LET'S SEE IF TRUMP MAKES GOOD ON $1 A YEAR OR NOT!

Trump: 'I'll take $1 a year' as president (THE HILL)
Editorial note: Let's see if this comes true or not, it would be something however if this new president decides to not accept the $400,000, and just take one buck a year. After all he is a billionaire so why would he need the salary in the first place.  Here's a question though if he only takes $1 a year from the 400K salary, where will the balance go? To charity?


Election over, Congress pivots to lame-duck debate over spending (REU)
With a bitter election campaign finally over, the Congress will reconvene this week to try to set aside its partisan differences long enough to keep the government from closing.

U.S. inflation expectations flat, low in October: NY Fed survey (REU)
A measure of U.S. inflation expectations held mostly steady at low levels in October, with only some momentum higher, according to a Federal Reserve Bank of New York survey taken before Americans voted in this month's presidential election.

Costco's CEO has a simple recipe for making money (The Motley Fool)
While Amazon has laid waste to many traditional retailers and disrupted many others, the online leader has not managed to impact Costco.

The insane numbers behind Trump's deportation plan (MONEY)
If there is one issue President-elect Trump is known for, it’s his get-tough stance on the nation’s 11 million undocumented immigrants.

For more business and finance report click here

NEWS NOTEBOOK:

WE WEREN'T BUYING CARBON TAX NONSENSE
Washington state rejects carbon tax; backers undeterred---PDN
SEATTLE — Washington’s carbon tax initiative was billed as a bipartisan approach to curbing carbon emissions. But voters in this progressive state roundly rejected the measure that drew opposition from the fossil fuel industry and, more surprisingly, many major environmental groups.


JUST IN!

Ediz Hook Amoring Rebuild
Beginning today, November 14, 2016, and continuing through mid- January 2017, a construction contractor will be delivering rock material out to Ediz Hook to rebuild part of the armoring on the outside edge of the hook. This work is being executed under a US Army Corps of Engineers contract. During this period, dump trucks carrying rock material will be traveling the roads on the hook. Construction vehicles will also be entering and exiting the road in the area east of Nippon paper. It is important for drivers to be vigilant of this construction traffic, and stay within posted speed limits due to slow moving construction vehicles.
If you have questions or concerns regarding this project, please contact Elizabeth A. Chien, Coastal Program Manager, Navigation Section, Contracting Officer Representative, Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, PO Box 3755, Seattle, WA 98124-3755, 4735 E. Marginal Way S, Seattle, WA 98134-2255, (206) 316-3968
ref. http://wa-portangeles.civicplus.com/civicalerts.aspx?AID=349

COUNTY ALSO MULLING OVER PROPERTY TAX INCREASE...

THE TAX INCREASE ADDICTION NEVER STOPS!


According to the staff memo provided:
This is the required Notice of Property Tax Levy for establishing the 2017 General Purpose Property Tax as well as the Notice of Property Tax Levy for establishing the 2017 Road Fund Property Tax. Both levies are figured at the 2016 Implied Price Deflator (IPD) rate of .953o/o (the State's official rate of inflation), instead of the maximum allowed 1% (which would require a second resolution declaring "substantial need.

Editorial Comment: That is the same line that the city, and the port is using in justifying accepting the 1% increase "Substantial" need. What need? Is the roads being fixed? New schools being built? These people don't get it, when you raise property taxes again, and again, it's very unlikely you are going to convince the public in accepting things like school bonds and levies. But, hey as long we build a new park we don't really need, or do grunt work for the DOE. Even better yet to continue the failing EDC, who is going to notice right?


