AWAKEN, THE FOUR THINKING THEY HEARD CLAMORING OF HEARING REINDEER...

THEY HEARD THE CLAMORING  OF RECALL INSTEAD ON THE ROOF THE FOUR DID.

 Twas, the night before Christmas and all through the house of the four who voted for fluoridation, not a creature was stirring not even a mouse....

Even as Cherie Kidd was taking her oath of office for another third term, with perhaps visions of sugarplums dancing in her head, her stocking hanging at the fire place hoping St. Nick would stop by, she along with the other four council members heard the rumblings of recall instead! 

Her along with the other three council members who decided to ignore the will of the majority of those who voted during that unbinding advisory poll which was solely for paying water utilies customers. Those who were in subsides housing didn't get to vote because the housing authority pays the water bill. As you recall Kidd along with Collins, Gase, and Downie voted to continue the practice of fluoridating our water supply the vote was 4-3.  So I imagine these four would fine coal in their stockings if those who are against fluoridation had their way. 

Reality check...

But, let's take a look back what happened during that meeting, and leading up to it. As you recall it was Councilman Whetham who announced that day in the Peninsula Daily news his intentions of posing a motion to end fluoridation. A move I might add that probably weren't to smart to announce your intentions before the meeting in a publication that day, Kidd probably saw that and made her move beating Whetham to the punch, which I imagine didn't sit to well with Whetham. That's probaby the reason why Whetham responded the way he did by mentioning a question posed to him about issuing a recall by a anti-fluoride backer. Kidd even mentioned during our little coffee chat that Lee was upset because of her making the motion of continuing the practice even before Whetham had a chance to make his.  So, that kinda brought something to my mind, anyone can get that kind of information off the net at the Washington Access page, RCWs. So really was there any need to address the question of a recall by Whetham when he could have told the person asking the question that they could fine that information off the net, other than to publicly address it out of spite!? Whetham might find himself facing a recall if he don't tread lightly. Can those who are seeking a recall prove malfeasance? Prove as in documentation not hear say.

Plus even if they are successful of having these four removed from office do they have people willing to serve on the council? 

Also I said before many times, that when you have an unbinding vote like that, the council would probably just ignore it anyway! This thing should have been on the ballot as a ballot measure. I also said that too. Now readers you have the results you have, another ten years of having medication added to our water supply. You recall and someone else brought this up when this process started Kidd was in favor of having this on the ballot, but waffled and decided to push instead of this advisory poll question.  I said before Kidd was probably going to vote to continued adding fluoride, during the election, and she did.  So with that, I say A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

RCW 29A.56.110

Initiating proceedings—Statement—Contents—Verification—Definitions.

Whenever any legal voter of the state or of any political subdivision thereof, either individually or on behalf of an organization, desires to demand the recall and discharge of any elective public officer of the state or of such political subdivision, as the case may be, under the provisions of sections 33 and 34 of Article 1 of the Constitution, the voter shall prepare a typewritten charge, reciting that such officer, naming him or her and giving the title of the office, has committed an act or acts of malfeasance, or an act or acts of misfeasance while in office, or has violated the oath of office, or has been guilty of any two or more of the acts specified in the Constitution as grounds for recall. The charge shall state the act or acts complained of in concise language, give a detailed description including the approximate date, location, and nature of each act complained of, be signed by the person or persons making the charge, give their respective post office addresses, and be verified under oath that the person or persons believe the charge or charges to be true and have knowledge of the alleged facts upon which the stated grounds for recall are based.

For the purposes of this chapter:

(1) "Misfeasance" or "malfeasance" in office means any wrongful conduct that affects, interrupts, or interferes with the performance of official duty;

(a) Additionally, "misfeasance" in office means the performance of a duty in an improper manner; and

(b) Additionally, "malfeasance" in office means the commission of an unlawful act;

(2) "Violation of the oath of office" means the neglect or knowing failure by an elective public officer to perform faithfully a duty imposed by law.

[2003 c 111 § 1407; 1984 c 170 § 1; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 47 § 1; 1965 c 9 § 29.82.010. Prior: 1913 c 146 § 1; RRS § 5350. Former part of section: 1913 c 146 § 2; RRS § 5351, now codified in RCW 29.82.015. Formerly RCW 29.82.010.]

ref. http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=29A.56.110

related articles:

"After Kidd moved to extend fluoridation for 10 years and Gase seconded her motion, Whetham asked City Attorney Bill Bloor what it would take to recall a City Councilperson. Bloor said a council member would have to commit malfeasance or misfeasance in office, after which Whetham dropped the matter without explanation. Whetham said Wednesday he asked the question of Bloor on behalf of an anti-fluoridation person who asked him about it at the meeting." ---Peninsula Daily News---dated 12/17/15"

Port Angeles city council members are sworn in 

" Kidd, 69, begins her third term. A Port Angeles High School graduate and owner of AAA Affordable Storage and U-Haul, she defeated Dan Bateham in the Nov. 3 general election. She is a former Port Angeles mayor, the former chairwoman of the Port Angeles Planning Commission and a member of the Port Angeles Business Association, the Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce and Soroptimist International." ---Peninsula Daily News dated 12/24/15

Plans afoot for ouster of Fluoride Four

" We are now collecting evidence of malfeasance committed by these council members so that we can begin the proceedings which are necessary for a recall of city council members.  This is not a pleasant task but one that must be done if we are to ever have representative government in Port Angeles." --from a letter to the editor, Port O Call

End fluoridation with stroke of a pen

With the stroke of his pen, Governor Jay Inslee can end fluoridation throughout Washington. “Washington law is very clear. Fluoridation may only be done using fluoridation materials which “comply with” National Sanitation Foundation Rule 60, which contains EPA’s approved set of guidelines for fluoridation materials.---PORT O CALL letter to the editor

Port Angeles water fluoridation: City Council member plans to make motion to end treatment at meeting today 

" City Council member Lee Whetham said Monday he intends to make a motion at tonight's regular council meeting  if another council colleague does not  that the city end fluoridation of the municipal water supply when a contract with the Washington Dental Service Foundation expires May 18. I am going to be looking for a second, Whetham said"----Peninsula Daily News dated 12/15/15

In other local news...

