I have absolutely nothing against individuals who use cannabis products but I don’t think we need stores here in Camden.  There are plenty of businesses nearby, up and down Route 1, where those who want to purchase cannabis products can go for them.

I share the many opinions expressed in the several letters to the Camden Herald (some also printed in the Free Press) in the past weeks that are in opposition to cannabis stores here in Camden.  I think one essential piece was Kate Bates’s letter (CH 5/26) stating that the issue should primarily be looked at as an exception to the town zoning – do we really want or need that?

I also take issue with Becca Shaw Glaser’s column (CH 5/26), which as titled, purported to be about the youth of Camden but did not mention that aspect until the very end of the piece and then it seemed only her experience.  And, it went far beyond that, seeming to suggest that Camden should strive to become a less ‘perfect’ town.  I, for one, like Camden the way it is.  People can view Camden through a negative lens as a ‘too ideal’ small town but I think there is a lot of value for this kind of place to grow up in and live.  I’m sure that there are problems – I did teach here in the high school for several years.  But, as Ms. Glaser points out, these problems, for youth and adults, exist almost everywhere.

I moved here in 1972.  My first impression of the Camden/Rockport area was that I thought I’d found a bit of paradise.  I still feel that way.  As I said, I taught at CHRHS for 17 years until I retired in 2018.  I witnessed dissatisfaction among students about the area, the ‘Peyton Placeness’ of it, but in my experience many, if not most, of these complaints were made by kids who did not engage with any of the numerous activities available to them.  Students who did seemed to be happy and well-adjusted.  And, those opportunities to be involved in all sorts of meaningful and rewarding activities have only increased with time, thanks in large part to collaboration between those ‘native’ and those ‘from away’.

I will vote no on Articles 3 and 4.  First because I don’t think we should alter our zoning for cannabis shops and second because I don’t think the town needs them.  I think we should strive for greater perfection, not less.  What’s wrong with that?

John Fitzgerald lives in Camden