Libertarians denounce Normal Town Council’s opposition to cannabis dispensary

Posted on February 9, 2023

NORMAL – The McLean County Libertarian Party has adopted a resolution claiming the Normal’s Town Council’s refusal to allow a recreational use cannabis dispensary runs counter to free market economic principles.

The council Monday night voted 6-1 against allowing business owners to turn a Chinese restaurant into the High Haven dispensary near College Avenue and Veterans Parkway, one of the Twin Cities busiest intersections.

The Libertarian Party’s resolution emailed to news media outlets Wednesday night claim the area was considered from the beginning as a possible location for a dispensary. The resolution said the council’s vote defied town’s staff and the Zoning Board of Appeals’ recommendations to approve the special use permit.

The council “instituted illogical standards and an unpredictable future for the local economy and prospective businesses, including a volatile climate for business owners both currently operating in Normal or looking to move to Normal,” the resolution said.

The resolution went on to say, “The Libertarian Party of McLean County unequivocally believes in the free choice of individuals to buy, sell and use goods and services, providing that they do not cause harm to other individuals or their property.”

The Libertarian Party said it “condemns” the behavior of Mayor Chris Koos and Council members Stan Nord, Scott Preston, Kathleen Lorenz, Karyn Smith and Kevin McCarthy, all of whom voted no granting the special use for a pot shop. Chemberly Harris was the only Council member who voted yes.

The party urges the elected leaders to “immediately cease the practice of predatory policy against specific individuals, business owners, and industries.”

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