Stan Rosenberg speaking at Kendrick Park last October
Here's yet another reason to love the new state Senate President and actual town "local", having passed the 25 year mark for living in Amherst: When asked by a Boston radio station if he ever smoked pot State Senator Stan Rosenberg replied, "Did I go to college in the 60s?"
Well ... yes. Umass actually. Back when it really was known as "ZooMass". But not anymore fortunately.
Rosenberg, being the savvy experienced politician, anticipates a referendum question to legalize marijuana for recreational use will be forthcoming in 2016.
After all he's from Amherst, so he remembers the town vote in 2000 where a pot advisory question asking police to "deprioritize" marijuana arrests passed handily1,659 in favor to 981 opposed.
A local election with a much better turnout than most (20.4%) propelled in a large part by students.
With the state-wide referendum process being used to decriminalize up to an ounce of pot back in 2008 and most recently in 2012 legalizing pot for medical uses, it is indeed a safe bet advocates will go for all the marbles in 2016.
So why not be prepared? Although Governor Baker is opposed to recreational use of pot he supports Rosenberg's formation of the "Special Senate Committee on Marijuana."
Now will somebody please pass the brownies.