Clallam Commissioner Peach replaces McEntire on state Board of Natural Resources

PORT ANGELES -- Clallam County Commissioner Bill Peach has been picked to represent timber counties on the state Board of Natural Resources, he announced Tuesday---Peninsula Daily News

Composite Recycling Technology Center's board chair details what could go awry with progress

While Bob Larsen found it hard to hide his hopes for the Composite Recycling Technology Center, he acknowledged that a set of adverse circumstances could delay or derail its success.--Peninsula Daily News

Clallam Ethics Code needs fixing

Clallam Countys Code of Ethics 3.01.030 (3) needs revision because it unfairly applies only to elected officials, has no provision for the public to report violations, and needs clear enforcement and penalty provisions.  Discussed here is the code, the problem, and proposed solutions.---PORT O CALL

City of Sequim seeks city council candidates---Sequim Gazette

The Mayor Who Stole Christmas---FORKS FORUM

OlyCAP halts eviction of mom, 2 kids---PT LEADER

NEWS FROM ACROSS THE STRAIT

School and proposed homeless facility: 18 paces and a world apart

The best stabilizer for homeless people is housing, says the Cool Aid Society’s Kathy Stinson. But a proposal for such a facility has parents asking: Is across the street from a school the best place?---TIMES COLONIST

Watchdog says B.C. has relinquished too much power to timber companies --TIMES COLONIST

City council on naughty list: taxpayers federation---VICTORIA NEWS

WHAT'S ON TAP FOR NEXT WEEK?

Clallam County does have a meeting scheduled but hadn't released their agenda 

FORKS CITY COUNCIL Agenda: http://www.forkswashington.org/pdf/agenda122815.pdf

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.”

Luke 2:28-32 NKJV

TO ALL MY READERS...

Who reads The Ripley Report from all over the globe to here in Port Angeles WA!

MERRY CHRISTMAS and A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Let's all prey for a little world peace while we are at it!

KIDD CHATS OVER COFFEE TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON PANHANDELING

Peter Ripley, Publisher

“ I don't like being told no” 

That's the message Council member Cherie Kidd, and former mayor shared during our little coffee chat this Wednesday. But first before I tell you what we talked about during our little chat at Shirley's coffee cafe on Lincoln street this week. I got a email from Kidd earlier in the week requesting a sit down over coffee, to discuss her proposed ordinance in banning these aggressive panhandlers. Now this was before I knew what transpired during the last city council meeting over the fluoridation issue. But more on that in this posting.  We had scheduled the meeting a day before but due to scheduling conflict we rescheduled the meeting. She was very apologetic about the whole affair, and seemed to really want to explain her reasons for traveling to the twin cities of Chehalis and Centralia. Apparently she read my article several weeks ago during the campaign between her and Dan Bateham for the city council position. When I compared her trip to Fort Lewis when she was Mayor, expressing her concerns over those Chinook helicopters buzzing the town back in 2012, to the commander of that training exercise, she traveled to Fort Lewis while she was mayor to ask the commander to apologize for the fly over and buzzing the city. 

 Council member Kidd
pic taken from city
webpage.
She said I paid for the
trip out of my own pockets.

Recently, she traveled to the twin cities on an entirely different matter, aggressive panhandling. I compared the two stories in a previous article, to show she could have gotten the same results on both incidents over a phone call, for both asking the Fort Lewis Commander to come over and explain what happen back in 2012, and now for the current road trip she recently went on. She could have  looked up the information for the panhandling ordinance she wanted to propose on the net, or phone call so I thought.  Apparently she wanted to set the record straight on that account. 
So, it was Wednesday morning and Cherie Kidd walks into the cafe carrying a file folder of material regarding the panhandling issue with a petition in hand with about 15 signatures of area businesses who want the ban on aggressive panhandlers, She ordered a orange juice, while I had one of those breakfast sandwiches that Shirley makes, with a cup of coffee. 

So, since I am known to be a good listener, she talked while I munched. She wanted to tell her reasons and background for the proposed ordinance. She showed me the petition while telling me several stories of these panhandlers who impersonate being homeless, getting all of this tax free monies. She did say there were more business who were wanting the ban than those who were on the petition. This kinda all sound very and strangely familiar but on another issue that isn't remotely related except for the fact both cases involves petitions. But, let's not get ahead of ourselves. 
 She told me that she tried to inquire what can be done about the people imposing to be panhandlers, and about the ones who were harassing and hurling insults at customers coming to shop in many businesses which the panhandlers seem to park themselves asking for money.  She was told nothing can be done by both the city attorney and the chief of police regarding to panhandling because many of these ordinances that ban panhandling are often overturned in court because it violates free speech and expression. 
That's when she told me: "I don't like taking no for answer, I am not against the homeless, I am against those who impersonates the homeless, and behave like bullies both to other panhandlers and store owners. "

She also stated: "I am both trying to help the homeless who need assistance, and shop owners by adopting the same kind of zoning ordinance which Centraila passed which limits where the panhandlers can go."   She told me when those cities passed those no panhandle free zones this would make the impostures move out of town. She told me stories where some of these people have homes, and then go out in raggy clothes to panhandle. Now readers most of what she was saying I actually agree with, we do have a influx of panhandlers who just seem to be playing the system, feeding on the charity of others, and taking advantage of that just to go by drugs or booze. However this shouldn't mean the end of those bell ringers you see during the holidays. She told me those who are truly homeless knows where they can go if they are seeking help, to the many charity organizations and churches. 

Now another story or example of Cherie Kidd's of not like being told no. During the city council meeting on Tuesday evening, before our little coffee chat the following day On Wednesday. I didn't go to the city council meeting the night before, so I had no clue what transpired the night before until in the Thursday's edition of the Peninsula Daily News. With the headline which read: Port Angeles votes to continue water fluoridation; opponent to keep up work against treatment

During the coffee chat, unaware what had transpired I asked Kidd if Councilman Whetham got to make his motion on stopping the Practice of adding fluoridation? As you recall in Tuesday's edition of the Peninsula Daily News under the headline: Port Angeles water fluoridation: City Council member plans to make motion to end treatment at meeting today.
He was quoting in saying in that report posted: "City Council member Lee Whetham said Monday he intends to make a motion at tonight's regular council meeting  if another council colleague does not  that the city end fluoridation of the municipal water supply when a contract with the Washington Dental Service Foundation expires May 18. I am going to be looking for a second, Whetham said." 

