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YORKTOWN, N.Y. -- An Albany newspaper is asking Assembly member Steve Katz (R,C,I-Yorktown) to announce his support for medical marijuana.
The editorial staff of the Albany Times Union recently wrote a letter to Katz following his arrest last Thursday when he was pulled over for allegedly speeding on Interstate 87 in the Town of Coeymans and later charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Katz most recently opposed a New York bill that would legalize medical marijuana.
Katz was given a ticket to appear in the Town of Coeymans Court on March 28. Katz released a statement Friday in response to the arrest.
“First, I will not let this incident impede my public service and my calls for real mandate relief, a better economic climate and better services for those in need in New York,” he said in the statement. “This should not overshadow the work I have done over the years for the public and my constituency. I am confident that once the facts are presented that this will quickly be put to rest.”
Katz was elected to represent the 99th Assembly District in November 2010. His newly drawn district includes Yorktown and Somers, as well as parts of Putnam County. For 21 years, Katz has been a veterinarian in private practice, while maintaining a residence in Yorktown with his wife Nicole and their four daughters, according to the Assembly member's biography.
Katz also serves as a member of the Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, the Committee on Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry, the Committee on Higher Education, the Committee on Housing and the Committee on Mental Health, according to his biography.
Comments (2)
The term " medical Marijuana" is a hoax! Have you seen the abuse of the term in California? Got a hang nail, medical Marijuana. Got a headache, medical Marijuana. The abuses are rampant. The long term use of marijuana is not good for your overall health. Have any doubt about it, ask some of your friends that smoke it.
One of the greatest hoaxes in history has been to convince the Republicans that marijuana prohibition is a conservative ideal
Marijuana prohbition is a big government program that infringes on individual freedom and liberty. It represents the big government nanny state that clearly belongs with the liberals, yet somehow has been shoved next to the activists who are pushing for gay marriage.
The leading Democratic contender for president in 2016, Hillary Clinton, is a hard core marijuana prohbitionist. Katz should use his arrogance to take on the hoax and put marijuana prohibition on the Democrat's side.