I am writing regarding the Recorder article “Pot prohibition struck from Deerfield ballot,” published on March 31.
As a native and lifelong resident of Deerfield, and chairman of the Deerfield Economic Development and Industrial Corporation, I must say this is another shining example of “Democracy in action” by our Deerfield Selectboard. Namely, Carolyn Shores Ness, chair of the Selectboard, who apparently believes she knows how Deerfield citizens feel about the marijuana debate and she has the right to act on behalf of all us. Hmmm, I guess I missed that interoffice memo.
Anyway, since she doesn’t like the possible direction of this issue with approval by the town voters of a prohibition bylaw amendment banning any and all marijuana activity in town, she “conveniently” had the Selectboard meeting moved to Friday afternoon last week when there would be little or no, zip, nadda, Deerfield citizens or voters in attendance.
Thus, no one was there to challenge her. How convenient. Also, kudos to Selectboard member Kip Komosa for speaking during the meeting to say the voters should be the ones deciding this issue. Not her. You think we are that ignorant in this town not to see the games being played here?
For one, I am not. This is a clear and present example of why we must have term limits put in place for service on the Selectboard. I propose 3 terms of 3 years and then you are done. Also, NO recycling by sitting out a term to then take out nomination papers to get on the ballot again. My vote this year is for Erich Brown to the Selectboard. Time for a change.
Paul R. Olszewski
Deerfield