WHILE PORT GET'S STUCK IN MUD, CITY GETS STUCK IN IRONY.

Readers, rarely do you have three local governmental bodies meet on the same week. That might had to do it being leap year, but having three meetings all in one week with the County, City, and Port, made for plenty of editorial fodder. While your's truly was mucking around in the mud down at Platypus, and writing several stories on the subject, I was just waiting to see how the other media outlets in town were going to report on the happenings of the other two meetings this week. Here is what they had to offer:

• Port Angeles taxpayers to pay city council members' ethics complaint legal fees---PDN

Quoting from the article posted: "At Tuesday's meeting, Dale Wilson said during a public comment session that Gase's and Kidd's legal fees could not be paid without a lawsuit or criminal charges being filed against them. City Attorney Bill Bloor, referring to Chapter 2.64.020 of the municipal code, said Wednesday that is not correct. Bloor said the complaint is considered a against Gase and Kidd that allows the two to defend themselves with taxpayer funds."---PDN
Another quote regarding the pipes: " Public Works and Utilities Director Craig Fulton said Wednesday the pipes don't need repairs and that with regular maintenance, the piping should be good for 10 to 15 years."---PDN

• Fishing for Irony---Port O Call

Quoting the article posted: "The discussion for spending $400 for a fishing derby lasted 20 minutes with Kidd, Gase and Collins arguing it is not in the budget and the city should not be funding agencies not in the budget.  “You argued for $15,000 for the EDC and that was not in the budget,” shot back councilman Lee Whetham.  “Now you can’t do the same thing for a $400 grant to help kids learn to fish, continued Whetham."

Editorial Comment: Two points I want to mention here from both of these stories. Though everyone including politicians have the right to be legally represented. Yes, according to the RCWs that public funds can be used for that legal representation.  Now, consider this readers, both Gase, and Kidd are probably well off financially, and they could probably afford lawyers out of their own pocket. So, why have the taxpayer flip the bill? Talk about irony! Some of those taxpayers are those who are against fluoridation to begin with. So in essence they be paying Gase, and Kidd's legal expenses during this ethics board hearing, now isn't that rich! Could it be, and I'm just guessing here it's their way of sticking it to those who dare to file ethic complaints? It's like saying: "You dare to file complaints against us, well we are going to do one better. We will hire high price lawyers at your expense." Not suggesting this is happening, but someone could make that assumption.

 Of course I'm just trying to fish more irony here readers. Port Of Call's Dale Wilson was correct pointing out the irony he cited regarding the mini fishing derby the folks who want to hold the event in Lincoln Park. The city is willing to spend taxpayers dollars on legal representation on those council members facing an ethics hearing but can't muster up $400 bucks for kids fishing derby. Here's a thought, one of these council members could cough up their monthly salary and pay for it out of their pocket.
Second point: How about those pipes from the fluoride plant or whatever you want to call it. Why do you think that those pipes has a life span of 10 to 20 years? Could it be because of a certain toxic element being pumped out through those pipes causing damage to the pipes. I would think pipes would last longer than 20 years don't you? How's that for irony?!

• Port of Port Angeles work session (featuring Platypus)---Clallam Public Eye (video)

• North Olympic Peninsula unemployment rate sees increase as labor force grows--PDN

Editorial Comment: These two stories I fine ironic as well, you can probably guess. If the Port don't come up with a solution fast regarding Platypus, those unemployment rates will increase by 70 people losing employment. You have to watch public eye's video of the Port Commission work session which features discussion between Platypus and the Port. Then you will get a clear picture of what I been harping about for the pass few days.

• Clallam County to auction surplus vehicles starting April 11

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Major cutbacks expected for salmon fisheries---SEQIUM GAZETTE

Related story: Specter of coastal salmon fishing ban haunts North Olympic Peninsula business, community leaders---PDN


Intense Wind, Rain and Flooding Hit Quinault Nation Again---FORKS FORUM


Port Townsend School District to seek superintendent immediately
School board agrees to begin search after Engle announces retirement---PTLEADER


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DAILY DEVOTIONAL
[ The Lord the Shepherd of His People ] [ A Psalm of David. ] The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.
Psalm 23:1-3 NKJV

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