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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023.03.20 Council Meeting Public Comment - D Crutchfield 3(Z� �ze 2,3 �c,�� �,��.�1,�,:��� R�.b�;� �a��,.e,�-�- Councii is elected to represent the interest of entire community—not just those they come in contact with or those who speak at a city council meeting. Nor for those coming at the bequest of Mr Morgan from other cities to voice their support for a business in a city in which they have no stake. Recognize that the current ban an retail cannabis in Pasco was put in place 8 yrs ago by the council based on a 60+% NO vote opposing cannabis sale in Pasco. A survey ( small sampling ) re this issue was done mos ago revealing a split on this matter. On a matter so divisive for the Pasco community, Council should not impose a significant change in public policy on their own split vote. As councilman Roach stated in the 3/6/council mtg, while voicing her"frustration—that the council has a duty to communicate clearly with the public and we have not done that as a collective group. Our duty as a council is fair representation of what Pasco wants" Councilman Serrano stated that an advisory vote should have been taken long ago . Corporate America freq uses the advisory ballot process when their boards refer issues to their shareholders and while the results aren't binding,they do provide a meaningful basis for subsequent board decisions and action. That has not been done here . Rather, Council should exert leadership and place the matter on a city-wide ballot for ALL Pasco voters to determine if current policy should change. If the voters say NO,then the job of the council is done; if the voters say yes to cannabis sales, then the job of the city council will be to determine how and where those sales will be permitted and conducted in the city. Resist the urge to impose your personal beliefs about cannabis sales; rather, allow the voters of Pasco to answer the major policy question—and follow through accordingly. Wa state law re retail cannabis reserves the right of each city to determine if they allow pot sales. Cities aren't obligated to do so . Counciman Malony mentioned at the 3/6/2023 council mtg that "this is "rights issue "That is true,the right to vote is the most fundamental right you should respect. If you choose not to continue the current cannabis ban in Pasco, adopt Resolution #4327—allow Pasco voters to be heard . Thank you , Sincerely Dana Crutchfield