Wild Olympics' Proposal Harnesses Economic Power of Public Lands, Supporters Say

A measure to protect land and waterways in Washington’s Olympic Peninsula will preserve environmental assets while creating jobs, supporters say. The days of “either/or” are over, says U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (D) of Washington’s 6th District.
U. S. Representative Derek Kilmer is a native of his home district, raised by two educators in Port Angeles, Washington. The city of 19,000 is the largest along the 90-mile northern coast of the Olympic Peninsula .
Kilmer speaks fondly of a childhood, “hiking the Hoh, paddling the sound.” The representative is a creature of his Northwest Washington district, most of which is characterized by rural and public land.
Kilmer, who was first elected to Congress in 2012, believes that activities like these are one of the key economic engines for rural communities. “There’s a lot of money, a lot of income, in outdoor recreation.”
Kilmer, collaborating with Washington Senator Patty Murray, hopes to strengthen his district’s economy by expanding recreation opportunities in the Olympic region. Their Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act has a goal of protecting more than 126,500 acres of Olympic National Forest as wilderness along with 19 rivers and their tributaries. Working with community partners in the Wild Olympics Campaign, Kilmer said his bill “has an eye toward the notion that you can both protect land and support job creation. It’s not an either/or approach. It’s a both/and.”
Further quote: " Some citizens on the Olympic Peninsula are opposed to the Wild Olympics plans, calling it “Obama’s land deal power grab.” Critics say that a Wilderness designation would limit access to public land, decrease a needed focus on wildfire prevention, and increase the federal deficit. They point to a history of mismanagement of local federal lands that they say could signal trouble to come.
Representative Kilmer says that the 2017 proposal takes these criticisms into account. The current Wild Olympics proposal is an outgrowth of “extensive conversations with local communities, Native American tribes, the timber industry, environmental groups, and small business owners throughout the Peninsula. We’ve figured out to how to thread the needle.” Input from Peninsula communities ensured that the legislative proposal was designed to have no impact on timber jobs and close no roads. As local efforts for the proposal move ahead, more than 700 local elected officials, businesses, hunting and fishing groups, and sport fishing entrepreneurs endorsed the legislation."
Sources: Congressman Kilmer web page share news article from the Daily Yonder.
http://kilmer.house.gov/news/in-the-news/wild-olympics-proposal-harnesses-economic-power-of-public-lands-supporters-say




For more national headlines see page 2

Recent tragedies highlight urgency for ‘credible’ and ‘safe’ pathways to Europe – UN refugee agency

UN NEWS SERVICE:  Recent tragedies highlight urgency for ‘credible’ and ‘safe’ pathways to Europe – UN refugee agency
30 May 2017 – Against the backdrop of more than 1,700 people having perished this year while undertaking perilous crossings across central Mediterranean Sea to reach mainland Europe, the United Nations refugee agency has appealed for “credible alternatives” to ensure accessible and safe ways for people in need of international protection to reach the continent.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=56858

Central African Republic: Amid fresh violence, UN rallies support for displaced
30 May 2017 – United Nations agencies are seeking to rally support for the people fleeing escalating violence in the Central African Republic (CAR), while the Organization's human rights office has called for the establishment of a strong justice system in the country.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=56857

With 'blue helmets' in harm's way every day, peacekeeping reforms and resources needed – UN chief
29 May 2017 – Marking International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, Secretary-General António Guterres today said that peacekeeping must have the tools and rules it needs to adapt to the dangerous and challenging environments they face.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=56854

UN risk reduction forum in Cancun closes with call to harness data
29 May 2017 – We can't change nature, but we can be prepared if we have the right information – that was the message from a major United Nations conference on risk reduction in Cancun, Mexico, which closed with a call for all countries to systematically measure losses from natural disasters.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=56856

Civilians in Syria must be spared from anti-ISIL airstrikes – UN rights chief
26 May 2017 – The United Nations human rights chief today urged all warring parties in Syria to take every feasible measure to spare the civilian population from the effects of the armed conflict, noting that civilians are increasing caught in fighting between the Government forces and the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh) terrorist group.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=56844

For more world news and events see page 2


Business and finance report can be found on page 3

NO UPDATE FOR TODAY

Readers, I'm taking the day off today. Hope you all have a great Memorial Day.
Tomorrow's publication will feature two reports Business news, and our regular world news and events. Enjoy the holiday everyone.

  
From a shared facebook photo

COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING HIGHLIGHT: LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR A SCHOOL BASED HEALTH CLINIC

Tuesday, the County commission will hold both their work session, and regular meetings due to the Memorial Day holiday. Both the city, and port have no scheduled meetings next week, so the only game in town is on the County Level.
The highlight item on the work session agenda is a letter regarding a letter of support for a school based health clinic.
Discuss letter of support encouraging the Port Angeles School Board to adopt a program for a School Based Health Clinic presented by the North Olympic Healthcare Network ( Port Angeles Schoof District, and Port Angeles Citizen Action Network.
See draft of letter being sent: http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=43&meta_id=10150
See full agenda: http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=43
Meeting will start at 9AM at the County Court House.

During the regular meeting starting at 10AM the agenda highlight item (s) are: 
Resolution adopting the following Budget Revisions:
Non Departmental – Hotel/Motel Tax – Reallocation of funds in order to make a onetime expenditure to Clallam County Public Works for the Olympic Discovery Trail Hwy 112 to Waterline Road – Bridge and Abutments project/$105,000
Department of Community Development – Approved in 2017 budget for the completion of the Shoreline Management Plan the funds need to be moved out of Code Enforcement Professional Services and added to the Long Range Planning Professional Services/$40,000
see details: http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=325&meta_id=10222

Resolution re-establishing the Clallam Bay-Sekiu Sewer Community Advisory Board
 The Board of Clallam County Commíssioners recognizes the valued consumers of having an Advisory Board to address their make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners rate structure, and billing disputes.
see for further details: http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=325&meta_id=10214

Resolution adopting the following Supplemental Appropriation:
Department of Community Development – Long Range Planning/Natural Resources –Professional services for the McDonald Creek Restoration – Feasibility/Implementation and extends the expiration date to 6-30-2018/$190,000
see for further details: http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=325&meta_id=10220
See full agenda: http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=325

 DAILY DEVOTIONAL:
 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.----Acts 20:24 NKJV
Free bible study offered by World Bible School
https://www.worldbibleschool.org/
Learn english using the bible as text (WEI)
http://www.worldenglishinstitute.org/


Editorial Note: Not much this week on the local level in this week's edition. Go and enjoy the Memorial Day holiday everyone.

Kilmer Presses Trump Administration Officials on Why Budget Proposal Cuts Manufacturing and Coastal Protection Initiatives that Help Olympic Peninsula

Washington, D.C. – Today, during a House Appropriations Committee hearing, Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA) pressed Trump Administration officials for answers as to why programs that create jobs and protect rural communities are cut in their proposed budget. Kilmer asked the Secretary of Commerce, Wilbur Ross, why a program that provided a key investment to help Port Angeles’s Composite Recycling Technology Center open was slated for elimination. He also sought an explanation for the zeroing out of an initiative that helps rural communities on the coast counter rising sea levels and tsunami threats.
The Port Angeles composite center won federal grants through the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration and recently received the 2017 Washington Manufacturing Award from Seattle Business Magazine.
Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross appeared before the Commerce, Justice, Science, and related agencies.
Kilmer pointed out the importance of the Administration to the Port Angeles project, and others like it.
Kilmer said: “Before I came to Congress I worked in economic development professionally and worked often with the only agency at the federal level whose sole purpose is economic development and that’s the Economic Development Administration. I represent a district that has a lot of areas that are really struggling. My hometown of Port Angeles is one of those distressed communities. And with the help of the EDA’s Regional Innovation Strategies Program we started up a composite recycling center in that town with an investment of $500,000 which is a drop in the bucket for the federal government.  The recycling center is going to establish a new industry and bring much needed jobs into an area that needs it. I am perplexed that the Department would choose to eliminate one of the federal government’s strongest supporters of job creation. I know that the rationale is stated as it being duplicative. I would love to understand what programs EDA is duplicative of and what’s the rationale for eliminating it.”
read full statement: 


Editorial Comment: When I first heard of the opportunity of having a high tech trade like composites, I thought it would be under private business hands, not funded by government handouts. It was good to have the assistance of the government in this new industry to start it, but at some point you have to prove if your new product can be marketed in the private sector not continually funded by government grants, and loans. When does it fall into private hands Congressman Kilmer? If the composite trade is a boon it should survive the private sector, right now all they seem to be building out of the composites are park benches! So, we are getting governmental grants, and loans for park benches....something wrong with that picture?

