Texans for Responsible Marijuana Policy is mobilizing activists throughout Texas in an effort to inject marijuana policy debate into 2016 state legislative races
DALLAS — Local marijuana policy reform advocates, including an active-duty Dallas police officer, will gather Saturday for an advocacy training event at the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce in Tyler.
The event, hosted by Texans for Responsible Marijuana Policy, is the fourth in a series of events being held around the state as part of an effort to inject the marijuana policy debate into 2016 state legislative races. Regional events are also scheduled for Houston on December 12, Amarillo on January 9, and Lubbock on January 10.
The featured speaker at Saturday’s event will be Nick Novello, an officer with the Dallas Police Department and member of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP). Members of the media are invited to listen to his presentation at 3:30 p.m. CT, and he will be available for interviews immediately after.
“I work toward marijuana legalization because, as an active police officer, I have an obligation to improve public safety and protect my community,” Officer Novello said. “Regulation and education will focus police resources on more important crimes and make the drug more difficult for children to get. By every measure, marijuana prohibition has failed. Safer communities are within reach.”
Joining Officer Novello will be Michael Bullock, legislative director for State Rep. David Simpson, who will offer tips on meeting with lawmakers to discuss marijuana policy reform. Rep. Simpson is currently facing off with Rep. Bryan Hughes in the Republican primary race for Texas Senate District 1, which encompasses Tyler. Earlier this year, both representatives were co-authors of a bill to remove the threat of arrest, jail time, and a criminal record for simple marijuana possession.
WHAT: Regional gathering of marijuana policy reform advocates — including an active-duty Dallas police officer — who will be working to inject the marijuana policy debate into 2016 state legislative races
WHEN: Saturday, December 5; featured speaker at approximately 3:30 p.m. CT, media availability immediately following
WHERE: Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce, 315 Broadway Ave. #100, Tyler
WHO: Officer Nick Novello, Dallas Police Department
Michael Bullock, legislative director for State Rep. David Simpson
Representatives from Texans for Responsible Marijuana Policy
Local volunteer advocates
