Pot initiative leader challenges drug czar

By Emily Richmond (contact)

Thursday, Sept. 19, 2002 | 11:07 a.m.

The leader of Nevada's ballot initiative to legalize marijuana challenged the nation's drug czar to a debate Wednesday, and even offered to pay for a plane ticket for John Walters, the director of the White House's Office of National Drug Control Policy.

Billy Rogers, spokesman for Nevadans for Responsible Law Enforcement, said Wednesday he was dismayed to learn Walters' trip to Las Vegas would be paid for with taxpayer dollars. Rogers offered to front Walters the cost of a round-trip airline ticket, provided it was an economy class seat.

"It's outrageous that a federal official would spend public funds to come here and tell citizens how to vote," Rogers said. "(Walters) is coming to the wrong state. Nevadans don't look kindly on government types telling them how to live their lives."

Walters is planning to visit Nevada Oct. 10, and will likely talk with law enforcement officials and visit treatment centers, said spokeswoman Jennifer de Vallance.

Walters' itinerary is being planned now, and Rogers was welcome to send a formal invitation to a debate with possible times, locations and formats, de Vallance said.

"We would certainly take a look at it," de Vallance said.

As for the offer of a plane ticket, it's against federal regulations for employees to accept gifts worth more than $20, de Vallance said. Additionally, Walters' visit is part of a West Coast tour that includes other states besides Nevada, his spokeswoman said.

"For legal and safety reasons, we prefer to handle our own transportation," de Vallance said.

Walters visited Nevada this summer to speak out against the ballot initiative. His office has also launched an aggressive campaign targeting marijuana use, calling it a potent, addictive drug that often serves as a gateway to high-risk behavior.

Rogers left his job as state director of the Washington, D.C.-based Marijuana Policy Project to head the Nevada coalition. The group garnered 109,048 signatures to place the question on the ballot, well over the 61,336 required by the secretary of state's office. The Washington organization has provided substantial support to the initiative, Rogers said.

If approved by Nevada voters in November and again in 2004, Question 9 would amend the state constitution to legalize possession of up to 3 ounces of marijuana by adults at least 21 years of age.