According to 41st Ward Ald. Anthony Napolitano, a medical marijuana dispensary was approved in his ward despite his opposition because Mayor Emanuel wanted to get back at him for his “no” vote on the property tax increase.

Napolitano is quoted in DNA Info as saying that he is “furious” that the dispensary was approved, especially since ownership of it changed just before the three-hour hearing commenced.

The only “no” vote on the Zoning Board of Appeals came from Commissioner Sheila O’Grady, who also killed the proposed Green Gate Compassion Center in West Ridge. Is it good public policy for a zoning board commissioner to be so close-minded about a specific type of business?

Too bad Emanuel doesn’t want to punish the 50th Ward’s alderman, Debra Silverstein, who also voted against the property tax increase. But Silverstein supported the mayor 98% of the time, according to a recent study from UIC, whereas Napolitano defeated another Rahm 98% supporter, Mary O’Connor.

Maybe that’s the real reason behind the ZBA decision.