statistics represent a major accomplishment, the staggering increase in
arrests of non-violent marijuana offenders truly represents governmental
waste at its worst," Leighton said.  "Such arrests cost the city millions of
dollars in police time and court processing costs.  They do nothing to
protect public health or safety."
        The 46-year-old Leighton is a longtime New York City resident who
twice ran unsuccessfully for Congress as a Green Party independent
candidate.  Leighton supporters gathered over 5,000 signatures to place him
on the ballot for the upcoming city election.
        For more information, please contact Thomas Leighton @ (212)
370-1835 or Aaron Wilson of Partnership for Responsible Drug Information
(PRDI) @ (212) 362-1964.
                                    -END-
  MORE THAN 10 MILLION MARIJUANA ARRESTS SINCE 1965 . . . ANOTHER EVERY 49
                                  SECONDS!
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