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Letter: It takes an entire community to fight drugs

To the editor:

Thank you to our mayor and city council members (re: "Weed in Williams?" March 9), for moving forward in formulating an ordinance to regulate medical marijuana dispensaries and the growing of medicinal marijuana plants in Williams. Following suit with regulations in Coconino County and the state shows our leaders' interest in being proactive as another drug issue approaches Williams.

The Williams Alliance Access and Tolerance Committee hosted a special meeting on Feb. 3. Leaders of our community including Mayor Moore and Councilman Miller were there to discuss how state regulations would affect our community, especially the growing of medicinal marijuana if Williams did not allow for a dispensary. The state regulation allows for residents approved for medicinal marijuana living outside of a 25-mile radius from the closest dispensary to grow their own marijuana plants. The Williams Alliance's concern was toward potential increase in crime due to theft and potential homicides, especially outside of the city limits where county residents live in spaces that are more open.

Williams Police Chief Nixon noted that crime rates would not increase. Coconino Board of Supervisor Matt Ryan informed our leaders that the county was formulating an ordinance that would cover county residents. Coconino Health Department Executive Director Barbara Worgess shared the county's role as the Arizona regulation nears finalization. Also present were Sheriff Pribil and Lt. Tozer, Cindy Christman from North County HealthCare, and members and staff of the Williams Alliance.

Mayor Moore asked if we have an anti-drug coalition in the Williams Alliance, why we have a drug problem in Williams. I reminded him that one person/group alone could not solve the problem that requires our leaders, law enforcement, and our entire community to come together to solve. Thank you, mayor and council, for supporting community assets to decrease alcohol and drug abuse.

Patricia C. Helgeson

Director

Williams Alliance


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