Letters to the Editor
July 28, 2016

To the Editor:
Council members, citizens of Fillmore, I hope this finds you, and finds you well. I attended the meeting regarding marijuana in Fillmore July 25. Hearing the pros/cons, personal stories, and concerns of citizens, I felt one issue/question may have been overlookedwhy is the council rushing into a decision? Didn't we just ban such activities months ago. I may not be fully educated, as most may not be, on this issue, and I would like to commend the council for taking the time to have the open forum and to stay longer than originally anticipated. In addition, I think it was a brilliant move by the members to put a city tax measure on November's ballot in order to prepare and protect for the possible changes to come from the State level. But why are we making a decision to open up the 'flood gates' NOW when we have no legal obligation to do so. The best thing we, as a community, can do is educate, prepare, and plan. Yes, marijuana activities exist in unincorporated areas, but we can stop what happens within our jurisdiction. The overwhelming majority at the meeting was to keep the ban. "Medical Marijuana" may truly help people, but how many are in dire need in our town? Is it really a burden to drive 45 min, because if it's really needed, it's only a small sacrifice. Many citizens make that same sacrifice daily, driving to work. We sacrifice because we love this town. Unless we legally need to do anything, we shouldn't. Fillmore does not need to be the 1st city in VC to allow these business activities, there's no benefit, other than a fiscal one, but is the revenue worth jeopardizing the youth and city for. If State measures do pass in November, and if we are legally required to take action regarding dispensaries and cultivation farms, we can do so then. Until then, we should keep the ban, educate, prepare, plan, and protect this great city for what lies ahead.
Dante

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To the Edtior:
I would like to thank all the members of the Fillmore Women’s Service Club for their help with the Fireworks Booth this year. And to all the friends and volunteers that gave of their time so we can give Scholarships to High School Seniors next year, thank you, your help is greatly appreciated.
Susan Banks,
President