PORT ANGELES DIGEST

While the White House was hosting the Pope this week...locally, we were hosting dignitaries ourselves.

All this week on the national news scene, was wall to wall coverage of Pope Francis visit to the US for the first time. Meanwhile the lead story locally was the ground breaking of the new composite recycling center. Dignitaries from both the state and federal level came to Port Angeles heaping praises on the Port of Port Angeles in bringing in the composite recycling center. 

Here are just a view examples of the media coverage of the event and related stories:

• Port of Port Angeles Breaks Ground on the Composite Recycling Technology Center

Congressman's Kilmer's press release dated 9.21.15

PORT ANGELES –Governor Jay Inslee, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer, Toray Composites America, Peninsula College, WSU, Janicki Industries and other representatives helped the Port of Port Angeles break ground on a new Composite Recycling Technology Center (CRTC) today at the Port’s Composite Manufacturing Campus.  

The project will complete a 25,000 square foot shell building to house offices, laboratories, classrooms and manufacturing space for the recycling center and Peninsula College’s Advanced Manufacturing – Composite Technology training program. The center will convert carbon fiber composite scrap material, left over from transportation and other advanced manufacturing industries, into new and useful products. It will create hundreds of local living wage jobs, while diverting millions of pounds of composite materials from the region’s landfills.

Governor Jay Inslee and Congressman Derek Kilmer headlined the groundbreaking ceremony, while local dignitaries and industry leaders addressed an energized crowd. One of the shovels utilized for the groundbreaking ceremony was made of recycled carbon fiber, with materials donated by Janicki Industries. The new technology center will put Port Angeles on the worldwide stage in composite manufacturing and recycling.

“As we break ground today to start construction within the Port’s facility, we look forward to the Composite Recycling Technology Center implementing its groundbreaking vision to pioneer the re-use of carbon fiber scraps into new products,” said Governor Jay Inslee. “I’m pleased that our Clean Energy Fund matching grant will support the research, development, and demonstration of new lightweight materials through recycling of composites. This is an excellent example of a community with a vision for how clean technology will create jobs and grow a sustainable economy.”

U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer added:  “I’m proud to have supported an innovative project that not only leverages our region’s workforce and expertise, but helps to create a better future for our region. This is a great example of how investing in innovation can help us create new jobs and grow our economy.”---read more

• Port of Port Angeles Breaks Ground on the Composite Recycling Technology Center

Port of Port Angeles press release: Governor Jay Inslee, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer, Toray Composites America, Peninsula College, WSU, Janicki Industries and other representatives helped the Port of Port Angeles break ground on a new Composite Recycling Technology Center (CRTC) today at the Port’s Composite Manufacturing Campus.

The project will complete a 25,000 square foot shell building to house offices, laboratories, classrooms and manufacturing space for the recycling center and Peninsula College’s Advanced Manufacturing – Composite Technology training program. The center will convert carbon fiber composite scrap material, left over from transportation and other advanced manufacturing industries, into new and useful products. It will create hundreds of local living wage jobs, while diverting millions of pounds of composite materials from the region’s landfills.----read more

• Gov. Jay Inslee joins dignitaries, composite shovels in hand, to break ground for carbon-fiber recycling center in Port Angeles

"Gov. Jay Inslee who wielded a shovel made of carbon-fiber composite material  called the composites center an example of thinking two steps ahead because we know that composites are going to grow like topsy in the world economy."---PDN

• 'Governor highlights successes at Port Angeles' Stevens Middle School in live interview with students 

" The student film crew of Stevens News Network hosted Gov. Jay Inslee on Monday for a live school-wide presentation." ---PDN

• Gov. Inslee underscores need for more public school funding to keep state a major player in world economy 

"Giving public school students the resources they need to excel is essential to the state's continued presence as a prominent member of the world economy, Gov. Jay Inslee said the day before the arrival of Chinese President Xi Jinping in Seattle." ---PDN

* I have to say after all of this, that is the one project I am in complete agreement with, I think this will bring in much needed employment, and other business opportunities to this depressed area.

Other local news headlines of note:

Annual property tax increase eyed by Port of Port Angeles

Taxpayers might have to help the Port of Port Angeles stay the course between environmental concerns and economic opportunities. That will come, port Commissioner Jim Hallett said Tuesday, when commissioners decide in November whether to claim the annual 1 percent hike in property taxes to which governments are entitled.---PDN

Port Angeles port commissioner takes lead of Seattle business group

The Washington Business Alliance has named Port of Port Angeles Commissioner Colleen McAleer its new president.---PDN

Clallam County commissioner candidates debate climate change

It's time to start planning for water shortages and other impacts of global climate change, Clallam County commissioner candidate Mark Ozias said during a forum. Incumbent District 1 Commissioner Jim McEntire told Port Angeles business leaders it is wise to think ahead, but it is wisest to use data and not conjecture when planning for the future.---PDN

Climate change debate enters county commissioner race

(Port Angeles – The global debate on climate change has entered a local political race.---KONP RADIO

This winter’s El Nino is expected to rival the strongest on record, which hit in 1997-98

B.C. should brace for the kind of severe coastal erosion California experienced during the 2009-10 El Nino, said Univ. of Victoria professor Ian Walker---PORT O CALL

All ready for the River Fest

Event also celebrates Dungeness Railroad Bridge’s 100th anniversary---SEQUIM GAZETTE

Saturday, Sept. 26 — Astronomy Night — The Portable Planetarium is back!

The Olympic Natural Resources Center invites you to an interactive, engaging program on astronomy on Saturday, Sept. 26. University of Washington graduate students from the Department of Astronomy will lead science-based activities to discover more about the skies above.---FORKS FORUM

Crown Paper Group, owners of PT Paper, buy Southern California-based Montebello Container Corp.

(PT LEADER)  Crown Paper Group, Inc. has acquired Montebello Container Corporation, an independent corrugated sheet producer based in Southern California.

NEWS FROM ACROSS THE STRAIT

Island Liberal candidate talked of 9-11 ‘lie’

“So today we remember the tragedy of 911. Today we will talk about who did it and why. Today most people will continue to believe the lie, and again, THEY continue to win. Thank God I know the truth! LOVE is the answer!!!” reads one post from Sept. 11, 2013, highlighted online Friday by the CBC.  ---TIMES COLONIST...VICTORIA BC

* You can't fix stupid!

Township of Esquimalt wins partnership award at UBCM

The Township of Esquimalt has received an award from the Union of B.C. Municipalities for its partnerships with local organizations to help sex workers exit from the industry.---VICTORIA NEWS

Politicians stand against rape culture, step forward as victims

The pervasiveness of rape culture in society became a topic of emotional debate Thursday at the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention, where no fewer than four municipal politicians stepped forward to stay they'd been raped in the past.

WHAT'S ON TAP FOR NEXT WEEK:

CLALLAM COUNTY COMMISSION AGENDA HIGHLIGHT: Memorandum of understanding with Kitsap Public Health District, Whatcom County Health Department, King County Health Department, Thurston County Public Health, Mason County Public Health, and Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department (Local Health Jurisdictions); Snohomish County, Grays Harbor County, and Pacific Counties (Counties); Washington State Department of Health, and Washington State Department of Ecology for regional on-site sewage system loan program

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 Sequim agenda highlight: SUBJECT/ISSUE: Resolution R2015-15 Supporting Sequim School District

Facilities Construction and Replacement Plan

Full agenda:  http://www.sequimwa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1248

City of Forks agenda: http://www.forkswashington.org/pdf/agenda92815.pdf

NEWS COMMENTARY: WE FINALLY HEARD FROM MAROLEE SMITH'S OPPONENT

Michael Merideth Finally sends email to this publication after several inquiries from yours truly.

Merideth finally responses to one of my postings on the Ripley Report; Merideth wrote the following email: 

Hi Peter, since Smith and myself are the only other candidates running at this time I would assume you are speaking of me and my lack of attendance in your opinion. I have attended council meetings and read the agenda/ minutes from every meeting. I have yet to meet you there? I did notice you at the well attended fluoride meeting. But I haven't seen you since? There were a lot of people at the police awards on Tuesdays meeting, but when the place cleared out I was still there for the aftermath. You are correct on myself not being at every meeting. Please don't think that I'm not paying close attention though. I will also be attending all of the forums which to date has only been the league of women voters, but October is looking very busy. Just a little background on me: I do work full time+. I have 3 children of my own. I am also a 42 year old, 35 year resident of this great city of ours. What happens to this our town is very important to me and my family. I volunteer when I can and attend meetings when I can. I take the council position seriously and if elected.....at those council meetings and civic meetings is where you will find me. Most who know me can attest that I take any job I do serious and with great passion. No matter who is elected for position 5, the city will be moving in a positive direction. "Isn't it just great!" ( hear that all the time at council meetings). You can guess who. 

Thank you for caring about our city and taking the time to blog.

Michael Merideth

Smith and Merideth are both running for Position 5 on the City Council for this year.

He stated he noticed me at one of the city council meetings which I attended, if that was the case he could have came up and introduce himself to me, then I wouldn't be sitting here harping about his lack of attendance. I consider myself a pretty approchable kind of guy. Readers, since I am not the one running for office, I don't attend every meeting the city puts on, I mostly attend one of those meetings a month. If you are going to be on the city council, you have to attend every meeting in my book. I wrote back Merideth inviting him to spell out his plans for the city of elected I have yet to hear back from him.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL: 

The Godhead

Since man has known God, there has been some confusion about who God is. This confusion basically comes from false teachings about God and His nature. When we read the Bible as a whole, we can clearly see who God is and what He consists of.---TRUTH FOR THE WORLD

PORT ANGELES DIGEST: SMITH HOLD'S NOTHING AGAINST BATEHAM

 Yours truly emailed City Council candidate Marolee Smith the following question: Is it true that Dan Bateham convinced you not to run against Cherie Kidd?
Do you mind what transpired?

She responded with the following reply:

 MARLOLEE SMITH: Yes, it is true.  We both showed up at the same time, and were going to run against Cherie. We had a long conversation. I was persuaded to run for position #5.

Do I mind what transpired? 