For more state related news see page 2

Kilmer & Heck Speak Out Against President Trump’s Budget Proposal that Eliminates Investments in Puget Sound

Washington D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and Denny Heck (WA-10), co-founders of the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus, spoke out against President Trump’s budget proposal which would completely eliminate several key programs that promote restoration efforts in the Puget Sound region.
“Puget Sound is an iconic body of water that is vital to our economy and to who we are as Washingtonians,” said Kilmer. “The President’s budget does not reflect this. President Trump has pledged to work for clean water and good jobs but his proposal would devastate efforts to restore shellfish beds, revitalize salmon runs, and recover the Sound for future generations. The federal government needs to be a partner in making the Sound healthy again. As Vice Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee I will fight back against this completely irresponsible plan.”
“While I’m frustrated the Trump Administration continues to attack critical funding for Puget Sound recovery, the Constitution gives Congress the ‘power of the purse,’ not the President,” said Heck. “My colleagues on both sides of the aisle have shown concern regarding the President’s budget proposal, and I look forward to working with them to prevent these thoughtless cuts.”
Clean water in Puget Sound is essential to support 3,200 shellfish jobs that generate $184 million in revenue each year. 80 percent of statewide tourism and recreational dollars are tied to Puget Sound. The state’s marine industry – which includes fishing fleets, ports, and seafood processors – generates $30 billion annually.
Every EPA dollar spent on Puget Sound recovery efforts has leveraged more than $24 in matching funds from other federal agencies and local partners, including the state, tribes, and non-profits.
The President has proposed eliminating millions of dollars in investments across several programs and agencies that all work collectively to protect clean water and promote healthy salmon and shellfish habitat throughout the Puget Sound as well as other coastal areas across the country.
These cuts include:
$28 million from the Puget Sound Geographic Program which supports grants to state, local and tribal governments to help implement Washington's Puget Sound Action Agenda.
$65 million from the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund which was established by Congress in order to prevent the extinction of 28 listed Pacific salmon and steelhead species, by supporting conservation efforts in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Alaska.
More than $700 million from State and Tribal Assistance Grants which help to support state and tribal government efforts to implement programs to promote air and water quality and meet their requirements under federal laws such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and the Safe Drinking Water Act.
$27 million from the National Estuary Program that supports water quality and habitat recovery efforts in the Puget Sound and 27 other estuaries throughout the country.
Congressmen Kilmer and Heck co-founded the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus in 2013 as part of their ongoing commitment to preserving Puget Sound. The three priorities of the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus are: preventing pollution from urban storm water runoff, protecting and restoring habitat, and restoring and re-opening shellfish beds----from a press release posted on May 23rd.
http://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-and-heck-speak-out-against-president-trumps-budget-proposal-that-eliminates-investments-in-puget-sound

For more news from our congressional delegation to Washington DC, and Advocacy awareness see page 2

WHITE HOUSE RELEASES THE 2018 BUDGET, SOME CLAIM IT TARGETS THE DISABLED.

First let us take a look at some white house briefings on the subject of the proposed budget:

WH: Off-camera Briefing of the FY18 Budget by Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney.
" How do we get there?  Amongst other things, we’ll talk about that.  We talk about this in terms of tax policy.  We talk about capital investment.  Right now, one of the things that touches on the budget and how we get 3 percent growth, we need folks to work.  We do.  We need people to go to work.  If you're on food stamps, and you're able-bodied, we need you to go to work.  If you're on disability insurance and you're not supposed to be -- if you're not truly disabled, we need you to go back to work.  We need everybody pulling in the same direction.
I think the difference right now between the U3 and the U6 unemployment rate -- I’ll look at this, don't want to get this wrong -- remember U3 is the unemployment rate as we look at it; and then U6 is the unemployed, plus the marginally attached, plus part-time for economic reasons, right?  So it’s folks who want to work more but can't.  That's the difference between U3 and U6 -- U3 unemployed, U6 unemployed plus folks who aren’t working enough but want to.  That's 6.8 million people.  Okay?  We want those folks to work.  We need them to work.  They want to work as evidenced by the fact they're part-time against their will.
This is one of the things the budget focuses on.  We go through the various reforms that we talk about.  There’s a dignity to work, and there’s a necessity to work to help the country succeed.  And we need everybody to pull in the same direction."

DIRECTOR MULVANEY:  "And the no’s -- well, we’ll do the -- and we’ll talk about that in a second.
The no’s were all Social Security and Medicare.  That's it.  He said, I promised people on the campaign trail I would not touch their retirement, and I would not touch Medicaid.
And we don't do it.  I honestly was surprised that we could balance the budget without changing those programs, but we manage to do that.  We’ll talk about how we did that in a second.
At the same time, before I get the question -- people are going to say, oh, but Social Security disability insurance is part of Social Security.  If you ask 999 people out of 1,000 would tell you that Social Security disability is not part of Social Security.  It’s old-age retirement that they think of when they think of Social Security.  In fact, the paid parental leave program that we are running, we are running it through the unemployment insurance program.  And I think a couple of states right now actually that do it at the state level run it through their disability program.  That does not mean that paid parental leave is unemployment or disability any more than the Social Security disability insurance program is part of Social Security.  It just happens to be where they are structured."
Q    But how do you stand behind a budget that doesn't deal with those two issues?  I understand the President doesn't want to.  But you voted for programs that -- in that past that --
DIRECTOR MULVANEY:  I absolutely did.  And I made the case for why those programs needed to be reformed.  The President said, no, I’m going to keep my promises.
And I said, well, I’d still like to balance the budget.
He goes, I still want you to balance the budget, just don't do it changing these programs.
And we were able to do it.  You asked the question about, how does 3 percent economic growth contribute to that?  It actually does help the program, as you can probably imagine, as more people go into work -- and the President talked about this a little bit I think on the campaign trail -- as people come -- that U3-U6 split, which again is like 6 million people, if those folks go back to work full-time, they're now paying into the system.  If the folks who are on Social Security disability insurance who are not supposed to be, if they go back to work, they're paying into the system, and they're not taking out of the system.  So it does make the programs healthier.  It does not solve their long-term deficiencies.
See full White House press briefing: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/05/22/camera-briefing-fy18-budge-omb-director-mulvaney

Editorial Note: I agree that only people should be getting assistance from governmental benefits, are truly disabled, and can't work.  Not those who have two good legs, and arms, who can work yet, get government handouts, like food stamps, and disability pension. I think this is what the proposed 2018 budget is addressing, not the following story which sets the tone just by the words they use to make Trump out as a person who is a bigot toward people with disabilities.

CENTER FOR AMERICAN PROGRESS: President Donald Trump’s hateful rhetoric about people with disabilities during the presidential campaign is no longer just words. Now his budget threatens to set disability rights and inclusion back 50 years or more by stripping away critical protections and slashing vital programs that ensure basic living standards for the 1 in 5 Americans with disabilities. Meanwhile, despite media reports to the contrary, his budget breaks one of his core campaign promises: not to cut Social Security.
President Trump’s budget proposal would be especially damaging to veterans and people living in rural areas, who are especially likely to be disabled. What’s more, his budget proposals would disproportionately harm the very areas that shifted toward Trump during the 2016 election. New analysis from the Center for American Progress reveals that in counties that shifted most heavily toward Trump in 2016—where he performed at least 15 percentage points better than Mitt Romney in 2012—the share of people who report having a disability is 28 percent higher than the national average. Here is how President Trump’s budget would harm people with disabilities.
See full article: https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/economy/news/2017/05/23/432851/trump-budgets-attack-people-disabilities/

Editorial comment: Note the language being used in the article, you can tell the authors are just out to cause fear, and blinded by their own hate toward Trump to see how things really are in the disability community. Many would happy as clams if they were able to break free from the chains of governmental hand outs, and be making money on their own. However, there are those out there who commit welfare, and medicare fraud the above article never even mentions. It's time to weed out the dead beats who have been taking money from those who are really in need. Read what was actually been said in the White House briefing, and compared to what was reported in the Center for American Progress, and ask, who is it really preventing all in America towards progress in becoming self sufficient. It sounds to me those who want to keep disabled in the poor house are the ones who wants to  keep the disabled (like me) be subject to whims the democratic party, what do you think? It's the DEMOCRATS who want us to be kept in poverty!

Related stories: US DEPARTMENT OF LABOR RELEASES FISCAL YEAR 2018 BUDGET REQUEST
WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta today released the fiscal year 2018 budget request for the U.S. Department of Labor. It supports President Donald J. Trump’s plan to invest in priorities that will help American workers develop the necessary skills to meet the demands of a 21st century economy and get good, safe jobs, provide working families access to paid leave, assist employers in meeting their responsibilities under worker protection laws, and restore fiscal responsibility.
Refocuses the department’s commitment to people with disabilities by launching a new demonstration project, jointly funded with the Social Security Administration, to test interventions that promote the labor force participation of people with disabilities and prevent permanent labor force detachment resulting from illness or injury.
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/opa/opa20170523

Editorial note: Does this sound like an administration who hate's people with disabilities?

For more national news headlines see page 2

UN: Deeply Concerned by Military Escalation in Libya following Attack on Air Base, Secretary-General Calls upon All Parties to Exercise Restraint

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:
The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the military escalation at the Brak al-Shati air base in southern Libya and calls on all parties to exercise restraint and restore calm.  He is particularly disturbed by the high number of fatalities as well as reports of summary executions of civilians, which, if confirmed, may constitute war crimes.  The continued insecurity in Libya is a reminder that there is no military solution.  The Secretary-General therefore urges all key Libyan stakeholders to recommit to the political dialogue and engage constructively towards that goal.
The Secretary-General appreciates the efforts of a number of regional and neighbouring countries for their contributions aimed at strengthening the dialogue between key stakeholders in support of the overall United Nations-led process.---from press release issued 5. 23. 17
http://www.un.org/press/en/2017/sgsm18526.doc.htm



For more world news and events see page 2

U.S. Department of Commerce Initiates Investigation of Imports of Civil Aircraft from Canada

“The U.S. market is the most open in the world, but we must take action if  our rules are being broken” said Secretary Ross. “While assuring the case is decided strictly on a full and fair assessment of the facts, we will do everything in our power to stand up for American companies and their workers.”
If the Commerce Department determines that Canadian civil aircraft are being dumped into the U.S. market, and/or receiving unfair government subsidies -- and the U.S. International Trade Commission determines that dumped and/or unfairly subsidized Canadian imports of civil aircraft into the United States are causing harm to the U.S. industry -- then the Commerce Department will impose duties on those imports in the amount of the dumping and/or unfair subsidization found to exist.
Although Canadian civil aircraft subject to these investigations have not yet been imported into the United States, an April 2016 press release announcing the sale of Canadian civil aircraft to a U.S. airline valued the order to be in excess of $5 billion.
The estimated dumping margin alleged by the petitioner is 79.82 percent and the unfair subsidies are estimated to be 79.41.  Commerce has initiated an investigation into 14 alleged subsidy programs.
Next Steps:
During the Commerce Department investigations into whether Canadian civil aircraft are being dumped and subsidized, the U.S. International Trade Commission will conduct its own investigations into whether the U.S. industry and its workforce are being harmed by such imports.  The ITC will make its preliminary determinations on or before June 12.  If the ITC preliminarily determines that there is threat of injury then the Commerce Department investigations will continue, with a preliminary countervailing duty determination in July 2017, followed by a preliminary antidumping determination in October 2017, unless these deadlines are extended.
If the Commerce Department preliminarily determines that dumping or subsidization is occurring, then it will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to start collecting cash deposits from all U.S. companies importing the subject civil aircraft from Canada.
Final determinations by the Commerce Department in these cases are scheduled for October 2017 for the countervailing duty investigation, and December 2017 for the antidumping duty investigation, but those dates may be extended.  If either the Commerce Department does not find that products are being dumped or unfairly subsidized, or the U.S. International Trade Commission does not find in its final determination there is harm to the U.S. industry, then the investigations will be terminated and no duties will be applied.---From a press release issued May 18th.
See full statement: https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/05/us-department-commerce-initiates-investigation-imports-civil-aircraft

For more business and finance news see page 2

Port Announces New Tenant at Airport Industrial Park

The Port of Port Angeles is pleased to announce that Airborne Environmental Control Systems (AECS), a New York-based aerospace company, has signed a five-year lease for 5,000 square feet in the Multi-Tenant Industrial Building at the Port’s Airport Industrial Park to set up manufacturing operations. They currently have substantial military contracts with several key Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM).  AECS works directly with companies such as Raytheon, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Boeing, Airbus Defense and Sierra Nevada Corporation.  AECS also engages in opportunities with several international entities who support DoD, NATO and joint allied initiatives.
AECS will initially invest over $200,000 in tenant improvements as part of its phased move to Port Angeles. AECS plans to invest in design, development, rapid prototyping and high tech manufacturing equipment at the Port Angeles site, and wants to expand to 15,000-25,000 square feet in future years. The company estimates that 18 to 20 employees will be hired in the first year, and a total of 80 to 100 over a period of five years as AECS grows and additional products are produced in-house.
AECS designs and manufactures airborne environmental control systems (ECS) for both airborne and ground-based military platforms, as well as thermal solutions for fixed and rotary wing aircraft cabin and avionics cooling systems. Its founder and CEO William (Bill) Lee grew up in Joyce, and has family in Clallam County. Mr. Lee has over 30 years of experience in the aerospace Industry with Fortune 500 companies such as Rockwell Collins, GE Aviation, Moog and Boeing, including 17 years living outside of the US supporting commercial aerospace, the US Department of Defense and NATO.
From the AECS web site: “The highly flexible, scalable nature of our products makes them a perfect fit for markets around the world, including defense contractors, the military, security agencies and civil aviation. Regardless of application complexity or mission demands, AECS systems deliver a strategic advantage thanks to their ultralight construction and unprecedented thermal control.”
“We are excited about having a very high quality aerospace manufacturer come to Port Angeles and have Bill Lee ‘come back home’ after his travels and work around the world,” stated Port Commissioner, Connie Beauvais.    “Adding this business to the cadre of family wage jobs in our county will help provide career opportunities for our young adults.”
The cooperation and efforts of Impact Washington, the Washington Business Alliance and the Washington State Department of Commerce were integral in bringing Airborne ECS, Inc. to Clallam County.
“We are delighted to welcome Airborne ECS to Washington! Commerce’s top priority is strengthening communities through strong local partnerships,” stated Brian Bonlender, Washington State Commerce Director.   “This project is a fine example of what can be achieved by putting a rural focus on our aerospace sector strategy for economic development. Thank you to Impact Washington, Clallam County EDC, the Port of Port Angeles and everyone who played a role in delivering good jobs and growth potential to the Port Angeles community.”  ---press release issued May 18th
http://www.portofpa.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=147
To learn more about AECS, visit http://airborneecs.com/


For more local news and happenings see page 2

KILMER: House Democrat Budget & Appropriations Leaders Call on Congress to Raise the Spending Caps

Washington, D.C. – Today House Budget Committee Ranking Member John Yarmuth, House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Nita Lowey, Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, House Budget Committee Vice Ranking Member Pramila Jayapal, and House Appropriations Committee Vice Ranking Member Derek Kilmer joined with representatives from NDD United at a press conference calling on Congress to raise the 2018 spending caps. If no action is taken, Congress will face irresponsible and arbitrary austerity-level caps that threaten our country’s economy, security, and standing as a global leader.
The members also called for Congress to continue the tradition of parity—equal amounts of spending increases for defense and nondefense programs—that previous bipartisan agreements on the spending caps have implemented.   In contrast, President Trump’s budget blueprint increased defense spending levels at the expense of nondefense investments, a short-sighted and cold-hearted proposal that guts services and programs vital to American families.
“The current 2018 spending caps are far too low and would leave our country unable to make investments critical to our families, our economy, and our security,” said Yarmuth. “Unfortunately, President Trump’s budget blueprint takes us in the wrong direction, cutting even more funding for programs that support health research, environmental protection, housing programs, diplomacy initiatives, and much more. Members of Congress of both parties have the responsibility – and the opportunity -- to invest in both non-defense and defense spending, boost economic development, and guarantee that every American family has the chance to build a better future. We’ve raised the caps in a bipartisan manner before, and we must do so again.”
“A failure to raise existing spending caps on defense and nondefense – combined with our late start and an erratic President who seems to want a government shutdown – would set this year’s Appropriations process up for failure,” said Lowey.  “We need a budget framework that makes it possible for Congress to pass responsible spending bills, and fulfill our responsibilities at home and abroad.  Democrats will again work in good faith in this critical process, but we will not help pass spending bills that jeopardize investments in hardworking American families.”
"I was proud to stand with my Democratic colleagues and NDD United this morning to call for robust investment in our domestic priorities," said Hoyer. "On Tuesday, the President is expected to unveil a budget that busts through spending caps for defense while slashing domestic investment, which are also critical to our defense. We can't have a secure nation if our citizens aren't educated, aren't healthy, and don't have access to opportunities. Democrats will continue to demand parity between defense and non-defense spending, and I urge my Republican colleagues to reject the Trump budget and work with us to raise the caps."
"This budget is more than just numbers on a page—it represents our moral values and our commitment to the future of this country. Trump’s proposed budget eliminates funding for crucial Community Development Block Grants like Meals on Wheels and Head Start programs for kids, it slashes funding from the EPA and eliminates 3,200 jobs across the country," said Jayapal. "It is a cruel joke on working people. We need a budget that makes us healthier, safer and better off. Now is the time to invest in communities, working families and job growth—that’s an effective budget, and it’s the vision I intend to fight for."---From a press release issued May 18th Congressman Kilmer.
Read more: http://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/house-democrat-budget-and-appropriations-leaders-call-on-congress-to-raise-the-spending-caps

For News from OLYMPIA and other state news see page 2



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KILMER: New Zealand Embassy hosts Regional D.C. Fly-In delegation

As part of the 2017 Regional D.C. Fly-In we were honored to be hosted at the New Zealand Embassy for an international trade policy reception. Attendees heard from New Zealand Ambassador Timothy Groser and Congressman Derek Kilmer on the importance of trade, good trade policy, and diplomacy.
http://kilmer.house.gov/news/in-the-news/new-zealand-embassy-hosts-regional-dc-fly-in-delegation

Deploying service members could end TV, internet contracts without fees under Costello bill
Deploying active-duty service members could terminate television and internet service contracts without penalty under bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S Rep. Ryan Costello (R-PA) last week.
The measure, which Costello introduced with U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA), would expand protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) to ensure active-duty troops aren’t penalized with termination fees when they’re given orders to move or deploy.
http://kilmer.house.gov/news/in-the-news/deploying-service-members-could-end-tv-internet-contracts-without-fees-under-costello-bill

Congressman Kilmer: Trump won't deal with voter suppression
U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer slammed President Trump for making “spurious claims” of voter fraud following the announcement of a new executive order Thursday calling for a new commission to examine voting irregularities.
The president has claimed — without a hint of evidence — that millions of people illegally cast votes in the November 2016 election. Trump lost the popular vote by approximately 3 million votes, but gained the presidency through a win in the Electoral College.
http://kilmer.house.gov/news/in-the-news/congressman-kilmer-trump-wont-deal-with-voter-suppression

 GAO Requested to Study Restoring FAA Commercial Space Office to Secretary's Level
Three members of the House have sent a letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) requesting a study on the feasibility of elevating the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA's) Office of Commercial Space Transportation (FAA/AST) to the Secretary of Transportation's office. Advocates believe that would facilitate getting needed financial and personnel resources to allow the office to fulfill its duties as the commercial space launch business expands.
http://kilmer.house.gov/news/in-the-news/gao-requested-to-study-restoring-faa-commercial-space-office-to-secretarys-level

Murphy, Kilmer Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Declaring May as “Mental Health Month”
WASHINGTON, DC - Today Rep. Tim Murphy (R-PA) and Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA) introduced H.R. 320, a bipartisan resolution declaring May as "Mental Health Month," to bring awareness for the need to address our nation's mental health and addiction crisis. While over 43 million Americans suffer from mental illness, and nearly 10 million suffer from severe mental illness such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, too many go without evidence-based treatment. Every day, 950 lives are lost, directly or indirectly, to mental illness.
http://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/murphy-kilmer-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-declaring-may-as-mental-health-month

For more news from our congressional delegation to Washington DC, and our Advocacy Notebook see page 2

WH: Presidential Executive Order on the Establishment of Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in order to promote fair and honest Federal elections, it is hereby ordered as follows:
Section 1.  Establishment.  The Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity (Commission) is hereby established.
Sec. 2.  Membership.  The Vice President shall chair the Commission, which shall be composed of not more than 15 additional members.  The President shall appoint the additional members, who shall include individuals with knowledge and experience in elections, election management, election fraud detection, and voter integrity efforts, and any other individuals with knowledge or experience that the President determines to be of value to the Commission.  The Vice President may select a Vice Chair of the Commission from among the members appointed by the President.
Sec. 3.  Mission.  The Commission shall, consistent with applicable law, study the registration and voting processes used in Federal elections.  The Commission shall be solely advisory and shall submit a report to the President that identifies the following:
(a)  those laws, rules, policies, activities, strategies, and practices that enhance the American people's confidence in the integrity of the voting processes used in Federal elections;
(b)  those laws, rules, policies, activities, strategies, and practices that undermine the American people's confidence in the integrity of the voting processes used in Federal elections; and
(c)  those vulnerabilities in voting systems and practices used for Federal elections that could lead to improper voter registrations and improper voting, including fraudulent voter registrations and fraudulent voting.
Sec. 4.  Definitions.  For purposes of this order:
(a)  The term "improper voter registration" means any situation where an individual who does not possess the legal right to vote in a jurisdiction is included as an eligible voter on that jurisdiction's voter list, regardless of the state of mind or intent of such individual
(b)  The term "improper voting" means the act of an individual casting a non-provisional ballot in a jurisdiction in which that individual is ineligible to vote, or the act of an individual casting a ballot in multiple jurisdictions, regardless of the state of mind or intent of that individual.
(c)  The term "fraudulent voter registration" means any situation where an individual knowingly and intentionally takes steps to add ineligible individuals to voter lists.
(d)  The term "fraudulent voting" means the act of casting a non-provisional ballot or multiple ballots with knowledge that casting the ballot or ballots is illegal.
Sec. 5.  Administration.  The Commission shall hold public meetings and engage with Federal, State, and local officials, and election law experts, as necessary, to carry out its mission.  The Commission shall be informed by, and shall strive to avoid duplicating, the efforts of existing government entities.  The Commission shall have staff to provide support for its functions.
Sec. 6.  Termination.  The Commission shall terminate 30 days after it submits its report to the President.
Sec. 7.  General Provisions.  (a)  To the extent permitted by law, and subject to the availability of appropriations, the General Services Administration shall provide the Commission with such administrative services, funds, facilities, staff, equipment, and other support services as may be necessary to carry out its mission on a reimbursable basis.
(b)  Relevant executive departments and agencies shall endeavor to cooperate with the Commission.
(c)  Insofar as the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. App.) (the "Act"), may apply to the Commission, any functions of the President under that Act, except for those in section 6 of the Act, shall be performed by the Administrator of General Services.
(d)  Members of the Commission shall serve without any additional compensation for their work on the Commission, but shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, to the extent permitted by law for persons serving intermittently in the Government service (5 U.S.C. 5701-5707).
e)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(f)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(g)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
DONALD J. TRUMP THE WHITE HOUSE, May 11, 2017.
Source The White House posted May 11th
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/05/11/presidential-executive-order-establishment-presidential-advisory


For more national news headlines see page 2

UN NEWS CENTER: Spreading violence in Central African Republic sets off 'loud alarm bells' – UN human rights chief

From the UN NEWS CENTER:
Spreading violence in Central African Republic sets off 'loud alarm bells' – UN human rights chief
16 May 2017 – The United Nations human rights chief today expressed grave alarm over the spread of violence by armed groups against the civilian population in several parts of the Central African Republic in recent months, as well as attacks against UN peacekeepers in the country's southeast.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=56760

Sexual violence in conflict ‘legitimate threat’ to peace and security – UN deputy chief
15 May 2017 – Although global understanding of sexual violence in conflict is shifting, there remains the need to tackle the root causes of such violations that lie in fundamental inequality and discrimination against women, Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed told the United Nations Security Council today.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=56758

UN chief condemns DPR Korea’s ballistic missile launch
15 May 2017 – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today urged Pyongyang to return to the path of denuclearization saying the latest ballistic missile launch by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) is a threat to peace and security in the region.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=56757

Amid ‘dramatic’ climate changes, UN launches plan to step-up polar weather and sea-ice monitoring
15 May 2017 – With relatively little data available about the Earth’s Polar Regions – posing risks for people and the environment – the United Nations weather agency has kicked off of a two-year international effort to close gaps in polar forecasting capacity and to improve future environmental safety at the farthest reaches of the planet.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=56755

At China's Belt and Road Forum, UN chief Guterres stresses shared development goals
14 May 2017 – Speaking at a major international conference in Beijing, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today drew comparisons between China's 'One Belt, One Road' initiative and the Sustainable Development Goals, saying both are rooted in a shared vision for global development.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=56751

More world news and events on page 2

WA STATE COMMERCE DEPT: CDBG General Purpose Grants

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) General Purpose Grants are made available annually through a competitive application process to assist Washington State small cities, towns and counties in carrying out significant community and economic development projects that principally benefit low- and moderate-income persons. The Washington State CDBG Program is funded by the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
xamples of eligible General Purpose Grant activities include:

Public facilities, such as water, wastewater and streets
Community facilities, such as community centers, fire stations, homeless shelters and child care facilities
Economic development, such as microenterprise assistance and public infrastructure
Affordable housing and housing rehabilitation
ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES

Eligible applicants are Washington State cities and towns with less than 50,000 in population or counties with less than 200,000 population not participating in a CDBG Entitlement Urban County Consortium.
Special purpose districts, public housing authorities, port districts, community action agencies, economic development councils, other non-profit organizations, and Indian tribes are not eligible to apply directly to the state CDBG Program for funding, but may be a partner in projects and subrecipient of funding through eligible jurisdictions.
Projects must principally benefit low- and moderate-income persons, or aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight.
Local governments may submit only one application each annual funding cycle, unless one of the applications is for local micro-enterprise assistance.
http://www.commerce.wa.gov/serving-communities/current-opportunities/community-development-block-grants/cdbg-general-purpose-grants/




For more business and finace report see page 2

CITY OF PA TACKLES ETHICS TUESDAY

Ethics Ordinance
Background/Analysis:
The City’s Ethics Code was developed in 2012 as a policy that outlines, in part, the City’s behavioral expectations of elected and appointed officials. It established a “Code of Ethical Conduct,” adding a new Chapter to the Port Angeles Municipal Code. Prior to 2012, the City relied on State law, specifically Chapter 42.23 RCW, Code of Ethics for Municipal Officers.
Between February and May of 2016, four ethics complaints were filed, all alleging
Councilmembers had violated Section J of the Ethics Code. It should be noted that the complaints came during a controversial time for the Council. Unlike other boards and commissions that meet routinely and have established past practices, the Board of Ethics had never met. Council agreed that, once the complaint processes were complete, Council would review how the process worked and, if appropriate, make adjustments to the ordinance. ( see page G-1 in council packet for further details)

Other items on Tuesday's evening agenda include: 

Ordinance Proposing Adjustments to Medic 1 Utility Fee
AN ORDINANCE of the City of Port Angeles, Washington, amending Title
13, Chapter 13.73 of the Port Angeles Municipal Code relating to  Medic 1 utility rates Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Pump Station 7 Reconstruction Purchase Agreement & Sole Source Resolution ..
Summary: The Fire Chief made a presentation to Council at the May 2, 2017 meeting. An overview of the Fire Department staffing situation was delivered, and proposed rate adjustments to the Medic 1 utility were presented which would fund the addition of four Firefighter/Paramedics. After that presentation, some minor adjustments to the rates were made in order to address concerns that were brought up during the comment period. Those adjustments are reflected in the proposed ordinance

Capital Facilities Plan / Continue the Public Hearing / Conduct Second Reading / Approve Resolution .
Summary: The Capital Facilities Plan and Transportation Improvement Plan (CFP/TIP) are a required component of our Comprehensive Plan. In order to be eligible for some loans and grants the project must be listing in the City’s CFP.
Clallam County Economic Development Corporation – 2017 Contract On December 6, 2016 City Council approved the 2017 Budget with $5,000 allocated to Clallam County Economic Development Corporation (EDC). The City has been presented with the EDC’s standard contract for approval which is also utilized by other supporting government entities
See full city council agenda: http://wa-portangeles.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/3890


Clallam County Work Session agenda highlight item (S) for Monday May 15th
EXECUTIVE SESSION - May 15 at 1:00 p.m.
The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has requested an Executive Session with the Board of Commissioners, the County Administrator, the Director of Community Development, the Director of Human Resources/Risk Department..  
The purpose of this session is to discuss with the Board of Commissioners the status of a lawsuit captioned as "Judy Lee v. Clallam County, Clallam County Board of Appeals."  The lawsuit is filed in Kitsap County Superior Court under #16-2-02354-3.  It is a challenge by a land use applicant to the December 15, 2016 decision of the County Board of Appeals regarding the proper building code to apply to the Lee application.  The lawsuit is a Petition under the Land Use Petition Act, Ch. 36.70C RCW asserting the December 15, 2016 decision is erroneous and should be overturned.  This matter is set for oral argument on the merits on June 19, 2017 before Judge Jeffrey Bassett in Kitsap County.
Discussing such matters in executive session is appropriate because public knowledge of the discussion would reveal the County’s legal strategies and likely result in an adverse legal or financial consequence to the agency.  RCW 42.30.110 (1)(i) expressly authorizes a governing body to convene an executive session for the above-described purposes, specifically actual litigation against the County.
The Board may recess into Executive Session to consider employment or dismissal of personnel, to review the performance of a public employee, to consult with legal counsel, to consider the position to be taken in collective bargaining, to consider acquisition or sale of real estate, or other matters per RCW 42.30.110
Details: http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=41&meta_id=9631

Agreement with City of Port Angeles for field tests of commercial HVAC efficient pumping system through retrofitting commercial HVAC pumping systems with integrated variable speed HVAC pumping system Participation Agreement with the City of Port Angeles on a BPA sponsored pilot program. This agreement will replace (1) Courthouse and (3) Juvenile facility motors with high efficiency motors and will be assessed for possible implementation in a region uride energy efficÍency program.
Details: http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=41&meta_id=9614

See full work session agenda: http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=41

County Commission regular session on Tuesday agenda items highlights

Agreement with Jamestown S’Kallam Tribe for restoration services for the Lower Dungeness River corridor on lands that are within the floodplain restoration project area
Jamestown SKlallam Tribe provides restoration services - planting, vegetation management, and other activities - for the lower Dungeness River corridor on lands that are within the floodplain restoration project area. The Interlocal Agreement continues work that has been done through a previous Interlocal Agreement (attached), outlines the work to be done, and the compensation for the work" The restoration services outline in the agreement are funded by Ecology's Floodplains by Design grant.
Details: http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=146&meta_id=9668

Letter of support for Pennies For Quarters for their efforts towards ending veterans homelessness
Executive Summary:
The Clallam County Commissioners recognize the sacrifices made for its citizens by the men and women that served in all branches of the Armed Forces. We further recognize that for various reasons there are tens of thousands of homeless veterans living Ín the United States, and that there are hundreds that have been documented living within Clallam County. The Board supports Pennies For Quarters in their efforts to end veteran homelessness in Clallam County.
Details: http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=146&meta_id=9666

Agreement with United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Olympic National Forest to perform noxious weed control activities
This is a request to enter into a participating agreement to perform noxious weed control activitíes on behalf of the USDA Forest Service.
Details: http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=146&meta_id=9670
See full agenda: http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=146


PORT OF PORT ANGELES AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEMS (Meeting is on Tuesday at 9:AM)

An excerpt of the letter drafted to Congressman Kilmer:

Proposed Letter to Representative Derek Kilmer
Dear Congressman Kilmer,
The Port of Port Angeles (Port) wants to express its support for your efforts to re-authorize the Secure Rural Schools Program. The Port appreciates you joining with Clallam County Commissioner Randy Johnson to co-author the March 27th editorial in the Peninsula Daily News. The editorial provided North Olympic Peninsula residents an excellent overview of the issue.
The federal government owns and manages much of the land base in this region. It is vital that our communities continue to receive federal support since these lands are exempt from property taxes which fund much of the services in this area. Reduced timber harvest on federal lands has contributed to the continuing importance of the Secure Rural Schools Program. As you know, 2015 was the last year the program was authorized. The hardships from the lack of funding continues to grow.
Thank you for co-sponsoring this important legislation.
Olympic Peninsula Timber Supply
The Port of Port Angeles’s responsibility under its enabling legislation is to promote economic prosperity for Clallam County. The forest products industry continues to play a vital role in the economy of the North Olympic Peninsula. However, past decisions on the management of federal and state lands have reduced the supply of timber on the Olympic Peninsula, with dramatic, and long-lasting impacts to our economy and communities. 
See full letter in the Port Commission meeting packet
http://www.portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/05162017-242

Other highlighted items include:
Resolution 17-1149 Authorization of CERB Funding Application
BACKGROUND:
The Port is in the process of applying for funding under the State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) Committed Private Partner grant and loan program. This potential funding will be used to assist in improvements to the Port’s Multi-Tenant Industrial Building (MTIB) to support private business Airborne Environmental Control Systems (AECS). esolution 17-1149 Authorization of CERB Funding Application

Association of Washington Business Membership
BACKGROUND:
Formed in 1904, the Association of Washington Business is Washington’s oldest and largest statewide business association, and includes nearly 8,000 members representing 700,000 employees. AWB serves as both the state’s chamber of commerce and the manufacturing and technology association. 90 percent of AWB members employ fewer than 100 people and more than half of AWB’s members employ fewer than 10.
During the August 22, 2016 Commission Meeting joining the Association of Washington (AWB) Business was discussed and the Commission chose not to join AWB.  Resolution 17-1148 WSDOT Grant Application Airport Master

In other regional local meetings...
CLALLAM COUNTY PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 1
COMMISSION MEETING NOTICE FOR May 15, 2017
Commissioner Work Session
A Commissioner work session will begin at 1:30 p.m. and will be held in the Lake Crescent Boardroom at the District’s Main Office, located at 104 Hooker Road in Carlsborg. The purpose of the work session is for staff to present information related to activities towards meeting 2016/17 conservation targets, as mandated by the Energy Independence Act, as well as planning activities towards establishing a new target for 2018/19. The District’s INSPIRED solar incentive program will also be discussed.
https://www.clallampud.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Preagenda-May-15-2017.pdf

PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEMS
Ordinance 3172 Related to Short Term Rental of Property; Establishing Land Use Development Regulations; Establishing or Amending Business Tax and License Regulations; Establishing Initial and Ongoing Application Processes; Amending Lodging Tax Requirements; Amending Titles 3, 5 and 17 of the Port Townsend Municipal Code, and Lifting a Moratorium
Action: Move to approve Ordinance 3172 Related to Short Term Rental of Property; Establishing Land Use Development Regulations; Establishing or Amending Business Tax and License Regulations; Establishing Initial and Ongoing Application Processes; Amending Lodging Tax Requirements; Amending Titles 3, 5 and 17 of the Port Townsend Municipal Code, and Lifting a Moratorium.

Resolution 17-025 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Partnership Agreement with the Port Townsend School District, Jefferson County Hospital District, Jefferson County, and the Olympic Peninsula YMCA for a Feasibility Determination Regarding Combined Use of the Mountain View Campus
Action: Move to approve Resolution 17-025 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Partnership Agreement with the Port Townsend School District, Jefferson County Hospital District, Jefferson County, and the Olympic Peninsula YMCA for a Feasibility Determination Regarding Combined Use of the Mountain View Campus.

Resolution 17-026 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with the Jefferson County Public Hospital District and Jefferson County to Implement the Community Health Improvement Plan Partnership
Action: Move to approve Resolution 17-026 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with the Jefferson County Public Hospital District and Jefferson County to Implement the Community Health Improvement Plan Partnership.
See full agenda for further details: http://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=1133


Jefferson County Commission agenda item Highlight items
AGREEMENT re: Appraisal Services to Support Land Acquisitions for the Purpose of Floodplain Restoration and Salmon Recovery; In the Amount Not to Exceed $20,000; Jefferson County Public Health; Epic Land Solutions, Inc
See full agenda: http://test.co.jefferson.wa.us/WebLinkExternal/0/edoc/1684439/A051517.pdf

OMC BOARD MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEMS
PET CT Imaging Agreement –Scott Kennedy, MD, CMO/Safety Officer
See full agenda: http://www.olympicmedical.org/pdfs/AGENDA%20-%20May%2017%202017.pdf

LOCAL NEWS STORY SPOTLIGHT
From the Forks Forum: QVP&RD Seeking Opportunity Funds
The Economic Development Corporation announces that the Clallam County Opportunity Fund Advisory Board will hold a board meeting from 10 – 11:30 a.m. Thursday, May 18, at the Lincoln Center, 905 West 9th Street, Port Angeles, Washington on the second floor in room 230.
http://www.forksforum.com/news/qvprd-seeking-opportunity-funds

DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.---Proverbs 31:30 NKJV

Learn English using the bible as text, lessons offered by WEI
http://www.worldenglishinstitute.org/
Free bible study offered by WBS
https://www.worldbibleschool.org/
Come join us in worship in the Port Angeles Church of Christ services start at 11:00AM
http://www.pacofc.org/

Agriculture and industry among top priorities for upcoming Washington trade delegation to Mexico

Representatives from Washington state, including Gov. Jay Inslee, will participate in a trade mission to Mexico later this month.The delegation of about 40 people will visit Guadalajara, Jalisco and Mexico City from May 15 through May 19.
Participants include the governor, representatives from the state departments of Commerce and Agriculture, the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, the Trade Development Alliance of Greater Seattle, local business leaders and other government representatives.
“Washington state has a long history of trade and cultural ties with Mexico. States are currently playing an increasingly important role in maintaining and growing important relationships with our international trade partners,” Inslee said.“Washington farmers and food producers rely on exports to keep our state’s farms, ranches and food processors strong to grow our economy and create jobs.”
“Mexico is an important trading partner for Washington agriculture and a key market for many of our commodities,” said Washington State Department of Agriculture Director Derek Sandison. “Last year, Mexico imported $313 million of Washington’s food and agriculture products. I am eager to join Gov. Inslee, Commerce Director Brian Bonlender and the other delegates in demonstrating just how much we value our customers in Mexico and the trade relationships we enjoy.”
The agriculture delegation will be composed of dairy industry representatives.
For Washington’s agricultural sector, Mexico is a valuable and important trading partner:
Washington ships more dairy products to Mexico than to any other country. Mexico imported $72 million worth of Washington dairy products in 2016.
Overall, Mexico was the seventh-largest export market for all Washington state food and agricultural products in 2016.
Mexico is a top market for several Washington products, including apples, hop extract, malt and tallow.
“Global demand for protein-rich dairy is rising,” said Scott Kinney, CEO of the Dairy Farmers of Washington.“That’s good news because dairy exports create Washington jobs and lift the state’s economy. In fact, dairy exports alone represent $317 million in economic impact to our state. The Dairy Farmers of Washington are proud to join Gov. Inslee’s delegation to Mexico — one of our biggest export partners.”  
“Regions of the world where cooperation and cross border engagement is strong have prospered by doing so. Mexico is among the top destinations for Washington state products and services. Our trade relationship increases both economic activity and regional stability.  The healthier that relationship, the more it helps strengthen communities throughout North America,” said Commerce Director Brian Bonlender.
The trade mission will start May 15 in Guadalajara, where Washington delegates will meet with Jalisco government officials. A representative in Mexico for the Washington Apple Commission and Northwest Cherries Association will lead delegates on a tour and hold meetings with representatives of a Mexican wholesale produce market.
The delegation will travel to Mexico City May 17 for meetings with the North American regional director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Latin America deputy director of the Food and Drug Administration. The delegation plans to hold a series of discussions on the North American Free Trade Agreement and meet with representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as the ministries of Economy and Energy.
Inslee will join the delegation May 19 when he will meet with Secretary of Foreign Affairs Luis Videgaray, Secretary for the Environment Rafael Pacchiano Alamán, Secretary of Agriculture José Eduardo Calzada Rovirosa and U.S. Ambassador Roberta Jacobsen, and other high ranking government officials.
Inslee and Videgaray intend to sign a memorandum of understanding on clean energy.
Inslee, Sandison and Bonlender will hold a phone briefing for Washington state and national media on Friday, May 19th.  More details with time and call-in number to come. ---from a press release issued May 9th
http://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/agriculture-and-industry-among-top-priorities-upcoming-washington-trade-delegation-mexico




For more state news from Olympia see page 2

US SENATORS CANTWELL AND MURRAY BELLYACHES OVER FBI DIRECTOR'S CANNING

Sen. Murray Issues Statement After President Trump Fires FBI Director James Comey
May 09 2017
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement:
 “It is deeply troubling that in the middle of the investigation into the Trump campaign, the President has removed the very person responsible for getting the American people the answers they deserve. The timing of this is suspect at best. It is abundantly clear that we need a special prosecutor to get to work immediately to get a full grasp of the Trump campaign’s ties to Russia so the public finally knows what happened, who was involved, and why. The importance of moving this investigation outside of the Administration’s reach cannot be overstated.”
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=D8585FD2-01AA-46DE-8A59-B93236296027

Sen. Murray: “This is a critical moment in our nation’s history”
Washington, D.C. – Today, Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) called on her colleagues in the Senate to support a special prosecutor to take over the investigation into the Trump campaign’s connections to Russia. Sen. Murray has been pushing for an independent investigation for months, but the urgency reached a new level yesterday when President Trump fired FBI Director James Comey, the person responsible for the investigation.

Excerpts of Sen. Murray’s speech below:
 “… what happened yesterday was truly shocking, and this is coming from someone who didn’t think that was possible any more with this President. But if anyone was wavering before, if anyone wanted to give this Administration just a bit more time, I am hoping they’ve been paying attention to the events of the past 24 hours, because it’s hard to stay on the fence right now.”
 “So right now, it could not be more clear:  It’s time for a special prosecutor, who can run an independent investigation far from the reach of President Trump and his Administration, to take the case and finally get the answers the American public deserves.”
 “Mr. Trump may think he can bully his way to a lucrative real estate deal—or bully the press—or even bully his way to the White House. That he can fire anyone, including the Deputy Attorney General, a U.S. Attorney, or the FBI Director, if they dare to get in his way or investigate his wrongdoing. But President Trump should not—he cannot—bully his way out of an investigation, especially not when so much is at stake.”
 “As of noon today, my office had been flooded with hundreds of calls. The phones are ringing off the hook. On the other end of the line are the people we represent. They are picking up the phone and trying to get through to every one of us in the Senate. They want answers – and they deserve them. So M. President, let’s get to the bottom of this for once and for all—for the people we represent, and for the integrity of our elections and our very democracy.”---press release issued May 10th
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=D476C480-D1B0-4239-BA80-5FF886857DAA

Cantwell Statement on the Firing of FBI Director James Comey
WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) issued the following statement in response to the firing of FBI Director James Comey.
“People are sitting at home, knowing that the Russians have interfered with our elections and now they see that this is the third person that's been fired by this administration. People want to know, was this because someone was closing in on information about that investigation that might have incriminated people within the administration? My constituents want answers about who knew about the Russian interference. My colleagues in the Senate and House Intelligence and Judiciary Committees are going to continue to investigate, but we need a special independent prosecutor to get the answers for the American people and demand accountability,” said Senator Cantwell.--press release issued May 9th
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-statement-on-the-firing-of-fbi-director-james-comey

For more news from our Congressonal Delegation to Washington DC , and advocacy headlines see page 2

WH: Presidential Executive Order Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty

From a White House press release issued

PROMOTING FREE SPEECH AND RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, in order to guide the executive branch in formulating and implementing policies with implications for the religious liberty of persons and organizations in America, and to further compliance with the Constitution and with applicable statutes and Presidential Directives, it is hereby ordered as follows:
Section 1.  Policy.  It shall be the policy of the executive branch to vigorously enforce Federal law's robust protections for religious freedom.  The Founders envisioned a Nation in which religious voices and views were integral to a vibrant public square, and in which religious people and institutions were free to practice their faith without fear of discrimination or retaliation by the Federal Government.  For that reason, the United States Constitution enshrines and protects the fundamental right to religious liberty as Americans' first freedom.  Federal law protects the freedom of Americans and their organizations to exercise religion and participate fully in civic life without undue interference by the Federal Government.  The executive branch will honor and enforce those protections.
Sec. 2.  Respecting Religious and Political Speech.  All executive departments and agencies (agencies) shall, to the greatest extent practicable and to the extent permitted by law, respect and protect the freedom of persons and organizations to engage in religious and political speech.  In particular, the Secretary of the Treasury shall ensure, to the extent permitted by law, that the Department of the Treasury does not take any adverse action against any individual, house of worship, or other religious organization on the basis that such individual or organization speaks or has spoken about moral or political issues from a religious perspective, where speech of similar character has, consistent with law, not ordinarily been treated as participation or intervention in a political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) a candidate for public office by the Department of the Treasury.  As used in this section, the term "adverse action" means the imposition of any tax or tax penalty; the delay or denial of tax-exempt status; the disallowance of tax deductions for contributions made to entities exempted from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of title 26, United States Code; or any other action that makes unavailable or denies any tax deduction, exemption, credit, or benefit.
Sec. 3.  Conscience Protections with Respect to Preventive-Care Mandate.  The Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall consider issuing amended regulations, consistent with applicable law, to address conscience-based objections to the preventive-care mandate promulgated under section 300gg-13(a)(4) of title 42, United States Code.
Sec. 4.  Religious Liberty Guidance.  In order to guide all agencies in complying with relevant Federal law, the Attorney General shall, as appropriate, issue guidance interpreting religious liberty protections in Federal law.
Sec. 5.  Severability.  If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any individual or circumstance, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of its other provisions to any other individuals or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.  
See more: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/05/04/presidential-executive-order-promoting-free-speech-and-religious-liberty

For more national news headlines see page 2

UN: United Nations Welcomes Release of Chibok Schoolgirls in Nigeria, But Remains Concerned about Those Still Held Captive

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:
We welcome the release of an additional 82 of the Chibok schoolgirls abducted by the Boko Haram insurgent group in April 2014.
We remain deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of the schoolgirls and other victims still in captivity.
We appeal to all Nigerians, including the families and local communities of the liberated girls, to fully embrace them and provide all necessary support to ensure their reintegration into society.  We also urge the international community to continue supporting the Government of Nigeria in its efforts to ensure the release, rehabilitation and reintegration of all Boko Haram victims.
We also call for the provision of urgent financial support to prevent the worsening of the food security situation in the north-east of Nigeria and other parts of the Lake Chad Basin, and reiterate the continued commitment of the United Nations in this regard.
http://www.un.org/press/en/2017/sgsm18512.doc.htm


Related story: Nigeria: Welcoming release of 82 Chibok girls, UN urges support for their rehabilitation
8 May 2017 – Welcoming Saturday’s release of 82 of the schoolgirls abducted from the Nigerian town of Chibok by the Boko Haram insurgent group three years ago, the United Nations has called for continued global support for the country’s efforts to release, rehabilitate and reintegrate all Boko Haram victims.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=56707


For more world news and events see page 2

WSDA: Season to treat invasive spartina starts in June

OLYMPIA — This year’s treatment season for spartina, an aggressive noxious weed, starts in June and will continue through November, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) announced today. Survey and eradication efforts will take place in multiple areas, including Grays Harbor, Hood Canal, Willapa Bay, Puget Sound, the north and west sides of the Olympic Peninsula and at the mouth of the Columbia River.
Commonly known as cordgrass, spartina can disrupt the ecosystems of native saltwater estuaries. If left unchecked, spartina outcompetes native vegetation and converts ecologically healthy mudflats into solid spartina meadows. The invasive species destroys important migratory shorebird and waterfowl habitat, increases the threat of flooding, and negatively impacts the state’s shellfish industry.
An encouraging development in 2016 was the eradication of spartina from six sites. That brings the total number of previously infested sites now declared eradicated to 49, or 28% of all the spartina sites tracked by the program. The eradication effort has been effective over the past 14 years with the state’s infestation reduced from a high of more than 9,000 solid acres in 2003 to about five solid acres this year.
Since 1995, WSDA has served as the lead state agency for spartina eradication, facilitating the cooperation of local, state, federal and tribal governments; universities; interested groups; and private landowners. These cooperators last year located and treated over 44,000 individual spartina plants.
This year, project partners expect to survey more than 80,000 acres of saltwater estuaries and 1,000 miles of shoreline in 12 counties. WSDA and its partners will dig out small infestations by hand and treat larger sites with herbicides.
“Our goal is to eradicate Washington’s remaining spartina infestations and prevent re-infestation of previously cleared areas,” said Jim Marra, manager of WSDA’s Pest Program. “This effort has protected and restored many of the state’s most productive shoreline habitats. This summer the cooperators continue the challenging work of finding and removing the thousands of spartina plants remaining in the Puget Sound and along Washington’s coast.”
Go to www.agr.wa.gov/plantsinsects/weeds/Spartina to see progress reports on spartina control efforts.
press release issued May 5th
Source: http://agr.wa.gov/News/2017/NR2017-05-05SpartinaTreatmentSeasonStartsInJune.aspx

For more business and finance news see page 2

Resolution and Certification/Designation Form designating the Clallam County Economic Development Corporation as the Associate Development Organization (3a)*

County Commission happenings

Monday's work session agenda highlight item(s)
Resolution and Certification/Designation Form designating the Clallam County Economic Development Corporation as the Associate Development Organization (3a)*
The BOCC received just one proposal to its RFP to coordinate economic development services for Clallam County, under a two year contract with the WA State Department of Còmmerce, as the Assocíate Development organization (ADo) for the county as listed in RCW 43.330.0g0. The proposal from the Clallam County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) was reviewed by the County Administrator, for compliance with the RFP and RCW lequirereìts, ãnd was found to be in compliance.
see further details: http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=40&meta_id=9416
Editorial Note: This item is also on the County's agenda for Tuesday for consideration.

Status report regarding Planning Commission deliberations on zoning updates related to vacation rentals and bed & breakfast inns
Executive Summary:
The Board held a public hearing on April tL, 20L7, on recommended updates to the Clallam County Zoning Code related to vacation rental and bed & breakfast inn uses of a single-family dwelling. The Board did not take any action and requested the Department to take back to the Planning Commission for further consideration on a number of issue areas. The Planning Commission met on April 19 and May 3, 20t7, to consider the areas of remand by the Board.
http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=40&meta_id=9414

Briefing regarding non-profit agency, Pennies for Quarters process of creating a housing support system for homeless veterans
Matthew Rainwater has asked for time to brief the BOCC on plans for his non-profit agency, Pennies for Quarters, as they begin the process of creating a housing support system for homeless veterans.
http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=40&meta_id=9418
See complete work session agenda: http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=40

Tuesday's regular session agenda item highlights
 Adopting an ordinance creating a chapter in the Clallam County Code title Public Records and a Resolution repealing Policy 320 and replacing it with Policy 321 – Public Records
An ordinance creating a chapter in the Clallam County Code titled Public Records
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF CLALLAM COUNTY COMMISSIONERS:
Section xxx.010, Purpose, is created to read as follows:
The purpose of this Chapter is to ensure compliance with the provisions of Chapter 42.56 RCW
and other applicable laws relating to disclosure and production of public records. The citizens of
Clallam County insist on remaining informed and do not give their public servants the right to
decide what is good for the people to know and what is not good for them to know.
See details: http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=145&meta_id=9452
See full agenda: http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=145

City council happenings....
City Council Special Meeting Notice for May 9th
Notice is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Port Angeles will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, May 9, 2017, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 321 East Fifth Street.
The purpose of the meeting is for Councilmembers to attend a Town Hall Meeting. The topic of discussion will be heroin, its impact on the community, and what is being done to address the problem.
Members of the public are encouraged to attend the Town Hall and ask questions of a panel of professionals who are working together in an effort to solve the problem. The panel will be made up of law enforcement officers, medical professionals, social service professionals, and others. A moderator will assist in fielding questions from the public.
http://wa-portangeles.civicplus.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=407

Port held a special meeting on Friday, topics of discussion were:
A. CFPC-Alcan Lease
B. Airborne ECS Lease
See agenda: http://www.portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/05052017-241

Editor's note: Looks like another rush job by the Port that didn't have any staff reports attached on the two topics, or at least 48 hrs notice wasn't given.

Other local and regional meetings next week...

City of Sequim agenda Highlight: Letter of support Electric Vehicle Charging Grant
See full agenda for details: http://www.sequimwa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1628

City of Forks agenda highlight: Resolution with WSDOT and the FAA for Quillayute Airport maintence grant
see agenda for details: http://forkswashington.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/agenda5817.pdf

Jefferson County Agenda Highlight: RESOLUTION NO. ______ re: Temporary Road Closure on Old Gardiner Road, M.P. 1.72 to M.P. 1.84, County Road No. C501109; Jefferson County Public Works
See full agenda for details: http://test.co.jefferson.wa.us/weblinkexternal/0,0,0,0/edoc/1683271/A050817.pdf

City of Port Townsend Special meeting
Agenda topic: Ordinance 3173 Related to Floodplain Regulation; Updating Floodplain Regulations and Adopting Certain Amendments to the Narrative Text and Tables of Chapter 16.08 (Flood Damage Prevention) and Chapter 20.01 (Land Development Administrative Procedures) of the Port Townsend Municipal Code
Action: Move to approve first reading of Ordinance 3173 Related to Floodplain Regulation; Updating Floodplain Regulations and Adopting Certain Amendments to the Narrative Text and Tables of Chapter 16.08 (Flood Damage Prevention) and Chapter 20.01 (Land Development Administrative Procedures) of the Port Townsend Municipal Code
See agenda for details: http://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=1206

In cased you missed it, the OMC board met May 3rd, see their agenda on what was discussed
http://www.olympicmedical.org/pdfs/AGENDA%20-%20May%203%202017.pdf

Board Meeting Wednesday, May 10 at Central Services
Port Angeles, Wash. - The Port Angeles School District Board of Directors will hold a regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Central Services Building, 216 East Fourth Street.
Directors will hold an executive session from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., followed by the 7:00 p.m. meeting. The regular meeting is open to the public. Executive sessions are closed.

 CLALLAM COUNTY PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 1
COMMISSION MEETING CANCEL NOTICE FOR MAY 8, 2017
There will be no meeting of the PUD Commissioner on Monday, May 8. The next meeting will
be a Commissioner work session to be held on Monday, May 15, 2017 at the PUD Main Office,
located at 104 Hooker Road in Carlsborg
https://www.clallampud.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Preagenda-May-8-2017.pdf

Local news story spotlight report
SEQUIM GAZETTE: Earthquake studies are next topic of Sequim Science Café
Liz VanBoskirk, a field engineer studying tectonic events along the Cascadia and Juan de Fuca subduction zones, is the featured guest at the next Science Café, sponsored by the Sequim Education Foundation.
The event is at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, at the Paradise Restaurant, 703 N. Sequim Ave., and is free and open to the public.
http://www.sequimgazette.com/news/earthquake-studies-are-next-topic-of-sequim-science-caf/

Daily Devotional
Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
James 5:16 NKJV
Free bible study offered by World Bible School
https://www.worldbibleschool.org/

Inslee statement on U.S. House of Representatives passage of legislation to repeal the Affordable Care Act

“Today is a shameful day in American history. Republicans in Congress have voted to strip health care coverage from over 700,000 Washingtonians, and to remove the guarantee that all Americans cannot be denied coverage or charged more because they have a pre-existing condition. Their actions today threaten the health and financial security of millions of American families and undermine our health insurance markets, resulting in likely premium spikes. We have made great progress in Washington state's health care system through bipartisan work and support, yet Congress is now threatening to throw it all away in favor of poorly-conceived partisan legislation.
“I am proud that eight members of Washington's House delegation - two Republicans and all six Democrats - voted against this bill for the harm it would cause our state. I urge the United States Senate to reject the legislation passed today in the House, and I urge Washingtonians to continue making their voices heard as Congress considers taking our country in the wrong direction.”
Earlier this week, Gov. Jay Inslee wrote to all members of the Washington Congressional Delegation urging them to oppose the American Health Care Act, or "Trumpcare" - Republican legislation to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The ACA has helped Washington reduce its uninsured rate from 14 percent to under 6 percent. The rate of annual premium increases has fallen from 18 percent to 6 percent, and the ACA leveled the per-capita costs of serving Medicaid clients. The ACA has supported 51,000 new jobs in Washington and cut hospitals’ uncompensated care costs nearly in half. ---press release issued May 4th
http://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-statement-us-house-representatives-passage-legislation-repeal-affordable-care-act

For more state news see page 2