Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
From the Chamber’s President/CEO
November … the general election is top of mind for most people in business, and today, most everyone else with the challenges that inflation, energy, crime, education, etc., are presenting. The Chamber is no exception.
As the voice of business in the North Central Arkansas region, we’re attentive to the impact of the election results, particularly as they relate to state and local races. We have two state senate and two state representative contests, along with county and municipal contests, where the results will determine the business environment the community will have going forward. I urge each reader, if they haven’t yet, to vote November 8th for the candidate(s) who you believe will help continue to develop our roadmap of growing prosperity.
In addition, there are four ballot issues that have been provided for the people to decide if they want to amend the Arkansas Constitution. Issue 4, commonly known as the recreational marijuana or adult use cannabis amendment, is of particular interest to the Chamber. It’s a badly written amendment, and the Harrison Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors urges each citizen reading this to vote ‘NO’ on Issue 4. Why? If passed, the amendment will:
• Make it nearly impossible to implement and maintain a safe workplace.
• Remove all limitations on THC levels. Today medical marijuana is limited to 10mg per serving.
• Allow more permissive advertising than cigarettes.
• Loosen packaging requirements, significantly increasing the likelihood of poisoning children.
• Remove the existing tax on medical marijuana and replace it with a 10% sales tax.
o Providing only 1.5% (15% of the 10%) of the tax for law enforcement support.
o Reducing $20 million (of $25 million) annually to UAMS to support their effort to achieve a National Cancer Institute designation.
• Not provide for any criminal justice component for previous offenders.
• Can only be amended by another Constitutional amendment approved by the people.
Other facts of importance:
• One-in-four road deaths in
Colorado (where it is legal) have marijuana involved.
• Child suicides rose 140% in Colorado after marijuana was legalized.
So … please vote in early voting or on November 8th… and vote NO on Issue 4!
Join me in being thankful we have the freedom of choice in choosing our elected officials. Please ensure you take advantage of this opportunity that so many have given the ultimate sacrifice to ensure.
We are Taking Care of Business in Harrison, Boone County, and the region!
Cheers, Bob