ACHTUNG: This is not a “fair and balanced” story. It is an editorial by the editor.

I resolutely urge the Wayland City Council to invoke the “Rios Rule” to eventually permit the sale and distribution of the now legal product marijuana within the city limits.

The “Rios Rule” stems from the contention made last month by Dorr Township Trustee Terri Rios that because 57% of the township voters opposed the state-wide proposal Nov. 6 to legalize recreational marijuana, it should be forbidden to be bought or sold locally. She told her colleagues it was a matter of honoring the wishes of Dorr Township voters, regardless of the state-wide results, which showed 56% approval.

However, Allegan County Clerk Bob Genetski last Monday night presented data that demonstrated 58% of voters in the City of Wayland approved the proposal in the general election. So conversely, the City Council eventually, after state guidelines are issued, should allow the substance to be bought and sold in town.

To be sure, come City Council members already have indicated they won’t approve of this, but by doing so they are imposing their own personal morality against the majority of their constituents. It’s a lot like Dorr Township Trustee John Tuinstra voting against a liquor license transfer because he’s personally opposed to alcohol. Such actions are futile.

In either case, it’s bad public policy for officials to impose their personal moral beliefs on a majority who don’t agree.

The knee-jerk reaction from Dorr, Watson, Leighton and Martin officials in the wake of the state-wide ballot proposal legalizing marijuana is based on their personal fears and being morally offended. It’s bad public policy because, as I have opined before, if you cannot legislate… regulate.

Marijuana will be bought and sold regardless of what City Council members think about having it done within the city. If it is not permitted here, then those who want it will go elsewhere to get it, or even worse, obtain the substance under the table to keep alive the previously robust black market. It would be much better to have it bought and sold in a public place, regulated strictly in a way similar to rules governing alcohol.

Furthermore, permitting it here would demonstrate a willingness to support a legal business in the community.

I also urge the City Council to ban public use of marijuana simply because citizens should not be subjected to smoke in the public arena. Therefore, just like in Colorado Springs, those who wish to use a legal product will be restricted to residences and properties where they have been granted permission.

Of course, use of marijuana while operating a motor vehicle should be illegal and regulated just like driving while under the influence of alcohol.

I understand the need to await guidelines from the state regulatory and licensing agency. But horse and buggy public policy based on fear and loathing will do nothing to stop use of pot.