Led by Linda Conti, the most politically progressive member of the Capitol City’s council, it appears that Augusta finally has an economic development plan. That plan would be to partner with the marijuana industry.

Conti, who once filed a lawsuit testifying before the U.S. Supreme Court that Maine and other states were being prevented, by a conspiracy, from enforcing rules against big companies, has finally found a business she likes — marijuana.

Conti has also decided on Augusta’s community values: “If it’s done right,” she said, “it could set us apart from some other communities, and bring some badly needed revenue here.”

Many other communities in central Maine are already working to develop ordinances that would place restrictions on mariujana use, but not Conti — she wants to make the rules more broad.

“I could envision allowing marijuana to be served in existing businesses, like restaurants, where food is served, too,” Conti said.

Some studies have shown that smoke from marijuana is more toxic than cigarettes, which are banned by almost all restaurants.

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Conti also ignores the fact that Augusta soundly rejected the legalization of marijuana, voting against it in all four wards throughout the city, including hers. The very liberal greater Portland area, plus millions of dollars poured into the state, caused a slightly different outcome than in Augusta. Now, even before the results of a statewide referendum recount, Conti embarks on a campaign to make, without restrictions, an FDA-scheduled drug Augusta’s new economic development plan.

The city’s economic development department, run by the city planner, who does double duty, has needed a plan for a long time.

However, at-large Councilor Marci Alexander points out that the issue of federal enforcement remains, since the possession of mariujana is still illegal under federal law. I would add that the new administration in Washington is highly likely to become much more interested in enforcement.

Is Augusta willing to substitute greed for community values and to sacrifice principle for tainted tax revenue, during an opioid epidemic? What example do we continue to set for our children?

Conti personifies the profile of a progressively liberal politician that wishes to socially engineer the transformation of America. (They just lost the election.)

It is interesting to note that when ultra-liberals are tested they can quickly change spots if they believe their own comfort might be affected. Take for example, the fact that the Ward 1 councilor has worked hard to influence the council and Planning Board to introduce new ordinances and restrictions on where soup kitchens and homeless shelters may operate. When it comes to that subject, the councilor quickly becomes a NIMBY (not in my back yard).

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It is my hope that our recent election has delivered three new councilors who will provide much needed balance.

Former state legislator Corey Wilson has said that Augusta needs a 20-year economic plan. Wilson was a moderate-conservative in the Legislature. Mark O’Brien’s prior long record of service reveals a thoughtful and usually conservative approach to all issues. Harold Elliot Jr., the third new councilor, is solidly blue collar, and I suspect he will be representative of his conservative electorate in Ward 3.

Wilson, O’Brien and Elliot are elected at a critical time in local Augusta politics. The burden of blunting Conti’s bid to lead the city down a progressively liberal path will fall to these three councilors.

Don Roberts is a veteran broadcaster, writer and political consultant. He has served Augusta as a city councilor at-large, charter commission vice chairman and utilities district treasurer.


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