Moorhead paraphernalia petition drive falls short

MOORHEAD, Minn. (AP) - Moorhead's ban on the sale of drug paraphernalia apparently will remain in effect for now.

City officials say organizers of a petition drive to force a referendum failed to gather enough valid signatures.

Mayor Mark Voxland tells KFGO-AM up to 1,200 of the signatures didn't come from registered Moorhead voters. More than 1,800 signatures were needed to make the petition valid.

Operators of three Moorhead shops that sell pipes organized the petition drive.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.

Discontent owner Tom Tepley, who helped organize the petition, says using police department volunteers to certify signatures tainted the process.

City Attorney John Shockley tells The Forum newspaper the signatures were reviewed in teams of two to preserve integrity.

The Moorhead ordinance makes it a misdemeanor to sell or possess any item law enforcement deems drug paraphernalia.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)