A HASTILY CALLED MEETING BY THE PORT DID IT VIOLATED PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT? (UPDATED)

A meeting other than the 9:30AM Timber committee meeting was held on Friday afternoon, that wasn't picked up or announced in the local press... Seemed fishy to me.

To help answer that question let's turn the the RCW code 42.30.80: Agendas of regular meetings—Online availability.
Public agencies with governing bodies must make the agenda of each regular meeting of the governing body available online no later than twenty-four hours in advance of the published start time of the meeting. An agency subject to provisions of this section is not required to post an agenda if it does not have a web site or if it employs fewer than ten full-time equivalent employees. Nothing in this section prohibits subsequent modifications to agendas nor invalidates any otherwise legal action taken at a meeting where the agenda was not posted in accordance with this section. Nothing in this section modifies notice requirements or shall be construed as establishing that a public body or agency's online posting of an agenda as required by this section is sufficient notice to satisfy public notice requirements established under other laws. Failure to post an agenda in accordance with this section shall not provide a basis for awarding attorney fees under RCW 42.30.120 or commencing an action for mandamus or injunction under RCW 42.30.130.
[ 2014 c 61 § 2.]
NOTES:
Intent—Finding—2014 c 61: "The legislature intends to promote transparency in government and strengthen the Washington's open public meetings act. The legislature finds that it is in the best interest of citizens for public agencies with governing bodies to post meeting agendas on web sites before meetings. Full public review and inspection of meeting agendas will promote a greater exchange of information so the public can provide meaningful input related to government decisions." [ 2014 c 61 § 1.]

I looked under the RCW regarding special meetings:
RCW 42.30.080
Special meetings.
(1) A special meeting may be called at any time by the presiding officer of the governing body of a public agency or by a majority of the members of the governing body by delivering written notice personally, by mail, by fax, or by electronic mail to each member of the governing body. Written notice shall be deemed waived in the following circumstances:
(a) A member submits a written waiver of notice with the clerk or secretary of the governing body at or prior to the time the meeting convenes. A written waiver may be given by telegram, fax, or electronic mail; or
(b) A member is actually present at the time the meeting convenes.
(2) Notice of a special meeting called under subsection (1) of this section shall be:
(a) Delivered to each local newspaper of general circulation and local radio or television station that has on file with the governing body a written request to be notified of such special meeting or of all special meetings;
(b) Posted on the agency's web site. An agency is not required to post a special meeting notice on its web site if it (i) does not have a web site; (ii) employs fewer than ten full-time equivalent employees; or (iii) does not employ personnel whose duty, as defined by a job description or existing contract, is to maintain or update the web site; and
(c) Prominently displayed at the main entrance of the agency's principal location and the meeting site if it is not held at the agency's principal location.
Such notice must be delivered or posted, as applicable, at least twenty-four hours before the time of such meeting as specified in the notice.
Editorial note: Twenty four hour notice wasn't given by the Port regarding their special meeting for their meeting at 3pm, however their meeting at 8:34 AM on Friday regarding the Timber meeting was annouced twenty four hours prior. Not the following meeting at 3:PM, that was annouced on Friday, not Thursday as it should have been done.
(3) The call and notices required under subsections (1) and (2) of this section shall specify the time and place of the special meeting and the business to be transacted. Final disposition shall not be taken on any other matter at such meetings by the governing body.
(4) The notices provided in this section may be dispensed with in the event a special meeting is called to deal with an emergency involving injury or damage to persons or property or the likelihood of such injury or damage, when time requirements of such notice would make notice impractical and increase the likelihood of such injury or damage.


Here is a highlight item the discussed during that special meeting at 3:PM that no one heard about until the last moment:
Clallam County Marinas LLC (Presentation) Pages 5-16
That was mainly the jest of this meeting they scrambled to call on Friday, mostly presentations, no actionable items from what I saw on this rush job agenda: http://portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/10072016-189
They did make mention in this agenda that Monday's meeting had been canceled, that what made me think this meeting they put together quickly was to replace the meeting they canceled, which could have been scheduled for another day during next week.

The first meeting the Port had during Friday was regarding the Timber Committee, that was held at 9:30AM
That meeting highlight was: Outreach Strategies and the Role of NOTAC
See agenda: http://portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/10072016-188
 The article in Friday's PDN only mentioned the Timber committee meeting, no mention of another meeting with the Port that day: Port of Port Angeles, Timber Advisory Committee to meet today … and other items

Editorial: So, that further led me to believe no proper annoucement of the second meeting that day was given because the PDN didn't make mention of the meeting that was to occur that day. I didn't get wind of it until noon time on Friday by email from the Port Announcing the special meeting happening at 3PM....It just looks like they were just trying to make up for a scheduling issue here at the last moment.

The RCW does mention about violations of the code:
RCW 42.30.120
Violations—Personal liability—Civil penalty—Attorneys' fees and costs.
(1) Each member of the governing body who attends a meeting of such governing body where action is taken in violation of any provision of this chapter applicable to him or her, with knowledge of the fact that the meeting is in violation thereof, shall be subject to personal liability in the form of a civil penalty in the amount of five hundred dollars for the first violation.
(2) Each member of the governing body who attends a meeting of a governing body where action is taken in violation of any provision of this chapter applicable to him or her, with knowledge of the fact that the meeting is in violation thereof, and who was previously assessed a penalty under subsection (1) of this section in a final court judgment, shall be subject to personal liability in the form of a civil penalty in the amount of one thousand dollars for any subsequent violation.
(3) The civil penalty shall be assessed by a judge of the superior court and an action to enforce this penalty may be brought by any person. A violation of this chapter does not constitute a crime and assessment of the civil penalty by a judge shall not give rise to any disability or legal disadvantage based on conviction of a criminal offense.
(4) Any person who prevails against a public agency in any action in the courts for a violation of this chapter shall be awarded all costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees, incurred in connection with such legal action. Pursuant to RCW 4.84.185, any public agency which prevails in any action in the courts for a violation of this chapter may be awarded reasonable expenses and attorney fees upon final judgment and written findings by the trial judge that the action was frivolous and advanced without reasonable cause.

Editorial note: From what I saw in their special meeting they had late Friday after noon were all presentations, not actionable items on the agenda, so if they took no actions on those items they would be alright, it was just the timing and the short notice of the meeting that led me to think something was off here.


UPDATE!
 Port of Port Angeles taking another look at Boat Haven management proposals
A special telephone meeting to review the proposals will be announced soon.---PDN

Editorial Note: Apparently the PDN went to the second meeting on Friday afternoon and was able to tell the results of that meeting on Friday, which in my opinion had very little notice that day. Again, no mention of the second meeting meeting being held on Friday was mentioned in Friday's paper, only the first meeting of the day regarding the Timber Committee meeting Friday morning. Now this new additional meeting being called for sometime in the coming days, a special meeting by phone so they can act on the items discussed Friday afternoon. Still, seems odd in my opinion because of not having that announce made about the special meeting on Friday afternoon in the PDN on Friday.

For more local coverage and news commentary click here

COUNCIL MEMBER, SISSI BURCH GAVE AN EXAMPLE OF LEADERSHIP TUESDAY

 She arbitrated a compromise to save the city further embarrassment 

It was clear who was acting more like the mayor, than the mayor who seem to be riding the coattails of Councilmember Sissi Burch who took charge of the debate regarding the decision of the first ethics board committee suggestion of admonishing Deputy Kidd for her role on the Feb. 2nd meeting.

Council member Burch
From the City Council
web page.

But, before I get into this let's first look at some background information...again, and couple of news article about the affair Tuesday night which Burch took the bull by the horns and acted as  arbitrator toward a solution, sparing the city perhaps of any more embarrassment.  

Recap on the background of the Cherie Kidd's ethics complaint filed by Marolee Smith as shared by the city staff memo in the council agenda packet on Tuesday:

Background/Analysis: Four complaints have been filed against City Councilmembers since

February, all alleging that council members violated the City’s Code of Ethical Conduct as

outlined in Chapter 2.78 of the Port Angeles Municipal Code. As directed by the municipal code,

the Council assemble 3-member boards from a pool of pre-approved applicants to serve on

Boards to receive, investigate and make recommendations for disposition of the complaints.

Complaints 3 and 4 were ultimately withdrawn, and therefore no further action was required of

Council. Of the two ethics complaints that went forward, Boards (1) and (2) submitted their

written findings of fact, conclusions, and recommendations for disposition to the Council.

On September 6, Council voted 5-0 to accept the recommendation of Board (2) regarding a

complaint against Deputy Mayor Kidd and Councilmember Gase. Despite extended discussion,

and several votes on various motions, Council was unable to reach consensus on any action

regarding the recommendation of Board (1) regarding a complaint against Deputy Mayor Kidd. 

Council agreed to table the matter and bring it back a month later. Council now must determine

what action, if any, to take in the disposition of the complaint. If Council chooses to take action,

Chapter 2.78.080 outlines Council’s options. That section is included as Attachment 2.

