Marijuana hearing tonight in Crawford

The Crawford Town Council will conduct a hearing Wednesday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m. about an ordinance to ban recreational marijuana commercial establishments within town limits.

Colorado voters approved Amendment 64 in the November 2012 election, allowing individuals to have a small amount of marijuana for recreational use.

The state legislature is still drafting bills which will regulate how commercial businesses will be handled.

While some towns have adopted a "wait and see" mood, Crawford trustees want to move forward with an ordinance about whether commercial establishments will be allowed in Crawford. Jim Brown, town attorney, has written an ordinance which the council will consider at tonight's hearing.

The public will be allowed to voice their opinions whether for or against the proposed ban.

Jay Ziegler, who previously managed a medical marijuana store in Crawford called Western Slope Alternatives, LLC, has requested trustee Hetty Todd recuse herself from the vote. In a letter to Jackie Savage, town clerk, and Jim Brown, Ziegler wrote about Todd, "She has over time exhibited a clear personal bias against me. ... In fact, Hetty's own family members have contacted me to express their displeasure at her behavior, as a councilmember, toward me as a business owner." He then enclosed a note with the name blacked out.

There was an incident in 2010 regarding a Todd cattle drive on Highway 92 and I Street in Crawford. The Delta County Sheriff report alleged that Ziegler held a handgun and threatened to shoot any cows damaging his landscaped yard.

On Monday, Feb. 4, Jackie Savage said the town attorney's legal opinion states Todd does not have to recuse herself unless she would financially benefit from the ordinance. Todd has never recused herself on past votes on medical marijuana issues.

Ziegler concluded his letter by writing, "As a business owner, I have a right to be protected from such inappropriate behavior."

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