To the Editor:
Many citizens have been meeting to oppose Measure T, which will be on the Fillmore Ballot, November 6, 2018. Measure T asks voters approve establishing indoor commercial marijuana buildings and businesses in Fillmore.
In July, we went to Fillmore City Hall to find out how we could write the Argument Against Measure T and were given instructions and the forms for writing this counter argument. We were also given the instructions and forms for writing a Rebuttal to the Argument for Measure T, and the dates these forms and signatures would need to be turned in.
We worked weeks on the Argument against Measure T and it was submitted and stamped received by the city clerk on August 1, 2018.
After receiving a copy of the Argument for Measure T on August 3, we worked on the Rebuttal to the Argument for Measure T, which was due August 13, 2018. When we took the Rebuttal Forms, Argument, and Signatures for a review to Fillmore City Staff on August 11, 2018, however, and asked questions, we were told by the city staff that they would have to get back to us with answers.
Instead, the deputy city clerk called us to let us to let us know that Fillmore does not allow rebuttals to their ballot measures and has not allowed any rebuttals to measures for two years.
As we seek further clarification on this process, and as the date for submitting our Rebuttal to the Argument for Measure T has now expired, we are attaching it here, so that the people of Fillmore can have this important information. We invite anyone interested in learning more about Measure T, to contact Annette Sula, Director of Safeguard Fillmore, at 805 524-5585.
Susan Jolley

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To the Editor:
Final Rebuttal Letter
Measure T is another mistake. Outsiders get wealthy on us, they walk away, and we are left with fallout that affects our community for decades.
This proposal is not “modest.” From the east, bunkers may line the 126 from the riverbed, to a block from Saint Francis, and across from the Los Serenos homes. From the west, cultivation may line both sides of the highway, adjacent to El Dorado Mobilehome Park (City of Fillmore docs).
Aside from the visual blight on our town, most realtors can tell you what happens to property values when the Marijuana industry moves in. Residents of Carpinteria, one of the first to allow Marijuana cultivation, are now worried about property value loss directly related to this industry. (Ventura Star 05/12/18.)
Once established, it will be impossible to contain the deep pockets of this industry. Initially committed to “Medical Marijuana” sales, Ojai just added recreational purchase. Calaveras County issued growing permits and then rescinded them, when it realized the costs of this industry far exceeded the taxes and is now facing a multitude of lawsuits to force the allowance of Marijuana production.
This is Common Sense. Tell city government to stop spending tax dollars on Marijuana Propositions and start finding legitimate city revenue sources to enrich this Beautiful Valley.
Our city’s fate is in our hands. Vote No on MEASURE T and tell the Marijuana Industry that the “Last Best Small Town” is smarter than they thought and, NOT FOR SALE.