First, thank you to the residents who supported me for my last (and first) city council coverage (11-12-19). My goal was to maintain your interest and it went beyond what I expected.
January 14, 2020
Present were Mayor Domingo Vargas, Clerk Randy Heuser, Attorney Kelly Burke, and Aldermen Annette Alexander, Fred Bilotto, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, Candace Carr, Kevin Donahue, Bill Fahrenwald, Tom Hawley, Johnny Hill, James Klinker, and Mike Mech. Treasurer Carmine Bilotto, and Aldermen William Cazares, Dexter Johnson, Nancy Rita, and Alecia Slattery were absent.
Public comments are often the most interesting and important segment of a city council meeting. Remember the city council members have a position, a microphone, and even their own name plate. The most discussed topic on resident’s minds this evening was the legalization of recreational marijuana. Three residents took the stand regarding this issue.
Former alderman, Nancy Thompson, from the 5th Ward, has a concern about the legalization of marijuana. She reminded us that Illinois has the reputation of being one of the most corrupt states in the Union and a lot of our leaders went to jail for corruption. She still has the stench of what Bread & Bottle Liquors (2213 119th St.) left behind. She said our town was assaulted for 25 – 30 years with alcohol, which led to prostitution and selling liquor to minors. She pleaded with the council, especially the Community Development Committee, not to bring any dispensaries into the 5th ward because she is still suffering from the Bread & Bottle.
Kimberly Byrne, who just moved to Blue Island in September, 2018, from San Francisco, wants the city to have an impact statement to educate the public about the many issues involving the legalization of marijuana. She said the city needs to review other state’s mistakes, and have proper police and fire department training. Since it’s not just smoking (as in cigarettes), but a narcotic, ordinances need to be updated – parking in front of dispensaries, loitering, signage in stores, near daycare centers, etc. She reminded us of the stigma involved if someone in a position, such as clergy, is seen going into a dispensary.
Carol DiPace Greene agreed that an impact statement was needed and Blue Island has not taken on the necessary steps to prepare us for recreational use of marijuana. She reminded us how our small businesses already have parking problems and doesn’t feel that dispensaries should be anywhere along Western avenue, our business district. Suggestions included the outskirts of the city, such as the old Christy Webber landscaping business (11900 Division St.), away from the businesses, children, and people. However, DiPace Greene reiterated, “not anywhere near the former Bread & Bottle,” which resulted in chuckling and clapping. She emphasized that Blue Island is self-insured and the payouts keep rolling out for lawsuits, and we don’t need to incur any more lawsuits. “If we’re gonna do this, we’ve got to do it right,” she said.
While writing this, I was alerted to a 3% tax on marijuana that passed, which would bring total taxes to 41% by this summer. The Sun-Times reported, “The tax is needed to pay for potential increases in health and policing costs due to legalization.” My first thought was, why not just find a local drug dealer and pay cash as usual? After all, we’re allowed to have it in our possession, right? This is why many think it will lead to more street dealing.
This reminds me of how money for the lottery was supposed to go to education. WBEZ radio reported, “The lottery legislation was part of a compromise package whose main purpose was to provide additional funding to help out the Chicago Transit Authority.” Thompson is literally right on the money because it somehow never really goes where it is supposed to go.
Another concern is how we’ve always had enough issues with drivers under the influence of alcohol. Then we see signs stating, “Don’t Text and Drive.” And now this. Pharmacies regulating medical marijuana is more reassuring; however, it seems that we will be making up procedure as we go along (hence, Byrne and DiPace Greene’s emphasis on an impact statement). Others tell me it doesn’t matter, it’s all about the money.
In a more somber tone, the second most talked about subject this evening was our veterans. Nancy Thompson initially thanked Mayor Vargas for participating in an assembly honoring 23-year-old, Henry Mayfield, Jr., who was killed January 5, 2020, in Kenya.
Mayor Vargas again expressed gratitude to our veterans for their service reminding us all that their sacrifice allows us to have such meetings. He requested that we stand for a moment of silence.
Later, Alderman Hill announced that he attended the service on January 14, in Hazel Crest honoring fallen soldier, Mayfield. He felt it was his duty, as his brother served 30 years as a marine, rose to the rank of Sergeant Major, and went through Viet Nam and Desert Storm.
In closing, this is only the second city council meeting I have attended and both times, veterans were acknowledged. Everyone is welcome to express themselves in front of a polite and patient audience.
This article was originally published in the January issue of the Blue Island Forum Newspaper.
