Voters approve pot and taxes, reject dog racing

On November 5, 2008, in Uncategorized, by The News Staff

On Election Day, voter lines in Ward C stretched up College Avenue and around the block.

By George P. Hassett

According
to early returns on the statewide ballot questions, Massachusetts
voters chose to decriminalize marijuana, keep the state income tax and
end dog racing by 2010.

Question 1 would have repealed the state
income tax by 2010. It was roundly rejected by voters by a margin about
40 points, according to early returns.

If Question 2 does pass
as early returns suggest, adults caught with one ounce or less of
marijuana would face civil penalties roughly equal to parking tickets
instead of facing criminal charges. Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and
Police Chief Anthony Holloway urged voters to reject the measure.

If
Question 3 passes as early returns suggest, dog racing will be finished
in Massachusetts by 2010. The measure will mean the loss of 1,100 jobs
at Raynham and Wonderland race tracks.