To the editor:
I am extremely concerned about the idea of a third marijuana shop in Manitou Springs. I believe that City Council did a nice job of kicking the can down the road to the voters, but the shortened time-frame from doing so to election date has caught many people off-guard.
I believe the glossy campaign (two more fliers to come) the proponents are using is full of half-truths already. I think it is up to the voters to be informed, but right now, no one is challenging the half-truths the supporters presented in the first flier.
I also believe the unspoken issues remain:
1. No one has mentioned the horrific traffic issues that will be created on U.S. Highway 24, even with the intersection lights. That certainly will increase driving through Manitou and up the challenging Serpentine Drive to escape the highway congestion;
2. We understand they’re talking about installing 100 parking spaces, which will also increase congestion; and
3. No one has discussed the additional stress that will be put on the Manitou Springs Police Department.
Do we want all of this?
There are other issues as well: Does Manitou want to be known as the “Third Friendliest City” in the United States or the “Biggest Recreational Pot City” around?
Studies have shown that pot purchasers, by and large, do not shop in Manitou. So they are no help to merchants.
The first flier seems to indicate that the Urban Renewal Authority is a separate entity that has no ties to Manitou. Not true. The work mentioned as being done by the URA is only in Manitou and only for the benefit of Manitou.
Finally, it is clear that, at some point, Colorado Springs will legalize recreational pot. Then the rich pie Manitou is counting on will certainly diminish, no matter how many shops there are.
Is it time to learn to live within our means?
The vote ends on Jan. 18. I am asking Manitou residents to take a hard look at the glossy campaign the third pot shop promoters are doing.
The city of Manitou (that means all Manitou taxpayers) is paying for this election. Why couldn’t it wait until the next general election?
The answer is because the people pushing to add another marijuana outlet are counting on a low turnout. That would mean proponents of marijuana can win again. I urge everyone to get their ballot and return it as soon as you can.
At least voters should make sure to consider all positions on this matter.