Dan is a nice guy.  I haven't spoken with him since he made this last decision, but I'm sure he had his reasons, which I suspect were personal. This running stuff, as you know, can be a little difficult to maneuver if one isn't a political beast.  And, if there are other things going on in your life,  I can see how it could be overwhelming.   Dan is a good guy. His intentions were, and are, good.  There is nothing nefarious about it, I'm sure of that.

  What has happened, has happened.  I can't hold it against him.  

Do, I wish I'd gone ahead and run against Dan AND Cherie in the primary.  Yes.  But, hindsight is always flawless, foresight, not so much.  I made that decision. Oh well.

Reader's, this might be all fine and good with Smith, but this particular city council race isn't Smith's, it's between Cherie Kidd and now her phantom opponent Dan Bateham who chosen to sit on the side lines while Kidd is out there pounding the bricks. This wouldn't have been such a big deal if one Bateham would have given reasons for his withdrawing from actively campaigning for the posting he signed up for, and would have said that if he won the election he would NOT serve. He didn't, he pulled the old shoe in the door routine in saying: If elected he will serve. If that is not back door politicking I don't know what is! Still as I see it, if you sign up to campaign for position on the City Council, or County Commission and Port Commission you better see it through. That includes availing yourself to the public, and the media, that means attend all public debates, and forums. Plus attend regular meetings, which by the way I have yet to see other candidates running for their positions at any of the regular meetings. Makes me wonder about their commitment. 

With the topic of fluoridation back in the forefront as I knew would be, the recent news of Bateham pulling the phantom candidate card does not help those who are against the continued practice of the city adding fluoride into our water supply. However, Bateham wasn't the only one against the practice, Marolee Smith, and other candidates, plus current council members were voicing their objections as well.  Sissi Burch was voicing the morality of the practice, our pal Lee Whetham (15 month Lee) was also voicing concerns over the practice. 

Bottom line of this readers I fine this whole affair of switching campaign positions to run for, and playing cat and mouse games with the public rather juvenile " high school" type of politicking rather annoying, and I am not the only one who see's it. The voters see's it! So do some members of the local media! We are talking about millions of dollars of tax payers monies on the table, and only a few are taking their positions they are running for seriously!

Port Angeles water fluoridation survey to be monitored by retired Clallam County auditor

PORT ANGELES -- A city of Port Angeles Nov. 6 water fluoridation survey will include oversight by retired Clallam County Auditor Patty Rosand and extensive measures to ensure the results are impartial and tamper-proof, officials said.---PDN

Olympic Medical Center board endorses fluoridation of Port Angeles city water

Olympic Medical Center commissioners listened to both sides of the fluoridation issue, then voted unanimously without comment to support it in Port Angeles.---PDN

PA Fluoridation Process Continues With Public Forum

Port Angeles – Port Angeles City officials are still laboring through the process on the issue of utilizing fluoride in the city water supply.---KONP RADIO

In other local news...

Note to OMC Board of Commissioners: Go Fluoridate yourself

" The glaring problem with this resolution is they do not provide one iota of “scientific evidence” in support of fluoridation of public water supplies.  They ignore voluminous scientific evidence showing the harmful effects of fluoridation–especially upon the elderly.  Fluoride is not dispelled from the body.  All fluoride ever ingested remains in the body for the life of the person.  That is why there is so much more Osteoporosis in areas where fluoride is added to city water.  That is why so many teeth are splotchy and discolored by fluorosis.  That is why the bottled water industry has flourished in the same time-frame as fluoridation of city water supplies." ---PORT O CALL dated 9/14/15

 Clallam County issues Opportunity Fund grants to bring ongoing dispute to official close 

Clallam County Commissioner Jim McEntire hand-delivered a $1 million check to Port of Port Angeles officials Tuesday, marking the end of a three-month stalemate in county government. McEntire and fellow Commissioner Bill Peach voted Tuesday  with Commissioner Mike Chapman opposed to approve warrants for nearly $1.3 million in Opportunity Fund grants to the port and city of Port Angeles.---PDN

Clallam County commissioner candidates debate sales tax cut, Dungeness water, marijuana law in forum

Candidates for the Clallam County commissioner District 1 seat sparred at a political forum Tuesday over the Board of Commissioners' recently approved sales-tax break, Dungeness-area water restrictions and the county's budding marijuana ordinance.---PDN

 

Jim McEntire: Nothing to Worry About Here.

The Port Angeles Business Association held a candidates forum featuring incumbent Jim McEntire and challenger Mark Ozias on September 15th, where the candidates stated their views and answered questions from the audience. Mr. McEntire’s statements were of particular interest.---PORT O CALL

PA Salvation Army To Close Shelter

Port Angeles – The Salvation Army just announced that they will be shutting down their Port Angeles shelter program as of October 1st.---KONP RADIO

 City of Sequim Roundup: Officials visit Naval Air Station, approve sign code

Officials with the City of Sequim visited the Naval Air Station (NAS) on Whidbey Island late last month — a trip prompted by ongoing public concern associated with the Navy’s proposal to expand their electronic warfare training.---SEQUIM GAZETTE

State of farming: Jefferson County ranks low on state's economic radar, high on locals' shopping list, national attention---PT LEADER

