The Addison County chiefs of police and the Addison County sheriff would like to recognize Middlebury Rep. Betty Nuovo for her comments in an article in the Feb. 19 edition of the Addison Independent. Rep. Nuovo voiced her opposition to House Bill 277 and Senate Bill 95, both which propose the legalization of marijuana for recreational usage.
Rep. Nuovo clearly understood the critical issues surrounding these proposals, and she concerned herself with the overriding reason for opposition: the safety and welfare of her community. Rep. Nuovo was not blinded by the lure of the immediate monetary gain from the legalization of marijuana, but rather she clearly understood the potentially harmful and long term effects to our communities which would result from the passage of these bills.
She also clearly understood the financial challenges associated with such an endeavor, costs the state of Vermont call ill afford. From the physiological effects of marijuana usage to adolescent brain development, the interference with learning and memory, to the dangers marijuana usage by motorists presents to highway safety, this bill should be opposed by all our county representatives.
There is clear and convincing evidence to support these concerns, and Rep. Nuovo had enough courage and concern for her communities’ well-being to voice her opposition. We thank Rep. Nuovo for her leadership.
Vergennes Chief of Police George P. Merkel
Addison County Sheriff Donald Keeler
Bristol Chief of Police Kevin Gibbs
Middlebury Chief of Police Thomas Hanley