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Karlin to Garza: Why Wait?
Galesburg Mayor Sal Garza claims he's just trying to make a good thing better.

"This is an opportunity to strengthen the ordinance. People have become divided on...either you're supporting it or not supporting it. This is all part of the process."

That's Garza explaining why he's vetoing the ordinance passed Monday night that would make an ordinance violation a possible sanction for possessing two-and-a-half grams of pot or less, instead of state charges, depending on the circumstances.

Garza claims not enough attention was given to helping young adults who might end up getting ticketed.

But the ordinance's creator -- 7th Ward Alderman Jeremy Karlin -- tells WGIL he wonders what kept the mayor from making up his mind.

"It's unfortunate that the mayor waits until this moment to weigh in to the debate," Karlin said. "In my mind's eye, he could have exercised a little more leadership on this, and this seemingly...it wastes our time."

The mayor even formed a working group on the matter, and Karlin claims Garza said nothing then.

Garza says he didn't really decide that he'd need to reserve his right to vote until the council vote came up four-three. But he also says youth sanctions was an issue he wanted to make sure was taken care of from the start.

The veto will be introduced August 20th, and discussed in September.
08 10 12 by Newsroom
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