Residents urge council to resist more gambling and cannabis dispensaries

Several residents used the public-comment period at the Sept. 22 Olney City Council meeting to press elected officials to curb gambling and to oppose adult‑use cannabis dispensaries in the city. Gene Brower, who identified himself as representing the Richland County Tenants Association, opened with appreciation for recent park repairs but said the city should not invite more gambling-related businesses. "They've color coded all 6 courts and lined them," Brower said, thanking the council for maintenance work.

Several later speakers linked gambling to family harm and public‑health costs. Don Hood, who identified himself as pastor at Olney Southern Baptist Church, cited international and state classifications of problem gambling and said communities with concentrated gambling experience higher crime and social costs. "Just because you can do a thing does not mean you should do a thing," Hood said, urging the council to prioritize the city's long‑term welfare over short‑term revenue. Others, including Christianette of Calvert Baptist Church and resident Rhonda Hemmerich, framed gambling and alcohol sales as moral and social threats and asked council members to take a stand on behalf of children and future generations.

The public comments framed several agenda items later in the meeting — including a license transfer for a gaming parlor and a pending advisory referendum on cannabis — and set the tone for council debate about how to balance potential tax revenue against community concerns.