Lemonade

Well, I am starting the morning off without an Internet connection.  Not sure what that problem is, but we will deal with it and get up and running some how. 

Anyway, let’s see what we can make from that lemon to start the day.

First one obviously has to find a substitute news source.  Well a different means anyway, so thanks to 4G I was able to access all the news The Standard Times saw fit to print this A.M. on the mobile app for the paper.

If you are interested in the preliminary elections for New Bedford, in a nutshell, no real surprises as to who made the cut, although the city did see a one vote margin in the at large race for the 10^th slot on the ballot for councilor at large. 

Apparently there was a meeting in Taunton about the SouthCoast rail proposed line.  Mostly attended by by opponents, at least from the indication in the paper.  The most significant dynamic on the whole choo choo train for Christmas is whether our next governor is going to continue with investing in what has to be the longest known layaway plan on record. Right on its heals is whether local supporters in power are going to keep the juice flowing so the train actually gets running.

On the home front, there is an article about the medicinal marijuana plant proposal for our little town.  Proponents appeared before the Planning Board last night as a matter of introduction.  

Interesting piece in the above mentioned newspaper on the Board of Health stance.  In an e-mail response it seems that the board doesn't support a moratorium (not sure from the article if that is a unanimous stance). 

One member voiced concerns that a facility in Fairhaven would prevent home cultivation for a hardship case. Not quite sure how that one would or should be a concern under the regs.  

Three exceptions to get a home potting license.  Given the fact that the facilities are going to be required to make deliveries within a certain area, and given the fact that the designated delivery area will most certainly include the town it is located in, that takes care of access, and essentially one of the other exceptions, being a lack of a personal care giver able to get the stuff for you.  That would leave the financial hardship applicable which as written is not negated by where the facility is.

Interesting thought process there, because if that is your concern one would think .you would support the moratorium as the only immediate possible avenue out of town.  The likelihood a facility will be located close enough so that financial hardship would still be the only avenue might be a consideration though.

Another member wants to hear from the Planning Board as to recommendations for zoning regs.  Well it is the zoning authority so that seems okay, except the planning board is seeking a moratorium to determine the zoning issues.  So why would you be opposed to the vehicle that will get that board your answers?

A third member is in support.  I say good for her or him (the members' positions are not identified, although this one would be as close to a sure thing to guessing the various members' position as you would get a chance at for any guess).

Anyway, the Board of Health is opposed to a moratorium. Seriously.

Me too.

Any rules, regulations or zoning by-laws done locally that derogate from the state regs. and law are going to get tossed by the AG in a heart beat.  More than a few attempts all ready have.  What can be done doesn't involve reinventing the wheel.  What we are talking about is what kind of hubcap we want to cover the wheel we are stuck with.  

Anyhow, it is what it is.  If people feel more comfortable with the need to first get a moratorium and then determine what you can't do, that is fine with me.  there is all ready some soft chatter out of Boston that further regs. about limiting local regs. will be coming down the pike.

The law is here.  It exists.  You don't want it in town,  the moratorium is in fact probably your best chance to keep it out of town, in the first wave of this industry anyway.  

I suppose what confuses me most is the resistance.  Someone said they were against it because of the temptation it would provide.  Not sure I got the gist of that one.

What else today?  

Well for one thing, open line remains well open.  Seems like the only time people what that format though is when it isn't "on".

I am running out of time so I will end it here.  Internet popped back on, so I can publish before I head out. Not exactly the most refreshing cup of lemonade this morning, but it will have to do.

Be safe.