Apparently Whetham was upstaged by Kidd, she apparently made the motion to continue the practice of adding fluoride to the water system. And from what I read in Thursday's article it was a three ring circus when the council decided by a 4-3 vote. During the coffee chat on Wednesday, when I asked what transpired, she seemed uneasy and not to keen in giving any details, other being offended by the audience attending the meeting calling her a murder for supporting flourdation. She told me Whetham never had the chance to make his motion which he plan on doing. She made her motion to continue the practice before Whetham had a chance to. So yeah, that sure sounds like an upstage manuver. Now remember readers that little advisory poll? With nearly half of those who voted to stop the practice of adding fluoridation. Well that poll was another form of petition from the people of this town to their government, apparently that didn't mean squat because the council decided to just plain ignore the will of the people. I strangely finding myself actually agreeing with Whetham on this, that the will of the people should be upheld and not just be ignore.  

related stories:

• Port Angeles officials look into tightening panhandling law with trip to cities with strengthened ordinances

" City Councilwoman Cherie Kidd and Police Chief Terry Gallagher plan to drive to the twin cities Tuesday to meet with officials and discuss their panhandling ordinances. What I know is that we have more panhandlers, Gallagher said last week. Centralia's law, which went into effect in June 2014, bans panhandling at certain intersections because it created safety hazards by people running into the street to ask for money, Centralia City Manager Rob Hill said Friday.' ---From a Peninsula Daily News story dated 10/10/15

1.  Chehalis bans aggressive panhandling

Starting Wednesday, the small South Sound town of Chehalis is banning panhandling in a number of spots around town in hopes of curbing aggressive behavior.---Seattle times article 9/1/15

• Panhandlers Pushed Out of Centralia by Ordinance Move to Chehalis

Centralia’s restrictive panhandling ordinance that went into effect last June has pushed people seeking handouts south to Chehalis, according to authorities.---from the Chronicle dated 3/ 9/15

• Port Angeles water fluoridation: City Council member plans to make motion to end treatment at meeting today 

" City Council member Lee Whetham said Monday he intends to make a motion at tonight's regular council meeting  if another council colleague does not  that the city end fluoridation of the municipal water supply when a contract with the Washington Dental Service Foundation expires May 18. I am going to be looking for a second, Whetham said"----Peninsula Daily News dated 12/15/15

• Port Angeles votes to continue water fluoridation; opponent to keep up work against treatment

Quotes from story: " Dan Gase and Cherie Kidd voted for Kidds motion to continue fluoridating city water through midyear 2026. Mayor Dan Di Guilio and council members Lee Whetham and Sissi Bruch voted against continuing the practice, with Di Guilio and Whetham citing a recent advisory survey of water users that rejected fluoridation."
" Some at the meeting were stunned by a particular exchange during the meeting. After Kidd moved to extend fluoridation for 10 years and Gase seconded her motion, Whetham asked City Attorney Bill Bloor what it would take to recall a City Councilperson. Bloor said a council member would have to commit malfeasance or misfeasance in office, after which Whetham dropped the matter without explanation. Whetham said Wednesday he asked the question of Bloor on behalf of an anti-fluoridation person who asked him about it at the meeting." ---Peninsula Daily News---dated 12/17/15

* Apparently, Kidd beat Whetham to the punch when she made the motion to continue fluoridation.

• Integrity Lost, city council rejects will of the people

" I long for the days when the Hippocratic oath meant something.
Gase, Kidd, Collins and Downie knew from the start they would never honor the will of the people.  You will never convince me otherwise. " ---PORT O CALL/ Willadsen

In other local news...

Clallam commissioners endorse Bill Peach to serve on state Board of Natural Resources 
"Bill Peach has been endorsed by his fellow Clallam County commissioners to represent timber counties on the influential state Board of Natural Resources" ---Peninsula Daily News


Clallam County inks $720,000 deal with Federal Highway Administration for piece of Spruce Railroad Trail, restoration of McFee Tunnel
Clallam County has moved another step closer to restoring the historic McFee Tunnel at Lake Crescent — and paving a way to get to it---PENINSULA DAILY NEWS


'Water, sewer, electric rates to rise in 2016 for Clallam County Public Utility District customers
Electric, water and sewer rates will increase for Clallam County Public Utility District customers in 2016. Commissioners approved retail rate increases of 3.8 percent for electric and 6 percent for water and sewer customers as part of the district's 2016 budget at their regular meeting Monday.---PENINSULA DAILY NEWS


Capitalizing on COIN--Sequim Gazette

Commission adopts new sportfishing regulations---Forks Forum


Massey makes good---PT LEADER


NEWS FROM ACROSS THE STRAIT

TIMES COLONIST: Victoria police chief steps aside amid probes of his behaviour  


TIMES COLONIST: Police watchdog rebukes mayors for lack of honesty


VICTORIA NEWS: Location sought for temporary shelter


WHATS ON TAP FOR NEXT WEEK

ClALLAM COUNTY COMMISSION AGENDA HIGHLIGHT: Amendment 2 with the Peninsula Housing Authority adding an administration budget line
see full agenda: http://websrv7.clallam.net/forms/uploads/bocc_meeting_agenda.pdf
Agenda details items: http://websrv7.clallam.net/forms/uploads/bocc_meeting_packet.pdf

DAILY DEVOTIONAL
“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, To give knowledge of salvation to His people By the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us;
Luke 1:76-78 NKJV

BALLOT TAMPERING MARK FLUORIDE ADVISORY POLL (UPDATE!)

The votes are in, and been counted on the advisory poll questionnaire regarding the continuation of adding fluoride into the city's water supply. Is it any wonder why the local dental association was adverse with the notion of asking the general public their opinion on the matter given the results!?

 Who would be making photo copies of ballots, and what seems to be stuffing the ballot boxes. That's something Democrats would be doing right?! (Did I just say that out loud? You know, don't liberals do something like that?) But that's besides the point readers, the advisory ballot issue have been tainted in other ways, such as excluding those who happen to be in Housing Authority buildings which Housing pays the water bill! You see readers, only those who get a water bill got to participate in the questionnaire. Now despite all of the ballot box stuffing attempts and forged ballots, which appears to have been done, luckily they hired someone to put a stop to that and nip it in the bud. Nevertheless readers, the public made their decision regarding their opinion about continuing fluoridation. The question is will the city council take that into consideration when they make their decision or will they chose to ignore the peoples voice and go ahead and pander to the local dentist. If they did this as a ballot measure there would be no ballot tampering in the first place!

