Olympia is like our Haight-Ashbury...rachel corrie, evergreen state college, etc..

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/84756032.html

OLYMPIA, Wash. - Olympia Mayor Pro Tem Joe Hyer has been arrested for investigation of marijuana trafficking.

Sheriff's detectives said Hyer, 37, was arrested on Thursday following a month-long undercover investigation by the Thurston County Narcotics Task Force.

A tip from a concerned citizen prompted the investigation, during which Hyer sold marijuana to a police informant on two separate occasions, investigators said.

Hyer was booked into the Thurston County Jail under investigation of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful distribution of a controlled substance and unlawful use of a residence for drug purposes. He posted bail on Thursday night and was released.

Hyer refused to comment on the allegations.

Earlier this week, Hyer took over the position of former county treasurer Robin Hunt, who is vacating her post before the end of her four-year term. Hyer's formal appointment as treasurer is scheduled for March 1.

Thurston County Republican Party Chairman Scott Roberts called on Hyer to resign from his post.

"I call on Councilman Hyer to do the right thing and resign his seat on the Olympia City Council immediately," Roberts said in a statement. "He should also be removed from consideration for the Thurston County Treasurers' position that will soon be vacated by Robin Hunt."

Although Hyer should be considered innocent until found guilty, Roberts said, he "cannot adequately serve the public need, while working on defending himself against a series of drug-related charges and running his business."

Hyer, an Olympia native, was appointed to the Olympia City Council in 2004, and elected the following year. He has served as a board member, as well as the president of the Olympia Downtown Association, and is the co-owner of Alpine Experience, an outdoor equipment retailer in downtown Olympia.

He is also a graduate of Tumwater High School.

Hyer does not have a prior criminal record.