Mansfield Voters Narrowly OK Fine for Smoking Pot
Matt Kakley, Sun Chronicle Staff
June 18, 2009
The Sun Chronicle (Attleboro, MA)
Selectmen, police department backed ordinance
MANSFIELD — In a close vote, town meeting voters approved an ordinance Tuesday night that will create a $300 fine for anyone caught smoking marijuana in public.
In one of the more controversial items on the agenda, residents narrowly approved the ordinance, which was sponsored by selectmen and supported by the police department.
The department said the amendment would give them more tools in controlling the use of illegal substances, while some voters said the town should follow the will of state voters, who decriminalized the possession of less than an ounce of marijuana last year.
Voters also rejected two articles proposed by Town Moderator Robert Saquet which would have changed the way town meeting articles are organized and reconsidered.
Residents adopted a motor vehicle excise tax exemption for active-duty military personnel. Beginning in January, any person serving 45 days of active service outside the country will be exempt from paying the excise tax on one motor vehicle registered in their name. | 
