I want to thank your reporter Matthew Nash for publishing the facts concerning David Halpern’s criminal record (“City pot applicant’s record unlikely to stop his license,” Sequim Gazette, July 23, page A-1).

It is outrageous that someone who has spent time incarcerated for heading up an international drug ring, and worse still for sexual crimes against a 14-year-old girl, is even being considered by the Liquor Control Board for the only license for a recreational marijuana shop in Sequim.

Halpern claimed his crimes were nothing to do with dishonesty. Since when is it honest to sell quack medicines to people with serious illnesses? How about glossing over the true nature of his sexual crimes in his application for the license? Not to mention blame-shifting in this interview by claiming the girl tried to seduce him.

The Liquor Control Board has discretion in to whom it issues a license. If your readers believe Halpern should be denied a license, they can write to the board members at mem@liq.wa.gov. They also might want to let our city councilors know what they think. Write to Mayor Candace Pratt at cpratt@sequimwa.gov.

Our state representatives also can weigh in on this issue and I hope you’ll write to kevin.vandewege@leg.wa.gov and steve.tharinger@leg.wa.gov.

Cathy Clark

Sequim