Here is the press release issued from the city after the results were release:
On August 4, 2015, City Council adopted Resolution No.12-15, approving an advisory poll to seek citizen input regarding the fluoridation of the City’s municipal water supply. In addition, Council set two public meeting dates devoted to the topic of fluoridation. The first of those two public meetings was an educational forum held on October 22, 2015. “For” and “against” committees were given an opportunity for equal time to address the Council and public. During this meeting committees answered 6 pre-determined questions in a back-and-forth format. Council assigned Dr. Tom Locke as the chair of the “for” fluoridation committee and Dr. Eloise Kailin as chair of the “against” fluoridation committee. At the request of the City, the Clallam County League of Women Voters provided a moderator and timers to ensure neutrality of the proceedings. On October 29, 2015, Council held an extended, 3-hour public comment period devoted to citizen input. This session was also moderated and timed by the League of Women Voters.
 The City Council chose to poll the City’s water utility customers and the County PUD customers who receive fluoridated water from the City.An advisory poll was sent to each water utility customer living in the City and the PUD incorporated areas. Databar, the printing company that process the City’s utility bills, was used to print the advisory polls. Citizens not included in the advisory polling, but who had an opinion on the matter, were encouraged to email or write to Council members.9,762 polls were mailed out on Friday, November 6. The City arranged for the postage to be paid through a postage paid account in hopes that it would encourage those eligible to participate. Both the PUD and the City made boxes available for those who preferred to drop off their polls.The advisory polls were collected until November 27..
Former County Auditor Patty Rosand was hired on a temporary basis to oversee the advisory poll count.Mrs. Rosand and a member of her counting staff picked up the poll box that wasat City Hall as well as the polls that were at the Post Office and moved them to the Clallam County election room where they were prepped for counting. Committees from the “for” and “against” sides each had representatives participate as observers at the count held on December 7.Resultsare as follows:Total polls returned: 4,204

• Votes in favor of fluoridation: 1,735 
• Votes opposed to fluoridation: 2,381
• Votes of no opinion: 74 Invalid polls: 14---Press release issued 12/9/15

Related Stories:
Port Angeles fluoridation poll: Most of the 43 percent who responded are against water treatment
" The non-binding advisory poll was approved by the Port Angeles City Council on Aug. 4 to seek input regarding the fluoridation of the city's municipal water supply."
" Another 14 — 0.33 percent — were declared invalid due to being on photocopied ballots, having more than one in an envelope or being blank or having more than one choice marked." ---Peninsula Daily News



Fluoride: a double edged sword? Opinion by Giovanni Roverso
Fifty-seven percent of those responding to the advisory ballot choose to end fluoridation.  Forty-one percent would continue it. The city council will have final say however, with no promise of the survey making a difference. The city council will meet to discuss fluoridation in light of the results on Dec. 15. A final decision must be made by May 2016.---From the PORT O CALL dated 12/12/15






In other local news...

County Commissioners work session reveals conflict
PORT O CALL: It seems McEntire and Bill Peach are adamant about awarding at least a part of this contract to Will Payne.  Peach said he would like to get some “fresh blood” in the process.   Clallam Public Defender’s office has never had a suit filed against them, or the county, for inadequate defense, according to Jim Jones, County Administrator.--Port O Call/ Wilson.


Clallam County seeks indigent defense provider as contract’s expiration nears
PENINSULA DAILY NEWS: In a Wednesday memo, Jones cited a “long-standing and very serious dispute” between Clallam Public Defender Director Harry Gasnick and Judge Rick Porter of Clallam County District Court No. 1 as a weakness in the firm’s proposal.
That dispute, Jones said, has “reached the point that the judge believes he must consider either barring anyone from this firm from representing clients in his courtroom, or recusing himself from presiding over any cases that are represented by the Clallam Public Defender firm.”--read more



McAleer aims at twofold plan for state business alliance, Clallam County
" Even as Colleen McAleer of Sequim, president of the Washington Business Alliance, works to accomplish a long list of strategies to improve the state's business climate, she said she pitches the county as a great place to set up an enterprise.' ---Peninsula Daily News


Clallam County adopts 2016 budget; concerns about spending reserves highlighted by commissioner
" I don't intend to live under this budget. I don't intend to spend as much of the reserves,  he said. My message to [Commissioner] Bill [Peach] and Commissioner-elect [Mark] Ozias is that I think in January, we need to roll up our sleeves and make some changes so we don't use all $3 million of reserves'---Peninsula Daily News


Port Angeles eyes new water sources in wake of drought restrictions
The city will take preliminary steps to locate a secondary source of domestic water should the Elwha River run low again. City officials said wells probably can't replace the Elwha as the city's primary water source but could supplement it if a drought like last summer's returns.--Peninsula Daily News


Clallam commissioner recommends creating panel to pick public defense provider
Clallam County Commissioner Mike Chapman has advocated forming a screening committee to help the board select an indigent defense provider.---Peninsula Daily News


Long Goodbyes by Dale Wilson
This year we bid adieu to some notable people who cast long shadows over the community for many years.---PORT O CALL


Clallam County commissioners cleared of allegation of Open Public Meetings Act violation
PENINSULA DAILY NEWS: Clallam County commissioners Jim McEntire and Mike Chapman have been exonerated of an alleged violation of the Open Public Meetings Act. Former Commissioner Mike Doherty had accused his prior colleagues of a possible violation of law dealing with transparency when they discussed and signed letters of support to the state Department of Natural Resources for a 4,000-acre land exchange with Green Crow on Aug. 27, 2013.


Clallam gets seventh-straight clean audit from the state
" Clallam is the only county out of nine covered by a state auditor's office audit team to have had back-to-back clean audits in the past seven years, County Administrator Jim Jones said."--Peninsula Daily News

County to handle city’s misdemeanor, traffic cases
Misdemeanors committed within the Sequim city limits will be handled at the county level starting in 2016.---SEQIUM GAZETTE


WDFW tentatively plans razor clam dig starting Dec. 24 at Copalis Beach--FORKS FORUM


 Organizers double down on resurrected Christmas meal
Surplus of volunteers, money spurs addition of second free community meal---PT LEADER


NEWS FROM ACROSS THE STRAIT

TIMES COLONIST/ VICTORIA BC: 1,855 capital residents get warning: expect bigger property tax
Nearly 1,900 home owners in Greater Victoria are receiving letters from B.C. Assessment in the coming days warning of higher than average increases to their property values this year.  


