Ron Strider
Well-Known Member
Gov. Charlie Baker has made an excellent choice in selecting Sen. Jennifer L. Flanagan as his appointee to the five-member Cannabis Control Commission, which will regulate the state's recreational marijuana industry.
The Leominster Democrat, whose district includes Townsend, possesses the skill set and experience to ensure she will be a strong presence on a panel that will make decisions affecting every resident of Massachusetts in some way.
In her more than 21 years in public life, Flanagan has worked hard for the people of North Central Massachusetts and beyond. Her start on Beacon Hill came not with her election to the House of Representatives, but years before that as an aide to Rep. Mary Jane Simmons. In that capacity, Flanagan learned the concerns of constituents firsthand, and helped to put government to work for the people.
In 2004, she sought to succeed Simmons in the House at her boss's suggestion, and was elected only months after the representative's passing. Four years later, she succeeded Robert Antonioni in the state Senate and has served the people of the Worcester and Middlesex District with distinction. She leaves big shoes to fill.
Since 2014, she has led the Senate's special committee tackling the state's opioid-abuse crisis and has helped craft legislation addressing education, prevention and treatment. She crossed the state with the panel, hearing from people directly affected by drug abuse -- addicts, their families, public safety officials, the medical community and social workers.
It is that experience that will serve her best as a member of the Cannabis Control Commission, as the state finds its way in a new world of legalized recreational marijuana.
"As a member of the legislature, Senator Flanagan has been a champion and important partner with us on bipartisan efforts to enact comprehensive legislation around substance use prevention, treatment and recovery," Baker said in a statement announcing the appointment. "Her experience and service will be invaluable to the Cannabis Control Commission and to the people ..."
Like Baker, Flanagan voted no on last year's statewide referendum that legalized recreational marijuana, but also like the governor, she respects the people's will. Nonetheless, she will bring to the table questions and concerns that she, the governor and others have on the issue.
The commission will have a lot on its plate, including setting policy regarding the licensing, labeling, marketing and advertising, packaging, potency, law enforcement, cultivation, processing, manufacturing and distribution of marijuana products, including edibles. It must also consider the possible impact on public safety, pubic health, businesses and consumers.
Without question, the panel's work will be under intense public scrutiny, just as the Casino Control Commission has since the voters approved casino gambling. We are confident Flanagan will listen and vote for what's best for all residents of Massachusetts.
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: EDITORIAL: Flanagan a great choice for cannabis commission - Lowell Sun Online
Contact: Contact Us - Lowell Sun Online
Photo Credit: Bing Images
Website: Breaking News, Sports, Weather, Traffic - Lowell Sun Online
The Leominster Democrat, whose district includes Townsend, possesses the skill set and experience to ensure she will be a strong presence on a panel that will make decisions affecting every resident of Massachusetts in some way.
In her more than 21 years in public life, Flanagan has worked hard for the people of North Central Massachusetts and beyond. Her start on Beacon Hill came not with her election to the House of Representatives, but years before that as an aide to Rep. Mary Jane Simmons. In that capacity, Flanagan learned the concerns of constituents firsthand, and helped to put government to work for the people.
In 2004, she sought to succeed Simmons in the House at her boss's suggestion, and was elected only months after the representative's passing. Four years later, she succeeded Robert Antonioni in the state Senate and has served the people of the Worcester and Middlesex District with distinction. She leaves big shoes to fill.
Since 2014, she has led the Senate's special committee tackling the state's opioid-abuse crisis and has helped craft legislation addressing education, prevention and treatment. She crossed the state with the panel, hearing from people directly affected by drug abuse -- addicts, their families, public safety officials, the medical community and social workers.
It is that experience that will serve her best as a member of the Cannabis Control Commission, as the state finds its way in a new world of legalized recreational marijuana.
"As a member of the legislature, Senator Flanagan has been a champion and important partner with us on bipartisan efforts to enact comprehensive legislation around substance use prevention, treatment and recovery," Baker said in a statement announcing the appointment. "Her experience and service will be invaluable to the Cannabis Control Commission and to the people ..."
Like Baker, Flanagan voted no on last year's statewide referendum that legalized recreational marijuana, but also like the governor, she respects the people's will. Nonetheless, she will bring to the table questions and concerns that she, the governor and others have on the issue.
The commission will have a lot on its plate, including setting policy regarding the licensing, labeling, marketing and advertising, packaging, potency, law enforcement, cultivation, processing, manufacturing and distribution of marijuana products, including edibles. It must also consider the possible impact on public safety, pubic health, businesses and consumers.
Without question, the panel's work will be under intense public scrutiny, just as the Casino Control Commission has since the voters approved casino gambling. We are confident Flanagan will listen and vote for what's best for all residents of Massachusetts.
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: EDITORIAL: Flanagan a great choice for cannabis commission - Lowell Sun Online
Contact: Contact Us - Lowell Sun Online
Photo Credit: Bing Images
Website: Breaking News, Sports, Weather, Traffic - Lowell Sun Online
