Pubdate: Sun, 26 Jul 2015
Source: Mail Tribune, The (Medford, OR)
Colulmn: From the Council
Copyright: 2015 The Mail Tribune
Contact:  http://www.mailtribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/642
Note: Only prints LTEs from within it's circulation area, 200 word count limit
Author: Daniel Bunn
Note: Daniel Bunn is president of the Medford City Council.

PUBLIC SHOULD GET INVOLVED IN LOCAL MARIJUANA DECISIONS

At the July 16 council meeting, the Medford City Council formally 
initiated the legislative process to draft rules regulating 
commercial marijuana activity. At this time, I think it would be 
helpful to summarize the council's position thus far.

When medical dispensaries were first allowed by the Oregon 
Legislature two years ago, Medford's initial position was to defend 
our home rule authority in the face of state preemption. This has led 
to a misconception that we are opposed to marijuana at all costs and 
for all reasons. This is incorrect.

The city first advocates for the right to make decisions locally. 
Only after this authority is secured can the local debate turn to the 
merits of the issue.

Medford has taken a similar approach on the Indian gaming question. 
Just as we have yet to discuss the merits of gambling, we are only 
now approaching the discussion on the local impacts of commercial 
marijuana activity. We are a republican form of government and have 
the authority to make decisions that bind the entire community, but 
it is inappropriate to exercise those powers before we have completed 
our well-established public process.

Days before the close of the legislative session, the Legislature 
acknowledged that local regulation and control will be vital to 
marijuana implementation. We have stood fast to ensure that the 
debate over time, place and manner restrictions will occur in the 
proper forum, City Hall. Now that this has been secured, the council 
and the community as a whole have a duty to draft and debate 
reasonable regulations consistent with voter intent. Only then can we 
have an informed, honest discussion of the reasonable alternatives.

The council has selected the land-use process as the vehicle to draft 
regulations. Oregon's land-use system is one of the hallmarks of the 
state, and is particularly well suited to respond to community 
concerns. Goal 1 of the land-use system is citizen involvement. For 
the process to function correctly, the volunteer planning 
commissioners and city councilors who will be crafting legislation 
must have significant and diverse input from the community.

Too often, appointed and elected officials hear only from the extreme 
ends of the spectrum.

I urge all citizens concerned about commercial marijuana activity, 
both for and against, to voice their concerns, share their ideas and 
participate in the legislative process. Hearings and public debate 
will take place before the Planning Commission and the City Council, 
and any citizen may appear before either body.

Furthermore, the process encourages citizens who are uncomfortable or 
unable to appear in person to testify in writing. I assure you that 
the mayor, City Council members and planning commissioners take all 
constructive testimony, regardless of form, into consideration.

As the community begins deliberations in earnest, there will surely 
be heated passions on both sides of the question. We cannot guarantee 
that you will get the results you desire, but we can guarantee that 
your voice will be heard and that we will do our utmost to craft 
legislation that has the city's best interest at heart.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom