To the Editor:
I am writing to express my concern and shock at the actions of the Guilderland Town Board. On Oct. 19, there was a public hearing for the town to either opt in or opt out on allowing either marijuana dispensaries or consumption sites in the town.

Although not many called in to the public hearing, some did, expressing that the town should opt out for the present time. One person called in and said the town should opt in.

After much discussion, a vote was taken and the town board voted to opt out for both dispensaries and consumption sites. What this means is that the town can opt in at a later date.

If the town were to opt in now, without the benefit of knowing or understanding the details of what is required, it could be the wrong choice. As we know, the Cannabis Oversight Office is new and just started as an agency. How can we know what is going to happen and what all the regulations will say when they have not been written or explored yet?

Why is the town in such a rush to vacate a local law that just passed, 3 to 2? Why did the town send out a five-question survey that does not take into consideration why or what some of the residents may want to say about this rather than just asking for yes or no answers?

One of the main issues with this survey other than it being poorly done is that it is not accessible to all residents. Unless you have a computer or receive Nixle alerts, or use Google, you would not be able to participate.

I contacted the town board with questions regarding the survey and the timing. Of course, the only town board member who responds to resident letters/inquiries with any degree of regularity or concern is Ms. Laurel Bohl.

Not one of the others acknowledged my letter to them, but this is how this board responds to resident questions/inquiries. Again, this shows a lack of transparency on the part of the town by trying to vacate a local law because the supervisor did not like the vote.

Robyn Gray

Guilderland