New Lenox Mayor Opposes Allowing Recreational Marijuana Facility

NEW LENOX, IL — New Lenox Mayor Tim Baldermann has shared he is in favor of opting out of allowing a recreational marijuana facility in the town's boundaries. The village board discussed the issue of allowing recreational marijuana facilities at its committee of the whole meeting on Sept. 16.

"I don't judge anyone that will choose to legally partake in recreational marijuana, I just don't believe a recreational facility makes sense in our town," Baldermann shared on his Facebook page.

Baldermann said the state couldn't provide answers to questions regarding how recreational marijuana would be regulated. He also added he believes marijuana tax revenue will fall short of expectations.

"Our village runs very efficiently and sees plenty of tax revenue," Baldermann said. "I don't believe that approving something just for the same of tax revenue is the answer."

The village will hold a public hearing about recreational marijuana on Oct. 21 at village hall.

Many other towns in the area are in the process of deciding to allow recreational marijuana facilities. In nearby Frankfort, the village has prohibited recreational marijuana businesses.