Town split on Cannabis

courtesy photo

Hammonton Town Council is set to make a monumental decision affecting the future of the town, its people and generations to come. Is it really that big of a decision? Considering Mayor Stephen DiDonato said it was the “single biggest vote” he’s done in his 14 years on town council, it does appear to be quite significant.

There is no easy answer, and this topic is a polarizing one to the community. But how divided are we?

To help determine the pulse of the community The Hammonton Gazette has been running a public community poll on this topic. Individuals were asked to select one of three answers to the following question: Should town council approve a cannabis manufacturing facility in Hammonton?

A. Yes, it is manufacturing and important to tax revenue.

B. No, it is wrong for our community.

C. Put it to a vote—the people should decide.

While the numbers are in, the sample results are subject to modifiers to accurately determine the accuracy of the survey. The final tabulations need to be viewed with consideration for the margin of error and confidence level.

The margin of error is the plus-or-minus percentage that represents the accuracy of the reported sample results based on the size of the survey. The confidence level tells you how confident you are of the results expressed in the percentage of times that different sample sizes (if repeated samples were drawn) would produce this result.

Our survey was conducted with a (+/-) 8 percent margin of error and a 99 percent confidence level based on the Hammonton population of 14,700 according to the U.S. Census report. The results are as follows:

48.97 percent of those surveyed are opposed to cannabis manufacturing.

35.17 percent of those surveyed are in favor of cannabis manufacturing.

15.86 percent of those surveyed believe it should be put to a vote by the people.

Initial results show opposition to the cannabis manufacturing facility. In the June 10 and June 24 council meeting citizens spoke in opposition of the facility with only one voice in favor of it. However, the issue is such a hot button that many citizens may fear voicing public opinion on the topic either for or against it.

And while the data shows a 13.8 point opposition, the percentage variance within the sample size does indicate a margin of error making it likely opposed but too close to definitively conclude a consensus of opposition. Using these numbers to call this vote in opposition of the manufacturing facility would be like using the polls in 1948 to declare Dewey over Truman.

What is clear is that with a 99 percent confidence level and (+/-) 8 percent margin of error that the following ranges are possible:

Those opposed are likely between 40.97 percent to 56.97 percent.

Those in favor are likely between 27.17 percent to 43.17 percent.

Those wanting the issue on the ballot are likely between 7.86 percent and 23.86 percent.

In the end, just shy of placing the issue on a ballot, it is a no-win scenario for the council. In either case, there will be citizens displeased with the vote and those that applaud it.

Is it right or is it wrong for our community? That now appears to be in the hands of the

council. In either case you can still sway the vote of your elected council members. The second public hearing on the issue is scheduled for July 22 at 7 p.m. at town hall.