SHAMOKIN - With the City of Philadelphia making moves towards decriminalizing marijuana, the leaders of Northumberland County's two cities were asked to weigh in on whether local residents might ever see similar ordinances.
Shamokin Mayor William D. Milbrand said he was unsure if Shamokin could pass a law decriminalizing marijuana use, but said it would not be something he would pursue.
"I would probably not support it at this time," said Milbrand.
Sunbury Mayor David Persing agreed.
"I would have a tough time supporting that," said Persing. "I just believe this leads to heavier use of other (drugs)."
Persing said he didn't think such an law could be mandated in Sunbury, bringing up an issue raised when Colorado legalized marijuana earlier this year.
"You still have the situation where it's a federal crime," said Persing. "I wouldn't think that I would have, or city council would have, the authority to pass such an ordinance."