Federal Way would earn substantial revenue from allowing cannabis retail stores without raising sales and property taxes. Between July 2017 and June 2018, Auburn earned more than $180,000 in excise tax from three stores. Des Moines earned $90,000 from one. This doesn’t include the sales tax that was also collected. Retail stores create living wage jobs that also stimulate the local economy. Federal Way could have up to four stores.  

The lack of accessibility for our seniors, disabled, and transportation limited neighbors is a burden. No one should have to spend several hours round trip on a bus or $30 on a rideshare to get their medication. Local availability relieves this burden and keeps revenue here in Federal Way.

Neighboring cities report no significant impact on police resources. Stores have strict security and mandatory ID requirements. Age verification and escalating consequences for businesses ensure no one under 21 is permitted to enter. Retail cannabis is also highly regulated in all stages of growth, production and sales. Quality control ensures consumer safety.

Your yes vote will bring needed revenue to Federal Way and access for those who rely on cannabis medication, without compromising the safety of our youth and community.

Krissy Grant, Allison Taylor, Catherine Crawford, yestoprop1.com

Federal Way is working hard to improve our family and business environment. The presence of pot shops would undermine that effort. Though marijuana sales are illegal to minors, pot shops send the message to kids that marijuana is safe. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that marijuana interferes with memory, concentration, learning and brain development, lowers the odds of completing high school and increases the risk of psychosis. 

Based on taxes received by neighboring cities, Federal Way can expect $180,000 to $300,000 in tax revenue. That is less than 3/10s of 1 percent of the city’s budget. There are better sources for revenue. Studies show the presence of pot shops in neighborhoods increase the frequency of marijuana use by young people. Is this poor attempt to improve the financial health of the city worth endangering the physical, mental and emotional health of the future generation?

A “no” vote does not restrict adults from the private use of marijuana or restrict medical use.

Sixty-one percent of Federal Way residents voted against pot shops four years ago. What has changed? Say “No” to retail Marijuana once again. For more information: https://www.facebook.com/NOtoFWPotshops

Jack Walsh, Laurie Sherwin, Jim Stiles, www.NoFWpotshops.com

The idea that retail cannabis stores would send a message to our youth that cannabis is safe for them defies logic. Alcohol and tobacco products are widely available, yet no one believes they are safe for teens. Our own Department of Health has reported that cannabis use among youth has remained flat or decreased since legalization.

Cannabis stores will bring a sustainable source of revenue that our currently empty storefronts cannot. Please vote Yes.

Krissy Grant, Allison Taylor, Catherine Crawford, yestoprop1.com

The up to $300,000 in excise and sales tax revenues we could receive is insignificant--not even enough to put three police officers on the street. Every Federal Way resident is already within five miles of a pot shop. Traveling that far is mere inconvenience. 

Pot shops Will compromise the safety and wellbeing of our youth. Our youth are worth more than a few dollars of additional tax revenue and convenience for existing users.

Jack Walsh, Laurie Sherwin, Jim Stiles, www.NoFWpotshops.com

Complete text of measure

This measure is advisory only; there is no validation requirement.

For questions about this measure, contact: Ryan Call, City Attorney, 253-835-2561, ryan.call@cityoffederalway.com