By Terry Miller
The recall effort against Pasadena Councilmember Victor Gordo has failed initally because proponents did not submit a blank recall petition for the Pasadena city clerk’s approval by the required 5:30 p.m. Monday deadline.
“This recall was organized by an illegal pot dispensary owner who was unhappy that he did not qualify under a new measure that was approved by the majority of voters and allows legal cannabis businesses in Pasadena,” said Gordo. “He did not want to admit that breaking the law in Pasadena has consequences. I think I can speak for a majority of my colleagues by saying Mr. Szameit has significantly harmed his own cause with his behavior.”
Shaun Szameit, the illegal pot operator who emerged as spokesman for the recall, faces five criminal charges, 21 zoning violations and $25,800 in fines. He and other illegal operators have unsuccessfully sued the city to overturn Measure CC, which Pasadena voters overwhelmingly approved in June to allow legal marijuana sales in up to six locations.
Gordo also recently disclosed that he has asked the city prosecutor to review emails from Szameit that appeared to ask the councilman to intervene inappropriately on behalf of Szameit’s illegal operation, which was raided and shut down by police in December 2017.
“I caution every city, county and the State of California to carefully scrutinize the history and background of all operators they are considering for a cannabis business license,” said Gordo, who has represented District 5 since 2001.
“It is imperative that jurisdictions only work with those operators who have respectable records and have shown good faith in their dealings with public officials. Otherwise, they’re opening the door for trouble.”
Gordo added, “I helped lead the effort to legalize responsible cannabis sales in Pasadena and they will start by summer. Until then, I look forward to putting this unfortunate controversy behind us.”
