Gwen Rummell Reporting –
In a recent press conference, Empower Tusc shared their view on a ballot issue.
Issue 2 on the November 7th ballot refers to the legalization of marijuana for recreational use.
The press conference featured 7 speakers with different backgrounds. After opening remarks from Empower Tusc Director Jodi Salvo, Senator Al Landis spoke about ballot language.
“A whopping 36% of tax revenue would go back to the industry itself to pay to set up more marijuana shops and farms. The tax rate is too low. A 10% tax rate would be one of the lowest marijuana rates in the nation. That’s not worth it to all the new problems and costs this will bring to our communities and to our state.”
Buckeye Career Center Superintendent Bob Alsept noted the effects on students. Tuscarawas Central Catholic Senior and Youth to Youth member Carson Norris added that people under 21 will still find a way to gain access to the drug.
“Youth can’t obtain this 21 or older marijuana. They’re still going to go to these random people they find on social media and where they work, like you [Bob Alsept] said. They’re going to buy it for cheaper and probably worse for them.”
Tuscarawas County Sheriff Orvis Campbell expressed his frustrations with testing suspected high drivers but said they will base their decisions on the driver’s activities.
Dr. Lori Kuehne (Key-knee) and Director of Jennifer’s Messengers Corinne (Core-een) LaMarca were also in attendance, sharing their medical and parental experiences.
The full press conference can be seen on the Empower Tusc Facebook page.
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