Cheers: To upholding the law. The Washington State Court of Appeals this week upheld the rights of counties and other jurisdictions to place a moratorium upon marijuana businesses. Although voters approved legalized marijuana across the state in 2012, the ballot measure did not require each city and county to welcome such businesses, and Clark County has had a moratorium in unincorporated areas since 2014.
A marijuana store operating illegally in the county has challenged that ruling and says it will appeal the latest decision to the state Supreme Court. While we believe Clark County councilors should reconsider their moratorium, we also support their right to establish a ban. Until voters or the Legislature decide that all cities and counties must allow such businesses, moratoriums should be respected and enforced.
Jeers: To not removing guns from the market. Before adjourning for the year, the Legislature failed to pass a bill that would allow the Washington State Patrol to destroy weapons confiscated during criminal investigations. State law allows police to decide whether to sell, trade or destroy weapons, but the standard is stricter for the State Patrol, which must auction weapons or trade them to licensed dealers.
This includes assault rifles, which are then placed back on the market, and a bill that would allow the weapons to be destroyed stalled in a House committee. As a co-sponsor noted, the option to destroy the guns would “reduce the risk of these firearms being used for criminal purposes in the future and tied back to the department.”
Cheers: To state parks. In celebration of the 105th anniversary of Washington’s state park system, admission to parks will be free on Monday. In and near Clark County, that means visitors can enjoy the wonders of the state’s scenery at Paradise Point near Ridgefield, Battle Ground Lake, Reed Island near Washougal, and Beacon Rock in Skamania County without purchasing a Discover Pass. Passes cost $30 annually or $10 for a one-day visit.
Since being created by the Legislature in 1913, Washington’s state park system has grown to reflect the spirit of the region by protecting natural vistas that represent the state’s ecological diversity. At a time when the federal government is eager to use publicly held lands to mine or drill for natural resources, we are particularly appreciative of this state’s respect for nature.
Jeers: To the Vancouver Salary Review Commission. The commission, which recommends salaries for the mayor and city councilors, is facing a May 1 deadline but apparently has made little progress.
The previously little-known commission garnered attention in 2016 by recommending large salary increases — including 117 percent for the mayor. Following much public outcry, the commission settled upon 4 percent raises across the board. Most of the commission members are new since 2016, which means they are still finding their way. With a deadline fast approaching, they should be cautious to weigh what works for Vancouver rather than relying mostly upon comparisons with salaries in other cities.
Cheers: To the Portland Trail Blazers. Don’t look now, but the Northwest’s only National Basketball Association team has won 11 straight games, including a victory over LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday. With guard Damian Lillard looking like one of the best players in the world, buzz is growing around the metro area’s only major-league franchise.
There is a long way to go before the playoffs begin in about a month, but the anticipation is a reminder of how a sustained Blazers run in the postseason can energize this region.
