Pot groups fight over finances

Allegations of campaign and political finance violations are the latest battle in the fight over recreational marijuana in Pueblo County.

“There’s a lack of explanation for $1,166,” said Dan Corsentino, speaking on behalf of Growing Pueblo’s Future,a pro-marijuana group, about finances that they believe weren’t reported by the anti-marijuana group.

Growing Pueblo’s Future, filed complaints against Citizens For A Healthy Pueblo, the group against the sale of recreational marijuana. A Denver judge has 15 days to decide if Colorado campaign rules were violated

“I think that there’s accountability issues on both sides. You know, I mean, Growing Pueblo’s Future has made every attempt to be accountable,” Corsentino said.

But Charlene Graham with Citizens For A Healthy Pueblo says it’s done nothing wrong and have all necessary donations accounted for.

“We assured them it was watched the entire time, but it’s another one of those smokescreens that they’re going to go about this $20,” Graham said.

Graham submitted more than 9,000 petitions in June to put a question of banning the sale of recreational marijuana on the ballot.

“I, quite frankly, find that this complaint is an assault on all those people,” Graham said.

But the complaints over finance are just some of the complaints filed.

“There was a poll that was conducted and the opposition has basically said that they did not conduct a poll,” Corsentino said.

Graham says in her eyes, that polling issue should have already been cleared up.

“We have talked to the man. He sent a letter telling the judge that he was in error and it was entered in as an exhibit,” Graham said.

But both parties agree that the disagreements will not stop them for continuing their cause for the November ballot.