Chelsea City Council Elections: Candidates Weigh in on Cannabis Operations

September 28th, 2023 Legislation & Policy Updates
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With the General Election approaching on November 7th, Chelsea will see some new members joining the City Council. The seats for Charles Wiseley, Peter Feeney, and Eric Keaton are up for grabs, with Keaton vying for a continued seat after his appointment two years prior.

The upcoming election presents candidates Julianne Chard, George Merkel, Beth Morris, and the aforementioned Keaton, all competing for the three available positions.

The Chelsea Chamber of Commerce recently organized a Candidate Forum on September 21st, aiming to familiarize voters with their potential future council members. The forum's master of ceremonies, Paul Schissler, expressed his gratitude to the candidates, emphasizing the importance of the roles they're aiming for: "Chelsea City Council is not a casual volunteer job but one for skilled, thoughtful people genuinely concerned about our city."

One of the focal points during the forum was the city's perspective on cannabis operations, especially given the ongoing dialogue in neighboring townships. Here's a summarized view of what each candidate had to say:

Julianne Chard:

  • Feels Chelsea's proximity to Ann Arbor provides ample access to cannabis operations.
  • Though recognizing its potential as a revenue generator, Chard argues that the city prioritizes family-centric values.
  • Believes further cannabis establishments don't resonate with Chelsea's present ethos.

Eric Keaton:

  • Maintains a neutral standpoint on personal cannabis consumption.
  • Considers additional operations in Chelsea redundant due to neighboring availability.
  • Raises concerns about the impact on the city's intrinsic charm.

George Merkel:

  • Is open to considering it if backed by public sentiment.
  • Notes the abundance of cannabis outlets in adjacent areas.
  • Promises to respect public opinion, pledging to base his stance on the residents' collective decision.

Beth Morris:

  • Acknowledges the therapeutic attributes of cannabis.
  • As a mental health expert, she's conscious of the potential behavioral and substance-related risks, predominantly among the youth.
  • Advocates for thorough research and assessment before greenlighting any cannabis ventures in Chelsea.

With the election looming, the city's stance on cannabis operations will certainly be a topic of interest for many Chelsea voters. As the candidates lay out their positions, the decision now rests in the hands of the residents.


For those interested in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the discussions and questions posed to potential city council leaders, the full hour-long video of the meeting is available for you to watch:

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