Prop S: The Why Behind the Yes

By Erika G. Lowery

Prop S, Imperial Beach's Medical Marijuana Dispensary proposition, has created a heated debate in the city. Here is my reasoning why I am voting the way I am.

Here is a train of thought position. Some may have heard part of the why at the community forum put on by the Chamber of Commerce but there is more information that I want to put out.

Back to the R.E.E.F:

Redevelopment - Gives our city a chance for further growth economically. There are some businesses that can start up as a part of this new development. We can develop safe dispensaries and encourage new businesses to occupy some of our vacant locations.

Economics - With this we, the city, will see a much needed increase in the tax basis. It is actually on of the pivotal items. Our city is desperate for the monies. We heard it by the sitting councilmembers and I think the city as a whole knows it. I have heard the argument that if none of our local neighbors pass their versions of Prop S, Imperial Beach will become the go to place for medical marijuana. I wouldn't mind the monopoly; that means we will get the monopoly on the taxes.

Environment - Will this have an impact on our natural resources? Most likely not, and if there is it will be minimal.

Family - Be warned, this will be long.

I informed the community of my mom's rapidly diminishing health; melanoma that is progressing rapidly. She never was the easiest person to get along with, but her health demise has not made her any easier. If you don't believe me, I am willing to give you a few pages of references that are willing to agree with me - starting with my father, her husband for almost 50 years.

My father, a retired police officer from the Los Angeles area and lifelong farmer, raised me with a strong sense of drug avoidance. I have never smoked anything, including a cigarette. I have never used any type of illegal substance. I rarely even have a drink. My "drug of choice" is what I grew up having going having brewing in the background - coffee.

My husband is a federal officer. He sees the downside of medical marijuana on a daily basis, young kids carrying it in quantities above what is allowed by law but flaunting it due to their "card". For a while, he was known as the officer that "found the pot."

I have 3 kids that I am concerned about. Their safety, their security. Illegal drugs are something that would make them and our neighbors less secure.

But, if my mother's doctors, in their wisdom, feel that it would be beneficial for her to have marijuana to help her manage day to day; I will trust them. If they think it will help with her pain; I will trust them since she is not one to say that she is hurting. If they think she would benefit; I will trust them.

There are more families that would be impacted, not just mine. There will be more that would benefit, our neighbors could benefit by having a safe secure place to make their lives a little easier a little less painful.

I could have my only "semi-grumpy" mom back. My kids would be able to see their grandmother, the one they have known, back.

We have an aging population, there is a population where there are medicines that cannot help them, there is a seriously ill population. All these people, our neighbors, family, and friends, may benefit from medical marijuana. Let's give them the option.

Some promises I make if Proposition S passes:
1. I will make sure that the letter of the law is enforced. It is for the safety of the consumers and the community.
2. I will ensure that quality dispensaries are in place. Ones with practices like Mother Earth Healing Alternative Cooperative. To read about this dispensary: http://m.utsandiego.com/news/2012/sep/04/regions-only-permitted-marijuana-dispensary-closes/ 3. I will work with the schools and the community to ensure that at least a portion of the tax money that is generated to give our youth programs to keep from illegal drug use. Part of it I really would like to see put to use in expanding the services of the Sports Park.

Furthermore, I am only one vote. My husband has one vote. I know he is going to negate my vote. I don't tell him how to vote, he doesn't tell me. We think for ourselves and vote our own way.

If the city does not pass Prop S, I will work to find a proposition or law that would better fit our community. I feel that Prop S provides enforcement to protect all involved, both the consumer and the community.

I stand next to my neighbors. Whatever they decide, as a majority, I will support. But I am also willing to stand up to the community on how I feel, and more importantly why.