Commissioner answers previous letter

To The Eagle:

Not based on fact: In a letter to the editor, Mr. Roberts states that Wahkiakum County receives 10 percent revenue from marijuana sales. Wahkiakum County does not have any retail marijuana sales businesses. We receive no revenue from marijuana grow operations.

I believe what Mr. Roberts was upset about was something that recently happened during a local commissioners meeting when a prospective buyer wanting to open the old Rosburg Store approached the board. As was described by the buyer, the store was to include a dedicated section for the retail sale of marijuana. A list of over 100 signatures was submitted to the commissioners, by Rosburg residents, requesting the consideration of the negative influence that such a business could potentially have on the families that participate in the child and family based activities at Johnson Park Center, which sits across the street from the proposed location. Based on the proximity of the business to Johnson Park, the new business would require a waiver to include the marijuana section. The waiver was denied with consideration to both the proximity to the child and family oriented based activities at Johnson Park Center and the documented request of a large amount of the local residents in that area.

It is the job of the Board of Commissioners to act as your voice and Wahkiakum County voted against the legalization of marijuana. In the past, Wahkiakum County has provided funding for programs to fight against drugs and alcohol in the schools and with our youth.

As far as my personal opinion, I am totally against drugs legally sanctioned. I also feel that what you do in your own home, provided it doesn’t infringe on the health and welfare of others within your home, is your business. That being said, if a retail business wanted to open in the county, and people supported it, I would go with the majority.

Dan L. Cothren

Wahkiakum County Commissioner