Held during the evening to allow more residents to participate, 17 out of 21 individuals spoke in favor of allowing recreational marijuana businesses, with much of the crowd cheering on their fellow supporters.
“Your community is dying,” said Aaron Leach, whose comments were among those drawing applause from the audience.
“The city and the county both are guilty for just ignoring new economic opportunities because, I don’t know, maybe they don’t like it,” he said.
Marijuana a ‘saving grace’
Michelle Dalton said the county has lost many sources of industry over the years and marijuana could be its “saving grace.”
“You’re snatching your defeat out of the jaws of victory,” said Dalton. A ban could hinder economic opportunities for future generations, she said.
“We have the solution,” she continued. “Don’t turn your back on it.”
Many supporters said they were concerned county commissioners have made up their minds on the matter, and felt their efforts to advocate for marijuana were futile.
Corey Rhyne said he had made up his mind and was moving out of Klamath County in response to the commissioner’s policy decisions.
“My U-Haul’s packed, house is sold,” he said. “I’m not leaving because you’re banning recreational cannabis, I’m leaving because you’re mishandling this county.”
Rhyne said commissioners were giving too much weight to residents speaking in support of a ban, with Rhyne calling such supporters “liars” during his statement.
Laughing at comments
Among those speaking in support of a ban was Donald Crawford, who said marijuana is a gateway drug and damages the mental and physical health of its users.
“We don’t need it here, it doesn’t help people,” said Crawford, whose commentary drew laughter and heckles from pot supporters.
Also favoring a ban was Alan Eberlein, who said he spoke with friends in Colorado who told of tourists and potential business investors turned off by marijuana stores.
“Colorado continues to see a drain of manufacturing jobs because the employers are having trouble finding a workforce,” said Eberlein, referencing the inability of some applicants to pass a drug test because of marijuana availability.
Pot supporters again laughed at Eberlein during his statement and accused him of offering hearsay rather than testimony.
Closing public comment was Edward Medina, owner of local dispensary, A Better Way Medicinal Alternatives.
Medina said commissioners should consider how nearby counties and communities are in the process of regulating marijuana establishments rather than banning them. He added a ban from Klamath County would not reduce the use of marijuana locally.
“You’re going to be surrounded by it, whether you like it or not,” he said. “If you think you’re going to prevent people from having it, by banning it in this county, you’re fooling yourselves. It’s here already. It’s going nowhere. Regulation is the only answer.”
The commissioners assured residents their minds are not set on approving a ban or otherwise; they remain interested in hearing what the public has to say.
Commissioner Jim Bellet said the board is continuing to discuss its options. He and said he has taken notes of the comments and was intending to review them.
“There’s an awful lot of people on both sides,” he said.
Bellet added he agreed with concerns about the employability of a workforce when marijuana is readily available. He said he has encountered this issue personally when seeking to hire truck drivers.
Commissioner Kelley Minty Morris said she has “sincerely” not made up her mind and was appreciative of a chance to hear public feedback. She said she was particularly interested in statements that organized crime will be strengthened if marijuana stores are banned.
“It is my belief that nobody knows what the future of our community is going to be for sure, on either side,” she said. She favors having voters decide on the issue.
Board Chair Tom Mallams echoed he does not believe the matter is resolved, and said commissioners have “no easy choices” in the matter.
“No matter what we decide,” he said, “there are going to be people unhappy. That’s just the bottom line.”
Mallams added he has “inclinations” about the issue, but said he has yet to decide whether or not to approve a ban.
A third hearing regarding the proposed ban is scheduled for 9:15 a.m. Sept. 22 at the Klamath County Government Center, 305 Main St.
When recreational marijuana was voted on last year, the initiative failed by 56 percent in Klamath County, allowing commissioners to ban recreational marijuana businesses under the new state law.
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