I am not in favor of medical or recreational marijuana sales in Bayfield. That's not who we are.
We are about kids riding bikes unattended by parents, parks, Fourth of July parades, sheep running down Mill Street, Friday night football games and yard sales. In short, we are a family community in love with events that include our children. Marijuana is not in our DNA.
That being said, I am not so entrenched that I would not consider marijuana sales, if, in fact, the industry could be properly monitored and sales tax revenue would be substantially more than the cost of such monitoring. However, I don't believe that the guy who, for years, has sold weed from the trunk of his car will conform to the requirements of security, tax collection, business licensing, and the many other costly regulations of the business community. Even with increased tax revenues, I imagine the Marshal's Office will need a larger budget that will offset the revenue.
But more importunately, selling marijuana in our community will change the culture of our town. I saw the old movie, "It's a Wonderful Life," with Jimmy Stewart over the holiday. Mr. Potter would push for marijuana sales in Bedford Falls. George Bailey wouldn't.
There are plenty of opportunities to buy cannabis in La Plata County. Progress is important, but not this kind.
Dan Ford
Bayfield
