For Immediate Release – 4/26/10
Public Statement – Joe Hyer

First and foremost, I wish to apologize to my family, friends, colleagues and this community for
the events of the past three months. I acted foolishly, showed poor judgment, and
embarrassed myself and this place that I love. I accept full responsibility for my role in these
events, and will now spend my entire future trying to atone, make amends, and redeem myself.

I freely admit that for the past twelve years, I have been a medicinal user of Cannabis
(marijuana). I have suffered from chronic insomnia since I was a child. I have tried various
other treatments over the years ‐ none were effective, and most were labeled as ‘addictive’.
Medicinal use of cannabis proved to be the most effective way to treat my symptoms.

It was, however, a significant lapse in judgment on my part to not have obtained a prescription
for my medicinal use. Washington voters recognized the medicinal benefits in 1998, and
created a method for legal use. I should have availed myself of that method long ago.

To be clear, though, I am not nor have I ever been in the ‘business’ of selling marijuana or any
other illegal drug. I made a lapse of judgment in attempting to help a friend, and have learned
from my mistake.

I do know my own motivations and values. I never intended to harm, embarrass, or cause any
problems to anyone in this community. My own actions, in not having a prescription, in not
showing the courage and resolve to say “no,” caused a chain of events that has impacted my
life and our community in dramatic ways. I have only myself to blame.

I am committed to investing the rest of my life in dedicated service to this community, to make
amends and atone for my actions. I intend to search inside myself, focusing on my physical and
mental health, in order to become the person I truly want to be.

To all my friends, family and colleagues who have been so supportive, I want to thank you. It is
you who have kept me going and been my strength for the past months. You are the reason I
am committed to making right what I have made so wrong, through continued public service to
this community that I love.

Thank you.