Potential Marijuana tax dollars in West Richland are projected to only bring in about half of what it would cost to fund a single police officer. So the additional tax income would account for only a fraction of the cost the city will incur due to increase in crime. However Marijuana shop revenues are significant enough for owners to donate generously to their favorite candidates campaign (See screenshots below)!
It is public record that Ken Weaver, the owner of the WR license and stores in Union Gap has donated; and local candidates have accepted, campaign funding designed to solidify candidates position in his favor. One article describes the following: "Weaver donated money to the election campaigns of Avina Gutierrez and Holly Cousens last year in hopes that they would vote to uphold the ban. State Public Disclosure Commission records show Gutierrez received $1,900 combined from Ken and Barbara Weaver, and Cousens received $2,850 combined from the Weavers and one of their employees.”
Note: Upholding the ban in Yakima would have driven business to his Union Gap store.
Read more of the article here:
Screenshots of the campaign donation records made by the Weavers and employees:
These can be found at pdc.wa.gov
Donations to Holly Cousens:
Donations to Avina Gutierrez:
While on the topic of elections, it is public record (see link below) that Kate Moran contributed to Steve Lee's campaign for city council in Kennewick, WA. Steve Lee is the owner of Green2Go Recreational Cannabis, which has at least 2 locations in Tri-Cities.
Steve Lee also donated a generous amount of funds ($750) to Kate Moran's 2017 election campaign for the West Richland City Council.
It is clear that marijuana dollars have supported her in her campaign for West Richland City Council.
Is there possible conflict of interest? Should Kate Moran recuse herself from voting on issues surrounding the retail sale of Marijuana in West Richland?