CLALLAM COUNTY SEEKS MEMBERS TO SERVE ON AN AD HOC TRUST LANDS ADVISORY COMMITTEE---FORKS FORUM

NEWS FROM ACROSS THE STRIAT

$20 ‘consulting fee’ for homeless stirs debate

There was no need to get Victoria council approval for a plan to pay homeless people $20 apiece to attend a public meeting on temporary housing options, Mayor Lisa Helps said Friday. ---TIMES COLONIST/ VICTORIA BC

Victoria MLA Rob Fleming apologizes to deputy minister for comments  

The NDP MLA for Victoria-Swan Lake has apologized and retracted comments he made about a government deputy minister, after being sued for defamation----TIMES COLONIST/ VICTORIA BC

Victoria mayor calls on feds for more social housing dollars

“We can see this stepping back — ongoing homelessness, people who are housing in increasing housing need, unstable housing, increased health and social service costs, death due to lack of shelter,” she said. “All we need is to increase the investment in social housing to 1.6 per of the federal budget and we can solve the problem.”---VICTORIA NEWS/ VICTORIA BC

WHAT'S ON TAP FOR NEXT WEEK

COUNTY COMMISSION AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEM: 3a Notice of hearing to be held October 13 at 10:30 a.m. regarding proposed amendments to Policy 505 – Budget Changes and Modifications

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

PORT COMMISSION AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEM: Economic Development Services Agreement With Composite Recycling Technology Center, Inc.

At the September 8, 2015, Port Commission meeting, the Board of Commissioners

received for its review and comment a draft proposed Economic Development Services

Agreement (“EDS Agreement”) for fiscal year 2015 to be entered into by the Port and the

Composites Recycling Technology Center (“CRTC”), now a duly constituted Washington

nonprofit corporation. Incorporated by reference in the proposed EDS Agreement was a

draft proposed Economic Development Services Action Plan (“Action Plan”) that sets forth

composite recycling industrial and economic development goals the Port hopes to achieve,

with milestones and outcomes to measure progress. One function of the EDS Agreement

and Action Plan is to establish the manner in which CRTC will assist the Port in realizing

those milestones and outcomes. After receiving comments from the Port Commission, Port staff presented the proposed EDS Agreement and Action Plan to the CRTC Board of Directors for its review and comments.

ref. http://wa-portofportangeles.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/768?fileID=436

Full Port Commission Agenda: http://www.portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/09222015-116?html=true

PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA

Agenda highlight: Resolution 15-033 Fixing the Time for Hearing on an Ordinance Authorizing the Acquisition of Real Property Using Eminent Domain Related to the Howard Street Extension Project.

http://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=253

 

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

What Should I Know About Islam? 3

As we begin a new, yet related study to Islam, we hope to lay the groundwork for what we know today as Jihad. --Truth for the World

      

BACK DOOR CAMPAIGNING; KIDD TO FACE A PHANTOM OPPONENT

Readers, Sunday as I was coming home from church services, City Council Candidate Cherie Kidd stopped me along the way complementing me on the article I posted in Saturday's edition of the Port Angeles Digest. She said she appreciated how I put it that Bateham didn't make any sense in suddenly quitting his campaign without so much a reason for him walking off the stage of this election. Then turn around and say that he will serve if he gets more votes than Kidd. To me that is underhanded, for Bateham to pull on not only on Kidd, but the voters! It's called back door campaigning readers! A dirty trick to pull!  Sitting back and waiting for the out come of an election, while your opponent is left holding the bag, having invitations from groups doing these candidate forums and debates be withdrawn, because you decide to quit just two months away from the election, clever!  Oh on the contrary readers! As I see it what Bateham is doing here is avoiding the public, and media coverage of his campaign which now is a phantom or back door campaign. This brings up many questions, why is he hiding? This is a guy who all but got an endorsement from the Port O Call, which they have yet post a story on Bateham's withdraw, so they too gotten the shaft from Bateham.

Kidd expressed her concerns of not being allowed to speak at these functions now because of this, and the first such group to withdraw their invite was from the league of Women Voters. Kidd shared the following email with this publication:

Dear Ms Kidd,
With Mr Bateham's withdrawal from your race, you are now running unopposed, so you're off the hook for the upcoming League of Women Voters forum on Wednesday, September 30.  One less commitment for you in what I'm sure must be a busy schedule.   Please confirm that you're received this message.  Thank you!
Paula Barnes, Co-chair Voter Services Committee

She responded with the following letter:

Paula,
I request that I be able to speak at your forum on Wednesday, September 30.
It is legally too late for Mr. Bateham to quit as a legal candidate - his name is already printed on the ballots, in the vote guides and any vote for him is still a legal vote.  He has stated that if he should receive a winning number of votes that he would gladly take his council seat.  Therefore, I need the people to know that I am still in this campaign to win and that I definitely need people to vote for me so that I can return to the Port Angeles City Council for another term.
Please allow me to speak at your forum even though my opponent has refused to speak in public.  This is no reflection upon my campaign.
Thank you, Cherie Kidd

Now the question is will the league of women voters allow her to speak? Or tell her to stay home?
Another question, will other groups withdraw their invites?
This isn't the first time Kidd faced a phantom opponent. Cody Blevins, her opponent for the Position 7 council seat in 2011, also pulled out too late for his name to be removed from the ballot.

