Huffing ordinance passes first filing

[LaurenG]

Tuesday, August 16, 2011
By Gabe Licht, Daily Reporter Staff

Following a Public Safety Committee meeting in which Spencer Police Chief Mark Lawson talked about the issue of huffing in the city, members of Spencer City Council voted 6-1 in favor of an ordinance designating the practice of inhaling various fumes to get high as a criminal offense.

Councilman Ron Hanson was the lone "no" vote.

"I'm just not real comfortable yet," Hanson said during the council meeting. "We got a little more information tonight and I still have to look at some of the options there."

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"We should have our own ordinance on the books so we can assist these parents in finding a way to resolve these issues for these kids," Lawson said. "Ron is right: This ordinance by itself is not going to totally stop this. This is one step in that measure to give assistance to these kids and families. If we have nothing, like we do now, then we have to shake our heads and say, 'Sorry, there's nothing we can do.' ... It's not a cure-all. It's not a magic wand. But, it's the first step."

http://www.spencerdailyreporter.com/story/1753377.html

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I have some knowledge of this little town with a population of 11,233 or so people. I spent a few summers here many years ago. As I read through this page I noticed how differently the city council deals with town issues compared with large cities. When I saw the way they are dealing with their youth I was impressed. Anyway I thought it was interesting to see how small towns tackle their problems.