McLean Libertarian Party denounces Normal council’s opposition to cannabis dispensary
NORMAL — The local Libertarian Party is denouncing the actions of the Normal Town Council denying a special use permit. A proposal was being considered to turn a former Chinese restaurant into a recreational cannabis dispensary near College Ave. and Veterans Parkway. The intersection is one of the busiest intersections in the Bloomington-Normal area.
Despite favorable recommendations by both town staff and the Zoning Board of Appeals, the council voted down the measure 6-1 Monday night. Chemberly Harris was the lone town trustee supporting the measure.
Days later, members of the McLean County Libertarian Party (MCLP) passed a resolution in opposition to the council’s actions. They believe that the council’s actions run counter to free market economic principles.
The area was in consideration for a dispensary
MCLP passed a resolution, signed by chairman Steve Suess, railing against the town council’s actions. It would claim that the area was already being considered for redevelopment into a dispensary as far back as 2019. Furthermore, the vote was in outright defiance of favorable recommendations by both town staff and the Zoning Board of Appeals.
“Monday’s vote instituted illogical standards and an unpredictable future for the local economy and prospective businesses, including a volatile climate for business owners both currently operating in Normal or looking to move to Normal,” the resolution states.
The resolution went on to say, “The Libertarian Party of McLean County unequivocally believes in the free choice of individuals to buy, sell and use goods and services.” That is with the provision that they do not cause harm to other individuals or their property.
Resolution condemns the behavior of the opposition
MCLP further “condemns” the behavior of Mayor Chris Koos as well as town trustees Stan Nord, Scott Preston, Kathleen Lorenz, Karyn Smith, and Kevin McCarthy, all of whom voted no to granting the special use permit for the shop.
The party further urges the elected leaders to “immediately cease the practice of predatory policy against specific individuals, business owners, and industries.”
Full transcript of the McLean County Libertarian Party resolution
The full resolution is below:
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Jake Leonard, a broadcast media and journalism veteran, is the editor-in-chief of Heartland Newsfeed. Leonard is also GM and program director of Heartland Newsfeed Radio Network, wrestling editor and contributing writer for Ambush Sports, a contributing writer for My Sports Vote and Midwest Sports Network, and a former contributor to Bleacher Report and Overtime Heroics. He resides at home in Nokomis, Ill. with his dog Buster.
Cox is a broadcast media and journalism veteran currently working as news director for WLDS/WEAI in Jacksonville, Ill. He is also chairman of the Morgan County Libertarian Party.
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