Dianda discusses potential impact with residents, village council

By JAN TUCKER

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Ontonagon - The pro's and con's of accepting marijuana as a micro-business in the village of Ontonagon drew a standing room only crowd at the Ontonagon Village Council meeting Monday.

Former State Rep. Scott Dianda representing a firm, Tranquility Fields of Ann Arbor, said the firm would grant a franchise with a local owner, employ eight people and would be a "brand new business." He explained a "brand new building would be brought into the site with all utilities." He continued the company would take down old buildings. The new structure would have an air exchange and "would look more like a star bucks, not an old business." He added the business could be located in the industrial or business area of the village.

Dianda admitted that while he was in the legislature, he voted against recreational marijuana. He said that proceeds of the business would be one-third to the local community, one-third to law enforcement and one-third for roads.

Prior to and after Dianda's presentation the issue with the majority of speakers was marijuana itself. Mike Richter, a Wisconsin resident with land in Ontonagon and a frequent visitor to the area spoke strongly against the community opening its doors to the marijuana business. Richter said he was a 13 year officer with 12 years in drug enforcement. He graphically described situations where parents are smoking weed. "When mom and dad are stoned, they are not parenting the kids," he said, adding these decisions have an impact on those who have no choice. "I have been coming to Ontonagon for 30 years and that's not Ontonagon."

Eric Hopper, whose wife Sarah is a member of the Village Council and had urged the council to ask Dianda to speak on the subject, stressed that recreational marijuana is legal for consuming, growing and sharing and urged the council to look at the advantages of economic advancement boosting tourism and getting rid of blight here. He said the decision should be a "no brainer."

Hopper also disputed Richter's claim about abused children. He said he "has been using Marijuana for 20 years" and his children are well taken care of and loved. Sara Hopper said in Colorado the percentage of use by children has actually gone down.

Jim Harter, employed by the National Park Service, described a head on crash at the Porkies and the serious injuries received by two women. The other driver was high on marijuana, he claimed.

Matt Labonte UPSET officer and 19 years in law enforcement stressed it is the prosecutor in each county who will be responsible for any prosecutions. He said there are tests that can determine if someone is driving on the drug. He said in Michigan 600 areas so far, have opted out of marijuana businesses. He suggested people go online and learn more about the Michigan law.

One woman noted that in the state-wide election for recreational use, the village of Ontonagon voted against the proposal, which passed. She suggested that perhaps a vote of the village residents should be taken. Others also echoed that suggestion. It was noted that any decision if the village wanted to "opt in or "opt out of the law must be made by Nov. 1, and any vote would have to be made by that date or the village would automatically be in."

Dianda gave the council a mock up of a possible way a marijuana business would look in Ontonagon, but it was not shown to the public as the design was not open to the public.

Village President Ken Waldrop said an attempt was made to hear all sides of the issue, but no decision was made by the council.