To the editor:
This is in response to Mr. Hunt’s letter from the Jan. 6 Pikes Peak Bulletin. In Mr. Hunt’s letter, the main argument he gives for voting yes to the ballot initiative is that it will create transparency within the city of Manitou Springs so that we can see where the sales revenue from the marijuana sales taxes are being allocated.
When I read through the ballot initiative nowhere do I see it stating increased transparency that would result in voting yes. The only changes I see are from the number of dual-operation shops from two to three (and what is the deal with using a strikeout to change from two to three?).
The other addition is specific requirements on location so that the only location that would work is Higginbotham Flats. That does not seem like a fair change, as it only allows the owner of that land to put in a new store there as other potential locations within the city limits would not meet those requirements.
They might as well just give their name if they really want to create transparency.
So I urge voters to vote no on this initiative as the only person it will directly benefit is the creator of the initiative. If there is to be a third store in Manitou Springs, then there has to be more public involvement and meetings.
The only way I heard about this was when I got a flier from the proponents of adding a new store. This is not how it should be done; the citizens of Manitou need to be more involved, as does the City Council.