798_nThe meeting starts at 7pm. Please get there at least 15 minutes early to sign your name to the speaker sheet. While formal attire is not required, I encourage you to dress in a way that reflects the seriousness of this important social justice issue of our time.

City Council meetings take place on the 11th floor of City Hall, which is located at 810 Union Street. There is an adjacent parking garage, and plenty of parking downtown, which is just a few blocks away.

For some relevant statistics, quotes from experts, and background, I encourage you to check out a column I have written on the subject for the Virginian-Pilot, NFK Dreams: Decriminalize marijuana in Norfolk & Virginia. This article is also handy: 7 Talking Points for Supporters of Marijuana Decriminalization in Norfolk and Virginia.

Also, check out the story Wavy did regarding our Decriminalize Norfolk meeting at Slover Library last week. Note the poll results at the end: at this moment of my typing an overwhelming 93.75% of 1,471 vote-casters believe that Norfolk should decriminalize marijuana. As much as an online poll can be a mandate for reform, this one might be.

This movement is growing. Your actions will play an essential role in reforming the current hypocritical, functionally racist, and family-destroying marijuana laws in the Commonwealth.

To stay in tune with the action, here is Decriminalize Norfolk on Facebook.

Let your voice be heard in Norfolk. Email your City Council members: mayor@norfolk.gov, theresa.whibley@norfolk.gov, mamie.johnson@norfolk.gov, martin.thomas@norfolk.gov, paul.riddick@norfolk.gov, thomas.smigiel@norfolk.gov, andria.mcclellan@norfolk.gov, angelia.williams@norfolk.gov; and the city manager, marcus.jones@norfolk.gov.

Facebook Comments

comments

You may also like

  • Candidate Op-ed: Education is the Vision for Success in NorfolkCandidate Op-ed: Education is the Vision for Success in Norfolk
  • This Monday: Decriminalize Norfolk Public Meeting & Letter WritingThis Monday: Decriminalize Norfolk Public Meeting & Letter Writing
  • Big Wins for the Marijuana Movement in Virginia This YearBig Wins for the Marijuana Movement in Virginia This Year
  • Marijuana Policy Changes Could Be on the Way in Virginia this YearMarijuana Policy Changes Could Be on the Way in Virginia this Year
  • Norfolk Weighs Next Steps on Marijuana Decrim IssueNorfolk Weighs Next Steps on Marijuana Decrim Issue
  • Decriminalize Norfolk to Host Advocacy Bootcamp TomorrowDecriminalize Norfolk to Host Advocacy Bootcamp Tomorrow
Jesse Scaccia
Jesse Scaccia
Jesse was formerly the editor of AltDaily.com and a columnist for the Norfolk Compass & PilotOnline. His work has been published on the pages of The New York Times and on televisions everywhere through his time as a documentary producer with B.E.T.

Jesse often writes about the causes he believes in, including public art, public education, improved mental health care and awareness, the NEON District, government transparency, civic engagement, the decriminalization of marijuana, alternative transportation, and supporting local businesses and culture.

In a former life Jesse was a public school teacher in Brooklyn and San Diego, and a mentor at a home for young men in Cape Town, South Africa. He is a devoted yogi, Knicks fan, live music lover, and road tripper.

To reach this writer, email jesse -at- altdaily.com.

Filed Under: ACTIVISM, HOME PAGE FEATURED, HOME PAGE SLIDER Tagged With: Decriminalize Norfolk, marijuana reform Virginia, Norfolk City Council

Search AltDaily

Follow us on Facebook

Facebook

Visit Our Sister Sites

PilotOnline
Coast OBX
VA Growler
NC Coast
MilitaryNews.com
Distinction
Inside Business
Tidewater Parent
Vow Bride

Copyright © 2019 · Pilot Media · 150 W Brambleton Ave., Norfolk, VA 23510

Terms of Service · Privacy Policy