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First Ward group looks into recalling its councilwoman

marijuana
LancerenoK
/
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A proposed ordinance to decriminalize the growth of up to two marijuana plants for adults 21 and over was voted down by the Columbia City Council.

Some citizens of Columbia's first ward are looking to recall their recently elected council member, Ginny Chadwick. She was the swing vote on a proposed ordinance that would have decriminalized the cultivation of up to two marijuana plants for adults 21 and older.  The vote failed 4-3 at the city council meeting on Monday night.  Some first ward voters are organizing a petition to recall the councilwoman who they say went back on her word.  Eapen Thampy is an activist in favor of recalling Chadwick.  He says Chadwick has lost the trust of the voters. 

"We made sure we went to several forums and had, facilitated constituent contacts in terms of making sure we knew where she stood on the issue.  Sure enough, publically in a couple forums and privately to specific people, that she would support such an ordinance.

Chadwick seemed to voice that support on her campaign during an NAACP forum in March.  "I think as the City of Columbia, we are innovators and initiators in many things coming to our state, and we are in a great position to support something other states are taking initiative to support," Chadwick said when asked about the proposed ordinance. 

Thampy says the group hoping for the recall should have enough support to reach the 249 signatures the petition would need in order to subject Chadwick to a recall election.  Chadwick was unavailable for comment until later in the week.

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