Esquimalt joins regional economic development plan
Dan Dagg can’t help but feel disappointed when he looks at the declining numbers for gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the capital region.---VICTORIA NEWS, VICTORIA BC


'Modest' impact from down payment change
New federal rules requiring higher down payments for insured mortgages on homes worth $500,000 to $1 million are unlikely to trigger any dramatic cooling of Lower Mainland real estate markets, according to one analyst.---Victoria News/ Victoria BC


WHAT'S on TAP FOR NEXT WEEK

CLALLAM COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING HIGH LIGHT ITEMS:
Resolution authorizing allocation of local 2060 funds for affordable housing
 Resolution authorizing allocation of local 2163 funds for the homeless
See full agenda: http://websrv7.clallam.net/forms/uploads/bocc_meeting_agenda.pdf
Agenda details: http://websrv7.clallam.net/forms/uploads/bocc_meeting_packet.pdf

CITY OF PORT ANGELES AGENDA HIGH LIGHT ITEMS:
Combined Sewer Overflow Phase 2, Project WW10-2008 / Front Street
Stormwater Separation Project, Project WW01-2011 - Vanir Construction
Management Professional Services Agreement Amendment 1
Summary: The City entered into a contract with Vanir Construction Management, Inc., on May 14, 2014 in the amount of $1,563,726 to provide construction management services for the Combined
Sewer Overflow (CSO) Phase II, Project WW1008. This project is the final phase of the City’s CSO
Reduction Program approved by the Department of Ecology. The project reduces CSOs to the Port Angeles Harbor in compliance with the terms of Agreed Order 3853. This amendment provides additional compensation for construction management professional services to compensate for time impacts.
Funding:
a) The construction project originally was approved by Council on January 6, 2015 with a contingency of $984,855. The construction contract has had six approved change orders for a total value of $80,452 and the construction management agreement has had no amendments. This leaves a net contingency balance of $904,403 at this time.
b) In addition, the Engineer’s report the construction contractor has 25 additional requested change orders open and has 2 claims pending. The City has estimated the maximum entitlement for these at $200,000. With this, the projected amount of surplus contingency funding available in the project is estimated to be $704,403 which is a sufficient balance for this amendment.
Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Manager to sign Amendment No. 1 to the
Professional Services Agreement with Vanir Construction Management, Inc., increasing the value by $360,099 for a revised maximum not-to-exceed amount of $1,923,825, and to make minor modifications to the agreement if necessary. page j1 of the agenda packet

Port Angeles Landfill Stabilization Project (SW0212) - Construction Management Services Contract Amendment #2
Summary: Construction management services are provided by Anchor QEA for the Port Angeles
Landfill Stabilization Project. Due to the discovery of large amounts of asbestos and the resulting claim from the construction contractor, Anchor QEA has provided a substantial amount of additional support to prepare the City to equitably resolve the asbestos claim. In addition, the construction contractor, Magnus Pacific, was required to achieve substantial completion by November 10, 2015. Schedule impacts due to the asbestos as well as other issues have extended the completion date to the end of January 2016. This will require Anchor QEA to be onsite longer. This amendment compensates Anchor QEA for the additional effort.
Funding:
a) The project originally was approved by Council on May 20, 2014 with a contingency
of $1,962,994. The construction management agreement has had one additive amendment valued at $219,927, and the construction contract has had eleven change orders for a total value of $1,153,927 and legal expenses valued at $112,056. This leaves a net contingency balance of $477,084 at this time.
b) In addition, the Engineers report that the construction contract has two pending change orders and quantity take-off variances that are expected to further reduce the construction contract cost by $432,248. With this, the projected amount of surplus funding available in the project is estimated to be $909,332 which is more than sufficient for this amendment.
Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to sign Amendment No. 2 to the Professional
Services Agreement with Anchor QEA increasing the value by $80,000 for a revised maximum
not-to-exceed amount of $1,728,927. ---Page j3-4 in the agenda packet
See full agenda: http://wa-portangeles.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/2677

Sequim City Council Agenda highlight item: Council Approval of a Resolution endorsing the use of Economic Opportunity Funds for SARC Capital Funding Projects

See full agenda: http://www.sequimwa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1295

City of Forks agenda: http://www.forkswashington.org/pdf/agenda_11-23-15.pdf

PORT TOWNSEND: NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Quimper Village Planned Unit Development File No. LUP15-042
On Monday, December 14, 2015, beginning at or about 11 a.m., the Port Townsend
Hearing Examiner will hold an open-record public hearing to consider the above
referenced application involving a new residential development.
See details: http://cityofpt.granicus.com/DocumentViewer.php?file=cityofpt_6ebbb43efa4a5b06792355a309872f9d.pdf&view=1

 UPDATE!
PORT MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEM: PUBLIC HEARING (Purpose:  To hear testimony on the Amendment to Comprehensive Scheme of Harbor Improvements to reference and incorporate the Port 2015-2020 Strategic Plan and the current 2016 Port budget)

See full agenda: http://www.portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/12152015-123?html=true

DAILY DEVOTIONAL
But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
Galatians 4:4-5 NKJV

WHILE PEOPLE SHOWED EMPATHY TOWARD OUR FURRY FRIENDS...

THE NEEDY IN OUR COMMUNITY BARELY GOT AN HONORABLE MENTION.

My cat Cleopatra, checking up
on my work.

Readers, It looks like full funding for the United Way from the city will have to wait until next year! That's  the message I got during the council meeting on Tuesday evening.
It was large crowd of supporters for the Human Society showed up at Tuesday's evening city council meeting which I attended. Now before someone says I have a cold heart toward our furry and feather friends. I want to share with you this little bit about my history. I grew up in a rural community in the State of Vermont, matter in fact on  a farm. From infant to age 14 I was in and out of foster homes, and these so called “clinics” for the disabled. My first ten years was spend in the care of a grandmotherly type of foster mother, who own a farm. We had plenty of animals, to take care of, and I always had a dog or cat when growing up. I currently have a compainon service animal cat. Which I got from the Friends of Animals. So it wasn't out of any precieved notion from someone who may take what I wrote or said in meetings out of content thinking I don't like animals or something as stupid as that.  I like animals has much as anyone, but when I see the neglect of our fellow humans by the powers that be, yeah I do get testy! The United Way wasn't even mention in the local paper of record a week earlier, nor in the city staff memo which I once again will quote:
The City Council had only one request for consideration at tonight’s meeting as follows:  Olympic Peninsula Humane Society (OPHS) During City Council debate as part of the first reading of the 2016 Budget, Council consensus was that staff bring back to the City Council options for restoring full funding to OPHS for 2016 based on the original amount noted in the 2015-2017 agreement between the City and OPHS. ---from the city council agenda packet page f2
ref. http://wa-portangeles.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/2668
Even the city finance director said during the testimony that none of the city council members made mention of any other outside organization other than the humane society. Maybe they were hoping no one would notice, but then that's before yours truly in a previous posting dared to mention the fact that the United Way wasn't even going to get an honorable mention!
That changed a little bit after Tuesdays meeting. Once yours truly went to the council meeting Tuesday, the Peninsula Daily News offered this headline on Thursday:
Port Angeles City Council restores humane society funding, passes budget
PORT ANGELES — Passage of the city's $109.6 million budget for 2016 turned on a minuscule but emotionally charged 0.014 percent of the spending plan.
Faced with a flood of support for the Olympic Peninsula Humane Society, City Council members on Tuesday unanimously restored $16,200 in funding to the animal shelter group for next year in a one-time allocation before speaking again with one voice by approving next year's budget.---Peninsula Daily News
Further quotes from the article posted: " The plan does include grant-dependent projects, including $453,000 to replace Civic Field lighting, but no major road repair projects. It also includes cuts in youth and family programs. At the meeting Tuesday, online newspaper publisher Peter Ripley said it was laudable that the council was funding the humane society but urged it not to forget city residents who are on low-income assistance programs and “those living under bridges, living in tunnels.” Councilman Lee Whetham also criticized lack of funding to repair tennis courts in Shane Park." --read more

