Ludington council votes against marijuana ordinances

Ludington council votes against marijuana ordinances

LUDINGTON — In a meeting that last over 4 1/2 hours Monday, the Ludington City Council voted 4-3 against two marijuana-related ordinances. Before the council were two ordinances that included allowing marijuana facilities in the city and allowing zoned areas for those facilities. Voting against the ordinances were Ted May, Les Johnson, Cheri Stibitz and Kathy Winczewski. Voting in favor of it were Wally Cain, Jack Bulger and John Terzano. 

“We don’t need that stuff here,” said Councilor Ted May during councilor discussion. “It’s a dirty business, and we don’t need that stuff here.” 

Councilor Wally Cain said there was hypocrisy in the city regarding the views of marijuana versus alcohol. He said there hasn’t been outrage over alcohol-related festivals in the city. There are currently two breweries in the city limits along with several beer festivals. Downtown Ludington is considered a “social district” which allows alcohol to be purchased at select establishments and openly carried outdoors within this district’s boundaries. 

Over 40 people spoke for almost two hours during public comment, the majority stating they were against allowing the ordinances to pass. 

Mayor Steve Miller, prior to the vote, said he was proud of the process of debating the marijuana topic and was proud that there were over 80 people at the meeting.

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