The ordinance has sparked criticism for contradicting Pennsylvania state law. It is set to go into effect 30 days after its June 11th adoption.
At Tuesday’s city council meeting, Easton officials passed a new ordinance with a 4-3 vote that would treat possession of a small amount of marijuana as a summary offense rather than a misdemeanor. Such an offense would not appear on the individual’s criminal record.
Council members Taiba Sultana, Crystal Rose, James Edinger, and Frank Pintabone voted in favor of the ordinance.
Mayor Sal Panto Jr., Vice Mayor Ken Brown, and Councilman Roger Ruggles voted against it due to its contradiction of state law.
Councilman Frank Pintabone brought forth the ordinance. He said it would make the punishment for such an offense fair and equitable, and it would not prevent individuals from housing or employment opportunities.
The ordinance includes a fine of $25 for the first offense, $35 for the second offense, and $45 for the third offense. These fines are in place for possession of marijuana.
Should an individual be caught smoking marijuana, the fines go up to $150 for the first offense, $250 for the second offense, and $300 for the third offense. Following the third offense, the case would move up to the Northampton County Court.
Current law in Pennsylvania says individuals will be charged with a misdemeanor if found to be in possession of a small amount of marijuana. Upon conviction, the penalty is a fine of up to $500 and 30 days in jail. This conviction would appear on the individual’s criminal record.
The city council first took up the ordinance in March, but it failed to pass with a 3-3 vote. Sultana abstained.
Community members attended Tuesday’s city council meeting to speak in support or opposition of the ordinance.
Chief Carl Scalzo Jr. of Easton’s Police Department spoke against the ordinance because it contradicts state law and would create confusion in the police department.
“I’m not trying to rain on everybody’s parade. I’m just trying to explain, from my experience, what I think is the best thing for the city,” Scalzo said.
Other people that spoke at the meeting cited concerns over justice for specific groups. “This conversation is not about personal use; it’s about justice and it’s about equity. It’s about how our systems affect the lives of our residents, especially young people and communities of color,” said resident Brad Scott.
The ordinance is set to take effect 30 days after its adoption on June 11th.
