To the editor:

I disagree, very strongly, with the lead editorial in the Barrington Times of June the 8th.

A representative democracy is a form of government in which the people elect officials to create laws and policy on their behalf. It is up to those who have been elected to determine the will of their constituents and to act accordingly. Giving the question to voters as to whether we should allow cannabis sales in Barrington is, in my opinion, an abdication of responsibility.

The reality is cannabis is legal in Rhode Island. It will find its way into Barrington whether it is sold here or in neighboring East Providence or Warren. Just like the old days when you had to go to a neighboring municipality to buy a bottle of wine. I dare our leaders to be proactive.

Perhaps the council members who voted to let the voters decide are engaging in a new style of American management.

1. Form a committee; (in this case the town of Barrington).

2. Adopt the recommendation of the committee.

3. If the committee's recommendation turns out to have a positive result, take credit for forming the committee.

4. If the committee’s recommendation turns out to be a disaster, blame the committee.

Putting the question in the hands of voters seems to me to be “reductio ad absurdum” and generates the question why we need a town council at all?

Town council members, the buck is supposed to stop with you; not be passed on by you. 

Respectfully,

Robert A. Ryan

Barrington