OLD BRIDGE COUNCIL TO DISCUSS MARIJUANA AT MONDAY’S MEETING

Contact Councilwoman Debbie Walker 732-778-4360

OLD BRIDGE, NJ – January 18, 2018 — A discussion of the recreational use of marijuana will be on the agenda when the Old Bridge Township Council meets on Monday, January 22, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. in the Court Room of the Old Bridge Municipal Complex.

“When we learned of the push for the legalization of marijuana in New Jersey, we met with and listened to the concerns of the township police,” said Old Bridge Township Councilwoman Debbie Walker.  “There are issues of enforcement and safety.  We do not want Old Bridge to be a magnet for drug users and will urge our fellow council members to support an ordinance to prohibit the sale of marijuana in our township.”

Walker and Council Vice President Anita Greenberg-Belli were advised that marijuana use could lead to more motor vehicle accidents by those driving under the influence.  And detection of marijuana is difficult for law enforcement.

“We are fighting drug addiction and opioid deaths in this community as is the case throughout the state,” said Walker.  “We do not wish to add to this crisis.  We encourage our residents to attend the meeting and voice their opinions.”

“I worry about the impact on the quality of life of Old Bridge residents,” said Greenberg-Belli.  “This would have a negative impact on our police force, who have no reliable field test for those under the influence of marijuana.  Dispensaries would bring traffic that would stress our streets and services.

“Where would you put stores selling marijuana that would not be near schools, churches, synagogues, children’s play areas and residential neighborhoods,” she added.  “This would be a burden on our police and our roadways.  There are too many unanswered questions.  Every other state has approached this as a ballot question with a full public discussion of the issues.  We are hoping to start the conversation with our professional staff and the residents of Old Bridge.”

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