Debate on lifting Pasco pot shop ban gets heated. Already, the police were called once

The testy debate on allowing cannabis retail shops in part of Pasco continues this week when the city council takes up the issue Monday. It’s already led to at least one confrontation under investigation by the police.

Supporters and opponents packed the city council chambers last week to share their strong opinions on a renewed effort to allow a pot dispensary in the city’s downtown business district.

The issue wasn’t on the agenda, but people lined up during the open mic for public comments to speak their mind on the topic.

The council heard more than an hour of comments from both sides. This week, council members plan a study session but no public comments will be allowed. And there’s no date set for a vote on the issue.

David Morgan, a Pasco native and owner of Spokane-based Lucky Leaf Co. dispensary, recently returned to the council asking it to reconsider lifting the ban on pot retail. He’s been trying to open a shop in the city for almost a decade.

The stores are allowed under Washington state law but a change in city zoning would be needed to permit one in the city limits.

“With national trends, we thought that maybe the city was changing. But no, people are pretty divided on it... The community is up on the air,” said Mayor Pro Tem Craig Maloney.

A 2021 community survey backs that.

When asked if Pasco residents would back changes to allow marijuana retail sales in city limits, 45% said they would strongly or somewhat support it, while 46% said they would not. About 10% said they “didn’t know.”

Strong emotions erupt

That deep division was apparent at the Aug. 15 meeting, where in addition to public comment two notable business advocates reportedly got into a scuffle inside the council chambers.

David Cortinas, executive director of the Latin Business Association (LBA) and publisher of La Voz newspaper, accused Carl Holder of grabbing him by his collar, blocking his way out of the council chambers and making intimidating comments.

Holder, who owns the building at 402 W. Lewis Street where Morgan is trying to put his store, allegedly told Cortinas that he was “messing with my life” and that he was going to kick his butt, Cortinas told the Herald.

The incident happened after Cortinas told the council, “... We don’t need a pot store to come down to be the savior of downtown Pasco.”

“I’m not here to say anything about what he said, because it’s false,” Holder said in a phone interview.

While he admitted that he got in Cortinas’ face because he was impeding his way out of the chamber, the encounter never got physical. The whole incident is “over and in the past,” Holder said.

“What we know is each person had witnesses that backed their story, but we really don’t have any independent witnesses. So, we’re still trying to figure that out,” said Pasco police Sgt. Rigo Pruneda told the Herald. “We’re still investigating the incident.”

Holder, who met with the police chief a couple days after the incident, said he wasn’t aware that Pasco police were still investigating the incident.

No one involved was arrested. But Cortinas said he’s considering filing a restraining order against Holder.

“I’m flabbergasted this has happened. I can’t believe that this happened. I’m only doing my job as the downtown Latin Business Association, and I never expected that it would get to this point,” Cortinas told the Herald.

Cortinas and the business association strongly objects to allowing cannabis retail downtown, but they say they would likely support allowing the stores in another part of the city.

The Downtown Pasco Development Authority and the business association also find themselves at odds on the issue.

Both have submitted letters and petitions with signatures on opposing sides of the issue.

Thomas Granbois, a board member with development authority, said “It’s not a boogeyman,” and that they’ve courted the support of dozens of businesses that have no problem having a cannabis store in that area.

And Holder said he also doesn’t believe the marijuana issue is as controversial as the survey leads it out to be.

“It’s my belief that bringing Lucky Leaf’s store to downtown Pasco is the catalyst to make a positive change to our downtown community,” Holder said.

Other city bans

If Pasco lifts its ban on marijuana, it would be the first Tri-City government to do so.

Benton County and the cities of Prosser and Benton City are the only other governments locally that permit pot shops in certain areas.

Despite receiving “dozens of emails” from community members and stakeholders on both sides, Maloney said he feels the city council will be able to come to a consensus on this issue. Pasco citizens deserve a quick solution, he said.

“From my perspective, what we really need to focus on is what are the benefits and costs in relation to marijuana businesses in downtown Pasco,” he said.

On Monday, the council will consider questions about zoning, alternative locations and how to collect more feedback from the public.

They might also consider its impact on young people and how the store may or may not impact the city’s issue with houseless people.

“We want to hear from people. This is a big deal for some people, and we need to come to a conclusion,” he said.

The council also will look at alternative zones within the city limits.

Spokane, where Morgan has his storefront, for example, allows retail in heavy industrial and heavy commercial areas, Maloney said.

It’s also been suggested Pasco put the issue on the ballot for an advisory vote.

Maloney pointed out that it’s too late to get the issue on the Nov. 8 ballot. That means a decision wouldn’t be likely until next year if they waited for a public vote.

And to put it on a special election ballot sooner could cost the city about $200,000.