Publisher's Editorial:
During the past week the Gazette has received several letters to the editor about the city's preparations to handle the coming of marijuana. The passage of Proposition 64 will permit recreational use of this drug statewide. Californians age 21 and older can now legally possess, transport, buy and use up to one ounce of marijuana for recreational purposes. One ounce of marijuana is sufficient to produce about 40 "cigarettes". Prop. 64 also permits individuals to grow as many as six plants and allows non-medical marijuana to be sold by state-licensed businesses. State licenses to recreational marijuana retailers will be issued on Jan. 1, 2018.

Fillmore was the only city in Ventura County to reject Proposition 64. 52 percent of Fillmore voters voted against Prop. 64.

Fillmore City Manager David Rowlands has been unfairly criticized for his recent statements reported in the Ventura County Star. The report reads, "...But voters approved two measures on the local ballot that will tax marijuana sales and commercial cultivation operations, should the city ever allow them" "Rowlands replied: "It tells me the community is open to the possibility of cultivation and taxation of marijuana. The thing with Proposition 64 is it has to do with recreational use. They're saying they're comfortable with the medical side, but they do have concerns about the recreational side." The letter with the harshest criticism of Rowlands was withdrawn at the last minute. But its sentiments remain in the media elsewhere so this response will remain until the letter is resubmitted next week.

Fillmore passed an emergency ordinance in October requiring recreational home-growers to get a city permit and follow other regulations, including a plan for odor control. Rowlands stated that the city council would decide how much to charge for permits early next year.

Fillmore City Manager David Rowlands is not promoting marijuana use, nor welcoming the weed to Fillmore. He is simply stating the facts of state law following the passage of Prop. 64, and our city's preparations to handle the expected marijuana onslaught; it's his job to plan for the best possible outcome.

Fillmore has firmly rejected the marijuana industry and its million dollar enticements. But it must prepare to deal with the aftermath of Prop. 64 approval within the state. As has happened everywhere that marijuana has been legalized, crime and health issues will rise significantly.

I am among those who strongly reject anything which promotes or accepts marijuana. I've made my opinion on this issue clear and often. But the City of Fillmore cannot avoid the ramifications of state law. In the future, we may have no better choice than to strongly tax and regulate the private sale and use of this gateway drug - if only to cover the new heavy costs involved in dealing with the crime and health consequences, which are well known.

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For my response to a hostile letter addressed to me, see "Letters to the Editor" section.