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YOUR SIDE: The Readers Take Over

Former mayor against medical marijuana outlet in Salem

To the editor:

I was born and raised in Salem and have spent my entire adult life here, other than the four years I served in the Marine Corps from 1961-65. This has been a wonderful place to live and work and raise a family and be among so many good people.

Let me add, I considered it a great honor to have served as mayor of this city for 12 years. During my three terms I focused on how I could play some small role in making Salem an even better place than it already was.

I think the current mayor has done a good job managing through difficult times. I must confess the city council has me scratching my head. Did someone apparently think Perry Township could pass ordinances that bind the city with regards to medical marijuana? Or is this some sort of cat and mouse game being played on us?

Thousands of dollars have been committed to a drug dog program, with two specially trained drug sniffing dogs, two new special drug dog vehicles and two new specially trained drug dog officers. So how is it that some of city council is now embracing medical marijuana for Salem? What are they thinking?

Will medical marijuana be the stepping stone for fully legalized marijuana within a few short years, leaving Salem as the “place to go” for street pot being sold to our youth? This is what has happened in other states that started out with so called medical marijuana.

I have to disagree with councilman Goll that he would threaten the police chief with his job for speaking his mind on this matter. In the first place, city council has no authority whatsoever to hire or fire the police chief.

Nobody I know thinks this medical marijuana is a good thing for Salem. We already have a major drug problem here. Let’s not tempt the pushers any more than they are already to pollute and corrupt this town. I have five grandchildren, four of whom live in Salem, and I do not want to see more drug activity going on.

Those on council who are promoting this ought to get out into the community and take the pulse of the average guy on this subject unless they want to just wait until the next election and the voters’ wrath.

LARRY D. DeJANE,

Salem

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Council member asks residents: ’Did you know?’

To the editor:

 You can’t park in your front or side yard if it faces another street. Has anyone told you? No parking is allowed in the “City Right of Way,” on the curb or on your sidewalk.  What about scrap or unlicensed vehicles sitting on your property? That’s not permitted. No parking in public alleys except for a limited amount of time. Parking is allowed if the alley was previously “vacated” by a resolution passed by Salem City Council. If you have been using a city alley as a parking place I suggest you find somewhere else to park.

There’s a lot of confusion about garbage cans. They are only allowed in the curb area for 24 hours for pickup. The other six days they are to be kept in your garage or behind the house. Not left sitting in the front yard, against the house or on the front or side porch. Your lawn must be mowed before the grass is eight inches high. The clippings are considered as litter. They should not be blown or swept into your street. House hold furniture, such as sofas and recliners, are not permitted on your front porch unless it’s enclosed.

Ordinances pertaining to what I’ve written, were passed by city council decades ago. They are enforced by the Salem Police Department and/or city housing inspectors. Following them improves the appearance of your neighborhood and indicates “pride” in living in the city of Salem.

“Your” city police officers and housing inspectors have better things to do, then remind you to mow your lawn, don’t park in your front yard and not to forget about your garbage cans. Illegal drugs are a major problem in our community. Eliminating the need to enforce “neighborhood rules” will give them time to provide what we expect. A safer and better place in live.

Going by the rules could increase the value of your home. It also gives a good impression for families and businesses looking to relocate. Their first impression could be a lasting one.

My thanks to Police Chief J. T. Panezott and housing inspectors Dan Rice and Roy Brown for their dedication in doing their jobs.

Someone should have written this a long time ago.

Councilman Clyde Brown,

Salem

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