And she isn't the only one facing a phantom opponent. I have yet to see or even meet the Opponents of Marolee Smith who is running for another position on the city council Michael Merideth, or  Connie Beauvais opponent for Port Commissioner, Michael Breidenbach, Or   Jim McEntire's opponent Mark Ozias for County Commission, I have yet to see any of these guys attend meetings.

So it looks like Kidd will have to do the old talk to a empty chair routine if she even gets the opportunity to do so.

Kidd as other avenues to employ she can issue press release to the media, do opt eds in publications and so on.

What fries my beacon  those who were counting on a no vote on fluoride will now most likely be a yes vote.  Is it fair now that Bateham get's into office without so much as a by your leave from the public or media? I would say not. In my book when he walked off the stage of this election all bets are off at this point.

PORT ANGELES DIGEST: BATEHAM SAY'S HE'LL SERVE IF ELECTED!?

Readers, This publication was the first to publish the story that City Council candidate Dan Bateham was withdrawing from the council race. He released his press release on Wednesday, in case you missed it:
Dan Bateham: This is official notification of my withdrawal of my candidacy for city council, position number 7, for the City of Port Angeles. I extend a sincere thank you to those that have shown me support over the last several weeks. Good luck and best wishes to all of my fellow candidates. There will be no further public comment on this subject.
There was no explanation for his withdraw.

Just a day later the Peninsula Daily News ran the story with this headline: Port Angeles City Council candidate withdraws from race; declines to discuss reasons for move

" Allyson Ruppenthal, state deputy director of elections, said that if Bateham were to receive more votes than Kidd, he could take office even though he renounced his candidacy.Bateham said that's exactly what he would do. If people voted me in because they wanted change for whatever reason, I would take office and do the best of my ability for the people of the city, Bateham said." ---PDN 

Does that make any sense to you readers? First saying he won't campaign for the position, but if he get's elected for it he will serve? If that's the case then he must well go all out and campaign for it!

Yours truly wrote to his opponent Cherie Kidd to get her take on this development here is what she submitted: I emailed his opponent Cherie Kidd who is currently running for re-election to the City Council for her comments, Kidd emailed the following statement:

"Yes, I understand that Dan Bateham will no longer campaign for city council position #7.  However, a candidate has only 10 days to withdraw, otherwise his name will still be on the ballot.  Mr. Bateham withdrew after three months.  Therefore, I will continue my campaign, asking for the support and the vote of the people of Port Angeles as I still need the votes to win in the November election.  His withdrawing now does not give me an automatic win.  The voters decide.

Our new waterfront is  the result of over 7 years planning and implementation for our town.   We have received large grants from DOE for the first time and I fought to take the CSO harbor study charge off our utility bills.  There is a lot of work still to be done and I look forward to working with the people of Port Angeles.  We have a great town.  Things are getting better, but we have to keep working with a vision for the future.  I'm positive on Port Angeles and it will be an honor to continue to serve.'----Cherie Kidd

Readers, in my book there is no half measures when running for positions such as the city council, or any local governmental posting. Either you are going to commit fully in it, or stay out of it altogether. I give a little more credit to the voters, they will read between the lines and vote accordingly. The voters will only see, that Bateham tried and quit at the 10 O'Clock hour meaning just two months away from the general election in November. 

 The saga of the Treasure v the County is over, but questions remain.

As you will see later in this report the county is prepared once again to issue the warrants for those opportunity grants. This time there will be no resistance from the County Treasure. After months of debate which was becoming more like a day time drama on TV in the court house. This week out of the blue, the Treasure gave in cites medical concerns.

The Peninsula Daily News ran this story on Thursday: Clallam treasurer to release disputed grant warrants; fight wraps up due to undisclosed medical issue

PORT ANGELES — A lingering dispute between Clallam County commissioners and Treasurer Selinda Barkhuis is over. Citing an undisclosed medical issue, Barkhuis on Thursday said in an email that she wouldn't reject a pair of warrants for $1.3 million in Opportunity Fund grants to the port and city of Port Angeles.

“I don't want to die over this,” Barkhuis said in a brief interview while leaving the courthouse Thursday. “They win, OK? They win. “I'm physically unable to deal with this.”---PDN

Now wait a minute here readers, I am no psychiatrist, but when someone say's something like that you have to wonder about their mental state here, what's going on? You could probably figure out what was coming when she suddenly dismissed her lawyer as posted in previous PDN articles:

• Clallam treasurer lets go of appointed lawyer amid grants dispute with county commissioners

"Barkhuis rejected the warrants in June because of the administrative process the board employed to modify the budget.

“All that needs to happen for me to disburse the funds for these grants is for the commissioners to produce and sign the necessary budget resolution and written contracts — to be approved by the prosecutor as to form — that hold them accountable for these $1.3 million in no-strings attached, election-year grant expenditures,” Barkhuis wrote in a Friday email."---PDN dated 9/6/2015

• Clallam budget ‘loophole’ allowing transfer of millions without a vote debated by commissioners

Although the money can’t be spent without a vote of commissioners, Commissioner Mike Chapman said there is a “loophole” in county budget policy that needs to be fixed.

