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Just saying no Enfield Town Council bans cannabis businesses By Laura B. Hayden
Fall in New England Scarecrows and autumn colors are two of the telltale signs fall has arrived in the area. Ellington’s fifth annual scarecrow contest takes place this month, with fan favorite voting starting Oct. 11. For a look at the region’s activities, see Fall Fest pages inside. Photo courtesy of Town of Ellington
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The Enfield Town Council voted to ban cannabis businesses in town last month. The possession and use of marijuana for people age 21 and over became legal in the state July 1. The new law, however, included an option for towns to prohibit cannabis establishments by ordinance. The ordinance, proposed by the Republican majority, passed along party lines, 6-3, after public speakers favored the opposite outcome supporting the state’s decision to allow cannabis businesses, 22 speakers to 8. Social media commentary following the decision mostly disagreed with the council vote as well. The six Republican council members who voted in favor of the ban were Mayor Michael Ludwick, Carl Sferrazza, Lori Unghire, Kelly Hemmeler, Charlotte Riley, and Joseph Muller. The three Democratic council mem-
bers who voted against the ban were Cynthia Mangini, Gina Cekala, and Robert Cressotti. Republican council members Donna Szewczak and Joseph Bosco were absent. In general, council members in favor of the ban expressed concern about the message being sent to the youth in town if cannabis sales were allowed, along with the inability to test drivers who may be under the influence of the recreational drug. Those against the ban emphasized the beneficial revenue the town could have gained from the sales, monies that would go towards improved education and social services for townspeople, young and old. The North Central News reached out to the entire Enfield Town Council after the vote. Three members responded.
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