Funding Overview: There was funding associated with the legal representation of

Councilmembers in defending themselves during the process associated with Boards 1 and 2,

however, there is no necessary funding anticipated for Council’s review and disposition of the

complaint. The total amount spent on outside legal representation was $20,000. 

During the meeting the council decided on: 1. Admonition. An admonition shall be a verbal statement approved by the City Council and made to the individual by the Mayor, or his or her designee, or if the complaint is against the Mayor, the Deputy Mayor, or his or her designee. The statement shall be included in the minutes of the City Council meeting at which it is approved

REF: http://wa-portangeles.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/3361 

Page I-1 of packet 

Editorial Note: One of the members of the ethics board who handled the case former Judge, Grant Meiner wasn't very amused by the outcome, he was quoted in the PDN saying:  “Obviously, it was not time well-spent,” he said. “I’m sorry that the city has this process and that it apparently didn’t work very well. “It seems to me that it was an effort that didn’t lead to anything, and that leads me to some frustration.”

Editorial Note: I wrote some emails to the city council members asking for their comments regarding the article posted in the PDN about the events during Tuesday's meeting. One council member did respond, Sissi Burch, who wrote in response to Meiner's statement in the PDN, wrote the following email to this publication: I felt awful that Grant Meiner felt his long hours and thoughtful assessment of the ethics complaint was wasted.  I wrote to all our ethics board members that addressed this complaint and I said the following.  

It is with deep sorrow and sadness that I was not able to get your recommendations implemented. It was not what I would have wanted, but I could not get the necessary votes to push your recommendation forward and we needed to act and not drag this ethics complaint any longer.

I hope you can forgive me for needing to compromise. I want to thank you personally for the long hours and the well thought out conclusions you made in our ethics case. Please know that your time was not wasted and that I sincerely appreciate all you have done on behalf of the city.

Sincerely, Sissi

Editorial Note: Compromise! That's for sure, Burch using her negotional skills, something you would see in the United Nations, managed to talk the other council members down from their positions at lease to the point she would get the majority of the council to go along with it. Council members Whetham, and Merideth, wasn't buying the compromise, notably Merideth wasn't in favor of any compromise other than removing Kidd from the deputy mayor posting. Whetham had a laundry list of motions he made from removal of her position as deputy mayor, censure, admonishment, all failed. The council looked as though they were going to be in yet another stand off. Burch must have seen the writing on the wall, she kept pleading with the board to come up with something or else face further negative press which were sitting in the crows nest just waiting to swoop down on what remain of the city's reputation. It gotten to the point that even some outside media types were noting it, as in the Seattle Times article making mention of it in the headline: Is Port Angeles ready to realize its potential?

Quote from the article posted in the Seattle Times: " The most-recent political flashpoint: a protracted, stultifying battle over public-water fluoridation. Determined fluoride opponents waged a decade long campaign that culminated in an attempt to toss out the toothy city council and its “Fluoride Four,” of which Downie was a member. Fluoridation recently was suspended pending a public advisory vote next year. But the fight became so ugly that The Peninsula Daily News proclaimed, in an exasperated editorial, “The issue has gone beyond fluoridation to the question of whether democracy works in Port Angeles.”

Editorial note: Burch must have been referring the the Times article when she so earnest in coming up with a compromise when two council members, were out for their pound of flesh, while two more appeared to be just wishing the whole thing be dropped entirely, or ignore the ethics board recommendation, Gase, and Collins. As for the Mayor, from what I witnessed seemed willing to let Burch take charge of the debate, he seemed to also put this behind the councils plate, but again it was Burch who was leading the effort in coming up with the compromise.

However not everyone was satisfied by the compromise...

Editorial Note: I also wrote the Marolee Smith, who filed the complaint against Kidd which the ethics board one ruled on, she wrote this reply to my email:

I am  disgusted by the entire affair.

Waste of everyone's time. 

Add to that evidently no one knows what the word "admonish" means.  (Time to crack open a dictionary Collins/Gase.)  

This was a great waste of time, and I deeply apologize to the city staff, Frank Prince, Danetta Rutten and Grant Meiner.   

My only intent was to have Ms Kidd apologize and atone for the embarrassment caused to the speaker she interrupted on 2/2/16, and to those in attendance who had to witness her downright insolence with her gavel-banging hissy-fit. 

What is the first thing you teach children so that they can be upstanding members of society?  To apologize --  no matter if an injury  was intentional or not.  

Evidently Ms. Kidd's mother just gave her a pat on the head and a ready excuse "do the best you can".   

(I'd think in 70 years old she would have learned some empathy, decorum and the intelligence to take responsibility for the good of ALL, by now.  Evidently NOT.)

I am shocked by the degree of boorishness, impertinence, and vulgarity that is deemed acceptable by our council in regards to the actions of the Deputy Mayor. 

I am deeply embarrassed for the citizens of Port Angeles. 

Marolee

p.s. The words I spoke at the first comment period:

On November 6, 2012, four of you voted to adopt ordinance 3466, the Ethics Code. The motion was read by Mayor Kidd, moved by Council member Downie, seconded by Bruch. The motion was carried unanimously. The Deputy Mayor was Collins.

Evidently you discuss, amend, and vote for things you do not believe in or are willing to follow. So, what’s the point? What is the point of anything you do?

This does not inspire confidence. 

I am appalled by your actions. 

Two meetings ago, two of you, sat back in your seats, arms crossed, like indolent children. One member waffled. The other three wanted to act. Be adults. Act impartially, given the evidence.

Your actions besmirch the difficult task the volunteer Ethics Board Members put into their serious decision.  I am ashamed. You might as well spit on Frank Prince, Grant Meiner, and Danetta Rutten.

My Mother used to say “don’t ruin a perfectly good apology with an excuse.”  

What is the difference between an excuse and an apology?

An APOLOGY is an expression of remorse for having done something that harmed another. 

An EXCUSE is an explanation to avoid or alleviate guilt or negative judgement. 

OUR FEELINGS WERE HURT. This has never been acknowledged.  The speaker interrupted was insulted. Citizens in council chambers were aghast. The resulting confusion by all -- harmed the soul of our city.

An apology acknowledges unacceptable behavior happened. To admit fault restores dignity to the people offended. It begins a healing process.

A SINCERE apology shows that you take responsibility for your actions. Apologies take courage. Wise and inspiring leaders know an apology rebuilds trust.

To NOT apologize you damage your relationship, your reputation, and harm your leadership ability.  Animosity and tension created is toxic.

An APOLOGY is NOT:

·          “you’ve learned”

·          “you ran the meeting according to..”

·          or, an ad in the paper thanking your supporters

This is not doing better, it is doing much worse.

I request that the council not insult the Ethics Board, further, and, as no apology to the people has been forthcoming, to do what is right.

Verbally admonish Ms. Kidd, and strip her of the position as Deputy Mayor.

 

Related stories:

Port Angeles City Council opts for statement, not admonishment against Cherie Kidd

After deadlocking on a vote to admonish the deputy mayor for abruptly adjourning a Feb. 2 meeting, council members voted 4-2 to read a general statement to the public.---PDN

Quote from Article Posted, The written statement which the mayor read on Tuesday: “This council will respect the public and follow Open Public Meetings Act protocol for adjourning meetings, and we will do our best to be tolerant, patient and respectful of all,” the statement said.

Another quote from the article Posted: Councilwoman Sissi Bruch made the motion to approve the statement. It was seconded by Councilman Brad Collins. Unless the council did something, “we are going to be a laughingstock,” Bruch said. “We really need to move forward.”

PA City Council Closes Kidd Complaint---KONP Radio

Editorial Note: Finally on the media coverage, only two local outlets ran the story. I looked at the web page of the Port O Call to see what they had to say...not one word about it.

As for Sissi, like it or not she worked that council like a pro, in coming up with a solution that just might start the healing process of the council's faltering reputation. 

NOTE PAD:

MEETING ADVISIORY: Port to hold a Timber advisory meeting today starting at 9:30 AM

Agenda highlight: November 11, 2016 Board of Natural Resources Meeting and Possible Testimony

See agenda for further details: http://wa-portofportangeles.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/10072016-188

Port to hold special meeting today to replace their meeting on Monday because of cancelation

the highlight of the agenda: Clallam County Marinas LLC

See agenda for details: http://portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/10072016-189

For more local and regional headlines click here

KILMER USES HIS PODCAST TO BREAK THE NEWS ON A TRIVIAL MATTER...

