Editor's note: The following opinion piece reflects the views of The Grand Rapids Press editorial board.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – We don’t like the idea of decriminalizing marijuana in Grand Rapids, but we love democracy. And city residents sent a clear message in November.

Grand Rapids leaders need to adhere to the will of the voters and carry out the decriminalization plans while challenges are addressed in court.

Voters amended the city charter so that people possessing or using marijuana no longer are subject to a misdemeanor offense. Instead, marijuana violations will be civil infractions punishable by a fine of $25 for a first offense, and rising to a maximum of $100 for subsequent offenses.

The measure was approved with nearly 60 percent of the vote. Coming in a presidential election year, no one can argue that backers waged a stealth election. Make no mistake, this is what voters wanted.

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City Manager Greg Sundstrom shouldn’t wait until a suit filed by Kent County Prosecutor Bill Forsyth works through the courts.

Sundstrom said Kent Circuit Judge Paul Sullivan could rule shortly after a planned April 24 hearing. But attorneys for DecriminalizeGR, the force behind the charter amendment, argued that the prosecutor could file an appeal, prolonging the challenge.

Our legal system is not built for speed, and it could be years before the case is ultimately settled. That’s fine. Forsyth is doing his job and there are many questions about enforcement and the role of police. The court’s role is to interpret the law to answer those questions.

It’s not unusual for laws to take effect while being challenged in court, from the federal Affordable Care Act to Michigan’s recent right-to-work legislation.

City leaders work for the people, and the people overwhelmingly supported the change. They should carry out the decriminalization of marijuana supported by the voters while the court takes up the matter.

Dave Murray is the Grand Rapids community engagement specialist. Email him at dmurray@mlive.com and follow him on Twitter @ReporterDMurray or on Facebook.