Correction: the West Richland councilmember’s name is John Smart, not John Short as previously reported. The Observer regrets the error.
Semi Bird complaint
A Nov. 28 complaint by Dan Hillard to the Washington Public Disclosure Commission, alleges that gubernatorial candidate Misipati Semi Bird violated state campaign finance laws 100 times.
The detailed complaint alleges that Bird failed to list contributors’ occupations, didn’t file contributions and expenditures in a timely manner and accepted contributions for more than the legal limit and then spent the money. Anything over $2,400 dollars must be held for the general election.
The Observer was unable to obtain any information about Hillard before publication.
West Richland cannabis controversy
It didn’t take long for the West Richland City Council to go from a city council meeting to discuss an ordinance to allow cannabis sales in the city to a councilmember being considered for censure.
Tonight, City Councilmember John Smart could be sanctioned for violating the city of West Richland’s adopted City Council Rules of Procedure and Conduct for comments he made at the Nov. 7 council meeting about a proposed change in city ordinances to allow cannabis sales.
City staff and the planning commission recommended allowing cannabis sales in the areas zoned for light industrial development.
Councilmember John Smart responded, “We need to ensure people that serve on these boards are there for the right reason.”
He went on to say, “I would be shocked and will take appropriate notice any council member that violates our community vision and votes for this. That’s not going to make friends for me. So I’m not threatening but I’m just saying that this seems obvious to me.”
Complaints were lodged by planning commission members and others offended by Councilmember John Smart’s comments.
There are two options before the council — censure and apology or written reprimand and apology. The meeting begins at 6 pm at 3100 Belmont Blvd. and can also be viewed live on Cable channel 191. The city’s YouTube site will have a recording of the meeting.
Color me absolutely shocked that Semi Bird of all people is being charged with campaign fraud. Not.
Hi Jenneke,
I appreciate your comment. That PDC complaint was a tour de force of report investigation. Some of us wonder if the person who signed the complaint had a team working with him. Thank you for reading the Observer. Randy Slovic
His name is John Smart, unfortunately, he isn’t very smart. He and Dan Ritchie (citizen) are blowhards who try to bully their beliefs onto others. While I am not a cannabis fan, downtown West Richland could use some more business.
Hi Sam, I appreciate your comment and your correction on the councilmember’s name. I made the correction and noted it at the beginning of the article. Thank you for reading the Observer. Randy