Assemblyman Keith Brown talks cannabis, the healthful environment proposition, and more on Cow Harbor Conversations

Assemblyman Keith Brown sat down with Doug Roberts for another episode of Cow Harbor Conversations. The two spoke about Brown’s election to the New York State Assembly for District 12, which includes Northport Village, Eaton’s Neck, East Northport and parts of Fort Salonga.

Brown said that the best thing about his elected position is his daily interactions. “I’m a relationship person,” he said, “so one of the best things is getting to meet so many really interesting and wonderful people who are trying to make a difference in the world.” He also spoke about the mutual respect that he experiences in Albany, especially when on the floor debating a bill. He said that you’re not allowed to refer to assembly members by their first names because “it’s not personal.” He notes that he tends to be most interested in the “unintended consequences” of a bill and “always likes looking at things in context” so that the real impact and meaning isn’t lost.

In his conversation with Doug, Assemblyman Brown discussed his opposition to the environmental proposition that passed on November 3. He said that changing the law, which was designed to guarantee every resident’s right to clean air, clear water and a healthful environment, would “open up Pandora’s Box” and allow for citizen lawsuits based on “anything, because it’s so vaguely written.” When considering the worst case scenario, like residents suing for poor air quality during a pandemic, the state could be liable, he said. It would allow “NIMBYs to dominate by challenging everything,” and you’ll have “paralysis of analysis, so nothing will get done,” he added. Brown does think, however, that the desire for clean air and water crosses party lines, but “it’s how we get there” that matters.

Brown said he “led the charge” against legalizing marijuana in New York. He said his real concern, and something that he’s spoken out about, is the impact it will have on kids. He told Doug about losing his nephew three years ago to a heroin overdose. “My position is forged by the fact that I think legalized marijuana will promote the wrong message to young people that it’s okay to smoke marijuana, and where that potentially leads to,” he said. “Does it lead to it in every single case, no it doesn’t, but it’s a really bad message that it’s okay.”

Brown is trying to get a bill passed that creates a vape and marijuana diversion program in all of the high schools, he said. He doesn’t think that, under the new marijuana legalization act, giving a minor a $75 ticket and pamphlet on marijuana dangers is enough when they’re caught using marijuana products. He did add, though, that what adults do in their own homes and living rooms is none of his business, but he’s focused on the kids, which is why he’s suggesting amendments to the law.

Next year, Assemblyman Brown will be up for reelection and he said he “definitely” plans to run again because he “loves this job.” You can follow Assemblyman Keith Brown’s Facebook page for updates on his initiatives and listen to this episode of Cow Harbor Conversations to hear more.