The state’s largest city is publicly speaking out against Ballot Measure 2, which aims to legalize marijuana. But the Anchorage Assembly’s vote was not unanimous.
The Assembly resolution argues that part of the problem of locally legalizing marijuana is that banks can’t accept money from pot-related businesses. It’s considered money laundering because selling the drug is illegal according to federal law. The resolution cites an increase in robberies in Colorado because so many businesses now have cash sitting around.
But the opposition was not supported unanimously. Chairman Patrick Flynn said the municipality should not weigh in on state issues.
“I don’t think, frankly, the voters care what we think,” he told the rest of the Assembly. “And to the extent that we take actions like this, I think it’s more of an irritant than an attractant for the position we take.”
Most others voted in favor saying they were urged by their constituents and the ballot measure endangers public safety.
Anne Hillman is the healthy communities editor at Alaska Public Media and a host of Hometown, Alaska. Reach her at ahillman@alaskapublic.org. Read more about Anne here.
