Mayor Charlie Bush of Marlette has initiated a petition aimed at prohibiting cannabis establishments in the city. Acting as a private citizen, Bush gathered 123 signatures to place this issue on the ballot for the upcoming election. This number exceeds the state requirement of 5 percent of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election, which for Marlette amounts to just 33 signatures.
The city clerk is currently reviewing the submitted signatures to verify that all signatories are registered voters in Marlette, with a deadline for this verification set for August 14. Should the petition pass this review, the question of whether to adopt an ordinance banning cannabis businesses will be presented to voters in November. The proposed ballot question reads: ‘Should the city of Marlette adopt an ordinance completely prohibiting marijuana establishments as that phrase is used in the Michigan Regulatory and Taxation of Marijuana Act and repealing any ordinance in conflict with that prohibition?’
At present, Marlette has no local ordinance allowing for cannabis retail or cultivation operations. The city planning commission has recommended against such an ordinance, suggesting that if cannabis establishments were to be permitted, they should be located at least 1,000 feet from schools, churches, parks, and daycare centers.
The topic of cannabis establishments has sparked considerable debate within the city council. A proposal to allow these businesses was narrowly rejected by the council last year and has resurfaced in recent meetings. Mayor Bush consulted with the city attorney regarding the possibility of placing the cannabis issue on the ballot through the council, but was informed that this would result only in an advisory proposal. Consequently, he opted to lead the petition drive as a private citizen, fulfilling the criteria for a citizen initiative.
Bush indicated that the community is divided on the issue, noting that he has received more feedback opposing cannabis establishments than supporting them. ‘It’s not in the best interests of the community or our children, that’s my personal belief,’ he expressed. The mayor mentioned that the majority of the correspondence he has received—whether via email, phone calls, or public comments—leans against allowing retail or cultivation operations in Marlette.
In addition to the cannabis petition, the Marlette city council has appointed Christine Matzahn as the new city manager, following the resignation of Ryan Rudzis. Matzahn, who has served as the executive director of the downtown development authority in Imlay City, was selected unanimously during a special council meeting on June 5. Her contract is pending approval. Until Matzahn assumes her role, Brian McGinnis, the recently retired police chief, will manage the city’s daily operations as interim manager. ‘I think she will be very good for our city,’ McGinnis stated, expressing optimism about Matzahn’s leadership.
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