Saturday, November 21, 2015

BUCKS FOR FURRY AND FEATHER FRIENDS? BUT NONE FOR THE POOR?

By, Peter Ripley
Publisher

Readers, Tell me, What is wrong with this picture? According to the report posted in the paper of record, The Peninsula Daily News this week under the headline...
Port Angeles City Council to consider more funding for Olympic Peninsula Humane Society
" 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

I have two observations to point out. From the article posted there was no mention any consideration of possible refunding of the United Way, just for the Humane Society. That gave me pause, they are willing to reconsider funding for our fur and feather friends, but not those who are low income and needy in our community? I ask myself this question what is more important, animals, or their owner's welfare? Who may quite possibly be the very ones needing the kind of support and services that United Way offers. According to the City Manager Budget proposal statement the United Way along with the Humane Society is under Phased reduction in contributions to outside agencies • Humane Society, Marine Life Center, United Way (see full statement http://wa-portangeles.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/Home/View/2628)
The Council knew very well once they open the door for a possible reconsideration for the Humane Society, it would make people like myself to say if they are willing to reconsider funding our furry and feather friends, they should do likewise for the low income folks in town! What's good for the goose is good for the gander kind of logic. The second observation that I want to take note of is from a quote of my old pal Lee Whetham: 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.
Well first of all, the City signed a contract with United Way too, should that be honored as well?
Secondly, this is coming from a guy who also had a contract with the voters of this city when he was elected to serve on the council, at least one term. But he decided 15 months was enough to serve on the council, so he tried and fail to get on the Port Commission, a stepping stone to higher office as he put it during a debate the Port O Call held way back in May of this year.
Now I wrote the council the following email:
Okay here's another question I posed to the city council...
Mayor, and 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?
As if yet, no answer to my question, that makes me think they are hiding behind the defense shield of their code of ethics in not sharing council business outside the chamber's walls. That stems from the time of my other pal, Max Mania antics when he was on the council. See what happens when the city revises their code of ethics? They use it to avoid questioning from the media and the general public. Now of course Whetham is going to support the Humane Society, after all the director of the shelter gave him kudos on his face book page for running for city council two years ago, so he owes her! She may have even endorsed him for his run for Port Commissioner.





In other local news...
Clallam County sets hearings on budget that reinstates full work week for employees

Moving salmon pens from Port Angeles Harbor into Strait considered in light of Navy pier plan


Precipitation finally extinguishes Paradise Fire in Olympic National Park



False claims cannot be tolerated by Eloise Kailin, M.D.


Climate, culture and civilization in the energy balance


Profile: Michael Peters, CEO of Elwha Tribe


When the earth moves…


OMC grapples with growing health care demands


Chicken skin


Historic store for sale, memories free


NEWS FROM ACROSS THE STRAIT
Victoria halts payments over bridge steel quality


Missing Victoria man under investigation for fraud


Merritt-Coquitlam power line completed


WHAT'S ON TAP FOR NEXT WEEK:

CLALLAM COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEMS:
1) Amendment 5 with the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services for the
Recovery Youth Services program adding funding and extending contract
2) Agreement with Serenity House for case manager salaries and benefits for emergency shelter
program operation
3) Acknowledgement of proposals received for Housing and Homelessness Services

PORT OF PORT ANGELES COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEM:
AgForestry Leadership Program International Seminar –Thailand / Laos
The mission of the AgForestry Leadership Program is to be a “…leadership
development organization dedicated to advancing the natural resource industries
through enhanced understanding, education and empowerment of future leaders. I
applied for and was accepted into the program last year as part of the 37th class in the
program’s history. The program is 18 months long consisting of twelve three-day
seminars across the state of Washington, a seven-day seminar in Washington D.C. and
a fourteen-day international seminar. ---see further details


 CITY OF SEQUIM AGENDA ITEM HIGHLIGHT: Climate Disruption Letter to President Obama
Climate disruption is a threat to communities throughout the world. As a result of notice
from the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) and local residents, the City is
considering sending a letter to the President under the Mayor’s signature, which is
attached for your review. If sent after this meeting, the letter will arrive in advance of the
United Nations’ Climate Change Conference beginning on November 30th and urges
action on an international climate deal.---see full details/ and letter


The City of Port Angeles is accepting applications to fill a vacancy on the Planning Commission.

Planning Commission (1 MEMBER NEEDED): The members of the Planning Commission review and make recommendations to the City Council on land development actions including preparation of the City’s comprehensive plan. The Commission may also make recommendations to individual City departments for adoption of land use controls. The Commission has specific authority vested by the City Council to act as hearings board and approval body for certain land use issues. Planning Commissioners are appointed to four-year terms, with a limit of two consecutive terms. The Commission meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, at 6:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers.

Deadline: Open until filled.


Attention: Interested Applicants

Subject: Composite Recycling Technology Center Board of Directors Appointment Opportunity

The Composite Recycling Technology (CRTC) Board of Directors has called upon the City of Port Angeles to recommend a member to fill a board vacancy.
The City of Port Angeles recommends these qualifications for City CRTC board position:
• Track record of multiple years of successful entrepreneurship
• Demonstrated commitment and capability to illustrate innovation in work products
• Commitment to the economic future of Port Angeles
• Experience with advanced manufacturing
• Knowledge and expertise in the recycling industry, solid waste industry, or logistics of similar trades.
• Understanding of the Port Angeles community and the role of the local composite industry
Please be advised that any candidate for the CRTC Board of Directors selected by the City of Port Angeles will be a recommendation to the CRTC Board. The Board will maintain the final decision on the selection of a candidate. The Board of Directors expectations have been provided as an attachment to this City of Port Angeles Board Application.

How to Apply:
Download an application below, or pick one up from the City Manager’s Office in City Hall. For more information contact Jennifer Veneklasen, City Clerk at 360-417-4634 or jvenekla@cityofpa.us

DAILY DEVOTIONAL:
Jesus and the Bible
Many people today claim to believe in Jesus, and even praise His name, but do not follow the Bible. Sometimes you will hear such people say, “Our faith is in a living Saviour, not in a dead book!” Others will speak of their great love for the Lord, yet refuse to obey His plain commands in the Bible. Jesus spoke of such people when He said: And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? (Luke 6:46).---TRUTH FOR THE WORLD










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