Letter: Richland’s marijuana ban certainly not ‘progressive’

Recently I watched Richland City Council member Sandra Kent being interviewed on the news talking about how “progressive” Richland is.

Progressive? Does she live in the same city I do? Voting to ban something the people voted for and approved is most certainly not progressive. By banning marijuana businesses, both medical and retail, they have sent a clear message that they are still firmly mired in the 1950s.

Since its legalization in Colorado, here’s what we know so far: According to the state’s department of revenue, the first 10 months of legal marijuana sales have resulted in nearly $40 million in tax revenue. The city of Denver saw a decrease in violent crime rates in the first 11 months of 2014, following a similar trend in 2013. Statewide traffic fatalities continue to decline, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation. Upwards of $8 million has been allocated to fund youth education and drug prevention efforts. And the state is enjoying economic growth and the lowest unemployment rate in years.

Way to be “progressive” Richland! And don’t bother standing in line when the tax revenues are handed out, you get none. Think of the good you could have done.

Richland

This story was originally published November 18, 2015 at 5:22 PM with the headline "Letter: Richland’s marijuana ban certainly not ‘progressive’."