Mat-Su Assembly Rejects Advisory Vote on Commercial Pot Ban

At Tuesday night’s meeting, the Mat-Su Borough Assembly unanimously opposed Mayor Larry DeVilbiss’ request for an advisory vote on banning commercial marijuana operations in unincorporated areas of the Valley.  KTNA’s Phillip Manning has more:

All seven members of the Mat-Su Borough Assembly voted against a resolution that would have put multiple advisory questions on the borough’s October ballot regarding commercial marijuana.  Mayor DeVilbiss submitted the resolution, which would have asked whether borough residents outside of incorporated cities desired a ban on commercial growth, manufacture, testing, and sale of the plant.

The reasons for the unanimous ‘no’ vote varied.  Many, including Assembly Member Matthew Beck, say that it’s premature to ask those questions, especially since the Assembly was about to confirm nominations for the borough’s advisory committee on marijuana.

“They might be able to come up with some questions that are missing from the list of questions.  Before we move on something like this, I would like to hear from that advisory committee.”

Other Assembly Members called the proposed ballot questions redundant, since the issues were covered under Proposition 2, which legalized recreational marijuana in the state.  As a whole, the measure failed in the Valley, though there was significant support from areas like Palmer, Sutton, and Talkeetna.

Deputy Mayor Ronald Arvin gave two reasons for his opposition.  The first was that he feels it is the Assembly’s job to interpret the will of its constituents.

“The people that vote to put Assembly Members here expect those members, through the public process, to carry out their wishes, and not put it back on somebody else.  Sometimes you have to make the hard choice, sitting here.”

Arvin’s other reason for voting against the resolution is that he feels it is problematic, given that a popular vote has already occurred statewide.

“This flies fundamentally in the face of what just passed a statewide ballot.  That’s our fundamental democracy.”

While the proposed resolution failed, a similar one could emerge after the marijuana advisory committee meets.  The date for that first meeting has not been determined.  The deadline for any additions to the borough ballot is in mid-August.