ISSUE SHOULD DISAPPEAR

Editor, The Gazette

Re: Medical Marijuana

Apparently this issue has come before council again at its July 20
and 21 meeting. This time Coun. Joy Davies has managed to obtain
approval to compile a specific slate of high profile individuals to
serve on a medical marijuana committee, with this slate to be brought
to council's meeting of Aug 17 at which time, provided a full slate
is presented, the committee will be formed. In discussion of the
matter later with Coun. (Chris) Moslin (the deciding vote), he stated
he would not be willing to grant an extension to the Aug. 17 deadline.

At their council meeting of June 29, the mayor agreed it would be a
wonderful idea to hold public meetings on the medical marijuana issue
should any aspect of this issue come before council. It would be
beneficial to hold such a meeting to hear what the residents and
taxpayers of Grand Forks have to say on this issue before our scarce
tax dollars are spent on any aspect of medical marijuana. At
previous council meetings, the majority of councillors said no to
taking this issue to the Union of B.C. Municipalities for
consideration in the autumn of 2009.

Again at their June 29 meeting, the majority of councillors expressed
their emphatic displeasure with regard to what has occurred to date
on the medical marijuana issue. At the council meeting of July 20 a
male resident (sorry, I don't know his name) even called for Coun.
Davies' resignation on this issue. Most people I have talked with
are disgusted this topic was brought to council and wish it would
disappear. One has to wonder how many times and in how many ways
Coun. Davies has to hear the word "no" before she understands and
accepts that this topic is distasteful to this community.

When will council turn its attention to more pressing matters such as
the survival of this town?

Sylvia Treptow

Grand Forks