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COMMUNITY | Centerstage director explores Europe for new WWI musical [8]
VOL. 17, NO. 17
MIRROR
F E D E R A L WAY
DIVISION OF SOUND PUBLISHING
OPINION | Cornfield: Bill would have voters decide on city pot bans [6] Roegner: How the dominoes may fall [6] POLICE | Boy threatens to kill classmate; upset over birthday invite [21] CRIME | Kent father charged with raping son’s teenage girlfriend in Federal Way [23]
Sports | Beamer baseball FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015 | 75¢ champions of SPSL NW [4]
CALENDAR | Lions clubs to host free fishing derby for kids on April 25 [29]
State senator says Kelley must resign
Council passes third marijuana business ban
BY ANDREW FICKES
hat was anticipated to be a majority vote on banning marijuana in Federal Way, coupled with a mayor veto, turned into yet another moratorium on marijuana-related businesses at the City Council meeting on Tuesday. This is the second year-long temporary ban on recreational marijuana businesses and third overall moratorium on recreational marijuana the council has imposed since Initiative 502 passed in the state of Washington in November 2012.
For the Mirror
When state Sen. Mark Miloscia, R-Federal Way, served for 14 years as a Democrat in the state House of Representatives, right along beside him was Troy Kelley, who he trusted as a friend and colleague. The two men of similar age both served on the House Audit Committee. They both have military backgrounds. Now Kelley, serving as state auditor, is under fire and on April 16, was indicted by a federal grand jury on 10 counts, which included tax evasion and the possession and concealment of more than $2 million in stolen money rightfully owed to Washington state homeowners. “It was all in all a very big disappointment to see all this come out a few weeks back when they raided his house,” Miloscia said. “I had heard the rumors about him, but there was no hint that he was this far off the reservation playing lose with his finances, his taxes and his clients.” Miloscia said that “both professionally and personally, all of us are disheartened by what has happened.” Kelley was elected to the state Auditor’s Office in 2012. His term began Jan. 1, 2013. It was also in 2012 that Miloscia ran as a Democrat for Washington state Auditor against Kelley and lost in the primary election. Miloscia recently requested Kelley to testify on April 1 before the Senate Accountability and Reform Committee [ more RESIGN, page 5]
BY RAECHEL DAWSON rdawson@fedwaymirror.com
W
But the unanimous vote on Tuesday wasn’t without obvious contention. The reason for the moratorium? Council bill No. 678 allows the city to see the effects of a legislative bill that prohibits cities and local jurisdictions from enforcing a moratorium or ban on recreational marijuana-related businesses unless they’re authorized by a public vote. Currently, the bill — Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2136 — has passed the House with 67 yeas and 28 nays. It was scheduled to be read in the Senate Ways and Means committee for first reading
on April 14. And while the Legislative session is set to wrap up on April 26, many believe there will be a special session to follow. The bill also provides marijuana tax revenues for local jurisdictions and cities, which would be distributed based on retail sales and population but would cap off at $20 million annually and end on Jan. 1, 2022. The moratorium would also allow the council to conduct an “advisory vote” among Federal Way citizens. That vote is non-binding, meaning the council could use it for informational purposes only, but it would be held during an election.
The Federal Way City Council imposed a second year-long moratorium on marijuana-related businesses on Tuesday. Contributed photo Council bill No. 678 proposed holding this advisory vote during the November 2015 general election, as historically
more voters have turned out. City staff looked back throughout the years and noted an average of 20 [ more BAN, page 10]
Federal Way’s superhero SkyMan in need of car for disabled dad BY RAECHEL DAWSON rdawson@fedwaymirror.com
Real life Federal Way superhero Styler Nichols, who goes by the character name SkyMan the Tri-Colored Crusader, walks with community members during the city’s Fourth of July parade last summer at Celebration Park. Nichols needs the community’s help with a reliable car for his disabled dad. Courtesy of Bruce Honda
Real life Federal Way superhero Styler Nichols, also known as SkyMan the Tri-Colored Crusader, has volunteered throughout the community helping those in need — but this time he’s the one that could use some help. “I don’t believe a superhero should beg for money but we are human,” said Nichols, noting the other real life superheroes in Washington, including Phoenix Jones. The 31-year-old has taken to the Internet crowdfunding resource gofundme.com in the hopes he can rally enough money for a new car. But Nichols said this mode of transportation isn’t really for him — he would be fine taking the bus. “I know we could qualify for Access services, Hopelink community services, but we need a car because I go to the grocery store and take dad to doctor appointments,” he said. “It’s just vital.” Nichols’s dad suffered a stroke last year that left him paralyzed on the left side. He relies on a brace for his foot but is still learning how to walk in it. Nichols is his father’s caregiver when he’s not volunteering at the many community events. He was driving to Tacoma for a personal training session when his “trusty red Chevy Blazer” broke down. “I pulled into a Target, bought antifreeze and checked the oil and water,” he said. “I decided I couldn’t make it to my personal training session, decided to limp home but I didn’t make it back to Federal Way.” Afraid that his vehicle would “blow up,” Nichols took it to a local automotive shop and discovered he had a cracked catalytic converter that was filled with “sludge” along with a broken frame. “I was quoted something like $7,000,” he recalled, noting he bought the truck in 1998. Nichols and his father are both on Social Security and disability and have an income of less than $1,000 a month, he said. “I thought, what can I do to be creative?” Nichols said. [ more CAR, page 3]