I should also so add,  after I spoke during the meeting that Councilman Brad Collins did a turn around on his stand of cutting funding for outside organizations. He mention that if the city is going to reverse their decision on assisting outside organizations, then the United Way should be considered for full funding as well. Even my old pal Councilman Lee Whetham chimed in after thanking me for my comments about helping the needy in the community, but after he made his statements about the Shane Park tennis courts, that next year 2017, they should focused on more funding for charities. Well, readers, that maybe all and good for next year, how about this year? People are still taking shelter in cars, or doorways in the cold night air in the meantime.
What really threw me readers was the almost the lack of concern of the needy and homeless in that room during that meeting by the audience. No one even stood up and pitched for the United Way, it took yours truly to do that. But, a former council member and business owner Edna Peterson did come in and mention the need to ban these aggressive panhandlers who are causing area businesses to lose customers, that was the only mention of the plight for the needy besides what I stated during that meeting.

  Then some council members started in on the bandwagon after statements I made. Even some council members noted how the entire evening was spent hearing testimony on one subject funding for our furry and feather friends. It was just the atmosphere and attitude mainly by some audience members attending that floored me during the meeting, they almost seem to value animal life and welfare over their fellow human beings, people who are needy and apparently little or no voice from the council. So, in this case what is good for the goose, is not necessarily good for the gander, he will have to wait until next year. Oh United Way will get funding but it will be half a loaf compared to the full loaf that Human Society will be getting.  It is amazing to me we only seem concern about the needs of the needy during the holidays, perhaps to make us all feel good. The needy however, is just trying to survive day by day, there is no holidays for them. Apparently this year the needy barely gets an honorable mention.



In other note worthy local stories...

Clallam County treasurer objects to draft budget
" I object to the proposed 2016 budget on both procedural (lack of transparency, lack of notice) and substantive grounds, and I reserve the right to specify the procedural and substantive defects until such time as I have had a reasonable opportunity (access and time wise) to review the 2016 budget processes and documents,” Barkhuis wrote."---Peninsula Daily News


Clallam commissioner favors sales tax restoration, property tax increase amid debate on revenue, spending strategy
PORT ANGELES — Clallam County Commissioner Mike Chapman said Monday he would restore the county’s sales tax rate and support a 1-percent property tax increase to generate needed revenue.---Peninsula Daily News

Clallam County commissioners forego property tax increase
"  Commissioners Jim McEntire and Bill Peach voted Tuesday for no change to the general purpose or road fund property tax levies for Clallam County in 2016. Commissioner Mike Chapman voted no, saying he favored a 1-percent increase on both levies to pay for essential services and to maintain reserves." ---Peninsula Daily News


Port Angeles City Council votes to approve visitor center, marketing contracts over objections
PORT ANGELES — City Council members approved $423,636 in 2016-2018 tourism-related lodging-tax spending this week on two 5-2 votes, one of which hinged on a dispute that still must be resolved.--Peninsula Daily News


Clallam County commissioner joins Democrats and is urged to run again
" Chapman filed to run as an independent in 2008. Last March, Chapman announced during a commissioners’ work session that he would not seek another term. The announcement came during a board debate over spending philosophies. “I’m being asked to reconsider,” Chapman said Tuesday."---Peninsula Daily News

Editor's Note: Now if Champman had not intention in running for office again has he said. None of this would even matter whether he changed parties or not now would it? Then why all the hoop la if he isn't going to run for local office again. Of course he could always go for a state rep. posting. There's that.

Sitting Port of Port Angeles commissioner and newcomer have plans for more meetings, transparency and scrutiny
PORT ANGELES — The two women who will form the Port of Port Angeles Commission’s majority promise more meetings, more openness and more scrutiny starting Jan. 12.
That’s when Commissioner-elect Connie Beauvais will join sitting Commissioner Colleen McAleer. The third incumbent commissioner, Jim Hallett, has said he doesn’t intend to participate in more than the bimonthly meetings commissioners currently attend, plus whatever special sessions are called for, such as budget workshops.----Peninsula Daily News


Ozias Already Making a Difference by John Merton Marrs
A new agenda for Clallam County is being negotiated by and between Commissioner Mike Chapman and Commissioner-elect Mark Ozias in these final weeks of 2015 – just as outgoing Commissioner Jim McEntire arranged a new agenda a year ago with then incoming-commissioner Bill Peach.---PORT O CALL


Sequim students and advocates struggle to handle homeless issues
The struggles homeless youth and young adults face daily in Sequim are nearly invisible to many, but are far from absent.---SEQUIM GAZETTE


It’s in the mail
With the holiday season here, it is the time we think about mailing cards and packages. These days we expect things to get where we want them to go with no problem and pretty fast, even the next day.---FORKS FORUM


OlyCAP suspends annual Christmas meal for lack of help
Sponsors reportedly drop support, forcing nonprofit to forgo free meal
A 22-year tradition of hosting hundreds for a free Christmas Day meal at the Tri-Area Community Center likely won't see its 23rd year due to a shortage of volunteers and money.---PTLEADER


NEWS FROM ACROSS THE STRAIT

TIMES COLONIST/VICTORIA BC: New sewage treatment cost: up to $1.3 billion, $500 million increase
Rough cost estimates for the capital region’s sewage treatment options run between $1 billion and $1.3 billion — far in excess of the $788-million plan abandoned this year, according to reports going to Capital Regional District directors.


