By Wayne Allen
The Scioto County Commissioners applauded the failure of Issue 3 during the Tuesday general election at their regularly scheduled meeting held on November 5.
Had State Issue Three been approved, it would have allowed for the production and sale of marijuana for recreational and medicinal purposes.
The Scioto County Commissioners voiced opposition to the issue before it was officially on the ballot.
When asked about the issues defeat, Chairman of the Scioto County Commissioners Mike Crabtree said, “I was not really shocked. I did not think it would pass first time around and I don’t think the people behind all of this is going to give up.”
In Scioto County, State Issue 3 received 11,151 no votes and 6,353 yes votes. The voters of Ohio gave the issue a similar fate.
“Personally, I’ve never had any need for that sort of thing and I don’t think we need it in our community or anywhere in the United States,” Crabtree said.
As stated, Crabtree believes the issue is here to stay, “There’s too much money to be made and there are big money people out there trying to get this through.”
Commissioners Doug Coleman and Bryan Davis have been vocal about their opposition to the issue.
“I’m glad that it failed. We (commissioners) came out early on this,” Davis said.
ResponsibleOhio Executive Director Ian James said the issue is not over.
“We trust the voters. We started the conversation, and we’re going to continue the conversation. The status quo doesn’t work, it’s unacceptable and we’re not going away. All the things we’ve fought for are true. Ohioans still need treatment and deserve compassionate care. And our state needs the jobs and tax revenue that marijuana legalization will bring,” James said in a released statement about the election.
Wayne Allen can be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 1933 or on Twitter @WayneallenPDT
