Candidate Prevaricates on his Stand on Touchy Subject
Benny Lee has long been a vocal opponent of Medical Marijuana dispensaries. He believes that allowing any use of marijuana by adults sends the message that it’s OK for kids to smoke pot. He thinks people who smoke marijuana are dangerous and “unsavory”.
I think he’s been pretty clear about those positions, both on his writing for the Patch, and on the comments he made to the San Leandro City Council in favor of a ban on medical marijuana dispensaries, in the last couple of months. Benny, however, is now seeking the Democratic endorsement on his run for San Leandro City Council. So suddenly, he’s found the light and claims that he is not opposed to medical marijuana. Right.
Rather than argue this point ad infinitum, I thought the best thing to do is hear what he had to say himself
Benny Lee’s Comments to the San Leandro Patch on Medical Marijuana Facilities – March 9, 2011
Benny Lee on Banning Medical Marijuana Facilities – June 18, 2012 (Audio)
Benny Lee’s Comments on the Proposed Ban on Medical Marijuana Facilities – July16, 2012 (Audio)
September 13 Update
Lee is playing the same flip-flopping card on another issue. Last week, he told the San Leandro Times that “he doesn’t want to share his personal opinion on the [Halus] turbine.” Halus, a green-energy company that refurbishes wind turbines, wants to install one on their industrial zone property so potential clients can see their work. Today, the San Leandro Times published two letters disputing that statement. Former City Council member Howard Kerr makes reference to the letters Lee has sent to City Hall opposing the turbine and accuses him of trying to hide his anti-business activities. Heron Bay neighbor Elie Parker, meanwhile, accuses Lee of lacking “integrity” and “strength” for agreeing to “lead the fight against the project” at a homeowners meeting, and now refusing to share his opinion.