Editor,

I returned to my car, stunned.

Just a week ago I read how good service drove a car business to success.

Now, I learned how the marijuana folks are driving great service businesses ro shut down by forcing seven large buildings in the Goldie Road Business Park to relocate in 30 days if they are unwilling to absorb and pay a 300 percent increase in rent.

Yes, seven buildings being turned over to the processing and distribution of marijuana.

Oh, how the temptation a substantial rent increase appeals to a landlord — never mind the businesses he damages, the virtually impossible relocation options to the existing businesses forced to move, the interruption in their business, the probable layoffs of employees and the new line of unemployment applicants.

Oh, did I fail to mention the influx of drugs to our area, the knock-off potential — surplus production distributed locally — that the seven large buildings suggest a pretty already-organized drug cartel and the increased strain on our already understaffed law enforcement?

June 30 is when the businesses — among them Mark’s Auto Repair — will be gone, hoping to relocate, but if unsuccessful, will then go out of business.

If public pressure could keep a “gentlemen’s club” from a foothold in Oak Harbor because it’s inappropriate, doesn’t a major marijuana processing and distribution facility fall clearly in the same camp?

We all have kids, grandkids, nephews, nieces and friends’ kids. Why let this happen? We may not be able to force the landlord from shockingly raising his rents, but can’t we keep some tenants out?  City council, help us on this one — unless what brought people to Oak Harbor is now not as good as being known as “Oak Harbor, the Drug Haven for Marijuana Business.”

Michael Thelen

Oak Harbor