WEST SPRINGFIELD – West Springfield Mayor William Reichelt has vetoed the Town Council’s ban on recreational marijuana – invoking his veto powers for the first time since taking office in 2016.

Leading up to the Council’s decision to ban the sale of recreational pot, the mayor advocated for the legalization of the drug by citing its possible financial benefits. Because adult-use marijuana was legalized in the state in 2016 – with sales going into effect on July 1 – the mayor said the municipality would stand to collect a 3 percent local sales tax from commercial pot facilities within West Side, and profit from any additional revenue generated from host community agreements. Despite the mayor’s efforts, the Council voted 8 – 1 to implement the ban on June 4.

The mayor delivered news of his veto in a Facebook video on June 22, which showed him signing the order and reading a note he wrote to the councilors.

“I disagree with the Town Council’s decision to ban all businesses related to commercial marijuana without first properly investigating the impact such a ban will have on our community,” he said.

Reichelt argued the issue is no longer a matter of “legalization,” but rather, a discussion of regulation.

He added that several council members asked for a study session to give the Council an opportunity to “understand the issue and gather relevant data,” but were ignored.

During the final Council hearing before the ban, both Reichelt and Councilor Sean T. Powers suggested taking more time to learn about the pros and cons of legalizing commercial marijuana.

“I believe it’s our duty to approach this from a logical standpoint and remember that we need to be in front of this eight-ball – not behind it,” said Powers. “The projected revenue from this untapped economy can be from a million to $250,000. To have this vote without a study session and further input from residents, I feel is incorrect.”

Because West Springfield voted against the legalization of recreational marijuana in the November 2016 state ballot question, with 6,339 opposing, the Town Council had the power to impose a ban without polling residents. However, Reichelt said he thinks the Council based their decision on the town’s statewide vote.

“The Town Council seemingly rested its decision on the 2016 statewide vote against legalization, ignoring the fact that there is no longer a question regarding legalization,” he commented.

He closed his veto message to the Councilors by saying he believes the Council should explore ways to encourage residents to learn more about the issue.

“If the Town Council believes these decisions should be made at the ballot box instead of the legislative dais then I suggest the Town Council explore options to gauge the interest of all of the voters as to the question now before us,” he said. “I would be happy to work with the Council and the Town Clerk to find the best possible avenue to accomplish this.”

In May, the mayor proposed several zoning amendments to allow the adult-use of marijuana, including limiting the number of retail operations, segregating the use to industrial zones, placing buffers around residential uses as well as parks, playgrounds and schools. He also called for the strict regulation of signage, odor, visual impacts, hours of operation and the prohibition of on-site consumption.

The proposal was created using similar ordinances from surrounding communities, and treated marijuana as a legal product to be sold and regulated like alcohol or tobacco.

The issue will now go back to the council for an override vote. The Council will need six votes to override the mayor’s action. Reichelt told Reminder Publications the council will take action during a meeting on July 9.