To the editor:

The main basis in believing a Perry Township trustee is…TRUST, as it incorporates their logic, education, experience, empathy, skill, knowledge, and above all, their communication. Once that trust is broken it is rarely regained and rightfully so.

This applies also to the Salem City Council and even moreso, because of its moratorium regarding the marijuana dispensary.

When authorities initially establish an intent and purpose like the moratorium and leave it in stagnation, it needs to be investigated for reasons. This changes their intent and purpose to cause and effect. Salem City Council and Perry Township Trustees now must work as a camaraderie in this episode because ALL the residents live in the township and ALL residents will be affected equally.

The issue is not about the income nor should it be, but only what is best for the greatest number of residents. The trustees should realize that democracy dies as soon as they realize they can vote themselves money. This truth always comes to light — sooner or later – as does trust.

Zoning Officer Dan Bowers said in the News, that “as far as the township’s local zoning restrictions, there were also no regulations preventing the property from being used as a dispensary.” Too bad Bowers did not study planning and zoning when I taught planning and zoning at Kent State University.

Likewise to the three Perry Township trustees. Bowers, in particular, would quickly realize that if a marijuana dispensary or similar use is not listed anywhere in his zoning code, that DOES NOT MEAN an immediate approval. Marijuana dispensary therefore, must be legislated by the trustees if, and only if, they want it included in their zoning code. Otherwise, it’s NOT a permitted use ANYWHERE. Apparently, the 15% of all permits issued portion of the salary is tempting this thought. (Salem News Aug. 3, 2024 — The salary for the position will be $350 per month and 15% of all permits issued.).

The trustees, at that time, erroneously created an incentive means to help grant a permit instead of paying a straight enforcement salary to ASSURE code adherence….(N B: This writer reported a neighborhood violation being constructed and notified the zoning officer a few years ago. Instead of stopping the project, the zoning officer issued a permit……. in violation of the zoning code.)

Perry Township trustees and Salem City Council and mayor, as a camaraderie, need to realize that their combined governmental decision are responsible for the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of their constituents. If their mind is focused elsewhere, then they have no business being in their trust positions, and I pray that their shadow does not appear on their government building next election.

This Salem City/Perry Township camaraderie is the only method that will help your constituents collectively, to wit: what your people cannot do for themselves individually. This government role “of the people, by the people, and for the people” will then live always.

Thus, and keep this in sharp mind when you deny this marijuana dispensary use.

You are not preventing access to a marijuana dispensary…… nearby or elsewhere…. that already exists.

Approval, however, will tell me that you have a proprietary interest.

Stephen J. Navoyosky,

Salem