Pubdate: Sun, 09 Jun 2013
Source: Gazette, The (Colorado Springs, CO)
Copyright: 2013 The Gazette
Contact: http://www.gazette.com/sections/opinion/submitletter/
Website: http://www.gazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/165
Author: Bentley Rayburn

WEAKENED RELATIONSHIP WITH THE MILITARY WILL IMPACT ECONOMY

Last year the citizens of Colorado voted to allow the possession of
recreational marijuana. They also voted to give local authorities the
power to decide whether the sale and distribution of the drug would be
allowed within their jurisdiction.

Locally, there is a lot riding on this decision by our City Council
and there is no requirement that they rush into it. The smartest
short-term solution might be to just wait to decide whether to
legalize local production and sales until we see what happens in
Colorado jurisdictions that have authorized the sale of recreational
marijuana.

Colorado Springs is unique within the State of Colorado, and many
factors must be given serious consideration while debating the impact
of local sales in our city. Most obvious is the presence of five major
military installations and the accompanying defense related companies
who have made Colorado Springs their home. Combined, they are far and
away the largest segment of our economy.

As a former senior officer and commander, I can state unequivocally
that local commanders are very concerned about easy access to
marijuana by their uniformed and civilian workforce. While
recreational marijuana might be legal for some, it will remain illegal
for those in uniform or who work in most companies who do
defense-related work, and certainly for those who retain security 
clearances.

Many have touted the economic advantages to the local economy if
recreational sales are authorized and taxed. But we must also consider
the significant potential negative impacts on our economy by weakening
our relationship with the military. Budget pressures on the military
to reduce personnel and installations will be great over the next few
years. The military services are pushing for another round of the Base
Closure and Realignment Commission.

Those who think Colorado Springs is immune to potential cuts, even
base closures, are misinformed. One of the criteria used in deciding
where cuts will be made is an assessment of community support for the
military mission and personnel. Any perception that our local
community is a difficult environment for local commanders to maintain
good order and discipline will undoubtedly be an important factor. The
local environment will be a concern for defense contractors as well.

I've lived and traveled overseas. We need to learn from those who have
a history of legalized drug use. We can expect an influx of outsiders
to our city who will come here just to smoke legal pot. There is a
real threat that some parks and recreational areas used by families
will no longer be available to those who want to avoid the drug
culture. That has certainly been the experience in a number of
European cities that have legalized marijuana. One thing is certainly
clear from the European experience, legalizing and taxing pot will not
eliminate black market sales.

Let's take a measured approach and not rush into legalizing the
distribution and sale of recreational pot in Colorado Springs.

Bentley Rayburn served in the U.S. Air Force over 30 years, retiring
as a major general in 2006. He lives in Colorado Springs.
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