VICTORIA NEWS/ VICTORIA BC: Helping refugees changes young man’s life
John Skene will forever remember his trip to Greece, not only because of the thousands of Syrian refugees he helped to safety, but because of one family that changed his life.


VICTORIA NEWS/ VICTORIA BC: Former B.C. premier Bill Bennett dies
Former B.C. premier Bill Bennett died Thursday night at age 83.



WHAT'S ON TAP FOR NEXT WEEK:

COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEM: Resolution adopting the 2016 Clallam County Budget
See full agenda: http://websrv7.clallam.net/forms/uploads/bocc_meeting_agenda.pdf
Agenda details: http://websrv7.clallam.net/forms/uploads/bocc_meeting_packet.pdf

The Port will hold their first meeting on the 15th for this month. Typically they have their first meeting on the second Tuesday of the month. So for this week no Port meeting is scheduled from what I saw on their webpage.
So, it looks like the County Commission is the only show in town this coming week.

PORT TOWNSEND BUSINESS MEETING:
Planning Commission and Advisory Board Appointments; Ordinance 3141 Repealing Water Conservation Measures - Adoption; Ordinance 3138 2016-2021 Capital Improvement Plan - Adoption; Ordinance 3140 2015 Final Supplemental Budget - Adoption; Ordinance 3142 Amending Water, Sewer, and Stormwater Rates & Adopting Capital Surcharge on Stormwater Rates 1st Reading; Ordinance 3143 Amending the Tax Rate Imposed on Water, Sewer, Stormwater, and Garbage Utilities 1st Reading; Ordinance 3139 2016 Budget Discussion Only--The Port Townsend city council didn't post an agenda for this meeting.
ref. http://www.cityofpt.us/calendar/events.asp?action=viewevent&eventid=24176

DAILY DEVOTIONAL
[ Jesus the Good Shepherd ] Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
John 10:7, 9-10 NKJV

Just a reminder readers....

Reader, Just to remind you of the daily update schedule for the Ripley Report:
Sunday: News commentaries
Monday: Business and finance report
Tuesday: Law and Justice report, and Advocacy Notebook
Wednesday: World News Digest
Thursday: National Digest
Friday: Olympia Digest
Saturday: The Port Angeles Digest
I set up the site so you will be getting focused reports and themes. The reports can be found on the side panel menu on the site.
I do appreciate a small donation even though the material on the site is free.
A person has to eat you know.

Once again I want to thank all my international, and national readership for checking my blog out. Many Thanks!

Peter Ripley, Publisher

JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT THE COUNTY MELODRAMA WAS OVER!

Readers,

It was just two months we thought the continuing soap opera which dominated the local news media's headlines for months, has once again grabbed headlines recently. Now instead of withholding grant monies from the opportunity fund to both the city and port, from the county commission. Our gal! County Treasurer Selinda Barkhuis, has now added a little gas to the fire which everyone was hoping was put out. Now a new twist, she is demanding that the County Administrator Jim Jones be fired. She mailed the local news media a email and the county commission with her reasons. Which by the way I didn't get such a email! I'm shocked! (smiling and winking eye) Guess I don't count since I'm just blogger who didn't get a degree in journalism. But no matter the “big boys” posted the letter so either way I got the information I needed. Anyways here are the two stories which was posted this week in the local main stream media this week:

• Clallam treasurer calls for county administrator to be fired, rejects budgetary figures

ClallamCounty Treasurer Selinda Barkhuis is asking commissioners to fireCounty Administrator Jim Jones. She also wants them to deny anincrease in next year's revenue projections and to nix a last minuteexpenditure for new staff in the prosecuting attorney'soffice.---Peninsula Daily News

Quoting from the article posted: " In a Monday email to commissioners and other elected officials, Barkhuis referred to Jones' & ridiculous revenue projections for her department, especially a $200,000 spike in investment interest."

• Related Stories: Powerful email arrived today---Port O Call

Quotingfrom the email posted: " As such, I hereby also request thateach of you, as County Commissioners, immediately act to terminatethe County Administrator’s employment contract, and I hereby putyou on notice that I intend to hold “the County,” as well as eachof you County Commissioners personally, accountable for theconsequences of your failing to do so. "

* What did she mean by holding them accountable if they don't comply with her demands? What does she have in store if they don't?

Now if you can recall back during the grant funding fiasco the treasurer suddendly back out from the argument

According to a September article from the Peninsula Daily News, with the headline:

Clallam treasurer to release disputed grant warrants; fight wraps up due to undisclosed medical issue

Quoting from a September 10th Article from the Peninsula Daily News:

PORTANGELES — A lingering dispute between Clallam County commissionersand Treasurer Selinda Barkhuis is over. Citing an undisclosed medicalissue, Barkhuis on Thursday said in an email that she wouldn't rejecta pair of warrants for $1.3 million in Opportunity Fund grants to theport and city of Port Angeles. “I don't want to die over this,”Barkhuis said in a brief interview while leaving the courthouseThursday. “They win, OK? They win. “I'm physically unable to dealwith this.”--County Treasurer Selinda Barkhuis

* What happened? Apparently she has found new strength to toss gas on to a fire everyone thought was burned out. I realize this doesn't have anything to do what happen with the grant funding, but then again makes me wonder there might be some kind of residual effect stemming from it some how.  So what I am guessing here is this whole melodrama isn't quite over is it?

In other local and regional news stories...

Elected Port Angeles School Board member quits before taking oath

The winner of a Port Angeles School Board seat has resigned from the position, and the defeated incumbent said he might apply to be appointed to the post.---Peninsula Daily News

Port of Port Angeles to start search for new executive director amid debate on position role

Port of Port Angeles commissioners will start seeking a new executive director next year provided they can devise a description for the job. Dec. 31 will mark the end of Ken Hollarens 29 months in the position.At least one port commissioner hopes it also marks the end of much of the post administrative authority.---Peninsula Daily News

County Commissioner Mike Chapman; Democrat

Commissioner Mike Chapman no longer “Independent” joins Democratic Party

In a move that delighted many and surprised no one Clallam County Commissioner, Mike Chapman recently registered with the Clallam County Democratic Party.  This could be a seismic shift in the makeup of the county’s legislative body.---PORT O CALL

A future for Sequim’s farmland

Since 1950 the amount of farmland in Clallam County has declined by 70 percent, leaving about 20,000 acres accessible.---SEQUIM GAZETTE

Merrill Whittier: West End Pioneer

In 1900, according to the census, 139 people lived on the Forks Prairie. One of those families was the Whittiers. Merrill, Martha and their eight children called this place home.----FORK FORUM

County aims to streamline food safety program, recover costs

Health officials pitch fee hike for food permits, discuss risk-based fee structure---PT LEADER

NEWS FROM ACROSS THE STRAIT

Three years after vanishing, where is Emma Fillipoff?  

