HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-06-2014 Planning Commission Items submitted at the meetingPC 08.06.14 Pg 1
Public Hearing —ZOA14 -0003
Submitted: James Blankinship
1 -502 Auburn Public Hearing Comment
To the city staff. commissioners and council
I am an Auburn resident and manager of an Auburn business. Last May I became an I -502 retail lottery
winner for Auburn. I am very excited to personally have the opportunity to be apart of the'More Than You
Imagined' slogan. As a local resident and business manager, I truly feel that when I won the lottery so did
the City.
I honestly believe all 1 -502 businesses afford Auburn the opportunity to become more than imagined. I
have no doubt the increase in State funding through the 25% excise tax will greatly benefit the City. From
the Washington State Basic Health Plan, which helps low income families afford basic health insurance, to
the DSHS' Community Development Block Grant program which benefits Auburn families in need,
furthers economic development and assist with youth outreach and gang prevention programs. 1 -502
allocates 18.7% of the 25% excise tax to the State General Fund in which 42.5% of the General Fund is
allocated towards Public Schools, a much needed source of funds especially in light of the new 110 million
dollar Auburn Hight School modernization project.
As a possible I -502 retailer I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to provide additional employment
opportunities to Auburn. It's pleasant to think about the extra property tax revenue to be generated by
allowing 1 -502 growers and processors to operate within the city. For too long have we seen the same
scene over and over, vacant retail lots and warehouses with no tenants. 1 -502 gives us the chance to move
forward and progress our economic development as a city, without negatively impacting our residents.
For the critics who feel that the above mentioned benefits will be outweighed by the social cost of
Marijuana use and enforcement, I would like to site data collected by the Denver Police Department.
According to the department violent crime fell by 6.9% in the first quarter of 2014, compared with the
same period in 2013. Property crime fell by a significant 11.1 %. It should also be noted that 1 -502 in itself
decreases the amount of police enforcement time spent on the processing and prosecution of simple
possession of marijuana users of age 21 and up. Money once spent on time to charge non - violent users can
now be used to target die genuine real threats to our community.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the City Stab for listening to the public at the forum back
in May. By drafting implementation option 2 they have given the majority of the people what they voted
for, while at the same time providing necessary protections needed for the City to be immune from any
possible future Federal Government backlash. While mentioning this, 1 would also like to caution the city
from depending too much on the Attomey Generals opinion regarding cities having the right to ban 1 -502
businesses. While the AG initially did make that opinion, recently the AG has been quoted saying
"As attorney General, my job is to make sure the will of the people is upheld. If any party to these
lawsuits seeks to overturn state laws, my office will be there to defend the law."
These same sentiments were shared by a Spokane County Commissioner who stated at a public hearing
"My job as commissioner is to administer, implement and adhere to the law. The council has a
duty to implement the law."
It's unfortunate that the Federal Government is behind the curve on this issue while the people are so far
ahead. The legal conundrums created out of misguided Federal drag policy should not be allowed to hinder
progress and the good will of informed Washington State citizens.
In closing I say this- It's is an exciting time to live. I cannot wait to see the day when Auburn becomes more
than what we could have ever imagined and I believe 1 -502 will be the vehicle to get us there.
Thank you for vent time
Sincerely
James Blankenship - 39307 Aubum - Enumclaw Rd SE