Cooperstown to consider cannabis opt-out law in December

By KEVIN LIMITI • Special to www.AllOTSEGO.com

COOPERSTOWN — The Board of Trustees voted to consider a cannabis opt-out law on December 6 at 6:30 p.m.

MacGuire Benton was the  dissenting vote. Hanna Bergene and Joe Membrino were absent.

Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh has been in favor of an opt-out law, arguing for drafting a law which would then become open to public comment. “The only option for getting public comment is holding a hearing and that can only be done by drafting a law,” Mayor Tillapaugh said.

Richard Sternberg agreed with this after delaying the vote till the end of the meeting.

“People have a  right to show up and present in person,” Mr. Sternberg said, who doesn’t support opting out in and of itself. “My impression is enough people want it and it’s legal.”

Mr. Benton was not swayed by this. “I don’t understand voting for drafting a  law you don’t support,” he said. He stated he didn’t think everybody should be able to “run a dispensary out of their garage” but he wanted to “allow the free market to take place.”

Mr. Benton had brought a petition with 62 signatures from Cooperstown residents asking the board not to opt out.

Deputy Mayor Cindy Falk said she believed they would have to make changes to local laws if Cooperstown didn’t opt out, including zoning.

Prior to the meeting, Steve Mahlum made a public comment saying how he was not in favor of Cooperstown opting out.

“I can personally attest that cannabis has been around for a long time,” Mr. Mahlum said. “I don’t think its going away.”

He said it was important for Cooperstown to “accept it and control it.”