Another topic on the County work session of note: Agreement with Northwest Shooting Park Association for a conditional monetary contribution to the County
According to the staff summary report: The Peninsula Northwest Shooting Park Association (PNSPA), a tax exempt 501 (c) (3), would like to donate all funds raised over the years ($39,304.87) to Clallam County for the sole purpose of constructing a shooting range within Clallam County.
The proposal was discussed at the November 1, 2016 Park Board meeting where a motion was made to, "recommend to the Board of Clallam County Commissioners that the County accept a donation of approximately $40,000 from the PNSPA to be used solely for future development of a shooting range in Clallam County, and to be put in a trust fund with the Clallam County Treasurer." It was approved unanimously and recommended that staff bring it forward to the Commissioners for final approval.
See full work session agenda
http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=15

During their regular meeting on Tuesday the highlight agenda items are:
Agreement with Clayton S. Jamieson for purchase of an easement for the Olympic Discovery Trail between Freshwater Bay and Camp Hayden Road
Amendment 1 with Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office to add funding for the purpose of supporting and implementing the preservation of salmon habitat
Notice of hearing to be held at 10:30 a.m., November 29 regarding Clallam County Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code amendments for the Carlsborg Urban Growth Area
see full details on agenda items: http://websrv7.clallam.net/forms/uploads/bocc_meeting_packet.pdf
See full agenda:
http://websrv7.clallam.net/forms/uploads/bocc_meeting_agenda.pdf

For more meetings and on the spot commentary click here



NEWS NOTEBOOK:
Peninsula Daily News: 10-year-old Carlsborg girl puts together gift bags for homeless
CARLSBORG — A 10-year-old Carlsborg girl is making more than 500 gift bags that she plans to distribute to the homeless in Port Angeles and Sequim close to Christmas.

Editorial Note: An act of kindness doesn't go unnoticed, we should all do our part in helping those in need, and not just during the holidays.

PORT TO HOLD HEARING ON TAX LEVY MONDAY

According to the staff memo in their agenda: The Port’s general property tax levy limitation is set forth in RCW 53.36.020 Tax Levy – Limitation. The maximum tax rate may not exceed $.4500 per thousand dollars of assessed value. The Port’s current tax rate is $.19865286591 per thousand dollars of assessed value.
Generally, the maximum increase in the annual dollar amount of property taxes levied is 1% of the amount of tax levy from the previous year, plus an additional dollar amount calculated by multiplying the regular property tax levy rate for the preceding year by the increase in assessed value in the Port district resulting from new construction, improvements to property, and any increase in the assessed value of state-assessed property.
The Port is not required to levy the full amount of the maximum 1% increase in property taxes. Rather, the Port may submit a levy certification for the exact same amount of funds it levied in the prior year, or less. If the Port levies less than what it could have levied, the difference is considered “banked” and may be applied to future levies.
The limitations on the levying of regular property taxes are set forth in Ch. 84.55 RCW. At the Commission meeting on October 17, 2016, staff presented preliminary information on estimated property tax revenues for 2017 and the Port’s history of property tax increases since 2009. 2009 was the first year the Port did not take the 1% increase. The Port has a banked capacity of $38,118 through the year 2016. The amount of banked capacity may change slightly from year to year because the highest lawful levy and the actual levy are recalculated annually.
Ordinarily, the Port will calculate the maximum available increase in the annual dollar amount of the tax levy based upon a measure of inflation called the Implicit Price Deflator (IPD). RCW 84.55.005 establishes the tax increase “limit factor,” or the maximum percentage increase, as the lesser of 1% or the percentage change in the IPD. The IPD is a price index similar to the Consumer Price Index and it is computed by the Washington State Department of Revenue. Information provided by the Clallam County Assessor’s Office identified the IPD at 0.953%. Under RCW 84.55.005, the Port is limited to a tax levy amount of 0.953%
See full agenda: http://www.portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/11142016-202

