Yes on Measure C
Measure C is a ballot measure unlike any seen in Lake County before. It’s not a tax on sales or property, but on a single type of business activity: state-licensed cannabis cultivation.
Allow me to explain.
Last year, Gov. Brown signed the Medical Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MCRSA), which creates a “dual licensing” framework involving multiple state and local agencies. In his signing message, Brown called the Act “a long-overdue comprehensive regulatory framework for the production, transportation, and sale of medical marijuana.” Among its provisions, the MCRSA authorizes cities and counties to tax commercial cannabis activities, subject to voter approval.
A lot can happen in a year. As expected, Northern California counties are developing cutting-edge regulations to dovetail with the new state law. Humboldt and Mendocino counties have interim regulations in place, while Lake County planners are working hard to bring a commercial ordinance before the Board of Supervisors. Cannabis taxes are on the ballot in 25 California cities and Calaveras, Humboldt, Inyo, Lake, Mendocino, Monterey, Santa Cruz and Solano counties.
Hundreds of local governments are expected to follow suit, especially if Proposition 64 passes as expected.
That’s a lot to take in. While it’s fair to ask whether the County is placing the cart before the horse, the better question is this: “Shall Lake County tax and regulate commercial cannabis cultivation?”
If the answer is “yes,” the next step has two moving parts. Supervisors will enact the new regulations soon. The tax ordinance itself must be approved by voters. Placing Measure C on the ballot this year, rather than 2018 or later, is simply being efficient.
As for the County’s estimate of $8 million in annual revenues, the figure is optimistic but well within the range of possibilities. It doesn’t take a CPA to figure out what happens if Measure C fails, however, or if the number of available permits is set artificially low. The County will get little to no tax revenues but will continue to incur costs for cannabis enforcement. Small growers eager to seek licensing will have little incentive to do so.
Severely weakened by the Valley, Rocky, and Clayton fires, Lake County will lack adequate funding to deal with current recovery efforts, much less cope with future disasters.
The average resident will not pay a penny in new taxes if Measure C passes, but everyone will benefit from improved public safety and a strong Lake County economy.
Please vote Yes on C.
Michael S. Green, Lakeport
Reasons to vote Rosenthal
I am voting for Monica Rosenthal for many reasons, here are just a few:
She is familiar working with the county having served on the District 1 Planning commission. She has a strong AG background. She is an advocate for local jobs and is committed to attracting quality jobs and business to Lake County. She is an independent leader who focuses on solutions, not politics. And finally, she will be a voice for ALL of District 1, not just Middletown.
I encourage everyone to vote for Monica Rosenthal on November 8th.
Stephanie Codling, Clearlake
Scheel for Supervisor
Now more than ever, Lake County needs tested, experienced leaders on the Board of Supervisors. That’s why I’m voting for Martin Scheel to be our next District 4 County Supervisor.
Martin Scheel is a work horse, not a show horse. When the people of Lake County need help, he responds with action.
Two years ago, Martin worked with concerned Lakeport residents and with cannabis patients to develop a common sense marijuana ordinance that has earned broad community support. When a terrible fire engulfed our local Senior Housing apartments, Martin was right there to assist endangered seniors.
His responsive leadership has earned the support of the Lake County Association of Realtors and the Lake County Deputy Sheriffs.
I’ve known Martin Scheel for 25 years. He grew up here in Lake County. Raised by a single mother, Martin knows what it’s like to live on the edge of real poverty.
His modest background has only served to fuel Martin’s desire to help others.
Please join me in casting your vote for Martin Scheel for County Supervisor.
No one will work harder for the people of District 4.
Mike Damiata, Lake County
