Medicinal marijuana challenges commission

By JESSICA SIEFF / Niles Daily Star
Wednesday, July 1, 2009 8:59 AM EDT


Since the voters gave the green light to medicinal marijuana in the state of Michigan officials in every city, county and jurisdiction have been trying to figure out just how to uphold the law without opening the door to those who may want to break it.

Now, the Niles Housing Commission is facing another challenge stemming from the new law.

Recently an eviction notice was delivered to a resident of one of the commission's public housing units after it became apparent that the resident was growing marijuana on the premises.

The drug was being grown for medicinal purposes only - and when it comes to the city's recent ordinance and state law - follows all regulations.

But the housing unit is the property of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, subject to federal law, trumping the state's legislation.

Under the federal law, said the commission's new executive director Mary Ann Bush, "regardless of it being medicinal, it's considered criminal activity..."

Bush said a standard 14-day notice was delivered last week. In a recent news article, the resident, identified as Steve Allain expressed his reaction to the notice and his position on the situation, suffering from illness and struggling financially.

Still, should Allain refuse to leave his HUD sponsored home, Bush said "the legal process will be pursued."

The situation brings the new executive director into the spotlight. Bush started her position at the Housing Commission after the board interviewed multiple candidates for the past few months.*

Juan Ganum, a member of the board, which seems to be enjoying calmer waters after what was a tumultuous year, said the new director was "just an excellent candidate."

A resident of Portage, Ganum said Bush is self-employed in real estate and came to the commission with HUD experience.

"She has excellent communication skills," he said, adding that she "presented herself as a superior candidate."

The process of interviewing and finding a new director for the commission was done in a manner Ganum described as "unorthodox."

After final candidates were chosen, residents were able to observe in an open meeting, the board's interview of those candidates.

"I think the residents really appreciated (it)," he said. "Even though it was very unorthodox. We wanted to make the process as transparent as possible."

After a year that saw unrest within the commission and among the board itself, now Bush and Ganum said it some of the negativity has eased.

"It's been good," Bush said. "I used to work in Section Eight housing, so the concept is something I've been familiar with."

Since taking the position, Bush said that she and the staff have been plenty busy. A "major marketing piece" was recently completed and sent out, she said, in an effort to bring in new tenants. And renovations have also been taking place.

Bush said being present and visible as also helped in letting residents know someone is there working for them and she said she has found, "they're willing to support change if the change is positive."

As Allain's eviction comes closer and closer to its close - several questions remain about just what the outcome to the situation will be.

And - will it derail progress at the Niles Housing Commission?


http://www.nilesstar.com/articles/2009/07/01/news/ndnews1.txt