In previous town hall meetings discussing pot shops in town, it was made known that the increased revenue would be consumed with added law enforcement needs.

So far no test has been developed to arrest drivers high on pot. Medical use has proven helpful to some, but if it’s not carefully supervised, it gets into the wrong hands. We’ve had robberies in our local businesses, one ending in a high speed chase down CR 501 with a kid who has a history of drug problems. Is this what we need to earn tax revenue?

A vote by town trustees to allow pot shops at our doorstep has been turned down TWICE. Do you want to lose the trust and faith Bayfield has in our officials if you choose otherwise? I’m asking our Mayor, Matt Salka, and Chris LaMay, Town Manager, to ask our neighboring small town officials the impact their decision has had – both negative and positive – on their community before coming to a decision to allow it in Bayfield.

The town’s image not only affects those living in town who can vote, but the bigger population that lives outside city limits who have no vote. We support Bayfield’s businesses and consider this our hometown too.

A motel and recreation center would benefit more and attract visitors to spend their money here. Our pioneers settled our Pine River Valley in the 1870’s and left us with a history of their struggles to make our valley what it is today.

Many descendants still live here and carry on the ranching and farming handed down through generations. My research has never turned up a story of them needing pot to get through their day!

Anne Schrier

Forest Lakes