by Javier Manjarres

Miami Beach Mayoral candidate Steve Berke is ticked off that other Miami politicos are pushing for a referndum on legalizing marijuana in a costly special election next year rather than putting the measure on the ballot this year.

Here is the Berke campaign’s statement:

Advocates for the petition submitted 9,000 voter signatures to put the matter on the ballot – more than the turn-out for some City elections. Only 4,300 signatures are required. Berke addressed the City Commission in favor of the Measure yesterday.

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“A special election next year will cost the city at least $200,000,” said Berke, “adding it to the ballot this November would cost virtually nothing.” “Mayor Matti Bower and her high-tax cohorts fear an influx of younger and more progressive voters who would be drawn to the polls by a marijuana initiative.”

Bower is acting in her self-interest, not in the interests of the 9,000 constituents who penned their support for the petition.

“Why are these politicians postponing the vote until next year so they can win re-election,” said Berke. “Why do they fear democracy?” By not taking the initiative and putting this issue on the ballot, they are going to cost this city a fortune.”

“Once again Bower misses the boat,” said Berke. “We have seen other cities, such asDenver,Seattle, and most recentlyPhiladelphia, successfully decriminalize marijuana, and it has saved their taxpayers millions. In a time where our city is faced with a huge deficit, one that Matti Bower has created, supporting this measure will not only provide relief to our taxpayers, but will also allow our police force to focus on more serious crimes.”