Hill's Self-Dealing

11/28/24 letter to Blaine Chief of Police:

Dear Chief Funk,

The Northern Light article on the building height increase approved by Blaine City Council in a 4-3 vote indicates that council member Mike Hill voted for this upzoning amendment to the municipal code and comprehensive plan. In the initial Community Development Services presentation by CDS director Alex Wenger to Blaine City Council of the proposal to increase building height limits in the Central Business District, council member Hill's property behind his Starbuck's property was used by Mr. Wenger to illustrate how the height increase could make Hill's property more profitable to develop. Council member Hill has voted numerous times on upzoning amendments in the Central Business District where he owns several properties, as well as in the Blaine Critical Aquifer Recharge Area where his properties are adjacent to the proposed mobile home park.

Under Washington State law, council member Hill is required to recuse himself whenever he has a financial conflict of interest. He has never done so. 

As you have stated that you have a conflict of interest in charging Blaine public officials, please refer this criminal matter to the Whatcom County Prosecutor.

Best regards, Jay Taber

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