BELLINGHAM, WA. – (KGMI.com) A massive donation from outside of Whatcom County to a group opposed to funding a new jail is raising concerns less than a week before Election Day.
The Washington state Public Disclosure Commission reports that The Inatai Foundation, based in Seattle, made a $75,000 donation to the “No Mega Jail in Ferndale” campaign on Monday, October 30th.
Inatai says on its website that it also donated $25,000 to Community First Whatcom. which supports Bellingham initiatives that would increase the minimum wage and expand renters’ rights.
The Public Disclosure Commission’s website lists Bellingham City Council candidate Jace Cotton as a paid Campaign Director for Community First Whatcom.
It is unclear if the anti-jail donation can be used in time to have an impact ahead of Election Day.
In comparison, only six candidates running for an elected office in Whatcom County have even passed $75,000 in donations or fundraisers.