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Politics Northwest

The Seattle Times political team explores national, state and local politics.

October 8, 2012 at 12:03 PM

Upcoming marijuana legalization debates for Initiative 502

As I wrote about last week, there is no organized law enforcement opposition to Initiative 502 and legalizing marijuana sales. But that doesn’t mean there’s no push-back: it’s just mostly coming from within the marijuana legalization community. Below is a list of debates scheduled for the next several weeks around the state, with expected pro/con speakers. (This is preliminary list, subject to change).

In addition, travel guru/marijuana advocate Rick Steves is barnstorming the state on behalf of I-502 next week appearing at pro-legalization rallies.

Monday, Oct. 8, 6:00 p.m. -The League of Women Voters of Benton and Franklin Counties, Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce and the Tri-City Herald are hosting a debate on I-502, other initiatives and a Congressional race. Columbia Basin College Gjerde Center. Pro: I-502 campaign manager Alison Holcomb; con: No on 502 spokesman and medical marijana enterpreneur Steve Sarich

Tuesday, Oct. 9, 7:00-9:00 p.m.League of Women Voters of Seattle-King County is hosting a debate on I-502, King County Sheriff and a King County levy at Seattle University Wyckoff Auditorium in the Bannan Engineering Building. Pro: Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes. Con: TBD.

Wednesday, Oct. 10, 6:00-7:30 p.m. – Seattle CityClub ia hosting an I-502 debate, Kane Hall, University of Washington. Pro: Pete Holmes and Rev. Leslie Braxton of New Beginnings Christian Fellowship. Con: Steve Sarich and Snohomish County Regional Drug Task Force Commander Pat Slack.

Tuesday, Oct. 16, 5:30-7:30 p.m. – Thurston County Mainstream Republicans hosting a debate on I-502 and other ballot measures, Lacey Community Center, 6729 Pacific Ave. SE, Olympia. Pro: Former Thurston County deputy prosecuting attorney Ken Valz. Con: Tom Zweiger, retired Washington State Patrol narcotics detective.

Wednesday, Oct. 17, noon to 1 p.m. Seattle Times politics team’s live chat. Pro Initiative 502, former U.S. Attorney John McKay; con, Derek Franklin, substance abuse expert.

Wednesday Oct. 17, 6:30 p.m. - League of Women Voters of Tacoma-Pierce County is hosting a debate at University of Washington-Tacoma, Philip Hall, 1900 Commerce Street, Tacoma. Pro: Alison Holcomb. Con: TBD.

Wednesday, Oct. 17, 7:00-9:00 p.m. - League of Women Voters of Pullman and the Pullman Chamber of Commerce are hosting a debate on state ballot measures.  Pullman City Council Chambers, 325 SE Paradise St., Pullman. Pro:  Tonia Winchester, I-502 outreach director. Con: Douglas Hiatt, criminal defense attorney/marijuana legalization advocate.

Thursday, Oct. 18, 6:00-7:30 p.m. – I-502 debate at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center, 6400 Sylvan Way SW, Seattle WA 98126. Pro: Roger Roffman, UW emeritus professor/drug abuse researcher. Con: Steve Freng, prevention/treatment manager of Northwest HIDTA.

Sunday, Oct. 21, 11:30 a.m. - Richmond Beach Congregational Church is hosting an I-502 debate, 1512 Northwest 195th Street, Shoreline. Pro: Pete Holmes. Con: Anthony Martinelli, communications director for Sensible Washington/marijuana legalization advocate.

Thursday, Oct. 25, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. - Clover Park Technical College is hosting an I-502 debate, 4500 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood, Building 23, Atrium. Pro: Alison Holcomb. Con: Steve Sarich.

Thursday, Oct. 25, 6:30 p.m. - League of Women Voters of Thurston County hosting ballot initiatives forum, including I-502. Traditions Cafe, 300 5th Ave. SW, Olympia. Pro: Alison Holcomb. Con: Anthony Martinelli or Douglas Hiatt.

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Comments | More in homepage, Marijuana initiative, Politics Northwest, Statewide | Topics: debates, I-502, live chats

About this blog

Politics Northwest is the go-to blog for politics in our region. The blog explores national, state and local political news and issues. Reporters from Washington, D.C., to Seattle City Hall to the state capital in Olympia contribute. Editors are Richard Wagoner and Beth Kaiman.
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