Pubdate: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 Source: Gazette, The (Colorado Springs, CO) Copyright: 2010 Lana Richardson Contact: http://www.gazette.com/sections/opinion/submitletter/ Website: http://www.gazette.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/165 Author: Lana Richardson START PAYING ATTENTION El Paso County Commissioners have been whining about the crushing decline in sales tax revenues while trying to scare voters into tax increases, but when a legal business comes along with potential to contribute mightily to the county coffers, they seek to ban it. Medical marijuana businesses are not only easing the pain and suffering of El Paso County residents with a variety of physical maladies, but they could provide relief for our county's budget. There are thousands of patients holding cards (from their doctors) in our county, and these dispensaries will earn millions of dollars that will be taxed. Voters need to start paying attention. On our ballots in November there will probably be a measure to increase our sales or property taxes right next to the question of whether or not to ban medical marijuana stores. I'm hoping the residents are not that stupid. Lana Richardson Colorado Springs - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D