On Oct. 1, 2019, a small crowd of Downers Grove residents arrived at the village center in Downers Grove to express their thoughts and concerns about the rules that govern their home. The small crowd held no shortage of eager participants in the semi-monthly village meeting.

A number of individuals got up to express their opinions on various issues concerning the community, from cannabis to unfair rules. These thoughts fell on the receptive ears of Downers Grove Mayor Bob Barnett, who not only held the responsibility of overseeing the meeting but was also the primary individual to directly address this crowd.

While this crowd of residents had many ideas to contribute, no idea was more prevalent to them than the presence of drugs in the community. Many individuals opposed the legalization of marijuana and its recreational use. They took a firm stance that Downers Grove should remain a community free of the substance.

Several residents expressed their uncertainty about marijuana during the meeting. Their concerns ranged from harming the reputation of Downers Grove to concerns about the cost in terms of taxpayer money.

One such individual, Dr. Margaret Pechota, a clinical psychologist, believes that marijuana will not only be detrimental to these aspects of Downers Grove but to the daily lives of many individuals. She argues that drugs of all types can ruin lives, including marijuana.

“We’ve had some tragic deaths … I’m sure you all know of that high school student who was hit at Downers Grove North … also the police are not be able to have a test that will assess the level of cannabis, THC in the system, as they can instantaneously with alcohol,” Dr. Pokota said.

While many individuals shared Dr. Pechota’s viewpoint, some believed that recreational marijuana would be appropriate in Downers Grove.

In addition to the strict opposition towards marijuana, Downers Grove resident Francis Soresi detailed his concerns about the nature of the rules concerning disturbing the peace in Downers Grove. He frequently receives tickets due to the barking of his dog during the afternoons.

“The fact is, he’s a dog. He doesn’t bark in the morning, he doesn’t bark in the evening when you’re sleeping. He barks in the middle of the afternoon,” Soresi said.

Barnett admits, however, that there is little he can do.

“I can sympathize with you … the fact is there’s no vehicle in this body force for special dispensation,” Barnett said.

The visible disappointment resonated with the crowd, momentarily drawing attention away from the cannabis debacle.

Amidst a sea of opposition towards recreational marijuana, one business owner believed it is possible to have a family community that can sell marijuana safely while generating tax revenue in Downers Grove.

The village council meeting then shifted their attention to the active agenda for Downers Grove. All decisions were unanimously supported by both Downers Grove residents and the commissioners of the council; marking a shift away from the controversial topic of drugs plaguing the previous discussion.

The active agenda focused on the smaller, more subtle events of Downers Grove. Topics such as the recent animal boarding facility were quickly brought up and dealt with and the need for funding for bonds.

This crowd quickly had their anxious thoughts and concerns dismissed. Both the council and Barnett were able to address these issues methodically. The crowd could be seen dispersing, moving gracefully preceding this act of catharsis.