Chapman on Monday said it was “inappropriate” for County Administrator Jim Jones to sign a $3 million budget modification, redesignating 2015 funds for the delayed Carlsborg sewer project to other projects within the Opportunity Fund, in May without a board vote or public discussion.---PDN dated 9/6/2015

“Captain” McEntire’s $3 million Campaign by Selinda Barkhuis, WSBA 24139, Clallam County Treasurer

As such, I will continue to require the following documents before I will disburse the funds for these grants: 

(Unless these expenditures are included and approved in the 2016 budget), a “Budget Resolution Adopting Budget Emergencies” that has attached to it the properly signed Budget Change Form (which correctly shows that these expenditures are being paid for with Opportunity Fund “ending fund balance”), all as publicly processed consistent with Chapter 36.40 RCW.

Contracts that have been “approved as to form” by the Prosecuting Attorney, and that have been duly signed and executed by the County and the Port/City consistent with current County Policy 560. ----PORT O CALL/Barkhuis

You have to wonder what made her break like that from her position which she seemed so sure about just months earlier? It's just something about what she said: I don't want to die over this,” Barkhuis said in a brief interview while leaving the courthouse Thursday. “They win, OK? They win. “I'm physically unable to deal with this." That gives you pause and wonder what was going on here, all this posturing was for nothing? No one says things like that without people wondering about her, did she have a break down? Or what? I have this feeling the pressure and media attention was getting to much for her. Then that's my opinion.  

In other local news...

Port of Port Angeles ready to approve pact with composites facility

PORT ANGELES — The Port of Port Angeles’ Composite Recycling Technology Center is getting ready to set off on its own.

Port commissioners Tuesday reviewed a proposed $97,500 economic development services agreement with the soon-to-be-formed nonprofit center, known as the CRTC, that they are expected to approve Sept. 22, a day after an 11 a.m. groundbreaking ceremony.---read more

At least two Clallam commissioners expected to approve new recreational marijuana law

PORT ANGELES — Two Clallam County commissioners will support a new law that allows recreational marijuana facilities in commercial and industrial zones but restricts growing operations and pot shops from rural neighborhoods.

Sequim’s Bank of America to become 1st Security Bank

CEO Joe Adams for 1st Security Bank made the announcement on Sept. 1 that the Mountlake Terrace-based bank will acquire Sequim, Port Angeles, Port Hadlock and Port Townsend Bank of America branches with about $268 million in deposits and less than $1 million in loans.---SEQUIM GAZETTE

Annual WEBPA Fish and Brew is Oct. 10

The 19th annual West End Fish and Brew is set for Oct. 10, sponsored by West End Business and Professional Association.---FORKS FORUM

When the price for pot is right

  At  age 23, Gracen Hook won a state lottery allowing him to open Port Townsend’s first and only recreational cannabis shop. But he knew better.---PT LEADER

NEWS FROM ACROSS THE STRAIT

Brazen thieves strip Victoria mayor’s bike of seat, wheels  

Not even Victoria’s mayor is immune to bike theft.

Lisa Helps left a council meeting about 11 p.m. Thursday, only to find that her “crappy beat-up old mountain bike” had been stripped of its wheels and seat as it sat locked up outside city hall.----TIMES COLONIST

Jack Knox: Kayakers return to clean up Island shores  

 Graham McNeil and a friend are kayaking their way around Vancouver Island, bit by bit, year by year.This July’s leg was supposed to be a highlight: counter-clockwise from Port Hardy around Cape Scott, then up Quatsino Inlet to Coal Harbour.

Except when they pulled into Experiment Bight — a long-awaited destination — on Day 2, they found themselves surrounded by piles of plastic garbage: shrimp traps, shampoo containers, Styrofoam from smashed-up boats, drift-net floats the size of hotdog buns----TIMES COLONIST

Councillor wants public to know more about amalgamation

An Esquimalt councillor is hoping an upcoming public forum will give the public a fair chance to understand what amalgamating with 13 municipalities in the Greater Victoria area would truly mean.---VICTORIA NEWS

WHAT'S ON TAP FOR NEXT WEEK

CLALLAM COUNTY COMMISSION AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEMS: 4d Approval of warrants for Opportunity Fund grants to the City of Port Angeles and Port of Port Angeles

4c Ordinance creating a Chapter in the Clallam County Code titled “Recreational Marijuana”

establishing the placement of and development standards for recreational marijuana producers,

processors, and retailers licensed by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board

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

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

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM HIGHLIGHT:  HARBOR CLEANUP PROCESS – CHANGE ORDER NO. 3 TO WORK ORDER NO 2

Summary: The City Council previously approved Work Order No. 2. Work Order No. 2 is for

work to complete a draft Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study for the Western Port Angeles

Harbor Group’s Agreed Order with The Department of Ecology. This Change Order No. 3 adds to

the Scope of Work and budget.

Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to approve Work Order No. 2, Change Order No.

3, expanding the scope of work and increasing the authorized budget for Work Order No. 2 by

$329,450 to a total of $1,059,150 and to approve minor modifications to the Work Order as

needed. The City’s share of the increase is $82,362.50.

