FINAL BLOOMFIELD TOWN COUNCIL VIRTUAL PUBLIC FORUM – CANNABIS LEGALIZATION

There was a special meeting of the Bloomfield Town Council held at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, November 19, 2020 via Zoom Webinar virtual meeting platform.

Present were: Mayor Suzette DeBeatham-Brown, Deputy Mayor David Mann, Councilors Rickford Kirton, Patrick DeLorenzo, C.F. Politis, Danielle Wong, Stephanie Calhoun and Kevin Gough

Also present were: Philip K. Schenck, Jr., Interim Town Manager, Sharron Howe, Assistant to the Town Manager, Attorney Marc Needelman, Scott Sharlow, Director of Information Technology (Tech Support) and India Rodgers, Clerk of Council

Absent was: Councilor Joseph Merritt

Presenters were: Archbishop LeRoy Bailey, Senior , Dr. Michael Bailey, Co-Pastor, Pastor LeRoy Bailey, III, Executive Pastor and Youth Pastor Elijah Oliver of , Pastor Daylan Greer, Bethel A.M.E. Church, Attorney DeVaughn Ward, Senior Legislative Counsel for the Marijuana Policy Project, Attorney Aaron Romano, Rev. LaKeisha Hyatt, Executive Director of Ministries at Rehoboth Church of God, State Representative Bobby Gibson, State Senator Derek Slap

The meeting was called to order at 6:05 p.m.

Mayor DeBeatham-Brown gave a brief introduction into the Cannabis Legalization public forum. During this forum, town residents and those who worship or work in the Town will express their thoughts and opinions about this new proposed state legislation. It was noted that the State of has decriminalized marijuana in general for possession of a small amount for personal use. Decriminalization references no prison time or criminal record for first time marijuana possession.

Councilor Wong read the proposed resolution in support of legalizing Cannabis in the State of Connecticut. If passed by this Council, this resolution will be a statement and a message to the State of Connecticut that Bloomfield supports legalization of cannabis, social and racial justice for the communities, in which most were harmed by the War on Drugs campaign in the 80’s and failed prohibition.

Presentation of the Pros and Cons for Cannabis Legalization

Pros

Attorney Aaron Romano, Criminal Defense lawyer made a brief presentation on the history of cannabis prohibition. This history determined whether or not the law itself had a constitutional or unconstitutional basis. He noted the purpose of cannabis prohibition was originally a prejudicial purpose that was exclusively to affect black and brown communities because they were the ones who are using it. This law has no relevance to today’s society.

Attorney DeVaughn Ward, Senior Legislative Counsel for the Marijuana Policy Project thanked the Council for this public forum on Cannabis Legalization. He expressed his support of legalizing cannabis and outlined some of the financial aspects that municipalities could benefit from. Approximately $750 million in direct revenues could be generated by year 5 of regulated legalized markets. The State of Connecticut currently has a medicinal program, requiring residents to purchase a $250 license for personal use. Attorney Ward also noted serious concerns with incarcerating black and brown individuals in jail, when whites have legal access to cannabis.

Dr. Erin Corbett, Second Chance Educational Alliance described the historical racial undertones regarding Cannabis as a Schedule 1 drug and the criminalization in the 1940’s. This drug was placed on the schedule because whites didn’t want Mexicans and their alleged negative behaviors in the United States. She also spoke on the use of marijuana and how it can help curtail more illicit hardcore drug use. Dr. Corbett stated her opinion and noted that there are no cons in legalizing cannabis. She noted that opposing marijuana legalization is the perpetuation of a racist trope of moral issues. There is no evidence that decriminalization of marijuana leads to any substantial increase in marijuana use nor is there evidence that it is a gateway drug. Research has should that marijuana in both the medical and harm reduction fields, it’s used as an exit drug.

Cons

Archbishop LeRoy Bailey, Senior Pastor of The First Cathedral is not oppose to medical marijuana, however he is opposed to the legalization of recreational use of cannabis. He noted that the community is in need of jobs to support their families. It is not necessary to correlate prison reform with the use of recreational marijuana. Archbishop Bailey also made some biblical references regarding financial and moral obligations from the position of the church relative to the negative impact and effects of cannabis for minority communities. In addition, he also stated that it is imperative for community leaders to have a vision for Bloomfield and the overall needs for all citizens.

Rev. Lakeisha Hyatt, Executive Director of Ministries at the Rehoboth Church of God, CEO – CT Valley Hospital and Registered Nurse commented on the medicinal benefits and is supportive of this effort. However, she is not in support of cannabis legalization for Bloomfield. She asked the Council to reconsider their position in support of this proposed legislation.

Senior Pastor Daylan Green, Bethel A.M.E. Church and Vice President of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance is opposed to legalizing recreational marijuana. He stated the facts regarding addiction issues, concerns about decriminalizing marijuana and the overall effects it has on the community.

Rev. Ashley Ramsey, Young Adult Pastor at Rehoboth Church of God cautioned the Council on their support to legalize cannabis, in an effort to decriminalize people of color. She strongly advocates for an approach to focus on rehabilitation and other means to grow the Town financially.

Minister Elijah Oliver, Youth Pastor at the First Cathedral noted that he is strongly opposed to legalizing recreational marijuana. He also referenced the negative public health effects it has on the community as a whole. The development of youth and young adults should be focused on positive interactions and relationships that will sustain them moving forward as productive citizens.

