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.
Rios Rule, does that mean if 51% of Dorr Township voted for Hillary, she is the President for Dorr? (I did say if). Why even have elections? The City of Wayland will pass anything that comes with a government grant.
It is unfortunate that we are living in an era of fear-mongering with regard to immigration, because that mindset spills over into other arenas, like that of legalized marijuana. Like the editor, I agree that regulation is the best means of maintaining order locally. When the substance is worrisome to a portion of the populace, having the “enemy” close and under local scrutiny seems to be the best method of preserving law and order. May clear and sound minds prevail in deciding these issues.
Ms. Mandeville,
Your words are illogical, people aren’t upset about immigration, they are outraged over illegal immigration. Is your last line a joke; “May clear and sound minds prevail in deciding these issues”. You’re talking about legalizing the gateway drug – the drug that paves the pathway to Hell for all other drug experimentation and drug abuse.
Are you and others so obtuse to the suffering of drug addicts, which is growing every year? Even smart, educated, elite Liberals such as yourself sometimes can act not so smart. Some people might call that stupid, but I won’t belittle myself to that level and imply that.
Sir
Maybe your research has found different information than I
The studies I’ve found really believe prescription drug abuse is the main cause of addiction. Most of want I’ve found is most users of cannabis never move to heroin, but prescription abuse of opioids does.
Fear is a very powerful tool. Most who have never experienced cannabis are prone to believe every negative thing on the subject.
Yes, addiction is a horrible disease whether it is drug, gambling, sex, etc. But are there any statistics on cannabis addiction. Like there is for heroin, gambling, etc?..
There is alot to be said for regulation when things are available on the open market, the black market soon disappears.
Most would be surprised on how many friends and family members use cannabis recreationally…
One doesn’t have to use or like the idea. But the majority of the State has spoken, hence it should be available and regulated.
To do otherwise weakens the power of a majority vote. Is that how our Country is going to be from now on. Does the minority now rule?
Our Democratic Republic is hurting but let’s not kill it by making a majority vote a useless act
Mr. Smit,
I agree the prescription drug use us at epidemic proportions. I’ll use a relation as an example:
They started on pot in jr. high and throughout high school, then hashish with PCP, then heroin either smoked or mainline. Pain killers were also part of the routine towards the end because of lung cancer.
He died strung out and alone in another state.
Sometimes the majority of the voters have remorse for their voting choices after they realize what destruction was visited on the weak and innocent after a period of time. This may be an instance where that is true. It’s hard enough getting through life sober, being drugged has to be detrimental to the user and society. I will recognize the cancer treatment side-effects lessened by pot, but to allow it to the masses is insane.