The break up of Brad Pitt, and Angelina Jolie ...This is no joke!

 http://kilmer.house.gov/news/in-the-news/kilmers-podcast-connects-constituents-and-colleagues
Washington Democratic Rep. Derek Kilmer broke the news of the Brad Pitt-Angelina Jolie breakup on his podcast — at least to Republican Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler.
“I asked about her commute,” Kilmer said. “And she said, ‘I like to sit on the airplane and read People magazine,’ and I said, ‘Why not learn about the Brangelina breakup?’ And she was like, ‘Wait a minute — Brangelina broke up?’ I was like, ‘Wow, I didn’t mean to traumatize you.’"
Kilmer launched his podcast series, ‘Quick Questions About Congress With Kilmer,’ this summer as a way to connect with his colleagues from both sides of the aisle.
“I didn’t know a lot about my colleagues. I didn’t know [Rep. James B.] Renacci was a former firefighter or that he owned a football team,” he said. “And I didn’t realize that Jaime read People magazine.”

 Editorial Comment: You gotta be kidding me. Our Congressman who is running for reelection using a podcast to break a story that is trivial of two Hollywood stars. Big deal! Your tax payer's dollars hard at work folks. Talk about Sophomoric behavior! What is he now tabloid journalist on the side?



Also on Kilmer's webpage he issued a press release on the debate in Port Angeles he was in on Oct. 4th.
Commissioner, judge forum tonight in Port Angeles
PORT ANGELES — Clallam County commission and Superior Court judge candidates will speak at a forum tonight.
The League of Women Voters of Clallam County will host the forum from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the county commissioners’ meeting room (Room 160) at the Clallam County Courthouse, 223 E. Fourth St., Port Angeles.
REF: http://kilmer.house.gov/news/in-the-news/commissioner-judge-forum-tonight-in-port-angeles
The PDN ran stories about the debates between the county commission candidates, and judges, but didn't make mention about how the debates between the two congressional candidates.
Here are the headlines of those stories:
Clallam County commissioner candidates talk about school bonds, drugs, homelessness--PDN


Clallam Superior Court judge candidates disagree on existence of backlog---PDN

For more state news and on the spot commentary click here

AGO FILES CAMPAIGN FINANCE COMPLAINT AGAINST SECRETARY OF STATE KIM WYMAN

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Oct 4 2016
Ferguson recused from case
REF: http://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ago-files-campaign-finance-complaint-against-secretary-state-kim-wyman

OLYMPIA — The Attorney General’s Office today announced the filing of a complaint in Thurston County Superior Court alleging campaign finance violations by Secretary of State Kim Wyman and her campaign, Citizens for Kim Wyman. The complaint alleges the Wyman campaign failed to timely file contribution and expenditure disclosure reports, as required under the state’s campaign finance laws. It also alleges that the campaign failed to timely deposit contributions.
On June 2, 2016, the Attorney General’s Office received a Citizen Action Complaint from Jaxon Ravens, Chair of the Washington State Democratic Central Committee, against Wyman and her campaign, alleging violations of the state’s public disclosure laws. The AGO referred the matter to the state Public Disclosure Commission on June 14, for possible investigation and a recommendation.
Following an investigation, PDC staff reported their findings to the commission that Wyman filed 11 reports for the campaign’s April 2016 activity 10 days late, disclosing $30,567 in additional contributions in May 2016. The campaign also filed an amended campaign summary report to include the late contribution disclosures, as well as $943 it had failed to account for in a previous report.
Before the AGO’s receipt of the Citizen Action Complaint, Wyman self-reported these 2016 errors to the PDC on May 22.
During the investigation, PDC staff also reviewed prior filings by the campaign between 2013 and 2016 and found other similar reports that had been filed 2 to 273 days late, and contribution deposits that were made between 2 and 49 days late.
On July 12, the commission returned the matter to the AGO with a recommendation that the Attorney General take appropriate action concerning Wyman’s reporting failures.
The AGO’s complaint seeks penalties and injunctive relief.
Wyman and her campaign will have twenty days from the date they are served to respond to the state’s complaint.
A copy of the complaint can be found here.
Attorney General Bob Ferguson is recused and has been screened from involvement in the matter.


For more law & justice, and advocacy news click here

FROM THE UN: Remarks at the opening of the Executive Committee of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees----Ban Ki-moon

From the press release issued Oct 3, 2016
REF: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/speeches/2016-10-03/remarks-opening-executive-committee-united-nations-high-commissioner

Quote from speech: "In Syria, the Geneva Conventions concluded in this city to bring some semblance of morality to the dirty business of war have been flouted over and over.
If you consider all the refugees, displaced people, and those in besieged or hard to reach areas, there are thirteen and a half million Syrians who desperately need help. Six million of them are children.
I have met these refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Greece. I also met the Syrian swimmer Yusra Mardini, who was on the refugee team at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Yusra fled Syria in an overcrowded boat that started to sink. She risked her life by jumping into the Aegean Sea to help push the boat to shore.
When I think of Yusra’s courage on the one hand, and the inaction of powerful leaders on the other, I am outraged by the bitter injustice of war.
The situation in Syria is one of the most dramatic and tragic in the world. And we must also remember the millions of other refugees from Yemen, Afghanistan, Burundi, the Central African Republic, South Sudan and beyond."

Related stories from the UN News Center:

‘Bunker-buster’ bombs in eastern Aleppo mean children not even safe underground, UN experts warn
3 October 2016 – The killing and maiming of children in eastern Aleppo by the Syrian Government and its allies is not only a brutal abdication of international human rights obligations, it will have a long-lasting impact on the young victims for generations to come, United Nations child rights experts warned today.

In Geneva, Ban reiterates call to end Syrian conflict; reflects on tenure as UN chief
3 October 2016 – Speaking at a press conference in the United Nations Office in Geneva today, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon once again called for the political will to end the Syrian conflict, while also sharing his reflections on the nearly 10 years he spent as the top UN official.

Intra-Syrian Talks
Since March 2011, Syria has been in the throes of a conflict that has killed over 260,000 people and forced more than half of all Syrians to leave their homes. An estimated four million Syrians have sought refuge in neighbouring countries alone, including Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Egypt. The crisis, described as the worst humanitarian disaster of our time, has caused untold suffering for Syrian men, women and children. 

From the US MISSION to the UN:

Remarks before UN Security Council Consultations on Syria---Ambassador Samantha Power
U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations
From the press release issued 9.29.16
REF: http://usun.state.gov/remarks/7462
QUESTION: Anything about the French proposal for a Security Council resolution on the ceasefire in Aleppo?
AMBASSADOR POWER:" I haven’t seen any resolution, so I can’t comment on that. What I can comment on is the most savage week we’ve seen in an incredibly savage, five-plus-year war. What Assad and Russia are doing in Aleppo is soul-shattering. Seventeen-hundred strikes – 1,700 – in just a portion of a city. Let’s not forget we’re talking about eastern Aleppo. More than a thousand people killed, and those are just the ones we know about. Hundreds of people buried in rubble who can’t be rescued because the White Helmets have been deliberately targeted. White Helmet headquarters targeted in two different parts of town in close succession – two opposite parts of town. And an attempt to starve and bomb people in eastern Aleppo in a way, again, that is grotesque.
You saw yesterday how the Syrian ambassador feels about the death, the slaughter, of the Syrian people in Aleppo – he laughed. The Syrian regime negotiator in Geneva laughed. That’s the coldness and the brutality that we’re talking about, and Russia stands right alongside those individuals and those bombers and, again, is not backing the regime – is fighting alongside the regime, bombing alongside the regime, exceeding in brutality what we have seen from the regime in the life of this war." ---read full statement.

From the US State Dept: Suspension of Participation in Bilateral Channels With Russia Established to Sustain the Cessation of Hostilities in Syria.
REF: Press release issued 10.3.16
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2016/10/262704.htm
The United States is suspending its participation in bilateral channels with Russia that were established to sustain the Cessation of Hostilities. This is not a decision that was taken lightly. The United States spared no effort in negotiating and attempting to implement an arrangement with Russia aimed at reducing violence, providing unhindered humanitarian access, and degrading terrorist organizations operating in Syria, including Daesh and al Qaeda in Syria.
Unfortunately, Russia failed to live up to its own commitments - including its obligations under international humanitarian law and UNSCR 2254 - and was also either unwilling or unable to ensure Syrian regime adherence to the arrangements to which Moscow agreed. Rather, Russia and the Syrian regime have chosen to pursue a military course, inconsistent with the Cessation of Hostilities, as demonstrated by their intensified attacks against civilian areas, targeting of critical infrastructure such as hospitals, and preventing humanitarian aid from reaching civilians in need, including through the September 19 attack on a humanitarian aid convoy.
The U.S. will also withdraw personnel that had been dispatched in anticipation of the possible establishment of the Joint Implementation Center. To ensure the safety of our respective military personnel and enable the fight against Daesh, the United States will continue to utilize the channel of communications established with Russia to de-conflict counterterrorism operations in Syria.

US DEFENSE DEPT: U.S. Strike in Syria Targets Key al-Qaida Leader




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US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: Should Social Security Reform Target Young Workers?