Today marks the third anniversary of the disappearance of Emma Fillipoff.

On the day she disappeared in 2012, her worried mother, Shelley, was flying to Victoria to see her.---TIMES COLONIST/ VICTORIA BC

Local groups brace for Syrian refugees

Local immigrant and refugee centres are bracing for refugees who could potentially resettle on the Island by the end of the year.----VICTORIA NEWS/ VICTORIA BC

Raise carbon tax, B.C. advisors recommend

The B.C. government's climate advisory panel wants to start increasing the province's carbon tax with a 33 per cent jump in 2018, and says even with higher fuel tax the province won't meet its current target to reduce greenhouse gases one third by 2020.---VICTORIA NEWS/ VICTORIA BC

WHAT'S ON TAP FOR NEXT WEEK

CLALLAM COUNTY COMMISSION  MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHT: Letter to Nordian Administrative Services agreeing to be legally and financially responsible for Medicare payments received by the Health and Human Services Department as part of the application process to be a Medicare provider

see full agenda: http://websrv7.clallam.net/forms/uploads/bocc_meeting_agenda.pdf

Agenda item details: http://websrv7.clallam.net/forms/uploads/bocc_meeting_packet.pdf

CITY SET TO ACCEPT 2016 BUDGET:

Quoting from their staff report page f-2 from the council packet: The City Council had only one request for consideration at tonight’s meeting as follows:

However, Council also discussed the possibility of increasing the budget to fully fund the Humane Society contracted amount of $65,000 in 2016. In order for the General Fund budget to remain balanced, the increase to the Humane Society has not been included in the budget ordinance. If a majority of Council wishes to increase the contribution to the Humane Society from the current budgeted amount of $48,800, then a decrease of $16,200 must be identified in the General Fund. 

 Olympic Peninsula Humane Society (OPHS)

During City Council debate as part of the first reading of the 2016 Budget, Council

consensus was that staff bring back to the City Council options for restoring full

funding to OPHS for 2016 based on the original amount noted in the 2015-2017

agreement between the City and OPHS. 

*  Readers, I saw no mention of budget revisions regarding the United Way. And I was told by Councilman Whetham in a recent email letter that United Way will not be left out in the cold. 

Read full agenda: http://wa-portangeles.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/2668

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done.

1 Chronicles 16:8 NIV

* I hope you all had a good Thanksgiving holiday. Let us always remember those who usually spend the holidays alone, or don't have any homes let alone a feast. 

Lee Whetham answers my question....says Untied Way is not left out of the cold.

Readers, This is a special little posting. I finally gotten an answer I posed on yesterday's posting regarding the story about the Peninsula Daily News headline that read:

Port Angeles City Council to consider more funding for Olympic Peninsula Humane Society

PORTANGELES --- Animal activists growled Tuesday night, and City Councilmembers said they will consider restoring full funding for animalwelfare to the 2016 budget.--Peninsula Daily News

" When you sign a contract, that's your word. That's your honor. Whetham said, I don't see supporting this budget without the humane society's receiving the full amount we had agreed to." ---Peninsula Daily News

Remember, yours truly goes by what is posted in the paper of record. So I based my commentary yesterday on that assumption. But never the less once again here is the question I posed to the city council: 

" I read on today's edition of the PDN, that you are reconsidering funding for the Humane Society. I wonder though, if we can fund our furry and feather friends, should we also fund United Way for those low income folks that are struggling?

So, my question is has United Way been left out in the cold? If so, will you reconsider funding United Way?

..

Well low and behold a day late and a dollar short I finally gotten an answer to my question from none other than my old pal Lee Whetham! This is the first time ever he wrote to yours truly:

" 

Mr. Ripley,

 Please refer to our recorded Council meetings in the future at Clallam Public Eye on Youtube, this is a great way for everyone to form their own independent opinion about Council actions. As I recall, Olympic Peninsula Humane Society, has the only signed financial agreement with the city of Port Angeles, as answered by staff when this question was brought up during our last taped Council meeting. The city has given financial aid to several groups in the past besides United Way of Clallam County. Currently we are looking at reductions to; Olympic Peninsula Humane Society,  Feiro Marine Life Center, United Way of Clallam County & Port Angeles Fine Art Center. Again, to my knowledge, other than our signed agreement with our Humane Society, none of the three other community groups have a signed & negotiated financial agreement with the city of Port Angeles. This negotiation occurred between Police Chief Gallagher and Olympic Peninsula Humane Society representatives.

 To answer your question, the city Council is looking at financial contribution reductions to all four agencies, in which only one has a signed funding agreement through the end of 2017. United Way has not been" left out in the cold " on the proposed 2016 Port Angeles city budget, I anticipate that we will again put money aside for this great civic group as we move forward on the budget proposal.

- Thanks, Lee Whetham

Now, I appreciate Whetham's sharing his thoughts on the matter, if United Way is going to be helped along with our furry and feather friends then all is right in the world. Now none of this information wasn't mention in the Peninsula Daily News article posted last Wednesday, so I was hoping I get a quick answer to the question posed before my usual deadline on Friday, I usually do local news stories on Saturday's. 

Notes how he pitches for another media outlet in his answer? A little swipe at me folks! But hey! That's fine good to see Lee braving the frontier in the world of social media and bloggers like me.Whetham knows how your truly does things, after all before he was councilman Whetham he too posted remarks about stories posted on the PDN webpage.  So I have to hand it to Lee in answering the question yours truly posed. And has long as United Way is included in the reconsideration that's fine too.

From now apparently all my questions should be answered by the Clallam County Public eye. Now I wonder why that is!? Now if the local governments want to refer all media inquiries and public questions to the Clallam Public eye then that pretty much says they rather have the tape meetings speak for them, and so they can hide under their shield of silence. I wonder how the producer of Public Eye feels knowing that her efforts are now being use by some government circles to avoid questioning from guys like me? That would be interesting to find out. 

Guess what I am saying I didn't much appreciate having the Public Eye, rubbed in my eye.