Macomb: Center Line public safety millage wins, Clinton Twp. votes down pot shops

Voters in Center Line passed a 10-year, 7.5-mill public safety millage renewal request Tuesday.

With all five precincts reporting, nearly 72% voted in favor of the tax issue, which will fund police and fire services. 

The ballot question was among the issues Macomb County voters weighed in on, along with the Democratic presidential primary.

In Clinton Township, residents voted down allowing marijuana facilities under certain conditions. With all 46 precincts reporting, about 53% voted against the facilities. 

The proposal asked voters if the township should “authorize and limit” the type and number of marijuana establishments. Because it failed, it backs up officials' decision to opt out of legal marijuana sales, which came after Michigan voters legalized recreational marijuana in 2018. The initiative would allow for up to 24 marijuana establishments.

At McGlinnen Elementary School, Mark Beversdorf was among a trickle of residents showing up to vote Tuesday afternoon. He said he voted against allowing marijuana facilities in the township.

“I think it’s dangerous enough on the road...” Beversdorf said. "I’d rather they go somewhere else and get it there.” 

Resident Patti Neal said she considers marijuana a gateway drug and voted against the proposal. 

"(I) just think it will be easier for kids to start smoking at a younger age," she said. "People tend to think 'Oh, it's legal, it must be safe.' Pot is not a harmless drug. I do believe there is certainly some medical reasons to have access to marijuana..."

Neal also said allowing 24 facilities would be too many. 

"They will probably be located near low-income housing," she said. "There is already enough issues to deal with for people living in low-income housing."

Scott Farquharson said he voted in favor of allowing marijuana facilities, adding that it wasn’t a strong yes. He said he wanted to make a fair decision.

“I haven’t really seen it as a harm,” he said. “I worry about the kids, but alcohol being in my eyes (is) similar, so I don’t see why it should be pushed down.”

According to information on the ballot initiative posted on the township's website, based on the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, the township would “authorize not more than 12 nor fewer than eight permits for a marihuana retailer; three permits for a marihuana grower, three permits for a marihuana safety compliance facility; three permits for a marihuana processor and three permits for a marihuana secure transporter.”

Advocates for marijuana facilities argued such businesses can benefit the community bringing investment and well-paying jobs. 

In other Macomb County ballot issues:

In St. Clair Shores, 67% of voters approved Lakeview Public Schools' request to renew its non-homestead operating millage of 18 mills for four years, from 2021 to 2024. The tax raises $2.45 million a year for the district.

A 1.9-mill, 10-year increase for the Macomb Intermediate School District passed with more than 55% of voters voting in favor. The levy will raise an additional $55 million per year.

Memphis voters rejected a capital improvement millage by two votes, according to final, unofficial results.

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