Social Security’s finances are deteriorating rapidly.  Even without intervening recessions, in a few years Social Security will be unable to pay the benefits promised.  What to do? One obvious suggestion is to raise the payroll tax funding Social Security.  This proposal raises some questions proponents are willing to face, and at least one biggie they have heretofore preferred to ignore, specifically, the question of intergenerational equity.
In stark contrast to those coming up with solutions, judging from the current administration as well as the two candidates running to replace it, one might conclude there’s no problem at all. After all, how could such an enormous fiscal disaster be so certain and yet the President and those who seek to be President remain so silent? How indeed?----US Chamber of Commerce article dated 9.30.16
https://www.uschamber.com/above-the-fold/should-social-security-reform-target-young-workers

Related stories:

Here's Why Your Social Security Check Is Hardly Going to Budge in 2017--The Motley Fool
As of July 2016, 60.5 million Americans were receiving Social Security payments each month, including 40.8 million retired workers.

The average retiree will see Social Security benefit decrease---CNBC
Those in retirement who are receiving Social Security benefits and are enrolled in Medicare may want to sit up and take notice of the latest Medicare Board of Trustees report released this month, as their Social Security benefit may be adversely affected.

 In-patient or not? Medicare requires hospitals to tell you (REU)
You are in the hospital for tests after experiencing dizziness. You are nervous about what the tests will show, but at least you do not have to worry about hospital bills - you have Medicare, so you can relax about healthcare coverage. Or can you?

For Business and finance news click here

LEANING TOWARDS GARY JOHNSON--LIB.

Ever since the time I voted for President Ronald Reagan, I cast my vote for the Republican candidate.
The democrats had lost my vote for president long ago since the presidency of Jimmy Carter. As I grew up and matured I became more, and more a conservative thinker. The democrats stop being the party of Harry S Truman, and John F. Kennedy, and has managed to take this country down the sewer drain of moral virtues and only pay lip service to issues that matter like equality toward disabled, and other minority groups when it becomes politically convenient.  Now the Republicans has abandon the principles of Ronald Reagan such as showing class by supporting a candidate who has no class,  is more of a show boat, and can't seem to not speak without putting his shoe in his mouth.
Do we really want another four years of an Obama like presidency under Hillary, who is hip deep in scandals?

Case in point two examples:

•     FBI’s Comey won’t reopen Clinton email probe, refuses to say she’s truthful

FBI Director James Comey said he’s not going to reopen the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s emails, telling Congress on Wednesday that none of the recent revelations since he closed the case in July “would come near” to triggering that extraordinary step.---Washington Times
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/sep/28/fbi-rejects-calls-reopen-clinton-email-case/

• It Took Obama Six Hours to Respond to Benghazi and Hillary Didn’t Find Him

President Obama did not personally respond to Benghazi on the night of the attack until more than six hours after the White House convened an emergency conference call, according to little-noticed State Department records reviewed by Breitbart News.
http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/09/30/it-took-obama-six-hours-to-respond-to-benghazi-and-hillary-didnt-find-him/

• In Rare Move, Clinton Courts Disability Vote

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton is making her pitch to people with disabilities, bringing attention to a sizable demographic that’s often overlooked on the campaign trail.-- Disability Scoop
https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2016/09/22/in-rare-clinton-courts-disability/22785/

HILLARY ON DISABLED CHILDREN During Easter Egg Hunt: “When are they going to get those f*****g ree-tards out of here?”---100% Fed up
http://100percentfedup.com/hillary-on-disabled-children-during-easter-egg-hunt-when-are-they-going-to-get-those-fg-ree-tards-out-of-here/

Editorial Note: This tells me Hillarys true feelings towards disable folks, than what disability scoop is trying to have us believe.

And has for Mr. Broadway the "Donald" he continues to show he's not really fit to lead...

• The reaction to Trump’s fat-shaming reinforces toxic ideas about fatness--WP

• USA TODAY's Editorial Board: Trump is 'unfit for the presidency'---USA TODAY

• Donald Trump’s War on People With Disabilities

The man who says he has given more to Americans with disabilities than anyone else has faced a slew of lawsuits over ADA compliance.---The Daily Beast

This is where Trump lost me.

So, what's the third choice? Gary Johnson (Lib)

His recent endorsements pretty much tells the story, some from notable conservative, and liberal minded publications

•   Endorsement: Libertarian Gary Johnson for president---Detroit News 

Since its founding in 1873, The Detroit News has backed a Republican every time it has made a presidential endorsement (three times we have sat on the sidelines — twice during the Franklin Roosevelt elections and in the 2004 Bush/Kerry 

http://www.detroitnews.com/story/opinion/editorials/2016/09/28/endorse-johnson-president/91254412/

Chicago Tribune: A principled option for U.S. president: Endorsing Gary Johnson, Libertarian

We reject the cliche that a citizen who chooses a principled third-party candidate is squandering his or her vote.— Chicago Tribune Editorial Board

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-gary-johnson-president-endorsement-edit-1002-20160930-story.html

Johnson-Weld 2016: A better choice---New Hampshire Union Leader

It’s a binary election, we’re told.

That’s a lousy choice, and a false one. As our Publisher writes on today’s front page, we refuse to choose the lesser of two evils. Not when there’s a reasonable, and honorable, alternative. - 

 http://www.unionleader.com/editorials/johnson-weld-2016-a-better-choice--20160914

Granted I don't necessarily all of Johnson's issues like for example his support of gay marriage, I believe that is God ordained estate between one man, one woman. He might act at times as sophomoric, but given the choice of the other two choice he is probably the best we are going to get in this wacky presidential election.

WILL THE CITY RESPECT THE ETHICS CODE? OR CHERRY PICK WHEN THEY COMPLY?

Once again the city will meet to follow the recommendations of the ethic board 1, to admonish the Deputy Mayor, Cherie Kidd or impose a more stricter punishment, removing Kidd from her position as Deputy Mayor? Tuesday's meeting should draw a big crowd I suspect, given the topic. It will be lesson how democracy works, or at least should work. If they end up being in a stalemate again, and decide to do nothing, they must well shred that code of ethics. As you recall in the PDN article Kidd is quoted in saying:  “Our council procedures are a living document. We do change them from time to time because we learn things, and so it’s a living document, and I have learned from this experience myself. “I will do my best to show courtesy and respect, and I’ve worked hard for the city for many years, and I will continue to work hard for the city for many years. See pdn article: Cherie Kidd on Feb. 2 council meeting: ‘I have learned from this experience’

Background information from city staff memo in Tuesday's meeting:
Four complaints have been filed against City Councilmembers since
February, all alleging that council members violated the City’s Code of Ethical Conduct as
outlined in Chapter 2.78 of the Port Angeles Municipal Code. As directed by the municipal code,
the Council assemble 3-member boards from a pool of pre-approved applicants to serve on
Boards to receive, investigate and make recommendations for disposition of the complaints.
Complaints 3 and 4 were ultimately withdrawn, and therefore no further action was required of
Council. Of the two ethics complaints that went forward, Boards (1) and (2) submitted their
written findings of fact, conclusions, and recommendations for disposition to the Council.
On September 6, Council voted 5-0 to accept the recommendation of Board (2) regarding a
complaint against Deputy Mayor Kidd and Councilmember Gase. Despite extended discussion,
and several votes on various motions, Council was unable to reach consensus on any action
regarding the recommendation of Board (1) regarding a complaint against Deputy Mayor Kidd.
Council agreed to table the matter and bring it back a month later. Council now must determine
what action, if any, to take in the disposition of the complaint. If Council chooses to take action,
Chapter 2.78.080 outlines Council’s options. That section is included as Attachment 2.
Funding Overview: There was funding associated with the legal representation of
Councilmembers in defending themselves during the process associated with Boards 1 and 2,
however, there is no necessary funding anticipated for Council’s review and disposition of the
complaint. The total amount spent on outside legal representation was $20,000.
See full agenda: http://wa-portangeles.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/3361

Editorial Comment: Note that the $20,000 legal expense was on the taxpayer, not out of pocket expense of  Kidd or Gase. But, that's just a sidebar note, worth noting because I think they could have easily paid for legal counsel on their own dime. Unless the city has a legal defense fund for such occasions for council members who can't afford legal representation when something like this occurs. I guess that would be a different story. But, all of this is beside the point in whether or not the council will practice what they preach or not, that violators of the ethics code will be punished or not. This will be something to see on Tuesday.

In other city related meetings...

This meeting is before the city's regular session on Tuesday.
Presentation to Council on Investments Policy
Notice is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Port Angeles will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, October 4, 2016, from 5:45 p.m. to 6 p.m., in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 321 East Fifth Street, Port Angeles. The purpose of the meeting is to receive a short presentation on Investments Policy. The special meeting is open to the public. The regular City Council meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m.

For more meetings and on the spot commentaries click here!

SAO AGREES WITH COUNTY, SO WHAT'S NEXT SELINDA?

Clallam treasurer raises spending, personnel concerns
County commissioners suggest executive session as appropriate venue---PDN
 
Quote from Article posted: “The Board of County Commissioners should not need to revisit these matters,” Peach said before making a motion to strike the agenda item and remove the associated materials from the county’s website.
“We’ve had the opportunity to talk to the [state] auditor, and it would appear that you don’t agree with the auditor’s decision.”

