We recently polled the members of the NJ Libertarian State Board on the ballot questions. Here are our thoughts.
Question 1: CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO LEGALIZE MARIJUANA
Do you approve amending the Constitution to legalize a controlled form of marijuana called “cannabis”?
Only adults at least 21 years of age could use cannabis. The State commission created to oversee the State’s medical cannabis program would also oversee the new, personal use cannabis market.
Cannabis products would be subject to the State sales tax. If authorized by the Legislature, a municipality may pass a local ordinance to charge a local tax on cannabis products.
We are unanimous in supporting this ballot question. The amendment is not perfect however, is a step in the right direction Home grow should really be included. The regulations are expected to be a high hurdle for any small business to overcome which will ensure that only politically connected large businesses will benefit from this. It is to be seen how much consumers will benefit.
Question 2: PROPERTY TAX DEDUCTION AND EXEMPTION FOR PEACETIME VETERANS
Do you approve amending the Constitution to give a $250 property tax deduction to veterans who did not serve in time of war? Do you also approve amending the Constitution to give a 100 percent property tax exemption to certain totally disabled veterans who did not serve in time of war?
The widow or widower of these veterans also would receive this $250 deduction or 100 percent exemption after the veteran’s death.
Most of us are voting yes on this. Most of us believe that we need to take care of the nation's veterans and see any tax cut as a good thing.
A minority of us questioned whether veterans who were never deployed deserve additional benefits. Giving veterans an incentive makes joining the military more attractive to young people and would prefer that young people instead consider career choices that do not feed the devastating and endless wars our government perpetually engages in.
Question 3: CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO CHANGE THE LEGISLATIVE REDISTRICTING SCHEDULE IF CENSUS DATA IS DELAYED
Do you approve amending the Constitution to change when new legislative districts are created if the federal census data is delayed?
The current COVID-19 pandemic has delayed census data collection. If New Jersey does not receive the census data in a timely manner, new legislative districts may not be ready in time for State legislative elections in the year ending in one.
This change to the redistricting schedule will allow legislators to be elected that year from their existing districts for their two-year term in office. The new districts will be used starting with the next scheduled general election for the State legislature.
We are unanimously voting no on this constitutional change. The State has failed to perform its duties.