That was the clear message from Menominee City voters in a special election yesterday.  The  ballot question, the result of a petition, asked voters if the city’ marijuana ordinance should cap the number of dispensaries at 9.  And voters gave a resounding yes by a 1416-242 margin. 85 percent of the voters approved the question. Only 24 per cent of the registered voters participated. Over half of those voted absentee.

Judge Mary Barglind had given the OK for the election to proceed on Friday after alderman Bill Plemel had sued the city saying yesterday’s election did not qualify as a regular election for the purposes of the referendum. Barglind also ruled to hold the status quo on the number of licenses issued by the city, which is nine.  The future of some other dispensary projects underway or planned in the city is unclear at the moment, and will likely be resolved in court,

Three millages on the ballot in Menominee County all passed.

Mellen Township Emergency Medical and Fire Protection Services Millage Proposal: 85 yes, 38 no (12.5 percent turnout)

Stephenson Township Fire and Emergency Medical Services Proposal: 67 yes, 13 no (15 percent turnout)

Stephenson Area Public School Operating Millage Renewal Proposal: 356 yes, 256 no (13 percent turnout)