BY ANN GENADER
WEST MILFORD — With residents divided over legalizing cannabis, an act that could add thousands of dollars in tax revenue to the municipality, township officials have agreed to discuss the topic at a future workshop. Michael Chazukow, resident and member of the Board of Trustees of the state chapter of the National Organization for the Reforming of Marijuana Laws, gave to the Township of West Milford Council members on April 25 copies of a resolution supporting Governor Phil Murphy’s campaign promise to legalize marijuana.
Mayor Bettina Bieri and council members were not ready to respond to Chazukow’s presentation, which was given during the township's annual Volunteer Night.
They said it was inappropriate for them to vote on Chazukow’s proposal without having time to research it. The resolution was also an issue they did not want to deal with at the annual meeting recognizing volunteers.
The mayor stopped Chazukow's attempt to poll the council on passage of the resolution, but not before Council President Tim Wagner responded “no” to it. Councilman Luciano “Lou” Signorino said he wants information. The council agreed to his request for discussion at a future workshop.
“This effects a lot of veterans,” Signorino said. “The pros and cons need to come out.”
The mayor told Chazukow that before a resolution is considered the governing body members must be given time for study and research. She said although she understands his passion, it is unfair to put a resolution before the officials and ask for their immediate passage of a document.
Later in the meeting during council comment time, Councilman Michael Hensley spoke in support of legalizing marijuana to enable West Milford to become part of an industry that will bring tax money to burdened taxpayers.
Hensley, who did not seek re-election and whose term ends in December, said the reason he ran for a council six years ago was to improve the tax base and to enable people to stay in their homes and raise families. He hoped to help college graduates to return to West Milford and buy homes.
Legalization of marijuana is seen by Hensley as a timely topic. He said earlier politicians made a big mistake by letting the Jungle Habitat and its tax contribution slip away. The state now owns the land.
“I don’t want the township to miss the boat again,” Hensley said. “Legalization of marijuana is here and we need to be included for a ratable tax base. The time has come for West Milford to be in the forefront of an economic industry that is coming to New Jersey. Additional business will allow economic activity to take place.”
He said whether or not the council members feel comfortable or not in acting on the resolution, it illustrates the reality of today.
The topic is much debated throughout New Jersey. News reports say Carlstadt Borough intends to ban sale or cultivation of marijuana for recreational purposes, while some other municipalities responded to Governor Murphy’s effort for marijuana legalization by approving regulations.
Oakland and Mahwah have introduced ordinances to prohibit retail marijuana sales and Maywood may designate a sale zone for it. In Garfield and Hasbrouck Heights, sale of marijuana is already forbidden.
Supporters of the law look to the potential tax revenue that would become available. The opponents fear that more health problems and more addicts will result. They see the legalization as the gateway to harder drugs.
Murphy’s budget for the year beginning July 1 anticipates legalized marijuana will generate $60 million in state sales tax revenues and fees.
A recent Stockton University Poll said 49 percent of those polled are fine with medical marijuana, 44 percent are opposed and 5 percent are undecided.