Full agenda: http://wa-portangeles.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/2493

CITY OF SEQUIM AGENDA ITEM HIGHLIGHT: Renewal of contract with Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce for mobile food vending

Full agenda: http://www.sequimwa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1239

CITY OF FORKS AGENDA: http://www.forkswashington.org/pdf/agenda91415.pdf

PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHT: Climate Change Preparedness Plan for the North Olympic Peninsula

Full agenda: http://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=275

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

Philippians 4:4 NKJV

NEWS FLASH! CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE WITHDRAWS FROM RACE...BUT IS IT TOO LATE?

The following is a press release issued from City Council Candidate:   

Dan Bateham

This is official notification of my withdrawal of my candidacy for city council, position number 7, for the City of Port Angeles. I extend a sincere thank you to those that have shown me support over the last several weeks. Good luck and best wishes to all of my fellow candidates. There will be no further public comment on this subject.

According to : By state law, a candidate may withdraw his or her Declaration of Candidacy at any

time before the close of business on the Monday following the last day for

candidates to file under RCW 29A.24.050 by filing, with the officer with whom the

Declaration of Candidacy was filed, a signed request that his or her name not be printed

on the ballot. There shall be no withdrawal period for Declarations of Candidacy filed

during special filing periods held under this title. No filing fee may be refunded to any

candidate who withdraws under this section. Notice of the deadline for withdrawal of

candidacy and that the filing fee is not refundable shall be given to each candidate at

the time he or she files. If you are too late to make an official withdrawal, you should still 

Revised May 21, 2015

inform your opponents and the PDC, and do a press release to inform the media that

you are no longer seeking the office. (RCW 29A.24.131)

However it is way past time to withdraw from candidacy.  So his name will still be on the November ballot.

He gave no reason why he is withdrawing from the race against Cherie Kidd who is currently running for re-election to the post. I think he could have won. 

PORT ANGELES DIGEST: IT'S FREE SPEECH LEE, NOT FREE GOVERNMENT!

As you all probably heard the news PAPA was given the green light by the City Council during their meeting on Tuesday. The following was a press release issued from the co-chairman and publisher of the Port O Call Dale Wilson:
Tuesday, September 1st, Port Angeles City Council voted 6-0 to enter an agreement with Peninsula Area Public Access (PAPA) to provide programming for up to 3 public access television channels to be available to Wave Cable subscribers early in the new year.
Dr. Ralph Smith, CEO of PAPA made a 30 minute presentation to city council on Tuesday night and introduced a dozen PAPA board members present.
Public Access television has been available to Port Angeles customers via the city’s franchise agreement with Wave Cable since 2002 but no one has, until now, taken the initiative to get a local television station up and running. In a recent survey of city residents 87% of respondents stated a desire for local programming.  The survey, conducted by Buske Associates, is  part of negotiations for renewal of the franchise agreement between the city and Wave Cable to expire in May 2017..
The goal of PAPA is to provide public, educational and government programming on up to three channels available on the Wave Cable line-up.  PAPA will also provide equipment and training for anyone in the community who seeks to produce their own programming for local and international consumption. Any budding film-maker now has an opportunity to create a television program or full length movie.
PAPA will associate with the Port Angeles Schools District, working with the Skills Center, which has its own television production curriculum, taught by their talented instructor, Lisa Hitt.
It is hoped that Skills Center students can “letter” in media just as athletes do in sports.  Graduates with sufficient experience with PAPA will be prepared for entry level work at most television stations.  They will learn the nomenclature, electronic news gathering, electronic field production, lighting, audio, editing and story-boarding. Funding for PAPA will come from sponsorship, producer training fees, memberships, video production work for local merchants and grants.
There will be a small amount of revenue coming from Wave Cable via a five cent per month per subscriber access fee which will be charged to each subscriber–under the current franchise agreement. Currently PAPA programming will be available to city residents who are Wave Cable subscribers.  At least two county commissioners have agreed to invite Wave Cable to provide PAPA programming to the 14,500 Wave Cable subscribers throughout Clallam County.  The city and county have  separate franchise agreements with Wave Cable.
PAPA plans to provide live and tape-delayed coverage of athletic competition covering Peninsula College and all schools in the county as well as government meetings and cultural programs.  Depending on the number of volunteers PAPA would like to extend coverage to EDC meetings, Chamber of Commerce meetings, college speakers, festivals and live music events.  
PAPA hopes to include news, exhibits and cultural events provided by  local sovereign nations.  
There will be live call-in talk shows allowing the community to weigh in on current events and also travelogues featuring the many  areas of unparalleled beauty in the county–of interest to tourists and residents alike. 
PAPA plans to feature profiles of community leaders and news makers and also promote projects designed to enhance the communication channels throughout the county. 
The faith-based community is invited to provide programs emanating from their local worship services.
Anyone interested in serving on the board or becoming a producer of local programming contact Dr. Ralph Smith, CEO of PAPA at 360-809-3388

Related stories...

