Alaska's marijuana board chair wants the Kenai Peninsula to decide on a pot ban. Is it a conflict of interest?
The new chair of the state board tasked with regulating Alaska's fledgling marijuana industry took an active role in a campaign asking voters whether to ban commercial cannabis on the Kenai Peninsula, which he says — and state attorneys agree — is within his rights as a citizen.
Peter Mlynarik gathered signatures this summer for the petition to put the question of a ban on the ballot. The signatures were submitted Tuesday afternoon to the Kenai borough clerk's office.
He was one of 30 petition-booklet holders who collected signatures, according to Katie Ring, borough clerk secretary. Borough Assembly member Stan Welles was also listed as a petition-book holder.
Mlynarik said Monday that his efforts on the ballot measure don't affect how he regulates the industry. As a state board member, "I don't think I abdicate my right as a citizen," he said.
Assistant attorney general Harriet Milks agreed.
"There's nothing improper about a board member on any board...
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