Sign Marijuana & Land Bank Renewal Petitions at League of Women Voters Meeting Today

Local League  President to attend meeting at Outlook Inn at 5 p.m.

Ann Jarrell, the President of the League of Women Voters(LWV)  of the the San Juans will speak at  the Orcas Contingent of the League this afternoon ,  at the Outlook Inn. Jarrell will speak to the gathering about the League process for issuing recommendations regarding voter issues. Jarrell emphasizes that study and a consensus process precede official LWV positions on political issues, both at local and national LWV levels.

Two petitions of interest to Orcas Island voters will be available for signatures at the meeting: Initiative 1149  “The Marijuana Reform Act to End Criminal Penalties for Adults” and “The Renew Our Land Bank Petition.”

Both petitions are to get voter approval to put the measure on the November 2011 ballot.

The initiative measure concerning the ballot measure marijuana states in part:

“This measure would remove state civil and criminal penalties for the cultivation, possession, transportation, sale or use of marijauna. It would create new criminal penalties for manufacture, delivery, sale or possession of marijuana by persons younger than 18 years old, and for adults who distribute marijuana to them.”

The San Juan County Land Bank is  collecting signatures to allow San Juan County voters to “Renew Our Land Bank” during the November, 2011 election. The petition drive for this citizen’s initiative will run through the end of July.

The Land Bank Petition reads:

“A Petition has been submitted regarding the time period for the conservation area real estate excise tax.  This measure would extend real estate excise tax paid by the purchaser, in the amount of one percent of the purchase price, for an additional 12 years, through December 5, 2026, to be used by the Land Bank for the acquisition and maintenance of conservation areas.  Should this measure be enacted into law?”

The signature drive is not voting for the renewal, it will only get the renewal measure on the ballot for a county wide vote this fall.

Dave Zoeller, Orcas Islander and member of the signature campaign, said the drive “guarantees the 1% real estate excise tax (paid by buyers of all property in San Juan County) as funding for another 12 years

Today’s LWV agenda also  includes:

1) LWV Membership drive — annual membership is $50, beginning June 1

2) Appearance at the July 2 parade and voter registration table/booth at the Orcas Island Historical Days Fair

3) Push for voter registration in advance of the November elections

4) Public access via videoconferencing at public meetings

The LWV Mission Statement reads: “The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.”

All are welcome to attend the meeting, and to join the League of Women Voters (Men over the age of 18 too!)

The Outlook Inn has generously provided the meeting space and beverages to the LWV Orcas contingent.