Assenberg campaign officially registered

Michael Adam Assenberg, Colfax, who is running for Whitman County Sheriff in next year’s election, registered with the state Public Disclosure Commission Feb. 22.

Assenberg declared his candidacy in late February just before he filed with the commission. Arrested for selling medical marijuana to more than one patient, he was exonerated of all charges in January because of a new legal interpretation about selling medical marijuana. Confiscated marijuana was returned to him by the sheriff’s office in January.

According to his PDC file, he plans to raise or spend no more than $5,000, in addition to the $700 filing fee. He lists himself as treasurer.

On his web site, adam4sheriff.org, Assenberg lists a little more than $100 in his account at Sterling Savings. He asks potential contributors to help him with campaign costs and requests funds for business cards, ink and paper, along with campaign signs estimated at $245.

His latest issue with Sheriff Brett Myers is not allowing him any more ride-alongs with officers since his first one on May 11. According to Assenberg, he went on a ride-along with Sheriff’s Officer Chris Chapman and asked the officer questions about marijuana laws.

Assenberg contends Chapman knew little about either state or federal laws regarding marijuana.

But Myers disagrees.

“I think we’ve obliged Mr. Assenberg,” Myers said. “We’ve certainly provided him with a ride-along and he will have a tour of the jail. We have given him the same opportunity as the public.”