Letter: Let's keep the 'r' in Westport

Posted 9/26/17

To the editor:

Westport narrowly voted to legalize the recreational use of marijuana last fall, 4,783 to 4,270.  Yes, there was a 500 vote difference (5.6%) but this was big presidential election …

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Letter: Let's keep the 'r' in Westport

Posted

To the editor:

Westport narrowly voted to legalize the recreational use of marijuana last fall, 4,783 to 4,270.  Yes, there was a 500 vote difference (5.6%) but this was big presidential election with 9,000 voters turning out so let's not overstate the mandate. 

What Westporters did not vote for, and may not be allowed to vote on, is whether or not they want marijuana dispensaries in their neighborhoods.  You see, even though marijuana use will be legal across Massachusetts, the state has given us the power to either prohibit or regulate the stores that will sell it.  And yes, even though we voted as a town to legalize pot, we still have a legal opportunity to keep stores out of our town.  It simply requires that Board of Selectman organize a town election and a town meeting to do so.  

I have heard the argument about the benefits of new tax revenues expected from these businesses. Trust me, your taxes are not going to be reduced by the revenue from a half dozen stores selling dope and we won't end up with any significant increase in services. 

Maybe all the money will be devoted towards education, wouldn't that be wonderful? Yes, and temporary, simply supplanting money that will be spent elsewhere. Money is not the issue and access is not an issue either. Users will be able to buy their weed from plenty of stores in neighboring towns. The real issue is whether we will be complicit in foisting upon our children and grandchildren a set of norms that we will someday regret.  

Unfortunately a majority of my colleagues feel as though the legalization vote is an excuse to rush headlong into handing out marijuana store licenses in a similar fashion to that which we do with liquor licenses. 

Where do you think these stores will be located?  Drift Road?  Horseneck Road?  Maybe Old Harbor Road?  How about a little store on John Reed Road across from the State Beach so we can grab the summer crowd on their way for a swim? 

Guess again!  These business will be located in the same area where we put all the other stuff that the town would rather not deal with — routes 6 and 177.  North Enders don't get out and vote in great numbers so let their children walk past these stores on the way to school, right?  

I think the people should have a say in whether or not they want these businesses in this town and more specifically in their precinct.  The Board of Selectman and the Planning Board will be having hearings on this very issue in the coming weeks.  Please join me in speaking out and demanding a vote on this issue before it is too late.

R. Michael Sullivan

Westport Board of Selectmen member

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