OLYMPIA, Wash. -- When Sharon Foster retires in January, she plans on travelling and has no plans to stay involved with state government.
That's allowing her to say what she wants about her term as Liquor Control Board Chair.
On the privatization of liquor sales, Foster said, "I think it's the dumbest thing we ever did in our state."
Foster blames higher prices and increased shoplifting of alcohol, especially by minors, on the voter-approved move.
"We've heard stories there may be alcohol brokers in every high school," said Foster.
As for the recreational sale of pot, Foster said lawmakers should lower the taxes if the state wants to take business from the black market.
She also expects lawmakers to take steps next year to regulate the state's medical marijuana system.
"Hopefully at least they (medical users) will have to be registered," said Foster.
The former lobbyist was appointed chair in 2009 by then-Governor Chris Gregoire.
While Foster knows her term will be remembered for privatization and legalization, she is most proud of helping ban "Four-Loko" in the state.
The caffeinated malt liquor drink was blamed for alcohol poisonings of minors in 2010.
"I'm very proud I was a part of that," said Foster.
