When discussing what it wanted to do about establishing limitations on marijuana / adult-use cannabis dispensary operations within the city, Niles could have chosen to push legislation through quickly.

Rather than allowing residents to speak their thoughts on the legislation, council could have voted to suspend the need for three readings and conducted an “emergency” vote. However, they chose to allow residents to make their voices heard.

We must commend council for that as the residents should have a say in whether marijuana / adult-use cannabis dispensaries are allowed within the city limits.

Councilman Doug Sollitto, D-at Large, recently told our reporter that council wanted to give citizens ample opportunity to comment. So, rather than “suspend” the three readings and have an “emergency” vote, council chose to “slow-roll” the process.

“If we did suspension, it would have looked like we were trying to force something through,” Sollitto told our reporter.

About 20 residents were present for the first reading of the legislation; however, no one showed up earlier this week for the second reading. The legislation will go through its final reading tonight at council’s regular meeting.

We encourage residents to make their opinions known during public comment, whether they support the legislation or not. This is your opportunity to have your voice heard if you wish to see something done differently.

Other communities throughout the Mahoning Valley also have recently decided what they are doing about recreational marijuana dispensaries. Newton Falls approved a temporary moratorium on any marijuana dispensaries in the village by a 4-1 vote and the village of Lordstown voted 4-2 to prohibit the cultivation, distribution, processing and sale of recreational marijuana in the village.

Austintown Trustees Robert Santos and Bruce Shepas voted to impose a moratorium until at least the end of the year before reversing course recently to approve adult-use cannabis operators within the township.

Whether you agree with the cultivation, distribution, processing or sale of marijuana, the important aspect is making your voice heard. Residents in the city of Niles have one more opportunity to do that in regards to marijuana / adult-use cannabis dispensary operations in the city, so go out and do so.

editorial@vindy.com