Dr. Michael Bailey, Co-Pastor of the First Cathedral commented on prematurely looking at this issue and is opposed to the legalization of marijuana. He also noted that the focus should not be on the potential financial benefits to the Town. The focus should be on the overall health and well-being of the community.

Pastor LeRoy Bailey, III, Executive Pastor of the First Cathedral is also opposed to cannabis legalization and stated that it is not right for Bloomfield. He commented on other opportunities to grow the Town financially.

Mr. Venton Forbes, Executive Director of FaithCare, Inc. at the First Cathedral expressed his opinion and understanding of the medicinal purposes for cannabis use. However, he is opposed to legalizing recreational marijuana because of the health disparities that already exist within the community. He asked about safeguards in place for protecting our children relative to altered cognitive issues, depression and suicidal behaviors.

State Delegation

State Representative Bobby Gibson is also a School Improvement Specialist at Carmen Arace Middle School. He stated that he will utilize this forum to listen and hear the various views from his constituents who he represents at the state.

State Senator Derek Slap commended the Town of Bloomfield for hosting this public forum and being proactive with this proposed legislation. There is a real possibility that this legislation will pass at the state level. It is important to recognize what it will look like. The decision for passage should be based on racial equity, public safety and public health. He noted that regulating the market will make it safer for residents to access.

Discussion

Chief Paul Hammick of the Bloomfield Police Department provided arrest data and crime statistics of individuals arrested for marijuana possession over the past several years in Town:

 2020 Year to Date – 32 arrests for Possession of Marijuana (greater than ½ ounce) and 23 arrest for less than ½ ounce – misdemeanor summons issued and one simple controlled substance  2019 – 23 arrests greater, 15 less than ½ ounce  2018 – 29 arrests greater, 16 less than ½ ounce

These statistics presented show an average of 25-30 arrests per year with greater and less amounts of possession.

Councilor Wong reiterated to all that this resolution if passed by the Council will only provide support at state level. The Council cannot legalize cannabis in the Town of Bloomfield.

Dr. Corbett echoed the details outlined in the proposed resolution for the societal benefits of adult recreational use. All data support the decline in overall use of all populations. Let’s focus on the data and science to make sound educated decisions on cannabis usage.

Public Comments

1. Renae James, 23 Mayfair Road expressed her support in favor of the resolution. She noted the financial aspects and increased awareness on public health benefits.

2. Lynette Easmon, 8 Jackson Road is in favor of the resolution and is strongly advocating for more resources to address the social justice aspect of the proposed bill.

3. Linda Pagani, 4 Guernsey Road – in favor of adult recreational use – difficult to get a medical card in CT, very disturbed about the racial injustice, should be about the choice of responsible adult to decide

4. Kamarlia Reid, 36 Hill Farm Road is also in favor of this resolution. She commented on eliminating the negative cultural propaganda that stigmatizes the minority community.

Council Comments

Councilor Calhoun asked how will the state address decriminalizing current and prior offenders and conviction for marijuana possession.

Deputy Mayor Mann is in agreement with Councilor Calhoun regarding decriminalization and social justice concerns. He noted that supporting this resolution it is not the intent for the Town to use as an Economic Development opportunity or growth model. There are many good reasons to support and protect use.

Councilor Kirton inquired about the differences between decriminalization and legalization. In 2011, the State of Connecticut passed legislation to decriminalize cannabis possession. He noted that he has mixed feelings regarding the overall pressures that youth face among their peers. This resolution as outlined is sending message the wrong message to youth and young adults. He is not in favor of passing this resolution on behalf of the Town of Bloomfield.

Councilor DeLorenzo noted that he would like to hear more viewpoints from citizens and organizations about the pros and cons of legalizing cannabis. He asked if any other towns are moving forward in supporting this resolution. He also inquired about more Town statistics in arrests resulting in incarceration.

Councilor Gough is in agreement to totally support this resolution. There are some different concerns in the way society behaves if abused, however, there are many aspects that support positive outcomes for liberalization for healthy community. He would also like to see language modification for appropriate penalties and/or pardons as a part of the final legislation.

Councilor Politis is also in full support of this resolution moving forward at the state level. He referenced the dangerous effects of opioid use in this country compared to marijuana.

Mr. Philip K. Schenck, Jr., Interim Town Manager noted the debate from both points of view of the pros and cons, social equity issues and faith communities. The money generated can potentially be reintroduced back into addiction services and treatment. He also referenced enforcement, financial and potential work load reduction at the police department. Mr. Schenck, Jr. stated that the Council should review the State’s position

and weigh in on the bill when it is presented. He is not in favor of liberalizing things without analysis of potential remedies.

Mayor DeBeatham-Brown stated that his public forum was a great beginning to the conversation of legalizing cannabis. The passing of this legislation may be on the horizon on the state level. The Town of Bloomfield should be vocal and express though about including caveats in the bill referencing incarcerated individuals. If the State is going to legalize cannabis, educational and professional tools and resources should be given young people to be promote legal entrepreneurships.

Council will have more deliberation, to see how to assist the state legislators with crafting a bill that would be equitable for everyone involved and those who have been impacted.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.