On June 20, Councilman Keith Vreeland suggested putting a referendum on the ballot in the general election to get residents’ opinions on a cannabis dispensary in town. On July 17, Vreeland moved a resolution with a clear ballot question.
“Shall the Borough of Tuckerton permit recreational cannabis operations and retail distribution within the Borough?” Vreeland read.
Vreeland motioned to adopt the referendum. Councilman Brian Martin voted “yes,” while remaining council members voted “no.” The resolution did not pass.
Resident Carolyn Keen thanked Vreeland and Martin for their efforts, but left other members with a vital question: “What’s the fear about putting it out to the voters?”
There are too many residents and nonresidents to get a representative vote of all parties, Councilman Ron Peterson responded. Councilman Mike Dupuis backed Peterson, reminding residents of the ordinance’s past three readings, all of which provided borough residents with ample time to respond in agreement or disagreement.
“I don’t believe, personally, that it is a good fit,” Dupuis argued. “We are supposed to be a family community.”