To the Editor:
The Houlton Town Council is currently considering an ordinance that will allow commercial/retail recreational marijuana cultivation and sales within our town. In November 2016, Mainers voted by a very slim margin (4,000 votes) to approve legalization of recreational marijuana in our state. Though Maine communities can no longer prohibit an individual from using or growing marijuana for their own use, they can choose to prohibit or allow marijuana commercial/retail businesses from operating within their town’s borders. Several towns in Maine have already taken steps to prohibit these activities within their towns, but Houlton’s Town Council instead chose to “roll out the welcome mat” for the marijuana industry, citing the potential of great economic gain for our community. As a town, Houlton voters opposed the legalization of recreational marijuana 65.3 percent to 34.7 percent in November 2016 — numbers the Town Council chose to ignore when making their decision.
There are few opportunities remaining for citizens to voice their opposition to this proposed ordinance and demand the Town Council allow Houlton voters to decide this issue. At the second of two upcoming Town Council meetings, the Council can opt to vote to approve or reject the ordinance. If they choose to make the decision themselves, there is nothing to indicate they will reject it and much to suggest they will approve it. However, councilors can also opt to allow voters to decide the issue at the November 2017 elections. In light of the opposition expressed by Houlton voters in November 2016, this is the option I believe the Town Council has an obligation to choose. The two meetings where Houlton citizens can express their views on the marijuana ordinance will be held on June 26 and July 10. Both meetings begin at 6 p.m. and are held at the Houlton Town Office on the second floor.
I’m convinced the majority of my fellow Houlton citizens still oppose the concept of recreational marijuana and equally oppose welcoming the marijuana industry into our community, even in the face of its legality. The time has come for those who oppose the direction in which our Town Council members are currently leading our community to make their voices heard.
Please, please take the time to do your duty as a citizen of Houlton and express your views regarding this proposed ordinance. If you cannot attend either the June 26 or July 10 Town Council meeting, please take the time to contact the Town Council members individually to express your views. The town clerk at the Houlton Town Office can provide you with contact information for each council member.
Lynn Weston
Houlton
