Burke Has Questions About Tickets for Pot Plan

Ald. Ed Burke said Monday he needs more information before he gets behind a plan to offer cops the option of writing tickets for those found with small amounts of marijuana.

"If you run across somebody that's violating the law and you want to write them a ticket as opposed to taking them into custody, and that person has no identification, how do you write the ticket?" the 14th Ward alderman asked after a speech at the City Club of Chicago, according to the Chicago Tribune.

"Do you believe what the person says, 'My name is Joe Blow,' or 'My name is George Washington,' and he’s got no identification to back that up? How do you then guarantee that that person is going to show up for the administrative hearing?”

Mayor Rahm Emanuel last week endorsed the plan to fine pot smokers $100 to $500 instead of arresting them. Ald. Danny Solis introduced the plan last fall and it's now up to the City Council to have its say.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has long endorsed a change to the area's pot policies. Police Supt. Garry McCarthy has been more tepid to the idea.

The mayor said the move would free up police resources and save the city about a million bucks.

Contact Us