Related story: State audit of Clallam County remarks on opportunity fund grants, veterans fund

The state Auditor’s Office audit for 2015 found that Clallam County commissioners followed policy last year when they awarded $1.3 million in Opportunity Fund infrastructure grants to the port and city of Port Angeles and also made suggestions for the veterans fund.---PDN
Written statement by County Treasure regarding the opportunity fund allotments made last year, responding to the state auditor decision on the matter as shared in the work session packet Monday:

ln my opinion, the only way the SAO can decline to find non-compliance is by, among many other 
things, ignoring the fact that the $10,290,155 expenditure amount reflected on the adopted budget for the Opportunity Fund is inconsistent with the SAO's own "basic rules of accounting and financial reporting" as well as the specific prohibition at RCW 36.40.120;
o lgnoring the fact that the post mortem results for the Opportunity Fund show that the St.g mill¡on in additional expenditures listed on BM#13 were paid from budgeted ending fund balance reserves, and not from the
"Transfer to Carlsborg Sewer Project" line as claimed on BM#13;
¡ lgnoring the fact that Administrator Jones admitted that he signed, approved, and processed BM#13 with the intent and knowledge of making Sg million in "ending fund balance reserves" available for spending, even though he claimed otherwise on BM#13 itself as well as in a number of other official reports and statements, all as discussed in my previous email below.(see full statement)

Editorial Comment: It's never a dull moment with our County Treasure isn't readers.
She not only ignoring the findings of the State Auditor, now she is probably going to contend that the Auditor is in some sort of conspiracy with the county, that maybe the next thing to have happen since the State Auditor found no fault in the transaction regarding the opportunity fund, and didn't agree with Burkius. We all know at least one local media outlet who seems to side with Burkius on all most everything she says. Lately they have been strangely silent regarding this latest chapter of the drama between the county treasurer and county commission, who I am referring to? The Port O Call, they seem to be the County Treasurer's favorite sounding board. Readers, I go every day to these local sources, and thus far not word one on the Port O Call webpage regarding this latest development, why the silence all of a sudden?
So what is next on the agenda of the County Treasurer?
Sounds to me that the County Treasurer is a poor loser in this, don't you think?



For more local news and on the spot commentary click here

Kilmer Joins Call on Congressional Leaders to Renew a Program Critical to Rural Communities

From a press release issued 9. 27. 16
REF: http://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-joins-call-on-congressional-leaders-to-renew-a-program-critical-to-rural-communities

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA) called on Congressional leaders to renew a program critical to rural communities. In a letter to House Speaker Paul Ryan and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Kilmer and other representatives urged the continuation of funding for Secure Rural Schools (SRS) in fiscal year 2016 and future years to help counties with national forests.
Since national forest land cannot be taxed by counties or states, for more than 100 years the Forest Service has shared revenues from timber harvests on federal land with the nearby communities. As harvests declined, the SRS program was started to assist communities so they could maintain essential services. The letter notes that SRS payments are necessary to support vital services like law enforcement, road maintenance, and education in rural communities across the country.
“The SRS program continues to be a critical safety net for forest counties,” the members wrote in the letter. “As Congress continues its work to improve forest management with policies that protect natural resources, improve forest health and provide jobs, we urge you to work in a bipartisan fashion to reauthorize the SRS program.”
Washington state is typically among the top recipients of SRS funds. During fiscal year 2015 Clallam County received SRS payments of $824,816, Grays Harbor County received $313,280, Jefferson County received $941,107, and Mason County received $328,482. Across the nation SRS sends funds to more than 720 counties in 41 states.  
The last time SRS expired in 2014 Kilmer was part of a successful effort to get the program renewed for two years.

The text of the letter follows.

Dear Speaker Ryan and Democratic Leader Pelosi,
We write to express our strong support for reauthorizing the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program in Fiscal Year 2017, as well as retroactively for Fiscal Year 2016, and our willingness to support your efforts.  The SRS program provides crucial support for law enforcement, transportation infrastructure, and education in the more than 720 counties in 41 states that depend on revenue from federal forests.
The SRS program expired on September 30, 2015.  Earlier this year the last payments were distributed to eligible counties.  Most counties have completed their budgets for the upcoming year and without the SRS program, counties have been forced to cut vital services.  As a result, funding for law enforcement, road maintenance, and education has been slashed.  Nine million students have gone back to school with fewer teachers and educational opportunities. Taken together, these funding cuts negatively affect everyone who lives or visits these counties.
According to the National Association of Counties, when the authorization for SRS lapsed in Fiscal Year 2014, forest payments to counties decreased by over 80 percent.  Counties and school districts nationwide faced dramatic budgetary shortfalls.  Thankfully, Congress understood the serious effect the cuts created and reauthorized the SRS program retroactively.
The SRS program continues to be a critical safety net for forest counties. As Congress continues its work to improve forest management with policies that protect natural resources, improve forest health and provide jobs, we urge you to work in a bipartisan fashion to reauthorize the SRS program. We stand ready to work with you in support of this important program.---Congressman Kilmer

For more state news click here

AG: EYMAN AND COMMITTEES VIOLATED CAMPAIGN ACCOUNTING AND DISCLOSURE LAWS

From a press release issued by the State Attorney General, dated 9. 26. 16
REF. http://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-eyman-and-committees-violated-campaign-accounting-and-disclosure-laws

OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson today announced the filing of campaign finance complaints against Tim Eyman, three political committees, and their officers and treasurer. The AG alleges that shoddy accounting practices and improper disclosure of the source of funds for the committees and their ads violated Washington law.
Three separate cases were filed late Friday in Thurston County Superior Court against the political committees, their principals — Eyman, Jack Fagan and Mike Fagan — as well as their treasurer, Barbara Smith.
“Washington’s campaign finance laws require, and Washingtonians deserve fair, accurate and timely disclosure,” Ferguson said. “When political committees create confusion rather than transparency, I will hold them and the people in charge accountable.”
One complaint alleges that the “Tougher to Raise Taxes” committee improperly repaid loans totaling over $1 million it received from Eyman and three individuals, because it lacked any kind of written loan agreement and failed to report in-kind contributions it received from other committees in the form of interest payments.
The second complaint alleges that committee “Bring Back Our $30 Car Tabs” violated state disclosure laws by failing to file an independent expenditure report disclosing its spending on campaign ads against candidates who had opposed a separate Eyman-backed initiative. The complaint also alleges that the committee failed to accurately disclose $3,297.75 in interest payments it made on a loan for “Tougher to Raise Taxes.”
A third complaint alleges the “2/3rds-for-Taxes Constitutional Amendment” committee failed to accurately disclose a $599.66 interest payment it made on a loan for “Tougher to Raise Taxes.”
The complaint also alleges that the committee failed to account properly for all contributions it received.
Senior Assistant Attorney General Linda Dalton and Assistant Attorney General Chad Standifer are handling the cases for the state.
Since become Attorney General, Attorney General Ferguson has devoted more agency resources and a full-time attorney position to campaign finance casework.

For more law and justice, and Advocacy news click here

Special video clip, the first debate with Clinton, and Trump
(From NBC News you tube channel)

Cantwell Helps Secure Economic Grant To Promote Local Business Growth And Development Through Infrastructure Investment

From a press release issued 9. 27. 16
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-helps-secure-economic-grant-to-promote-local-business-growth-and-development-through-infrastructure-investment

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced that the City of Oroville, Washington has been awarded by the Economic Development Administration Public Works Grant Program a grant in the amount of $839,784.

The grant will go towards funding critical road infrastructure that would enable businesses in the region to grow while attracting new industrial developments. The Department of Commerce estimates the investment will create 20 new jobs and save 136 more.

“This grant will help ensure Oroville continues to grow for years to come.  The investments will create jobs and economic opportunities in this important rural region of our state,” said Senator Cantwell.

The City of Oroville serves as the main hub for regional trade in northern Okanogan County. The EDA grant will support road improvements that will allow the expansion of Oroville Reman and Reload Lumber Mill, a manufacturer of wood products that ships over 48,000 board feet of lumber a year, and one of the City’s major employers.

Such investment in retaining existing businesses and attracting new ones is especially important to Oroville and the surrounding region, which has seen the recent departure of employers hamper its local economy.

“The Economic Alliance is pleased to hear about the City of Oroville’s success in obtaining the EDA grant for roadway infrastructure improvements to help support business expansion.  We thank Senator Cantwell for her support of local, county and regional organizations that helped make this project happen. These improvements will assist the Oroville Community in business retention and the expansion of current businesses as well as opportunities to recruit those businesses looking at relocating to areas such as the Oroville Industrial area,” said Roni Holder-Diefenbach, Executive Director of the Economic Alliance of Okanogan County.

The Economic Alliance, along with the North Central Washington Economic Development District board of directors, toured the site early last year to help both boards learn more about the individual communities and the diversity in the local economies.  This visit served as the nexus for this funding opportunity.

The grant approval comes after Cantwell, a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, sent a letter to the Economic Development Administration’s Seattle Regional Director Leonard Smith, in strong support of the City of Oroville’s application.

For more world and national news click here

AND YOU THINK HILLARY CLINTON HAS HER EMAIL ISSUES, SO DOES THE COUNTY TREASURE!

County work session agenda on Monday, highlight item: Discussion on how to approach resolution of the Treasurer’s issues
Executive Summary from Barkhuis:
Attached are two emails I recently sent to the State Auditor's Office outlining my issues with "Clallam County," I have previously forwarded these emails to the BOCC, with hyperlinks to the various referenced documents.
My goal is to discuss and resolve these issues publicly and collaboratively with the BOCC. As such, it is my intent to present each of the various issues identified in the attached emails (and others as they come up) during upcoming BOCC work sessions and meetings, and to engage the BOCC in robust discussion of how to resolve them.
The following letter was sent to the state Auditor office from the County Treasurer on Sept. 16th:
l'm following up on our conversation in which you indicated that the SAO is declining to find non-compliance with the
non-budgeted expenditure of 5L.3 million in ending fund balance reserves that was made from the BOCC's Opportunity
Fund during 2015.
ln declining to find non-compliance, you:
o Referred me to the "Budget Compliance" section in the SAO BARS Manual

o Pointed out that the actual Opportunity Fund expenditures for 2015 did not exceed the $10,290,155 in listed
"Expenditures" for the Opportunity Fund in the "ADOPTED - 2015 CLALh spreadsheet.
ln my opinion, the only way the SAO can decline to find non-compliance is by, among many other things, lgnoring the fact that the $10,290,155 expenditure amount reflected on the adopted budget for the Opportunity
Fund is inconsistent with the SAO's own "basic rules of accounting and financial reporting" as well as the specific prohibition at RCW 36.40.120;
 lgnoring the fact that the post mortem results for the Opportunity Fund show that the St.g mill¡on in additional expenditures listed on BM#13 were paid from budgeted ending fund balance reserves, and not from the
"Transfer to Carlsborg Sewer Project" line as claimed on BM#13; lgnoring the fact that Administrator Jones admitted that he signed, approved, and processed BM#13 with the intent and knowledge of making Sg million in "ending fund balance reserves" available for spending, even though he claimed otherwise on BM#13 itself as well as in a number of other official reports and statements.
" ln my opinion, Administrator Jones' usurpation of the BOCC's budgeting and spending powers is ultimately motivated by his goal to be in the powerful "tit-for-tat" position to facilitate (or not) the stealth (or not) payment (or not) of claims alleging official misconduct by certain Clallam County public officials. Not so coincidentally then in hindsight, these claims of official misconduct (in the Lange and Faser cases) seem to involve some of the very same public officials who have supported and defended Administrator Jones in his "may or may not be correct" interpretations of law and fact, and in his unrelenting harassment and bullying of the Treasurer, all as described in more detail in my previous email below, and in emails to follow"---Selinda Barkhuis
See agenda for more details: http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=8&meta_id=2528

Editorial Comment: It's never a dull moment with the County Treasure, Selinda Barkhuis, this is the latest installment of the continuing drama between Barkhuis and the County Administrator, Jim Jones Jr. Who she is trying to have fired.

During their regular meeting on Tuesday, the County will consider: Resolution from the Treasurer’s Office to increase the base budgets of the Advance Travel, Flexible Benefits, and Workers Compensation bank accounts
Due to errors on the part of the County's Third Pafi Administrator for Workers Compensation, our US Bank account has had substantial negative amounts twice in the last six months. This reflects negatively on the County and affects our bank standing. After additional research of bank statement Ending Fund Balances it would be prudent to also increase the base balance of the Flexible Benefit and Advance Travel funds
See full Resolution: http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=113&meta_id=2482
See full agenda for next Tuesday: http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=113

 County to hold special meeting on sewage rates in Sekiu Sept. 28th
Pursuant to RCW 42.30.080, the Board of Commissioners has called a special meeting
beginning at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at the Sekiu Community Center, 42
Rice StreeÇ Sekiu. The meeting is being convened to hold a public hearing on proposed changes to Clallam County Code Chapter 13.04, Clallam BaylSekiu Sewerage Rate Schedule, to increase fees. Additionally Clallam Bay/Sekiu Community Advisory Council will be meeting to discuss community reports.
http://websrv7.clallam.net/forms/uploads/ci20160922154737.pdf

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While City pens notice of notice of flouride removal until 2017...

Are some local dentist trying to make the council go back on their word?


During their meeting on Tuesday, the council decided to release the following statement online to Port Angeles residence regarding the temporally stoppage of adding fluoride to the city water supply.
The proposed statement reads:
On August 2nd, 2016, the Port Angles Water Utility stopped adding fluoride to the City’s drinking water as directed by the City Council. Fluoridation will be suspended until the question is placed on the City ballot in November 2017. Individuals and families should consult their dentist or primary care provider to discuss their dental health and their specific fluoride needs. This notice affects all customers of the Port Angeles Water Utility.
According to the staff memo provided:
At the Council meeting of August 2, 2016, Council voted to end fluoridation of the City’s water
supply until an advisory vote on the question of fluoridation could be conducted during the 2017 Municipal General Election. On August 16th , Council members Bruch and Gase were appointed to a subcommittee asked to would work with Dr. Chris Frank, the Clallam County Public Health Officer, on drafting a notification to citizens. Council members Gase and Bruch met with Dr. Frank on September 2nd and subsequently presented a draft statement to the full Council at its regular meeting on September 6th.

During the public comment session the leading pro fluoride proponent Dr. Scott Kennedy, who is also the OMC Chief Medical operating officer, spoke on the decision of the city council to stop adding fluoride to the water system. I don't know if he was trying to sway the council decision to put this to a vote on the November ballot or not, but something about what he said during his testimony during the council meeting led me to think that was what he was doing, to change the council's mind in putting the decision of continuing adding fluoride to the voters, who he regards as unqualified to make such decisions. That what he was implying during another time during the heated debate months ago. You will have to listen to the video clip yourselves and see if his tone was that of trying to sway the council away from their decision back in August. He basically told the council that now that they stop adding fluoride to the water system people are not being cared for properly in regards to dental hygiene. It's the old ploy that folks are to dumb to brush their teeth and use mouth wash, or can't afford to get tooth paste in the first place. Which I think it's really condescending if you ask me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVwDJd6Cokw (see video clip of council open comment session starting on 15:53 time line.)
(You can adjust the sound quality using Chrome using this method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5cen9qkM2c )
I tell you if the council backs out of their decision to move this vote forward to the November ballot in 2017, there will be a ground swell of furry locally. I imagine the pro fluoride folks would hope that would come to pass. What I don't get are some who are against adding fluoride are expressing doubts about the vote and would hope the council will change their minds. Talk about shooting ones self in the foot readers!

For more local news and commentary click here

Cantwell Hails WTO Ruling as Victory for Washington Aerospace Workers

World Trade Organization finds European Union ignored compliance rules, must end illegal subsidies to Airbus
From press release issue 9.22.16
REF.  https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-hails-wto-ruling-as-victory-for-washington-aerospace-workers
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) applauded the announcement that the United States was successful in its World Trade Organization (WTO) case against with the European Union (EU) and four of its member States regarding trade-distorting subsidies to Airbus. Cantwell is a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee which oversees international trade.
In today’s ruling, the WTO compliance panel found that not only did the EU fail to remedy the $18 billion in subsidies previously found in a 2011 ruling, but it further breached international trade rules by granting more than $4 billion in new subsidized financing for the A350 XWB, causing tens of billions of dollars in adverse effects to the U.S. aerospace industry, including Boeing, its workers and its suppliers.
With more than 132,000 workers in aerospace related jobs and 1,350 aerospace companies in Washington, this ruling is an important victory for Washington state’s economy and its aerospace industry.
“This is the largest trade ruling from WTO in history - and they have sided with US manufacturers.  The $22 billion in unfair trade subsidies to Airbus from the Europeans are illegal and must stop.   This is a huge victory for Northwest aerospace workers who have been building world-class airplanes for years. With this decisive ruling, it is now time for the EU to come to the table and settle, rather than waiting for future tariffs. Without having to compete against illegal, market-distorting practices, Boeing should win more sales around the world. I’d like to thank President Obama, Ambassador Froman and the USTR personnel for the many years of hard work that brought us to this decision,” said Senator Cantwell.
Cantwell has been a staunch advocate for stronger trade enforcement. She has spoken out about the need for the Europeans to end launch aid for the last decade. In 2005, Senator Cantwell and Senator Murray led the U.S. Senate to pass a resolution calling on European governments to reject Launch Aid for Airbus and calling on the President to take any action necessary to protect American aerospace jobs.  In 2015, the Senate Finance Committee passed Cantwell-led amendments to increase resources to agencies responsible for the enforcement of free trade agreements.
Background on WTO Compliance Panel Decision
The compliance panel found that since 2006, subsidies to the Airbus A320 family of aircraft resulted in the displacement or impedance of Boeing 737s in the EU, Australia, China, and India markets, as well as lost sales of 271 737s.
In the twin-aisle market, which includes Boeing’s 767, 777, and 787, the panel found that the subsidies benefitting the A330, A340, and A350 XWB caused displacement or impedance of Boeing aircraft in the EU, China, Korea, and Singapore markets, as well as lost sales of 50 Boeing aircraft.
When it came to the largest aircraft– – the panel found that subsidies benefitting the A380 caused displacement or impedance of Boeing 747s in the EU, Australia, China, Korea, Singapore, and UAE markets, as well as lost sales of 54 Boeing aircraft.
In total, the panel found that nearly $22 billion in subsidized financing from the EU and Germany, France, the UK, and Spain caused tens of billions of dollars in lost U.S. exports.
Additional Background Information
In June 2011, the WTO found that the EU and four of its member States (Germany, France, the UK, and Spain) conferred more than $18 billion in subsidized financing to Airbus and had caused Boeing to lose sales of more than 300 aircraft and to lose market share throughout the world. In fact, in looking at the effect of the EU subsidies, the Appellate Body agreed with the Panel that “[w]ithout the subsidies, Airbus would not have existed… and there would be no Airbus aircraft on the market. None of the sales that the subsidized Airbus made would have occurred.” In contrast, the WTO rejected the EU assertion in the EU’s counter-complaint that U.S. subsidies were responsible for the viability of Boeing’s large civil aircraft production.
The Boeing Company is the only American producer of large civil aircraft and is the largest single U.S. exporter. Boeing employs more than 157,000 people, including 79,232 in Washington state, and sold $31.8 billion worth of commercial aircraft in 2010. Boeing is the largest American manufacturer of commercial jetliners, and has 1,740 suppliers throughout Washington state.

More press releases from Sen. Cantwell:
Cantwell Backs Bill to Benefit Washington Music and Sports Fans
Legislation would ban use of ‘ticket bots’ to bypass ticket rules, would lead to lower, fairer prices
WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined her colleagues on the Senate Commerce Committee to unanimously pass a bill that empowers online ticket consumers by banning the use of ‘ticket bots’ to break security rules on sites like Ticketmaster. These computer programs buy up large batches of tickets for events, then sell them to concert-goers and sports fans at a substantial profit.
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-backs-bill-to-benefit-washington-music-and-sports-fans-

Cantwell, Murray Join Call to Protect Women’s Access to Contraceptive Coverage
Senators Say Affordable Care Act Balances Need to Ensure Women’s Access to Birth Control with Employers’ Religious Freedom
WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) joined a group of nearly 40 Democratic Senators in calling on the Obama Administration to protect women’s access to affordable birth control under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-murray-join-call-to-protect-womens-access-to-contraceptive-coverage

For more state headlines click here

Ahmad Khan Rahami Charged in Manhattan and New Jersey Federal Courts with Executing Bombings in New York City and New Jersey

From the US DEPT. OF JUSTICE press lease issued 9.20.16
REF. https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/ahmad-khan-rahami-charged-manhattan-and-new-jersey-federal-courts-executing-bombings-new-york

Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch, Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, FBI Director James B. Comey, U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara of the Southern District of New York, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman of the District of New Jersey, Assistant Director-in-Charge William Sweeney of the FBI's New York Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Timothy Gallagher of the FBI's Newark Field Office and Commissioner James O’Neill of the New York Police Department (NYPD) announced that Ahmad Khan Rahami, aka Ahmad Rahimi, has been charged in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York and the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, for conducting and attempting to conduct bombings in New York City and various locations in New Jersey on Sept. 17, 2016, and Sept. 18, 2016.
Rahami, 28, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, is charged in a complaint filed in the Southern District of New York with one count of using and attempting to use weapons of mass destruction, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2332a, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment; one count of bombing and attempting to bomb a place of public use, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2332f, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment; one count of destroying and attempting to destroy property by means of fire or explosive, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 844(d), which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and use of a destructive device in furtherance of a crime of violence, namely, the use and attempted use of weapons of mass destruction, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), which carries a mandatory minimum consecutive sentence of 30 years in prison, all in connection with Rahami’s alleged detonation of an explosive device and efforts to detonate explosives in New York City.
Rahami is also charged in a complaint filed in the District of New Jersey with two counts of using and attempting to use weapons of mass destruction, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2332a, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment on each count; one count of bombing and attempting to bomb a place of public use and public transportation system, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2332f, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment; one count of attempting to destroy property by means of fire or explosive, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 844(i), which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and two counts of using a destructive device in furtherance of a crime of violence, namely, the use and attempted use of weapons of mass destruction, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), each count of which carries a mandatory minimum consecutive sentence of 30 years in prison and, if convicted of both counts, a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment, all in connection with Rahami’s alleged efforts to detonate explosives in Seaside Park, New Jersey, and Elizabeth, New Jersey.
Rahami will first be transported by the U.S. Marshals Service, pursuant to a writ of habeas corpus ad prosequendum, to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York to face the charges filed in the Southern District of New York.  More than 30 people were injured as a result of the detonation of a bomb in the Chelsea area of New York City.
Assistant Attorney General Carlin and U.S. Attorneys Bharara and Fishman praised the outstanding efforts of the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which principally consists of agents from the FBI and detectives from the NYPD, and the FBI’s New Jersey Joint Terrorism Task Force.
The prosecution in the Southern District of New York is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas J. Lewin, Emil J. Bove III, Andrew J. DeFilippis and Shawn G. Crowley, with assistance from Trial Attorney Brian Morgan of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
The prosecution in the District of New Jersey is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dennis C. Carletta, Francisco J. Navarro, Margaret Ann Mahoney and James M. Donnelly, with assistance from Trial Attorney Brian Morgan of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
The charges contained in the complaints are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Related news stories:

Bomb suspect vowed 'death to your oppression,' feds say (AP)

New York bombing suspect could face hearing in hospital bed (REU)

Ahmad Khan Rahami Charged in New York and New Jersey Bombings---NY TIMES

Bombing Suspect’s Hometown Is a Magnet for Immigrants---NY TIMES

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Secretary-General Tells High-Level Event, Saying New York Declaration Reflects Global Community’s Moral Obligation to Help

Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks at the high-level event, “Supporting Greater Dignity and Protection:  Enhancing Self-Reliance in Food Security and Nutrition in Protracted Refugee Situations”, in New York today:
Thank you very much for inviting me to address this very important session.  Food is a matter of life and death, especially for people in need, like refugees.  Many of the millions of refugees in our world are food insecure.  They face the grave risk of malnutrition.  We have a moral obligation to help them.  This is the spirit of the 1951 Refugee Convention.
Today’s Summit reaffirms that timeless pledge.  States have agreed to more equitably share the responsibility for hosting and supporting the world’s refugees.  They have identified key, life-saving sectors, including food.  And they have agreed to mobilize resources to cover humanitarian needs.
I especially welcome the focus on channeling support through host communities and using local knowledge and capacities.  These host communities are on the front lines and they should be at the forefront in receiving global support.
I have also been to many countries of asylum.  I have seen their efforts to provide for the food and nutrition needs of refugees. I applaud this solidarity.  It saves lives, alleviates suffering, and — in the long-term — solidarity benefits refugees and host communities.
Refugees deserve sustainable livelihoods.  That is why I am speaking out for their right to access land and financial services.  And refugees deserve freedom of movement.  These are basic to earning a living.
Tragically, displacement can stretch across generations.  I have met with refugees who were born in camps.  In fact, I have met some three generations in refugee camps.  If you go to Dadaab camp — three generations; in Western Sahara, I think, three generations.  That is why I was very angry when I visited them.  I hope our refugee camps in Jordan and Lebanon and Iraq and elsewhere will not continue like that.
It is really sad when you meet third generation children.  They may not know that the world is just bounded by refugee camps.  That just saddens me very much.  They should know that the world is very wide and very big.  There are many places for them to see and live.
In fact, I myself was one of those people.  When I was six years old, as you may know, the Korean War broke out in 1950.  I had to flee my hometown.  Of course, I did not travel as far as the Syrian refugees travelled.  They risked their lives crossing over seas and Africans crossing over the Mediterranean, et cetera.  There were a lot of dangers.  But for me it was just within South Korea.
South Korea is a small country, so it was a matter of a few hundred kilometres.  The maximum was 500 kilometres.  So for me, it was 150 kilometres or something like that.  But it was not my home.  What I saw at the time was my grandfather and my father running here and there to find something to feed their children.  That is what I experienced myself.
At that time, the United Nations came and provided massively.  Fortunately, looking back, we were fortunate — Koreans — because there was only one Korean crisis.  There must have been many countries in difficulty, but mostly they were under colonies, or colonial Powers were responsible.  But there was only one war, the Korean War, at that time, while 17 wars are taking place now, producing 65 million refugees.  So, the world is at a very difficult time to manage.  The United Nations was able to focus, massively — all clothes, some food, school textbooks, we were even given toys.
So, when I went to Zaatari camp and Dadaab and elsewhere, I told them that when I was you, the United Nations was with me, so “that is why I am with you now.  Do not worry.  Do not lose hope.”
I really appreciate your strong commitment, compassionate leadership.  The Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) — Ertharin Cousin — we have been talking just a few days ago about how to deliver all these trucks, these two 20-trucks [convoys].  They are fully loaded.  They are still not able to cross the line.  It is already five days.  It is totally unacceptable.  There must not be any political consideration.  There is no such politics when it comes to human lives, daily needs, life-saving humanitarian assistance — food and water.  I really condemn those people who take all this as political issues.
In any event, I thank your strong support from Governments.  I am also very much moved and touched by civil society, humanitarian workers who risk their own safety and security.  I really count on your continuing support until we will be able to say that we are in a peaceful and harmonious society.  This outcome document — [the] New York Declaration on Refugees and Migrants — which was adopted today may not be perfect; it may not be ambitious enough.
We have already been criticized by some humanitarian groups.  But at this time, this is what Member States could agree on.  The Europeans could never have been able to agree.  That is why I decided to bring this matter to the United Nations.  Let’s discuss at the global level.  This has become a global issue; it is not European; it is not Asian.  Then we will work out the global compact based on global responsibility sharing.  Not a single country, however rich, can do it.
The United Nations cannot do it alone.  We need your support, yours and civil societies and business communities and so forth.  I am just coming from this Global Compact business meeting.  There were many Heads of State and Government and business leaders and they are committed.  We all talked about food and how to help refugees.  Again, I am very much grateful for your strong commitment.  Thank you very much.
REF. http://www.un.org/press/en/2016/sgsm18087.doc.htm

Related news story: Sustainable livelihoods bring not only food security but dignity, for refugees – UN chief
19 September 2016 – Underscoring that millions of refugees around the world face food insecurity and the risk of malnutrition, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called today for stronger response to ensure that refugees are able to meet their food and nutrition needs.


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WSDA: Two State Agencies Partner to Speed Testing Marijuana for Illegal Pesticides

Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board and Washington State Department of Agriculture agree to purchase testing equipment and dedicate staff to test for illegal pesticides

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) and the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) today announced that they have an agreement in place that will allow the two agencies to work together cooperatively to test for illegal pesticides on marijuana. The WSLCB will pay for the specialized equipment necessary to test for pesticides and two WSDA employees who will be dedicated to carrying out pesticide tests. This agreement is for pesticide enforcement, random testing and testing when illegal pesticides are suspected. “This agreement will significantly expand the state’s ability to test for pesticides,” said WSLCB Director Rick Garza.
“Testing for pesticides is a complex and costly process. Labs need specialized equipment and highly-trained staff to carry out the tests. This agreement will satisfy those obstacles. It will send a strong message to any producer applying illegal pesticides that they will be caught and face significant penalties, including possible cancellation of the license.”
Under the terms of the agreement, WSDA will analyze an average of 75 samples per month covering a spectrum of 100 or more pesticides. The turnaround time for analytical results will be 15-30 calendar days.
WSDA is the state agency responsible for regulating pesticides used and distributed in Washington. Currently, marijuana
growers may use any of the 330 pesticides that WSDA has determined are allowed for use on marijuana, as long as all applicable label directions are followed. The list of allowed pesticides is available on the WSDA’s Pesticide and fertilizer
use on marijuana in Washington webpage. The list is also available by using the Washington State University Pesticide Information Center Online (PICOL) database.
“This new agreement will increase consumer protection in the emerging marijuana retail industry,” WSDA deputy director Kirk Robinson said. “WSDA is pleased to partner with WSLCB to ensure that pesticide use in Washington’s marijuana production follows all applicable laws and regulations.” ---Press release issued 9.15.16
REF. http://agr.wa.gov/News/2016/TestingMarijuanaForIllegalPesticides9-15-16.pdf
See interagency agreement
http://lcb.wa.gov/publications/Marijuana/K813_c.pdf

In other state business related news...

Washington State Commerce Dept: Community Economic Revitalization Board invests $2.3 million to grow local economies
Press release issued: 9.15.16
Funds will support economic development in Clark, Cowlitz, Douglas and Whitman counties
OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) today approved $2,353,500 for public infrastructure development and economic feasibilities studies targeting business growth and job creation in the Port of Camas-Washougal, Port of Ridgefield, city of Woodland, Port of Douglas County, and city of Colfax.
REF. http://www.commerce.wa.gov/news-release-community-economic-revitalization-board-invests-2-3-million-to-grow-local-economies/

DNR considers closing terminal ‘cutout’ at Cherry Point; Move initiated by request from Lummi Nation
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is considering a change to the boundaries of the Cherry Point Aquatic Reserve. DNR decided to consider incorporating a “cutout” area left for the then-proposed Gateway Pacific Terminal into the reserve in response to a request from the Lummi Nation.---press release dated 9.15.16
REF. http://www.dnr.wa.gov/news/dnr-considers-closing-terminal-%E2%80%98cutout%E2%80%99-cherry-point-move-initiated-request-lummi-nation

DOR: Revenue offers free tax workshop Sept. 29 in Lynnwood
http://dor.wa.gov/Content/AboutUs/newsroom/2016/091516.aspx






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FORMER COUNTY COMMISSIONER CANDIDATE LOST HIS LIFE, BUT LEGACY LIVES ON.

Editorial note: I just want to extend my condolences to the family of Gabe Raygaard who tragically died in an car accident. I collected some statements from some local leaders who express their sympathies, and as a tribute shared some items on the County agenda coming this week, that Gabe Raygaard might have found of some interest if he had went on to the November election. But, his biggest legacy he left behind would be his family.

Former reality show star Gabe Rygaard killed in wreck Washington State Patrol report explains the Friday morning wreck which killed the Port Angeles native.----PDN
PORT ANGELES — Gabe Rygaard, a reality TV star and former Clallam County commissioner candidate, was killed in a 9:22 a.m. wreck involving three vehicles on U.S. Highway 101 a quarter-mile east of Laird Road, west of Port Angeles.

Local leaders express their sympathies to the Rygaard family on the PDN reader comment page:
Ron Richards who is currently running for County Commission stated: " I am stunned and saddened by Gabe Rygaard's death. I got to know Gabe only through the recently completed County Commissioner primary election campaign. I found him to be a caring and concerned person who was sincerely interested in the welfare of Clallam County. He wanted to do his part to improve our lives. The manner in which he conducted his campaign and discussed the issues important to him was exemplary."

Jim McEntire former County Commissioner: " I was stunned to hear of Gabe's accident today, and I am heartbroken for his family's loss. I got to know Gabe and Katy, and their family, over the last several months, and I have the utmost respect for how they both live their lives. Gabe's homegoing is a great loss for not only his family, but for us all. I have some appreciation for what his family is going through - I lost my first wife to cancer some 25 years ago. Rest in Peace, Gabe, my friend. And may God wrap his arms around Katy, their children, and Gabe's Mom and Dad and siblings on this sad day. We are all a little poorer today, and our County misses a good man."

* Topics that Raygaard was interested in since he was a logger, and ran on issued about logging issues, and Tribal issues.

Clallam County work session agenda highlight: North Olympic Land Trust - Successes and Challenges in Land Conservation across Clallam County
Since 1990, North Olympic Land Trust has been working on behalf of the citizens of Clallam County to permanently conserve over 90 properties and more than 3,200 acres. The Land Trust is dedicated to the conservation of open spaces, local food, local resources, healthy watersheds, and recreational opportunities. Their long-term goal and mission is to conserve lands that sustaín the communities of Clallam County. The Land Trust is built on a belief that our communíty's land base is the bedrock of our culture, our economy, our homes, and our daily lives. We all depend on this land, we make our livings and live our lives on this land, and we know that be conserving the farms, fish and forests of this land, it will pay direct dividends back to our own quality of life. This is a general update on land conservation efforts, with a focus on a current campaign to conserve farmland in eastern Clallam County.
 http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=7&meta_id=2064
 See full work session agenda: http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=7

During their regular session on Tuesday the highlight item on their agenda is: Agreement with Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe to conduct a population survey for Olympia oysters Jamestown S'l(allam Tribe will conduct a population survey of Olympia oysters. Olympia oyster restoration is a Clallam Marine Resources Committee project, and the Jamestown SKlallam Tribe donated 1.5 acres of tideland for the effort. This population survrey is funded through a grant with Ecology.
ref. http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=112&meta_id=2136

Full county commission agenda: http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=112

(For more meetings and news commentary click here)