Council honors volunteer Randy Novak; resident urges rethinking of the 'war on drugs'

At its meeting, the Arlington City Council recognized Randy Novak with the mayor’s volunteer award for his volunteer service to the city’s parks, downtown initiatives and community events.

An unidentified presenter praised Novak’s work as an Arlington Parks Commissioner and his involvement with the Main Street Committee and Downtown Arlington Business Association, as well as fundraising and volunteer support for community festivals and youth programs.

During the public‑comment period, Jay Lindberg of Smokey Point introduced himself as a retired systems analyst and author who has worked on drug‑war reform. Lindberg said he has researched U.S. drug‑war spending and asserted the country spent roughly $12,000,000,000,000 over 50 years on the war on drugs. He offered copies of his book and research to city officials and asked them to call him or use contact information he left with the city.

The meeting proceeded to regular business after public comment.