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New England’s volcanoes in the sea pg. 3
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The New England Seamounts encompass more than 30 volcanic peaks
VERMONT
January 27, 2018
Published by New Market Press, Inc.
Serving Addison, Rutland & Chittenden Counties
Anger, betrayal over marijuana bill By Lou Varricchio THE EAGLE
Recreational pot advocates have finally scored a significant victory with H.511. However, not everyone is happy over marijuana legalization in Vermont. Art from Legalize Marijuana in Vermont
H3N2 FLU STRAIN HITS ADDISON, RUTLAND COUNTIES
MIDDLEBURY | After years of lobbying and softening the public image of recreational marijuana use among Vermont voters, pot advocates have finally scored a significant victory with Republican Gov. Phil Scott signature approval pen hovering over H.511, the latest and final version of the state’s pot legalization attempts. Scott was expected to sign the bill into law by Jan. 20. Vermont became the first state in the union to legalize marijuana via state legislature. Scott opted for a private signing session recognizing that a “media circus” might be unwise politically. According to the new law, starting July 1 this year, adults 21 and older may possess up to one ounce of marijuana or five grams of hashish, cultivate up to two mature and four immature plants in a “secure” location, and keep the marijuana produced by the plants at the same “secure” location. Both House and Senate passed H.511 earlier this month, soon after the legis-
lature reconvened for the 2018 session. However, some skeptical voters and media commentators wondered why a recreational pot bill was among the first things lawmakers tackled in the new year, with bigger public concerns needing their attention, such as the economy and the opioid addiction crisis. While marijuana advocates are celebrating Vermont’s new law, others, from the medical and law enforcement fields, as well as a few conservative legislators, are either upset or feel betrayed by the rapid legislative action and the governor’s signing it into law. Northfield resident Rep. Anne Donahue (R, Washington-2) said that she didn’t like how quickly lawmakers moved to approve H.511. She said colleagues mostly ignored her concerns about safety issues relating to marijuana, especially around young people. “I voted for all of the amendments, and (ultimately) against the bill,” Donahue said. “The penalties for smoking with children in the room was my proposed amendment... (But it) was not a proposal for ‘enhanced’
penalties. There are no penalties in the bill, and no references, to the use of marijuana with children present. This proposal would have created a penalty, the same penalty as for smoking in a car with kids present, for smoking in other enclosed spaces. I just think that if we agree that there should be a clear public policy message that this is being legalized as an adult activity, that we are not going to impose sanctions for adult use, then we should make it clear that the state does not think it’s ok to have children present while using marijuana. I was stunned that only a handful of the bill’s supporters were willing to support this common-sense restriction. The rest (of the legislators) were fine with adults smoking pot with kids present.” Westford resident Rep. Bob Bancroft (R-Chittenden 8-3) made no bones about his position on Vermont’s new marijuana law: “I opposed passage of this legislation,” he told the Eagle. Bancroft’s voice against the law has been among the loudest of his colleagues in Montpelier.
» Pot bill Cont. on pg. 12
By Lou Varricchio THE EAGLE
MIDDLEBURY | According to Vermont Department of Health officials, flu has hit Addison and Rutland counties. However, it is reported to be widespread across the state. » Flu Cont. on pg. 10
CASTLETON WOMAN TO APPEAR IN COURT
By Lou Varricchio THE EAGLE
CASTLETON | On Jan. 16, troopers from the Vermont State Police Rutland Barracks responded to a report of a motor vehicle off the roadway near Hartsboro Road in Wallingford. Troopers arrived on scene and located a vehicle off the east side of the roadway. » Court Cont. on pg. 3
VILLAGE PLANS: A public Village Farm Community Forum was held Thursday, Jan. 18, at the Lothrop Elementary School Gym in Pittsford. The meeting was a community gathering for sharing ideas for this historic property’s future. Concerned residents discussed future housing, economic development, businesses, agriculture, recreational, educational, and social opportunities at the site. Pictured: Aerial view of the property. Photo courtesy of Jim Haley/Google Maps
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