A Letter to the Editor from Cindy Hemenway:
As we close in on the Town Election date two weeks from this Tuesday (April 3rd), myself and many other voters, are wondering where candidates for Board of Selectmen, John DePinto and Raymie Parker, stand on the issue of recreational pot shops in Stoneham. Many residents may believe that the issue of pot shops in Stoneham was settled at the Special Town Meeting, in January, when registered voters defeated the Warrant Article to allow recreational pot shops. However, this issue, though settled for the moment, can be brought up again, and could be changed, where Stoneham residents could ultimately see recreational pot shops in Stoneham.
Selectman Tom Boussy and Selectwoman Caroline Colarusso, both candidates for re-election for Board of Selectmen, were strong in their opinions to ban pot shops. It was no secret as to where they stood on this issue. As soon as the state voted to approve recreational pot shops. Mr. Boussy and Ms. Colarusso announced their support to ban PT shops in Stoneham and took action to have informational meetings at Town Hall, where the issue could be debated, and information shared, as well as, they pushed for a Special Town Meeting where registered voters could decide. Their swift and unwavering support to ban recreational pot shops in Stoneham, no doubt, saved the town from bearing the cost and responsibility of policing pot shops. In addition, it would have set a bad example for the children of Stoneham, who certainly would have received mixed and confusing messages about the use of mind altering drugs versus the information they receive in health and wellness classes in school. Approval of pot shops would certainly have undermined the work the Stoneham Drug Coalition has been doing to educate Stoneham residents about the dangers of drugs.
I, as well as other voters, would like to hear from candidates, John DePinto and Raymie Parker, a part time Stoneham town employee, as to where they stand on the recreational marijuana issue before we make a final decision on whom to vote for in a couple of weeks. I have heard that at least one of the candidates is in favor of recreational pot shops, but I do not want to vote on rumor and innuendo. I respectfully request the two candidates, Mr. DePinto and Ms. Parker, to state their opinions on recreational pot shops, so that voters can make an informed decision on Election Day.
Cindy Hemenway, Fells Road
