Marijuana controversy sparks recall effort.

Marijuana controversy sparks recall effort.

Two other May 3 ballot questions focus on marijuana dispensaries.

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By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

NEWFIELD TOWNSHIP — Four township board members are being targeted in a recall effort that will appear on the May 3, 2022 ballot.

Supervisor Joan David, Clerk Nancy Conley and trustees John Clark and Richard Roberson are being singled out in the recall effort. Treasurer Amanda Hunter is not included.

The petitions were filed by Jim Draper of Newfield Township, according to Oceana County Clerk Amy Anderson. The petition language was approved last December by the Oceana County Election Commission.

The language for the petitions reads: “On May 18, 2021, (Joan David, Nancy Conley, John Clark and Richard Roberson) voted ‘yes’ to approve a resolution to increase the number of Class C marijuana grow permits from 20 permits available in Newfield Township to 50 permits available in Newfield Township. The resolution (5-21) passed 4 to 1.”

The number of signatures that was required was 228, said Anderson. “After the petitions were filed, the signatures were compared to the Qualified Voter File (QVF). It was found that there was a sufficient number of valid signatures for each petition.”

The petition against David totaled 234 signatures; Conley, 235; Clark, 240; and Roberson, 243.

Two other marijuana-related issues will appear on the May 3 ballot in Oceana County.

Shelby Township voters will decide if they want to add an ordinance that would allow marjuana establishments in the township. Pentwater village voters will determine if they want to repeal a chapter of the ordinance code that would prohibit medical and recreational marijuana dispensaries.

The Shelby Township ballot question reads as follows:

“A proposal to amend Shelby Township Ordinances to add a new ordinance (marihuana establishments) to authorize marihuana establishments, and to repeal inconsistent ordinances, including but not limited to, Prohibition of Marihuana Establishments Ordinance, 120318-1. 

This proposed ordinance would: 

• Authorize the type and number of marihuana facilities and establishments allowed in the township. 
• Provide standards and procedures to approve the type and number of marihuana establishments. 
• Repeal inconsistent ordinances, including but not limited to, Prohibition of Marihuana Establishments Ordinance, 120318-1. 

Should this proposal be adopted? 

[ ] YES 

[ ] NO”

The Village of Pentwater’s ballot question reads as follows:

“Shall the Village of Pentwater repeal Chapter 115 of the Code of Ordinances, titled Medical Marijuana and Marijuana Establishments and replace it with a new ordinance that would completely prohibit medical and recreational provisioning centers and retailers in the Village of Pentwater as such establishments are defined by the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act (“MRTMA”), MCL 333.27951 et seq. and the Michigan Medical Marijuana Facilities Licensing Act (“MMFLA”), MCL  333.27951 et seq., while retaining uses previously permitted under the Medical Marijuana Act, MCL  333.27951 et seg.?”

Voters in Claybanks, Grant, Greenwood and Otto townships will vote on a Muskegon Intermediate School District special education millage, and Weare Township voters will cast ballots on a Mason County Central school district bond proposal.

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