Pubdate: Sat, 04 Jul 2015
Source: Pueblo Chieftain (CO)
Copyright: 2015 The Pueblo Chieftain
Contact:  http://www.chieftain.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1613
Author: George A. Rivera

RESEARCH THE TOPIC BEFORE CASTING YOUR BALLOT

And so the debate over recreational marijuana sales in Pueblo has begun.

During the upcoming 18 months, Puebloans will be deluged with 
articles and information arguing the benefits of marijuana and/or the 
damage caused by marijuana.

Both sides will state that the facts they are using to support their 
argument are the truth even though at times the positions will be 
diametrically opposite.

(Note: This editorial is not meant to argue for one side or the 
other, but as a matter of full disclosure, I will state that I am 
opposed to the sale of recreational marijuana in the city of Pueblo.)

So what are the voters of Pueblo to think? What are we to do and how 
should we make up our minds about how to vote on this very important issue?

I would like to make a few suggestions. Take nothing from either side 
at face value. Research the facts that are presented as thoroughly as 
possible in order to determine which are being presented accurately 
and which are not.

Keep an open mind as you do your research, and try to find reputable 
sources for your research.

Use common sense when analyzing the information you find while doing 
your research. If some information sounds overly biased or lacks 
supporting data, or appears too extreme or all encompassing on either 
side of the argument, it may be a good idea to be cautious in relying 
too heavily on that information.

Also, it has been said that all politics are local, with voters being 
mostly concerned about how a certain policy or law will affect them personally.

With that in mind, I would suggest that voters discuss the issue with 
family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, educators, business owners, 
employers, medical personnel, law enforcement personnel, growers and 
anyone else who might be able to share insight from a personal standpoint.

Even though this might be considered "anecdotal information," such 
information when combined with some common sense analysis would be 
invaluable in providing insight into how the sale of recreational 
marijuana in the city would affect us and our families.

Using the guidelines in this letter, I truly believe that the 
informed voters of the city of Pueblo can and will make a wise 
decision when they cast their ballot for or against the sale of 
recreational marijuana sales in 2016.

George A. Rivera

Pueblo
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom