Saturday, November 14, 2015

NOT EVERY ONE GETS TO VOTE ON FLUORIDE SURVEY MAILED OUT

 By, Peter Ripley Publisher

Readers, last Friday the Peninsula Daily News reported that the fluoridation surveys were mailed out to water utility customers. See their report they posted last Friday:
Related story, from last week's edition of the PDN: Fluoridation survey to be mailed out today to water users in Port Angeles area

So, readers here's yours truly sat waiting to receive my survey question, and low and behold I come to find out since those who like me, live in Housing Authority housing projects which Housing pays for the water bill, we don't get to vote on the subject on whether or not the city should continue adding fluoride in the city water system! Your truly wrote the following email to the local mayor and council:

Mr. Mayor, and Council
The surveys have been mailed out last Friday on the fluoridation issue right? How come I hadn't got mine? I live in one of the housing authority apt buildings. Live in PA. Should my neighbors and me be getting these questionnaires too?
One City Council member did respond, Dan Gase responded with the following email:
Hi Peter,
Just to verify, yes, the surveys have been mailed out. I received mine on Tuesday.
If you receive a utility bill for water in your name you should receive a survey. If by some chance you pay your electricity but the complex you reside in pays the water bill then you most likely will not receive a survey.
Dan Gase Councilmember, City of Port Angeles

You tell me readers is that fair? Granted one could argue that those who don't get to vote on the survey can express their opinion by voting in the general election between the two contenders in the last city council race between Kidd and Bateham. Of course if that is under the assumption all those 1800 votes that went to Bateham were voting on the fluoride issue alone, but there is no way of telling the motives of the voters.

Remember readers, the city is banking on this survey to help to decide on continuing the program of adding fluoride to the city water system. They rejected the idea of placing this issue as a ballot measure in the general election. It was Gase who stated to yours truly sometime ago that just having registered voters have a say on the issue, would exclude people who don't vote during the general elections! How ironic! Now you have water utility rate payers having a say on this matter, but excluding a section of the community in particpating in the survey simply because the Housing Authority pays the water bill! They should have done both putting this issue on the ballot of the general election, and done the survey to the water utility rate payers that way all citizens would participate in the process, and none would feel left out.

Related stories from the PORT O CALL: Women lead the way on health issues including Fluoridation
In our local duke-out over continued fluoridation of our water, let’s  remember women like Alice Hamilton, Rachel Carson and Erin Brockovich.---PORT O  CALL DATED 11/ 12/15


Fluoride, Teeth, and the Atomic Bomb
" Today, two thirds of U.S. public drinking water is fluoridated. Many municipalities still resist the practice, disbelieving the government’s assurances of safety.' ----PORT O CALL/ CSMONITOR




In other local news...

Clallam County commissioners rescind taxing district set up five years ago to pay for Striped Peak Road safety improvements
PORT ANGELES — Clallam County has rescinded a junior taxing district that was set up five years ago to pay for safety improvements to Striped Peak Road. County commissioners voted 3-0 Tuesday to rescind a September 2010 resolution that created the Striped Peak Road Improvement District west of Port Angeles near Freshwater Bay.---Peninsula Daily News


Port Angeles port to seek property tax increase of 1 percent
" Commissioners Jim Hallett and Colleen McAleer may seek the full increase allowed by law. Commissioner John Calhoun voted against introducing the resolution, which commissioners must adopt at their Nov. 24 meeting when they consider approving their 2016 budget of $16,964,832. If they pass the resolution in two weeks, they will bypass a guideline called the Implicit Price Deflator, which would tie tax increases to the rate of inflation"---Peninsula Daily News


 Movie focuses in on tribal fishing rights
Magic of Cinema and the Peninsula College House of Learning Longhouse will host a screening of Sandra Osawa’s “Usual and Accustomed Places” from 12:30-2:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13, in the Peninsula College Longhouse.---SEQUIM GAZETTE


Soroptimist International of the Olympic Rain Forest offer scholarships
Applications are now available for the Diane Demorest Nursing Scholarship. Although Diane Demorest was only 43 when she died of cancer, her love of nursing and caring for people lives on through this scholarship named in her honor.---FORKS FORUM


JCHS collects stories, hosts events for West End Weekend, Nov. 13-14
Jefferson County Historical Society’s (JCHS) seventh annual West End Weekend, taking place Nov. 13-15, focuses on the theme of logging on the Olympic Peninsula.---PT Leader


PTSD board gets first look at Grant Street design
With voter approval, Port Townsend school officials plan to open a brand new Grant Street Elementary by the start of the 2018-19 school year.---PT LEADER


NEWS FROM ACROSS THE STRAIT

Trudeau orders ban on oil tankers off B.C. north coast


Trudeau directs reopening of Coast Guard base, action on Fraser salmon


NHL player to plead guilty in grizzly kill: Crown


WHAT'S ON TAP FOR NEXT WEEK:

CLALLAM COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHT: 
Notice of hearing to be held December 1 at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. regarding the proposed
2016 Clallam County Budget and consideration of general fund and road levies

CITY OF PORT ANGELES MEETING AGENDA HIGHTLIGHT: 2015 Hydrogeologic Services Feasibility Study 
Summary: The City of Port Angeles is exploring the development of new ground water sources to supplement the City’s current surface water sources from the Elwha River. The ultimate goal of the project is to lessen the City’s demand on its Elwha River surface water source. The City has contracted with Robinson Noble to provide a groundwater source feasibility assessment to define the possibility of producing groundwater from one or more wells within or in proximity to the City limits.
Funding: As of November 12th, the 2015 Water Utility Fund for Professional Services (402-7380-
534-4150) has a balance of $119,630.71 with a sufficient unobligated amount for this change
order.
Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Manager to sign Amendment No. 1 to the
2015 Hydrogeologic Services Feasibility Study Professional Services Agreement with RobinsonNoble in the amount of $2,500 for an agreement total of $27,310, and to make minor modifications to the agreement if necessary. 

PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEM:

Ordinance 3137, Related to Interim Land Use Regulations in the Vicinity of 6th and 10th Streets and Howard Street and Discovery Way; Re-Enacting and Extending Ordinances 3130, 3124, 3116 and 3111 (which Amend Chapters 17.18 and 17.20 of the Port Townsend Municipal Code) for an Third Additional Six-Month Period or Until the City Finishes the Process of Code Review and Amendment Relating to Zoning in the Affected Area

Action: Move to Waive Council Rules and approve Ordinance 3137, Related to Interim Land Use Regulations in the Vicinity of 6th and 10th Streets and Howard Street and Discovery Way; Re-Enacting and Extending Ordinances 3130, 3124, 3116 and 3111 (which Amend Chapters 17.18 and 17.20 of the Port Townsend Municipal Code) for an Third Additional Six-Month Period or Until the City Finishes the Process of Code Review and Amendment Relating to Zoning in the Affected Area.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL:
How the Holy Spirit Bears Fruit
The Bible clearly teaches that Christians are to bear fruit. Jesus said, Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh it away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he cleanseth it, that it may bear more fruit (John 15:2). Jesus expects His followers to bear much fruit: Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; and so shall ye be my disciples (John 15:8).----TRUTH FOR THE WORLD





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Saturday, November 7, 2015

VOTER TURN OUT HELPED MAKE THE CASE ON FLUORIDE DEBATE, EVEN THOUGH THE ANTI-FLOURIDE CANDIDATE DIDN'T WIN.

By Peter Ripley, Publisher
Readers, last week I mentioned that the election between Bateham and Kidd could be a defining factor on the attitude of local voters feelings over the fluoridation issue. Now, keep in mind this was a county wide election, not just for the City Council elections. Secondly, keep in mind out of the 47,509 ballots mailed out, only 22,696 were cast, and out of that roughly if my calculations  are correct little over 10,000 were cast for the city of Port Angeles races. Take note of the numbers voted in the race between Bateham verses Kidd: results from PA City Council Race:
CITY OF PORT ANGELES Council Position No. 7
Candidate Vote Vote %
Dan Bateham
1,867 44.69%
Cherie Kidd
2,311 55.31%
Total Votes (not including write-ins) 4,178

Now note the votes cast on the other city council positions:

CITY OF PORT ANGELES Council Position No. 5
Candidate Vote Vote %
Michael Merideth
2,253 57.46%
Marolee Smith
1,668 42.54%
Total Votes (not including write-ins) 3,921
Precinct Results »
CITY OF PORT ANGELES Council Position No. 6
Candidate Vote Vote %
Sissi Bruch
2,813
Total Votes (not including write-ins) 2,813
See full election results: http://results.vote.wa.gov/results/current/clallam/

From the votes cast one might assume a connection that the fluoride issue was a contributing factor here right?

The outcome of the race between Bateham and Kidd might have a different result, if Bateham hadn't withdrawn of the election in September, just two months away from the general election. As I stated before that normally when one withdraws from a race they usually say: “ If elected I will not serve” , but in this case Bateham kept his foot in the door by saying the exact opposite saying, “If elected he would serve” leaving open the assumption that either he was taking on the role as a phantom candidate, who is just avoiding the public, and media attention. His reason he gave and still gives that it was a family emergency and medical crisis. If he would have just given a little more detail than just what he shared, I think the voting public would have been more understanding, than they were during election night.
Which by the way was more than yours truly got during the election I was involved with two years ago. Bateham out did me by roughly 200 votes, totaling 1800 he managed to get for his first time out. That was pretty good considering the mood of the voters. That's 1800 votes who were probably voting for the sake of the fluoride issue more than anything else, and perhaps the 1800 that did vote for Bateham voted despite that he walked away from the campaign, decided to show charity.  Which now will be up to the survey opinion poll which was mailed out to Port Angeles utility payers. Now that the election is over, the true measure of the fluoride issue will have to stand on it's own merits via the survey questions being mailed out. Perhaps the survey poll will give a clearer picture now that the races for city council have been all but settled. The question now is, will the council abide by the will of the people? Or will it be business as usual and play Big Brother? And finally, Bateham earned himself political capital with his 1800 votes in his pocket, what he chooses to do with it, will be up to him.




Related stories...
CLALLAM COUNTY ELECTION: Incumbent Cherie Kidd leads in Port Angeles City Council race
PORT ANGELES — Incumbent City Council member and former Mayor Cherie Kidd led in the voting against veterans advocate and fluoridation opponent Dan Bateham for Position 7, according to Election Night totals.---Peninsula Daily News


Open letter to Port Angeles City Council by Dr. Eloise Kailin
" This community, and most notably its medical professionals have been seriously misled by deliberate withholding of critical information." ---PORT O CALL dated 11/3/15


Fluoridation survey to be mailed out today to water users in Port Angeles area
PORT ANGELES — It's show time for fluoridation, with 9,669 municipal water users in the spotlight. After more than a year of intense public debate, advisory surveys will be mailed out today asking if the city should continue fluoridating the water system past May 18 as a means of fighting tooth decay.---Peninsula Daily News


 CLALLAM COUNTY ELECTION 2nd UPDATE: Second count sees no changes in outcomes from Tuesday's results; Sequim school bond 0.45 percentage points from passage
PORT ANGELES — Outcomes of races in Tuesday's general election held firm today (Friday), with a Sequim school bond measure just barely missing passage, after the Clallam County Auditor's Office tallied 8,935 late-arriving ballots.


In other local news...
Election update: Sequim school bond count now 0.5 percent short of passing
A $49.3 million Sequim school construction bond saw ballot totals rise to 59.55 percent, just short of the 60 percent "super majority" it needs to be approved.---SEQUIM GAZETTE


Logging and Mill photos to go on display
On Friday, Nov. 13, the ONRC, 1455 S. Forks Ave., will host the work of John Tylczak. Tylczak came to the West End in the 1980s and photographed area logging and mill activities and the people that worked the jobs. The photos are black and white.---FORKS FORUM


Keeping up on the media
The media is in the spotlight these days, and not just because the Republican candidates for president have decided that the real problem with America is the media.---PT LEADER

* Apparently the author is not aware of any other media outlet here on the Peninsula other than the radio stations mention, and the Peninsula Daily News! Boy, do I feel like been given the cold shoulder! I imagine out local outlets are feeling the same thing!

NEWS FROM ACROSS THE STRAIT:
Victoria ponders later wakeup call for park campers
Homeless people might be allowed to sleep later in Victoria parks after the city reviews its parks bylaw. Councillors Ben Isitt and Jeremy Loveday won backing from their colleagues when they called for a legal review in the wake of a B.C. Supreme Court ruling dealing with homeless people sleeping in parks in Abbotsford.----TIMES COLONIST/ VICTORIA BC


Derelict house troublesome for Fernwood residents
A roofless house in Fernwood that is fenced off and littered with construction equipment is quickly becoming an eyesore and generating concern from neighbours that it’s attracting the wrong type of attention.---VICTORIA NEWS/ VICTORIA BC


The evolution of Fisherman’s Wharf
When David Leff opens the patio door of his 1,300 square-foot home, a small boat is floating at his feet, ready for action---VICTORIA NEWS/ VICTORIA BC



WHAT'S ON TAP FOR NEXT WEEK:

CLALLAM COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA ITEM HIGHLIGHT:
 Tentative settlement agreement with Teamsters Local 589 regarding wage reduction grievance
See full agenda: http://websrv7.clallam.net/forms/uploads/bocc_meeting_agenda.pdf
Agenda details: http://websrv7.clallam.net/forms/uploads/bocc_meeting_packet.pdf

PORT COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM HIGHLIGHT:
 Introduce 2016 Property Tax Resolution No. 15-1109
See details: http://wa-portofportangeles.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/855?fileID=467
Full Port Commission agenda: http://www.portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/11102015-121?html=true

City of Sequim Agenda: http://www.sequimwa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1273
2016 Budget Full Time Equivalents (FTEs) – Clarifications.
See details: http://wa-sequim.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7157

PORT TOWNSEND AGENDA: http://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=292
Agenda Highlight: Ordinance 3139 Adopting the Budget for the City of Port Townsend, Washington, for the Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2016

CITY OF FORKS: http://www.forkswashington.org/pdf/agenda11915.pdf

DAILY DEVOTIONAL:
The Second Coming of Christ - Part 2
What does the Bible teach about the second coming of Christ? Is He coming again? When is He coming? What will He do when He returns? These are all questions which will be answered from the Scriptures in our study today.---TRUTH FOR THE WORLD







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Saturday, October 31, 2015

HOW BAD AREA CITIZENS WANT FLUORIDATION TO END?

THAT'S THE KEY ON CITY COUNCIL RACE POSITION 7.
By, Peter Ripley, Publisher.

Well readers, we are down to the wire, and soon the race for city council position 7 will be in the hands of the voters. Will voters take a chance on a candidate who walked away from his campaign just two months away from the general election, then comes back saying he can be relied on, he will serve the entire term in office if elected? He said he would.  Did the remaining debates they had convinced the voters he's up to the task? Then we have an incumbent who dodges questions on fluoridation, which I have a hunch what she would vote for on the subject if she is re-elected, which will most likely be a yes vote. Oh, she will probably give a good spin for her reasoning's.  While her opponent now active again has been promoting his anti-fluoride stand, which right now seems to be his only saving grace at the moment. Other commentaries have stated similar sediments, in the Port O Call commentary:
   "Nov. 3 draws near and you may not be sure what or whom you want to vote for on the General Election ballot, which is most likely now resting on your desk or kitchen counter." ---Pol-i-tics: The Art of Influencing Others/ PORT O CALL---read more

Quote: The council election in Port Angeles has only one contest since Dan Bateham, without explanation, withdrew from his challenge to the re-election of Cherie Kidd. Thus, Kidd and incumbent Sissi Bruch are unopposed. Bateham’s name remains on the ballot, but the only interest will be to see how many voters still want to vote against Kidd.
Since the article was posted Bateham re-entered the race, it will be interesting what John Marrs, will have to say on the issue.

Then we have Kidd she is running a positive campaign, I am re-posting an email I received earlier this month from Kidd, dated 10/21/15
I am continuing to run a positive campaign to represent the people of Port Angeles.  Mr. Bateham's actions have been confusing to the voters as I have been declared as "unopposed" in the PDN Voter's Guide and "opposed" in the State Voter's Guide.  
I am campaigning for the position because I have the experience, the knowledge, good health and passion for public service.  I am not running a campaign against Mr Bateham - I am running FOR the people of Port Angeles!  None of my ads mention him and his  on and off candidacy.
I will not change my positive momentum or positive direction.  I am committed to serve the people of Port Angeles. 

You have to wonder though and question the following statements during the election since Bateham's return, was Kidd running a positive campaign?


Port Angeles Council incumbent, opponent debate
" He responded to one questioner who asked for “one good reason why I and others should vote for a person who can't make up his mind if he wants to be a candidate.”

“We all have issues sometimes” that are “unplanned for and unexpected that we have to deal with,” Bateham responded. “I'm not a quitter, as I've heard the word said; I've just had a temporary setback.

“I can be counted on.”  In pledging not to increase the city's debt, Bateham said he had “not been to all the City Council meetings.”

Kidd ran with that.
“If you are not informed, how can you serve the people, how can you understand the issues?” Kidd said, reminding him he had “quit the race.”
“He comes to City Council [meetings], makes a comment and leaves, but not to study the issues, to hear and study the issues,” she said.---Peninsula Daily News

We also stumbled on this item from Eye on Clallam....
2015 10 23 Port Angeles Soroptimist Meeting-Candidate Forum- BOCC+City of PA Council
This event happened before the debate that Kidd and Bateham had at the PABA. Why wasn't this mention on any local mainstream media outlets, why did they ignore this event?

Bateham can't just cherry pick what meetings to attend, if you are running for city council, you have to attend all meetings. So Kidd made a point there.


This is the question I emailed to Kidd and Bateham regarding the news coverage I thought the PDN dropped the ball on. Apparently they posted the debate story on the print addition, not their webpage earlier that day. It took a reader to point out that fact to the PDN and by the end of the day, the PDN posted the debate story on their webpage; anyway here is what I sent to both candidates:
Okay...I see the PDN didn't post anything about the Kidd V Bateham debate which happened yesterday! Did any member of the media showed up? I wrote the candidates an email asking what was their take of the debate, let's see who writes back first! If no member of the mainstream media showed up, you have to wonder what gives? Did they just wrote this whole thing off?
I was assuming that the PDN was dropping the ball on this so keep that in mind.

Here is the only response to the question I sent to both candidates, it's from Bateham:
Hi Peter, I enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to speak with the members of the Port Angeles Business Association yesterday morning. We had a good conversation about the issues that concern local businesses. 
As I have never owned a business, I am not one to pretend that I have all the answers. However, as a candidate and hopeful for Port Angeles City Council, I know how to listen to the concerns of the very smart business people we have here. 
If elected, it would be one of my top priorities to bring all of the interested parties (such as PABA, Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Association, and the City Council, among others, including the Port) together, with their common goals, to work with a spirit of cooperation to resolve important issues.
The small businesses in our community provide the majority of the jobs for our citizens, in turn supporting families, schools, and our quality of life
Our local business owners are smart people, they know what the issues are and they know what they need from the City Council to thrive.
As a hopeful to City Council I would do all I can to support our local businesses.

Peter, for more about the "debate" at PABA yesterday, rather then asking my point of view as a candidate, please ask the members of PABA themselves. Their opinion of the issues is what counts ... Just as it is the opinion, the needs, and the voices of all the citizens of our beautiful City of Port Angeles that count during this important election season. 
I hadn't got any response from Kidd and her feeling about the debates they took place since Bateham's return.

So what this particular race will boil down to in the end readers, how bad do you want to end fluoridation of the water supply. We will see how important is this issue with voters on November 3rd. If fluoridation is not important enough with folks they will vote for Kidd, if it is they will take a chance on Bateham.

 In other local news....

 Moorage rates to rise at Port Angeles, Sequim marinas beginning in January
" Commissioners John Calhoun and Jim Hallett voted to approve the moorage increase, saying current rates are too low, while Commissioner Colleen McAleer voted against the moorage increase."---Peninsula Daily News


Clallam County commissioners seek bids for mental health treatment services
" The services will be paid for through the Hargrove fund, a one-tenth-of-1 percent sales tax dedicated to low-income clients with drug addictions, brain disorders or both." ---Peninsula Daily News


Towering Polar Pioneer oil rig returns to Port Angeles Harbor for month-long visit
PORT ANGELES — The looming Polar Pioneer oil rig floated back into Port Angeles Harbor on Wednesday, escorted by a small flotilla as it concluded its two-week journey to the city from the Arctic waters of Alaska's Chukchi Sea.---Peninsula Daily News


Port Angeles City Council reviews $108 million budget; future taxes are considered
" Some of the cuts would be in funding for United Way, the Olympic Peninsula Humane Society and the Feiro Marine Life Center." ---Peninsula Daily News


Port of Port Angeles director to step down at year’s end
He cited being closer to his grandchildren and an opportunity in the private sector as his reasons for leaving the port. O’Hollaren and his wife, Denise, plan to make their new home in Clark County in 2016.---Peninsula Daily News


Spectral faces and skeptic-stopping encounters could await underground in Port Angeles Heritage Tours
" Also, one visitor took a photo of Perry in one of the underground tunnels, and in the initial viewing of the photo on the computer screen, it appeared there were three faces peering out of the grimy antique window of the abandoned storefront behind him."---Peninsula Daily News

Editor's Note: With the homeless, who maybe camping out down there within those areas, along with drug dealers probably hanging out down there when no one is around, ghosts should be the last thing on the mind of the former City Council members mind, don't you think? I think we would do better in focusing on the living, then those who are no longer among us.  

Property taxes are due Nov. 2
Clallam County Treasurer Selinda Barkhuis reminds the taxpayers of Clallam County that the second-half property taxes for 2015 are due by Monday, Nov. 2. Since Oct. 31 is on Saturday, the deadline is extended until Monday.---SEQUIM GAZETTE


Washburn’s General Store Celebrates
Greg and Mary Ann Lovik, owners of Washburn’s General Store in Neah Bay, went all out to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month, hosting an ice cream cake social for their customers and honoring an employee, Franklin Ides.---FORKS FORUM


City Council OKs eminent domain for Howard Street properties
City of Port Townsend staff hope the authority to acquire certain real estate parcels by eminent domain won't be necessary to start the long-awaited Howard Street Extension road project by year's end.---PT LEADER


NEWS FROM ACROSS THE STRAIT

Captain praises heroism of passengers and crew on boat that sank  
Passengers and crew were courageous and heroic when the whale-watching vessel Leviathan II capsized, its captain said Friday.---TIMES COLONIST/ VICTORIA BC


Ministry injects $2 million to fund genomic research---VICTORIA NEWS


Muslim and Christians working together for Syrian refugees---VICTORIA NEWS




WHAT'S ON TAP FOR NEXT WEEK

Notice of Filing of Preliminary Budget and
Notice of Budget and Tax-Related Public Hearings
Preliminary Budget 2016
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Manager of the City of Port Angeles filed the preliminary budget for the year 2016 with the City Clerk as of October 23, 2015.  The proposed budget is available for public review at the Port Angeles Library, on the City’s website, in the City Clerk’s office, or the Finance Department at City Hall, 321 East Fifth Street.
Property tax levy
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing on proposed revenue sources for 2016, including the property tax levy, will be conducted on Tuesday, November 3, 2015, at 6:30 p.m., or soon thereafter during the regular Port Angeles City Council meeting at City Hall, 321 East Fifth Street. A second hearing on proposed revenue sources, including the property tax levy, will be held on Tuesday, November 17, 2015, at 6:30 p.m., or soon thereafter. 
Proposed Budget 2016
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing on the proposed 2016 Budget will be held on Tuesday, November 17, 2015, at 6:30 p.m., or soon thereafter during the regular Port Angeles City Council meeting  at City Hall, 321 East Fifth Street. A second public hearing on the proposed 2016 Budget will be held on Tuesday, December 1, 2015, at 6:30 p.m., or soon thereafter. 
City Hall is accessible for persons with disabilities.  Please contact the City Clerk, (360) 417-4634, if you will need any special accommodations to attend the public hearings.
CLALLAM COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEM: Agreement with Lutheran Community Services NW to provide childcare associated with chemical dependency treatment services.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEM: Approval of Cable Access Service Agreement with Peninsula Area Public Access (PAPA) 
Background/Analysis: The current Cable Franchise Agreement (first with Northland Cable,
currently with WAVE) allows for up to 3 cable channels be set aside for Public, Educational, and
Governmental (PEG) cable access programming. The City is not currently utilizing these PEG
channels. PAPA, a non-profit organization, requested they be provided the opportunity to
broadcast PEG programming using the City’s Cable channel allocations under the Cable Franchise Agreement. On September 1, 2015, City Council endorsed PAPA as the cable PEG access provider.
The attached Service Agreement outlines the roles and responsibilities of both the City and PAPA in regards to utilizing the Cable Franchise Agreement for broadcasting PEG programming, and operating a media center.
Funding Overview: There are certain funding allocations outlined in the attached City/PAPA
Service Agreement. These funding allocations are direct transfers from the Cable provider to the City, in turn to PAPA, as authorized in the Cable Franchise Agreement for PEG programming. 



DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Jesus’ Death, Burial, and Resurrection
The most important series of events in the history of the world was the death, the burial and the resurrection of Jesus. By means of His death, Jesus fulfilled prophecy and bought man’s freedom from slavery to sin. ---TRUTH FOR THE WORLD






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Monday, October 26, 2015

NEVER CALL A RACE TOO EARLY

Kidd, Bateham to debate Tuesday during Port Angeles Business Association breakfast
Incumbent Cherie Kidd will debate Dan Bateham, who recently revived his challenge for her City Council seat, during a Port Angeles Business Association breakfast meeting Tuesday--Peninsula Daily News

Readers, I imagine the gals at the local chapters of Soroptimist International Port Angeles Jet Set  , and League of Women Voters are waking up today with collected eggs in their faces. If you recall when Bateham first withdrew from the race. These organizations, went on the assumption that Cherie Kidd was already a shoo in for this election for the City Council seat Position 7. They told her she need not attend or participate in these debates they were having because she no longer had an opponent. I knew better readers! Never count your chickens before they hatch! I had a hunch that this race wasn't really over, when Bateham said when he first withdrew from the race, he left the prospect of maybe returning when he said: "If elected I will serve" despite the fact at that time he was withdrawing from the election.  Now, that Bateham has re-entered the race, we have the PABA scrambling to have this debate with the two candidates.  As I recall they didn't allow Kidd to make a statement during their initial city council debate with the other two city council candidates. I wonder now if the other groups who gave Kidd the cold shoulder will also back track, and do likewise in hosting a debate with these two contenders.

Which both have a lot of explaining to the voters on some of their actions to date.

Bateham will have to convince to these groups, and the general electorate that he is completely committed to the task at hand and won't quit, smooth over some ruffled features, and avail himself to a moody local main stream media.

Kidd is not off the hook neither, she has to explain why she was compelled to travel across the country side to get information on policies dealing with aggressive panhandlers. When she could have easily got that information from the internet or a simple phone call.

The local media has been accused of calling this race over as well. Some have washed their hands of this entire affair.
So, readers it is clear this race for position 7 for the City Council has become something to watch. I have to say, that the debate that the PABA scrambled to host, with be a very interesting encounter. So to my knowledgeable media colleagues, take good notes!

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RE TRYING A FORMAT..

Readers, I am trying once again a format that will help this blog page be more organized. I am posting, other reports I post on the side panel menu again. Starting with today's posting Business and Finance Report. I intend to use the front page of this blog for my local page, Port Angeles Digest . All other reports will be posted in their assigned pages on the side panel menu. I hope you all will continue to find the Ripley Report informative and entertaining!---Peter Ripley, Publisher
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Saturday, October 24, 2015

HE'S BACK! BATEHAM RE-ENTERS THE RACE, KIDD SAY'S SHE RUNNING UNOPPOSED NOW, IS IT TO LITTLE TO LATE FOR BATEHAM?

Dan Bateham
 Dan, Bateham,
Photo taken from is face book page.


By, Peter Ripley, Publisher

Like the Phoenix raising out of the ashes, Dan Bateham steps out from the curtain of the back stage of the local political theater to rejoin the election for City Council Position 7. Clearly readers this particular election for one seat on the city council has become something that playwrights would write about on Broadway, and made for clever headlines at least for this publication!
This whole thing would be entertaining and humorist if the situation the city finds it's self in weren't so serious, we have forced medication of our water system, by over zealous dentist, and out of control spending, hiring these consultants to do these costly endless studies, and paying more each year to continue these studies that go no where! We have a dreary local economy, with ever increasing property taxes, and utility rates, and now issues with aggressive panhandlers, I could go on.
This whole drama started when Bateham withdrew from the race, just two months away from the general election coming next month. As you recall the follow was his statement back in the early part of September:

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

 From then on he was known as the Phantom Candidate, a title yours truly gave because he didn't say; Even though I may get more votes, I won't serve." No, instead he turned around the next day and said, "If elected I will serve to the best of my ability' Readers, that to me sure fit the definition of a phantom candidate. Then the Peninsula Daily News reported later on the reason he gave was a family emergency and health issues. Well that would pose the question what was the family emergency that would force him to step back into the back stage? Was it his own health? Or was it a family member?
If it was his health, will he be able to serve a full term? Matter in fact, if he is elected will he serve a full term? He still not answering those questions which I am sure the local mainstream media is asking.

Now, jump forward to this week, just two week's away from the election he announced his intentions to re-enter the race against Cherie Kidd, who at this point of the election pretty much wrote him off. I wonder though, could this be a reason why Kidd chose to travel to the Tri-Cities area to get information about the policies of panhandlers, which could have easily have been found on the internet, or a phone call? Hey! Maybe, she thought she had this election in the bag, and went ahead and went on her little trip. I emailed Kidd and asked her about her reasoning for making this trip, but she did not answer. However she did respond to my inquiries about Bateham re-entering the race the following email was submitted:
"  I am continuing to run a positive campaign to represent the people of Port Angeles.  Mr. Bateham's actions have been confusing to the voters as I have been declared as "unopposed" in the PDN Voter's Guide and "opposed" in the State Voter's Guide.  
I am campaigning for the position because I have the experience, the knowledge, good health and passion for public service.  I am not running a campaign against Mr Bateham - I am running FOR the people of Port Angeles!  None of my ads mention him and his  on and off candidacy.
I will not change my positive momentum or positive direction.  I am committed to serve the people of Port Angeles. '' ---Cherie Kidd

Her statement on her campaign thus far. I wrote to all of the Candidates about their campaigns gave them all the opportunity to have their final say, Kidd was the only one that answered to email I sent:
I love Port Angeles and have a record of service to our community.  It has been an honor to have served as a member of the Port Angeles City Council as well as Mayor.  My community service is a labor of love and pride in our community and the special people who make our town the place we all want to live.  Experience, knowledge and someone you know and trust.  Thank you for all the support and I look forward to moving ahead together - making good things happen in P.A.!  ---Cherie Kidd

However Dan Bateham did release the following statement about is campaign:

This is Dan Bateham, candidate for Port Angeles City Council. Thanks for providing a place to talk about real issues here in Port Angeles.
LET'S BRING BACK A SENSE OF COMMUNITY
I would like to see a discussion about what more we can do, how we can get involved together to make downtown Port Angeles a fun, safe, and vital place to be. We need a stronger sense of community to bring this together.
SOME HAVE STARTED, LET'S ALL GET INVOLVED
We have the EDC, recently under new management and doing some good work.
We have Revitalize getting some good projects started. Looking good you guys and gals.
We have PACan diligently working to solve some of the toughest self-medication or addiction issues among some of are neighbors.
We have SPN (Shelter Providers Network) working to solve issues for the most down and out in our community. 
We have PAPA bringing us LOCAL public access television. Stayed tuned, it's coming in January!
We have our local Theater group, the Port Angeles Community Players, with world class talent. If you haven't seen one of their shows in a while ... well, I can hardly wait for their next production. 
And we have a few businesses downtown that are really working hard at making a visible difference and to bring in people, providing a fun, safe, and vital place to gather, and just “be” in the best way. If you don't know who they are, get downtown again, and take a look. Really.
Not an all inclusive list, sorry, but you get the point ... We have good people working to make Port Angeles a better place for all. But we all need to get involved.
Let's get back the sense of community we used to have here.
Remember the block parties? Remember the parades downtown that families always made a point to go see? Remember when you could go into town, find what you needed, and meet up with a few friends while you were there? Let's bring back what we love about our beautiful home, Port Angeles.
WE'RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER
We have the advantage of being a small town ... we know our neighbors, many of us grew up here, and many others of us chose to come here and make this our home for ourselves and our families.
We live here because we choose too, and that for good reasons. Just a couple of the obvious are, of course ...
The beautiful natural resources we have here. I challenge anyone to find a more beautiful area to live than Port Angeles and the North Olympic Peninsula.
And, more importantly, we have (we are) some of the nicest people you could want to meet anywhere. Port Angeles has a reputation of good people pulling together for each other, especially when times have been tough. We are not like the big cities where people don't know their next door neighbors, and don't care.
So, again, I say let's get back our sense of community. We need it. By pulling together we can solve some real issues that have been getting worse for quite some time now. I'm not going to list what all of these are, everyone already knows; but I want to put forth a short list with a few ideas to get the conversation going ...
SOME IDEAS
Our Young People need a safe place to go and they need cause for hope. I challenge people to get together and bring in something like “The Boiler Room” in Port Townsend. It's not rocket science, it's working in P.T. and it can work here. Our neighborhood parks ... let's clean them up and find creative ways to make them family friendly and kid friendly again. Lincoln Park, as just one example, could use help and the kids on the west side of town might enjoy a safe place to go play. ... Oh, and please, let's give a little love to our schools.
Our Improved Waterfront, let's expand on what's happening there. It's a good start, but let's do something with it. How about putting something in for the kids there? Or, remember the old “block parties”? We can do better than a couple of tired festivals in the summer. Local artists ... you have imagination, get with Revitalize. I'm sure you can make something fun happen.
Business in PA ... I'd like to see a closer relationship between the Chamber of Commerce, EDC, PABA, and the Port, in bringing in key industries to Port Angeles. And I'd like to see cooperation between the City Managers office, the City Council, and these others listed above to ease the red tape and obstacles to small business owners. Come on guys, we're a close community. Let's work this out and make it possible for small businesses to thrive. Our small businesses provide most of the jobs here, in turn providing support for families and quality of life.
Cooperation, Working Together, sometimes thinking outside of the box, is making a difference. I'm excited to know that the Skills Center will be partnering with PAPA to train local talent with real world skills while providing a valuable service to the community. PC is working with local business and providing excellent training for our local workforce. Let's keep the momentum going is good direction.
THERE IS HOPE
Port Angeles has been hurting for while. High unemployment. Business failing. Out of control debt. Despair among both our young people and our not so young people. Homelessness. Drugs.
We can, we must, turn things around for Port Angeles. We will, but only if we work together. We have smart people with real talent. We have neighbors that care. Let's all get involved. Failure is not an option.
Please, don't sit on the sidelines. Get informed. Get involved. Make a difference. Together we can, we will, bring hope, prosperity, safety, and a “sense of community” back to Port Angeles.
VOTE
Election season is here again. You should have received your ballets in the mail a few days ago.
I am a candidate for Port Angeles City Council.
One of the big issues we all face and that I have not yet mentioned here is there is a serious disconnect between local government (city council) and local citizens (you). I believe we need to have a city council that will listen to and serve the people of Port Angeles. Not a city council that often shuts down people that show up at their council meeting to express their concerns, runs up staggering debt, ignores the most vulnerable of our community, tramples on our rights, and then tells us we should be grateful for what they give us.
It is time for new leadership on the city council. I ask for your vote. I will listen to your wishes and serve you.
I have a history of service.
I served our country for 20 years in the U.S. Army. I have proven leadership experience, working with people from all walks of life and diverse cultures, to solve serious issues.
I have for years actively served our community as an advocate for veterans issues, and as a housing specialist with the Shelter Providers Network, NW Veterans Resource Center, Voices for Veterans, and the Clallam County Homelessness Task Force, among others. I have successfully worked with networks of organizations and interested people where, together, we got motivated, got smart, and got real life issues resolved.
I believe we can work together to make a positive difference, bring a “sense of community” back to Port Angeles, and make this city where we all can thrive. I believe failure is not an option.
Vote for me, Dan Bateham, for Port Angeles City Council, position no. 7. And together, we will make a difference for our community.
from his press release issued off his Facebook page...

Has you can see readers, no mention in this statement about his departing the race, other than what he all ready stated, or what was the family emergency was all about. If it was a server illness, or death that would be understandable, I think the voters would even understand the reasoning if that was the case, but we don't know at this point.
HOLD THE PRESSES! I Checked my email just after posting this story here is his responds to my question on if he intends to serve out an entire term:
The reasons I withdrew were personal. We all have issues in life or an unexpected crises at times, that must be dealt with. These are not always appropriate for airing in public. But, life happens and we move forward.
As for your question, if elected will I serve the full term? Yes.
Best regards,
Dan Bateham

Bateham will now have to convince the voters he is up to the task, and smooth over any ruffled features that may have been ruffled because of his departure the first time around. I know the local media mainstream media isn't to impressed, you can tell by the stories they have been posting:

Media reaction to Bateham's return...not to favorable...
Port Angeles man revives his candidacy for City Council
You cant quit and then unquit, said Kidd, a former mayor. What is that? Bateham, who will be 58 as of Election Day, said Tuesday he had dropped out of the race because of health and family issues.---Peninsula Daily News dated 10/21/15



* Yes folks, that's the entire posting from the Port O Call. As you can see they aren't too impressed.

It's On Again - Bateham vs. Kidd
Port Angeles – A race for the Port Angeles City Council has a “re-activated” candidate back in the race, as Dan Bateham has opted not to withdraw from the election.---KONP RADIO

So this poses the question will Bateham attend, and participate in the remaining debates? Will he avail himself to a clearly moody local media!?  More importantly, will the voters be in the mood to vote for him?

 In other local news of note...
  Candidates for Port of Port Angeles part ways on marina rates, commissioner-staff management 
" Beauvais, who will be 64 as of Election Day, said it was a little disingenuous of the port to eliminate marinas such as those in Shelton and Pleasant Harbor in Brinnon when it compared marina rates while reviewing if the port's rates should be increased. We need to take a step back, she said. Beauvais said the port's marinas should be marketed better and that a separate rate should be established for county residents." ---Peninsula Daily News


Clallam commissioners contemplate salary committee for elected officials
Clallam County commissioners will form an advisory committee that will make salary recommendations for eight elected officials, but they won't do it today.---Peninsula Daily News


Clallam County commissioners seek legal review on possible property tax reduction
" Commissioners Jim McEntire and Bill Peach voted Tuesday to direct Prosecuting Attorney Mark Nichols to determine whether the county can separate personal property from real property and eliminate the countys portion of the personal property tax levy."---Peninsula Daily News


Pros and cons of water fluoridation to be argued at Thursday forum in Port Angeles; rally to precede debate
" Council members will use the results when deciding whether to continue fluoridating city water pumped from the Elwha River."---Peninsula Daily News


Port Angeles to get new passenger airline service to Sea-Tac starting March 1 with SeaPort
PORT ANGELES  Scheduled air passenger service will resume March 1 between William R. Fairchild International Airport and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. SeaPort Airlines of Portland, Ore., announced Tuesday it will begin service with five 40-minute flights most days on single-engine, nine-passenger Cessna Caravan turboprop aircraft similar to those flown by Kenmore Air.---Peninsula Daily News


Clallam commissioner: Marbled murrelet conservation debated by state 
The state Board of Natural Resources, including Clallam County Commissioner Jim McEntire, is considering long-term conservation strategies for the threatened marbled murrelet.---Peninsula Daily News

Fluoride debate: Last chance for choice
The periodic table’s most chemically reactive element, fluoride adversely affects all life forms that it physically contacts. A protoplasmic toxin, fluoride interferes with enzyme action all through the body---PORT O CALL

Sequim Aquatic Recreation Center
SARC to close its doors Oct. 30
" Certainly one of the toughest decisions of my life," SARC board chairman Frank Pickering said. "It's a community asset. Unfortunately, it has not had the entire support of the voting community."---SEQUIM GAZETTE


Spartan Stadium and Field Replacement
The Spartan Stadium and Field Replacement Project is a priority of the Quillayute Valley School District. The Quillayute Valley School District Board has earmarked $1 Million dollars of undesignated and unreserved funds for the replacement project.---FORK FORUM


Physician 'satisfaction' becomes a campaign issue
Is it true that 33 percent of physicians at Jefferson Healthcare would not recommend working there?----PT LEADER


NEWS FROM ACROSS THE STRAIT

Premier issues order to save emails after blistering report  
Premier Christy Clark ordered her cabinet ministers and all political staff Friday to save their emails after a stinging report criticized the government's access to information practices. ---TIMES COLONIST/ VICTORIA BC


Les Leyne: Denham report vindicates whistleblower
Tim Duncan arrived in Victoria last spring, did a brief stint with the B.C. Liberal government as a political aide that didn’t work out and then moved back to Calgary and pondered his West Coast experience.  --TIMES COLONIST/VICTORIA BC


Waking up the homeless part of daily grind---VICTORIA NEWS/ VICTORIA BC


WHAT'S ON TAP FOR NEXT WEEK

CLALLAM COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEM: 2a Agreement with Iron Mountain Properties, LLC for purchase of an easement for the Carlsborg Sewer project.

Port Commission has not issued their agenda for Tuesday as of yet, but when they do it will be posted here.

SEQUIM CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM HIGHLIGHT ITEM: Dungeness Valley Health & Wellness Clinic
Provide health care services to infirm and low-income individuals within the city limits and to increase
the number of low-income persons who have access to the Clinic's services




DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Jesus Is Joined to Salvation - Part 1
We have already seen that God has joined Himself to this universe, that God is the creator of all things. We have seen that God has joined Himself to the Bible, that God is the author of this book, and the evidences are overwhelming to show that this is the case. ---TRUTH FOR THE WORLD





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Tuesday, October 20, 2015

BREAKING NEWS! DAN BATEHAM COMES FROM THE BACK STAGE!

Readers, This is a breaking news story.
Earlier today I gotten an email from Morlee Smith who is currently running for another position on the city council reporting that Dan Bateham has decided not to be a phantom candidate, he has decided to re-enter the race for position 7 which Cherie Kidd is running for City Council
I gotten this following email from Dan Bateham himself confirming that story:

Hi Peter, 
You may have heard already, I am back in the race for Port  Angeles city council.
I had to pull out of the race earlier for personal reasons. However, I cannot stay on the sidelines and just observe what is happening to our beautiful city. The issues at hand are too important.
Our citizens need to be heard at city hall and I'm in this race to win for the people of Port Angeles.


More details on our regular news page this Saturday.
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Saturday, October 17, 2015

THE PORT ANGELES DIGEST...

Cherie Kidd's little road trip, this time not for helicopters buzzing PA, now it's for Panhandling.

It amazes me to no end sometimes, how people seem to make the same mistakes again, and again!
Do you recall this little item that happened two years ago?
Army Apologizes For ‘Scary’ Choppers In Port Angeles
SEATTLE (AP) — Port Angeles Mayor Cherie Kidd met with Army officials Monday and received an apology for a nighttime training exercise last week that she says “terrorized my city” with low-flying helicopters.
Kidd went to Joint Base Lewis-McChord demanding answers. Why didn’t the Army notify city officials of the late-night training mission? Thundering choppers shook residents, awakened children and startled animals in the Olympic Peninsula city about 80 miles northwest of the army base in Western Washington.---read more

Now Kidd was criticized for traveling all the way to Fort Lewis to confront the Commander of those black hawk or Chinook helicopters doing a training exercise over the skies of Port Angeles in the middle of the night. The point here she could have talked to the commander over the phone instead making out the whole thing as some big drama during a council meeting dragging the commander from the base to speak to angry residences of the city, having him to apologize for that little buzzing of Port Angeles.  

Now, fast forward to this year's election we have candidate Cherie Kidd running for re-election against a phantom candidate pulling the same stunt again. This time it's not about black hawks, it's about the problem that local businesses, and citizens having the endure while out and about shopping at our shopping centers, and down town area, being confronted by aggressive panhandlers. 

City Councilwoman Cherie Kidd and Police Chief Terry Gallagher plan to drive to the twin cities Tuesday to meet with officials and discuss their panhandling ordinances.
"Said Kidd, who initiated the trip What I am trying to do is stop people from sitting on our sidewalks all day long and creating a menace.They camp on our sidewalks, intimidate walkers and get in the way, and they create lots of garbage.' ---Peninsula Daily News dated 10/11/15

Now, part of me says something has to be done about those who aggressively panhandle, the other part of me says, why make a policy banning all panhandling activities because of a few trouble makers? There are ways to handle this issue without punishing the innocent for just going through hard times. Like citizens can get more involved in assuring those who are causing the trouble are being reported on. They can take cell phone pictures of these thugs and send it to the police, and call 911.  If the council is seeking suggestions from other communities, on how to handle the issue, that's all fine and good. But, you don't need to play a drama queen in doing this by going on a road trip costing taxpayers dollars, that kind of information can be found on the net, or a simple phone call. 
Now, if her opponent was actively running against her he could easily point out that Cherie Kidd is playing a drama queen over this whole issue, but he is hiding behind the political back stage curtain.
I guess Kidd hadn't learn from last road trip which could have easily been done by a simple phone call.

Related story: Centralia City Council Approves New Panhandling Restrictions
Change is coming for Centralia panhandles, but not the kind they’re asking for.
Violators of a newly proposed panhandling ordinance could be charged with a misdemeanor, fined up to $1,500 and handed a 90-day jail sentence. ---The Chronicle

As you can see I just did a internet search to answer the question of how Centralia is handling the panhandling issue.

 In other local news that was note worthy..

Polar Pioneer oil rig set to make return to Port Angeles Harbor; arrival date is uncertain
" We've been working with them, trying to convince them that Port Angeles would be a good place for them to winter when not drilling up north, Calhoun said--Peninsula Daily News


County commissioner candidates McEntire and Ozias debate taxes, heroin
" Incumbent County Commissioner Jim McEntire, 64, a Republican from Sequim, said during last weeks forum he is not in favor of increasing property taxes by 1 percent in the coming year, as is allowed by state law.' ---Peninsula Daily News


Port of Port Angeles to raise moorage rates at Boat Haven, Sequim marina; amount to be decided later this month
 Moorage rates will go up at the Port Angeles Boat Haven and Sequim's John Wayne Marina, but just how much remains to be decided.Two port commissioners Tuesday signaled they'll raise fees, with Commissioner John Calhoun saying it was necessary to correct a reduction in rates for 2014-15.---Peninsula Daily News

related story: Port of Port Angeles candidates differ over Boat Haven rates during Joyce forum
" Connie Beauvais, speaking prior to a Tuesday night candidate forum at the Crescent Grange, said committee members were frustrated that port employees had spurned their recommendation.Her opponent, Mike Breidenbach, did not attend the Joyce forum due to a family crisis but said Wednesday he thought the Boat Haven's rates were maybe just a hair low." ---Peninsula Daily News


Clallam commissioners amend budget-changing policy
Commissioners voted 3-0 Tuesday to approve amendments to County Policy 505 Budget Changes and Modifications  that establish a five-day waiting period for disbursing funds after debatable budget emergencies are approved by the board.---Peninsula Daily News


State awards $726,500 in grants for athletic fields in Port Angeles, Forks and on the Lower Elwha Klallam reservation 
The state Recreation and Conservation Funding Board has awarded $250,000 for renovating the Quillayute Valley School District's Spartan Stadium field in Forks; $250,000 for the new Elwha tribal field; and $226,000 for new lighting at Civic Field in Port Angeles.---Peninsula Daily News


Port Angeles KPly site cleanup costs climb $2.13 million due to more contaminated soil
The price of cleaning up the former KPly mill site on Marine Drive leaped another $2.13 million Tuesday thanks to the need to truck away 16,600 more tons of contaminated soil.---Peninsula Daily News


Taxpayers pay for OPNET antics By Dale Wilson
OPNET is the Olympic Peninsula Narcotics Enforcement Team, a multi-jurisdictional task force including Washington State Patrol, Clallam County Sheriff’s Department, Port Angeles Police Department, Sequim Police Department, DEA, Border Patrol, et., al. Jefferson County pulled out.---PORT O CALL


Clallam OKs rezone for disc golf course
A 40-acre plot east of Sequim is one step closer toward being transformed into a long awaited disc golf course.----SEQUIM GAZETTE


Soroptimist International of the Olympic Rain Forest offer scholarships
Applications are now available for the Diane Demorest Nursing Scholarship. Although Diane Demorest was only 43 when she died of cancer, her love of nursing and caring for people lives on through this scholarship named in her honor.---FORK FORUM


Does Port of Port Townsend have a 'cash cow'?
he marine trades in Jefferson County directly employs an estimated 400 people; that's more than Port Townsend Paper Corp. (the largest single private employer) and more than Jefferson Healthcare (the largest single public employer)---PT LEADER


NEWS FROM ACROSS THE STRAIT

B.C.'s tough drunk driving laws upheld by court
The Supreme Court of Canada has upheld the B.C. government’s right to pass tough drinking and driving laws that allow police to impound vehicles and impose immediate roadside driving suspensions. TIMES COLONIST/ VICTORIA BC


Reality-based training with Victoria police
With my eyes closed, I’m guided into a room by Victoria police Const. Kristin Greffard and told to lie down on the floor.---VICTORIA NEWS


High-end marina slated to open next summer
If all goes according to plan, a portion of the Victoria harbour’s northwest side will be catering specifically to the needs of international yachters next summer.---VICTORIA NEWS






What's on Tap for next week:

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETINGS
PORT ANGELES CITY COUNCIL
 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Port Angeles will hold two special meetings relating to fluoridation:
·         On Thursday, October 22, 2015, at 6 p.m., there will be an educational forum moderated by the Clallam County League of Women Voters. The forum will include time for the “for” and “against” committees to address Council and to answer pre-selected questions about fluoridation. There will not be an opportunity for public comment at this meeting.

·         On Thursday, October 29, 2015, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., there will be an extended public comment period. Citizens are encouraged to provide input to the City Council on whether or not to continue fluoridating its municipal water supply.  Port Angeles residents who receive fluoridated water will have the first opportunity to speak, followed by PUD customers who receive fluoridated water. If time allows, others will also have an opportunity to comment. Speakers are asked to limit comments to 3 minutes.

 Both meetings are open to the public and will take place in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 321 East Fifth Street. The community is invited and encouraged to attend.

Related story: Toxic effects of fluoride.
It is Nonsensical to address solely the effect on teeth when addressing fluoride. It is logical to address the full body(and environmental) picture when using a toxin is under consideration. For instance, Mercury creates luminescent skin and has been used in cosmetics for decades yet is toxic at any level and brings with it a myriad of health disrupting symptoms a page long including mental confusing and depression. ---PORT O CALL


Clallam County Commission Agenda Highlight item: 
 Request for proposals to be received no later than noon, Friday, November 20 for Housing and Homelessness Services; proposals will be opened publically during the Board meeting on November 24 at 10 a.m.

City of Port Angeles agenda item highlight: Industrial Transmission Electric Rate Ordinance Amendment / Conduct first reading / waive 2nd reading / Adopt 
Background / Analysis: The Bonneville Power Administration Tiered Rate Methodology (TRM) went into effect on October 1, 2011. In late-September 2015, the Bonneville Power Administration made changes to one of the City’s allocations for the FY2016-2017 rate period which affects the one industrial customer, and thus a revision to the ordinance is necessary. Based upon an analysis using the BPA Rate Impact Model, this change would reduce the Industrial Transmission customer’s power bill by $3.2 million during the current BP-16 rate period that runs from October 1, 2015 through September 30, 2017. These changes will have no adverse impacts to the City’s Distribution customers (residential and commercial). 
The proposed ordinance changes in BPA allocation only affect Industrial Transmission customers. Currently, the only Industrial Transmission customer is Nippon USA. The City’s informal policy of conducting public hearings on substantive rate changes is not necessary in this instance. Nippon has been informed of the allocation changes and fully supports the rapid implementation of the ordinance amendment at the earliest possible time.
The Utility Advisory Committee has reviewed and recommends that the City Council adopt this
ordinance amendment. It is requested that City Council proceed with a first reading, waive the second reading, and then adopt the ordinance amendment. Following Council’s ratification, the ordinance shall take effect five (5) days after passage and publication of an approved summary thereof, consisting of the title. 

PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA
Agenda highlight: Ordinance 3133 Relating to the Acquisition by Eminent Domain of a Certain Portion of Property in the City of Port Townsend Necessary for Construction and Maintenance of the Howard Street Extension Project; Describing the Public Convenience, Use and Necessity of Such Property; Providing for the Condemnation, Appropriation and Use of the Property; Providing the Mode of Payment of Cost of Acquisition of the Property; and Directing the City Attorney to Prosecute Such Action in Jefferson County Superior Court

Action: Move to Waive Council Rules and adopt Ordinance 3133 Relating to the Acquisition by Eminent Domain of a Certain Portion of Property in the City of Port Townsend Necessary for Construction and Maintenance of the Howard Street Extension Project; Describing the Public Convenience, Use and Necessity of Such Property; Providing for the Condemnation, Appropriation and Use of the Property; Providing the Mode of Payment of Cost of Acquisition of the Property; and Directing the City Attorney to Prosecute Such Action in Jefferson County Superior Court.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL
God Has Joined Jesus to the Church
The church is indestructible. We have already seen that in Matthew 16:18. Jesus said the gates of Hades would not prevail against the building of the kingdom, or the church.---TRUTH FOR THE WORLD




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