Peninsula Area Public Access (PAPA) Recognized
Port Angeles City Council voted 6-0 to enter an agreement with Peninsula Area Public Access (PAPA) to provide programming for up to 3 public access television channels to be available to Wave Cable subscribers early in the new year----PORT O CALL


Port Angeles City Council considers agreement with public television group for local access channel
Concerns about content Whetham is worried about racy content — “a bunch of naked creatures,” as he put it, being on the air. Smith said programs that are “really controversial” would be aired late at night or early in the morning.---PDN

* Of course that statement wasn't all that our pal Lee Whetham said, he started out saying: "I support free government...." then went on with is statement as posted in the PDN. But wait! Free government Lee? Don't you mean free speech? Yeah, I maybe nick picking but we must not be confused when speaking about our constitutional rights particularly our 1st Amendment. Government is suppose to ensure those rights we hold dear are protected, and it's the job of the media to be the watch dog to ensure the government don't intrude. That's why I am concerned when ever you involve government in the affairs of the media, you are going to have some circumstances of some politician who happens to be sitting on a board like what they are going to form, trying to silence those who are critical of them by either not broadcasting the material, or putting them on a time slot which no one will tune into. That's why I was amused by Whetham saying that a council member should be on the PAPA board, I thought and said..."Let me guess him!" Can you imagine yours truly on there doing this Ripley Report? Since I have been so critical of Whetham and other local politicians they would want to be sure I would be on at 1AM! Then, again that might back fire and lots of people would be tuning in! Not to worry folks, I have no intentions on being on TV, you need to have that "TV Look" to be on TV, same as having that "RADIO VOICE" to be on the radio. I am quite content doing my little blog folks! I have a good audience both locally, and all over the world. So why would I want to abandon them?


In other local news....

Clallam commissioners discuss trust lands committee; one recommends de-politicizing group
PORT ANGELES — Clallam County Commissioner Jim McEntire wants to change the composition of a proposed forest trust lands advisory committee to de-politicize the group.---PDN


Port Angeles port commission candidates share economic development ideas in forum
PORT ANGELES — The Port of Port Angeles should establish an economic development zone to foster new businesses in Clallam County, port commission candidate Mike Breidenbach said Tuesday.---PDN


Rayonier Inc. presents $35,000 in grants to Clallam, Grays Harbor nonprofits
FORKS — Rayonier Inc. gave a total of $35,000 to 26 nonprofit organizations serving communities in Clallam and Grays Harbor counties.
Recipients of the company's 2015 Community Fund grants were recognized at a special awards breakfast hosted by Rayonier at the Olympic Natural Resources Center in Forks earlier last month. ---PDN


“Trust us, We’re Experts!” More on the fluoride saga
I don’t know if you’ve been to a city council meeting, but the audience is much larger, with more people for-and-against fluoride. We’ve had some ringers from out-of-town (like Dr. Bill Osmundson, DDS, MPH, a speaker who tours on behalf of the Fluoride Action Network. Likable guy, only I didn’t like that he misrepresented himself as being from Neah Bay, or Forks, or whatever). We have the local dentists show up en mass and parrot the stance of the American Dental Association.----Marolee Smith, City Council Candidate


Port Angeles City Council moves toward selling Morse Creek hydroelectric plant
PORT ANGELES — The City Council took the first step this week toward selling the Morse Creek hydroelectric plant, declaring it and the approximately 800 acres it sits upon as surplus.---PDN


Kidd, Kennedy in Locke-Step on Fluoridation Opinion by Dale Wilson
Recently two high-profile medicos came before Port Angeles City Council attempting to bully the city council into continuing fluoridation of the city water supply even after the current fluoridation agreement ends in May.---PORT O CALL




New city manager sets priorities
More than two weeks in and Sequim’s new city manager, Charlie Bush, 40, has his priorities set for the remainder of the year — investigating a possible proposal for a Metropolitan Parks District, forming the city’s 2016 budget highlighting road projects and finding safer parking at the Albert Haller Playfields.---SEQUIM GAZZETTE


DNR to permit campfires west of Cascades
Campfires to be allowed in approved fire-pits on the west side over Labor Day---FORKS FORUM


Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe Buys Mobilisa Wireless---KONP RADIO


Rep. Kilmer, other panelists, talk money in politics
The corrosive effect of big money in the American political system was the topic of a discussion Sept. 1 in the Port Townsend Community Center.---PT LEADER


Millions to watch Manresa Castle T.V. ghost show
What may be the pinnacle of publicity for Port Townsend pops up Saturday, Sept. 5 when the Travel Channel airs an episode of "Ghost Adventures" filmed at Manresa Castle.---PTLEADER


NEWS FROM ACROSS THE STRAIT

Comment: Avoid a new mistake on Victoria’s Inner Harbour ---TIMES COLONIST


Woman loses $50,000 in “blessing scam” targeting Asian seniors ---TIMES COLONIST


Naloxone prescriptions creating hurdles---VICTORIA NEWS



WHAT'S ON TAP FOR NEXT WEEK

COUNTY COMMISSION AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS:
5a Presentation of Preliminary 2016 Clallam County Budget
*The question is will the Treasure be making the presentation or one of her staff members?

H1 Proposed Ordinance creating a chapter in the Clallam County Code titled “Recreational
Marijuana” establishing the placement of and development standards for recreational marijuana producers, processors, and retailers licensed by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.
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

PORT OF PORT ANGELES AGENDA HIGHLIGHT: Bond Refunding/Bank Financing Proposal Resolution No. 15-1106

Full agenda: http://www.portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/09082015-114?html=true



DAILY DEVOTIONAL

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV