Ron Strider
Well-Known Member
Gov. Charlie Baker will tap state Sen. Jennifer Flanagan, a Leominster Democrat, for a spot on the state's new Cannabis Control Commission, putting in place the first member of the powerful new panel.
Flanagan, who has served in the Senate since 2008 and opposed the ballot question legalizing marijuana, is expected to resign Aug. 31, the day before the five-member board is required to be in place.
She chairs three committees, including the Legislature's committee on mental health and substance abuse, and has worked in the State House since 1995, first as a legislative aide before being elected to the House and later the Senate.
Baker was required by statute to select someone with a background in public health, mental health or substance abuse. Attorney General Maura Healey and state Treasurer Deborah Goldberg each also have a pick, while they and Baker must collaborate to name two other commission members by the end of the month.
"As a member of the legislature, Sen. 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.
Flanagan, who also chairs the legislature's committee on children and families, will make $120,000 in the new post. The commission's chair, which Goldberg will name, will make about $160,000.
Flanagan told the Lowell Sun last year that she was opposed to the ballot question voters passed in November to legalize marijuana, citing the "many unknowns and unanswered questions about what this would mean for the commonwealth."
"Legislators want to be certain that this takes place in the most responsible way possible," she wrote in January on her campaign web site about the legislature's plan to rewrite the law. "There are many moving parts to legalizing marijuana, and establishing firm regulations is crucial."
The independent commission will oversee both the state's recreational and medical marijuana industry, including vetting and approving the state's first legal pot shops as early as next July. The board, however, faces a tight deadline of hiring staff, establishing regulations and by next spring, beginning to accept applications.
Senate President Stanley Rosenberg praised the pick of Flanagan in a statement released by Baker's office, even adding an emphatic, "Well done, Governor Baker!"
"Her academic, professional and legislative experience make her eminently qualified to serve," Rosenberg said.
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Charlie Baker makes pick for marijuana commission | Boston Herald
Author: Matt Stout
Contact: Contact Us | Boston Herald
Photo Credit: Nicolaus Czarnecki
Website: Boston Herald | Boston Herald
Flanagan, who has served in the Senate since 2008 and opposed the ballot question legalizing marijuana, is expected to resign Aug. 31, the day before the five-member board is required to be in place.
She chairs three committees, including the Legislature's committee on mental health and substance abuse, and has worked in the State House since 1995, first as a legislative aide before being elected to the House and later the Senate.
Baker was required by statute to select someone with a background in public health, mental health or substance abuse. Attorney General Maura Healey and state Treasurer Deborah Goldberg each also have a pick, while they and Baker must collaborate to name two other commission members by the end of the month.
"As a member of the legislature, Sen. 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.
Flanagan, who also chairs the legislature's committee on children and families, will make $120,000 in the new post. The commission's chair, which Goldberg will name, will make about $160,000.
Flanagan told the Lowell Sun last year that she was opposed to the ballot question voters passed in November to legalize marijuana, citing the "many unknowns and unanswered questions about what this would mean for the commonwealth."
"Legislators want to be certain that this takes place in the most responsible way possible," she wrote in January on her campaign web site about the legislature's plan to rewrite the law. "There are many moving parts to legalizing marijuana, and establishing firm regulations is crucial."
The independent commission will oversee both the state's recreational and medical marijuana industry, including vetting and approving the state's first legal pot shops as early as next July. The board, however, faces a tight deadline of hiring staff, establishing regulations and by next spring, beginning to accept applications.
Senate President Stanley Rosenberg praised the pick of Flanagan in a statement released by Baker's office, even adding an emphatic, "Well done, Governor Baker!"
"Her academic, professional and legislative experience make her eminently qualified to serve," Rosenberg said.
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Charlie Baker makes pick for marijuana commission | Boston Herald
Author: Matt Stout
Contact: Contact Us | Boston Herald
Photo Credit: Nicolaus Czarnecki
Website: Boston Herald | Boston Herald
