LETTER: 'A NO Vote Is the Right Vote For Milford

MILFORD, MA—The following was submitted by Douglas Rennie. Join in the conversation by emailing charlene.arsenault@patch.com

I’ve lived in Milford for nearly 20 years. I’ve seen a lot in this town and I’ve witnessed a lot of change. But what I’ve never seen is a movement to actually change what people have already voted on and what a majority of us have approved. The ballot referendum that residents will be faced with on Tuesday, September 19 goes way beyond just banning adult-use cannabis. It goes farther in that it wants to ban any establishment in town that cultivates, sells or tests marijuana. There are already two licensed businesses in this industry that operate in Milford. You can bet they will leave town or shut down if this vote passes.

But this vote is about more than just protecting our economy. It’s about making sure that voters’ rights aren’t pushed aside because a small group of people don’t agree with the majority. During the quiet summer months, when no one was paying attention, the ballot referendum language was changed behind closed doors and away from public view. Does that seem right to you? Shouldn’t voters expect that what has been voted on and approved by a majority will be respected?

All of us should be concerned about what this could mean for the future of this town. Let’s make sure our voices are heard. Vote No on Sept 19.

Douglas Rennie, Milford