SNOHOMISH — The city of Snohomish is looking for volunteers to serve on pro and con committees for an upcoming marijuana advisory measure.
The ballot item, which is budgeted for the November election, asks voters if they would support retail, production and processing of marijuana within city limits. This encompasses both medical and recreational use of marijuana.
The committee members would be responsible for writing statements in favor of and in opposition to the proposed change for the voters pamphlet.
Councilwoman Karen Guzak said she hopes the election results provide clarity to the City Council. They have been on the fence for several years.
Advisory measures are nonbinding, meaning the results do not effect city code. Instead, the council will consider the public’s input when discussing next steps.
Council members had considered the possibility of welcoming marijuana businesses in town a few years ago. They even started drawing up blueprints for new zoning regulations, Guzak said. The council voted on the issue twice, but both resulted in a split vote.
An influx of people from the community came forward arguing against the proposition. The response prompted the city to implement zoning restrictions in 2014 prohibiting any marijuana-related businesses from operating within city limits.
“Marijuana is one of the most contentious issues we’ve talked about while I’ve been on council,” Guzak said.
Anyone who is interested in volunteering to be a committee member is asked to contact the city clerk. Applications are due by 4 p.m. on July 5. The council plans to review the applicants at its July 18 meeting.
For more information, visit the city’s website.
Caitlin Tompkins: 425-339-3192; ctompkins@heraldnet.com.
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