THE PORT ISN'T THE ONLY ONE SET TO ACCEPT THE PROPERTY LEVY...CITY IS ALSO CONSIDERING IT ON TUESDAY...
As you recall during their last council meeting, the council moved to accept the proposed tax levy, like sheep lead by a shepherd to slaughter, not one of them voted to oppose accepting the 1% increase.
Well during their meeting on Tuesday they'll pretty much seal the deal, according to the staff memo provided: In accordance with state law, the 2017 Preliminary Budget was filed with the City Clerk on October 20, 2016. In addition, a presentation of estimated 2017 Revenues was provided to Council at a public hearing on October 18th
This is the second public hearing related to the overall 2017 budget, which will focus on property taxes. State law requires that the City levy property taxes before November 30 each year.
Tonight’s public hearing will include an opportunity for comments on:
 2016 Levying of Property Tax for collection in 2017 The City Council by simple majority vote can increase the regular property tax levy by the lesser of one percent or the implicit price deflator (IPD). For 2017 collection, the IPD is below 1%, which means the Council may increase the property tax levy by 1% only by adopting the resolution stating substantial need exists. The resolutions for Substantial Need and the authorization of the 1% increase were passed at the November 1st Council meeting. The estimated value of a 1% increase in property tax collection in 2017 is approximately $44,100. The City is also able to collect property tax on the value of new construction added during the past year. The levy amount will increase based on the value of new construction. The value of new construction, along with the assessed valuation for 2016, has been received by the City; however the value to be refunded to the City for new construction has not been received at this time. The amounts included in the table on the next page are merely estimates at this point.
There is no longer an Excess Levy amount as the Library levy matured in November 2015. This eliminated a voter-approved property tax of approximately $0.20 per $1,000 of assessed valuation beginning January 1, 2016.
See full agenda: http://wa-portangeles.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/3441

Click here for local headline news and commentary

NEWS NOTEBOOK

I thought this message taken from a facebook picture is timely since some folks can't lose gracefully is apt. 

It's ironic to me those who are rioting in the streets are the very folks who feared rioting in the streets if Trump lost! GET OVER IT!

Yes, I voted for Gary Johnson, but you don't see me acting like a spoiled child because Johnson lost do you? So this message fits! Of course I wouldn't use profanity there, but you get the picture.

GOV INSLEE: Inslee launches new Resilient Washington subcabinet in preparation for Big One

OLYMPIA – Gov. Jay Inslee today issued a directive to state agencies to bolster Washington state efforts to prepare for a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami.
The directive establishes a new Resilient Washington subcabinet charged with providing a coordinated approach to preparing for and responding to a major earthquake or tsunami. The sub cabinet’s efforts will address everything from educating the public about personal preparedness to planning for major disruptions to utility and fuel services and destruction of major roads, bridges and airports. The subcabinet will also develop recommendations and plans for ensuring availability of medical and human service operations.
“We know the question isn’t ‘if’ a large-scale earthquake will happen in our state, but how well we will be prepared,” Inslee said. “While there’s no way to fully anticipate all the impacts a large-scale earthquake will have on our infrastructure, we know that preparedness starts in every household and every community, and the response depends on cooperation and collaboration at all levels of government. This effort is about each of us building resilience and being ready.”
Washington is situated on the Cascadia subduction zone, known as one of the largest and most dangerous fault lines in the world. Experts predict the region is likely to experience a major earthquake and tsunami that will cause significant damage along the West Coast, including California, Oregon, Washington and parts of Vancouver Island. This summer, Washington, Oregon and British Columbia participated in the unprecedented simulation exercise Cascadia Rising. Nearly 23,000 officials and representatives from federal, military, tribal, state and local governments and nongovernmental organizations participated to train and test their response to a simulated 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami.
Maj. Gen. Bret Daugherty of the Washington State Military Department said the exercise helped identify where good collaboration and preparedness are already in place and where improvements are needed. He said Inslee’s directive is a crucial next step in strategically identifying how best to address gaps in the system and ensure continuing collaboration among community and government leaders.
“We learned a lot from Cascadia Rising, which is exactly why we conducted the exercise. Now the hard work really begins,” Daugherty said. “I appreciate the governor’s commitment to creating a safer and more prepared state. And I look forward to working with our Resilient Washington subcabinet partners to address those areas where there’s room to improve and to develop new strategies that help protect our citizens and communities.”
The subcabinet will rely heavily on the expertise of the Washington State Seismic Safety Commission, which published the 2012 report Resilient Washington State. The report provides a framework for long-term implementation of seismic risk reduction policies and activities across Washington with the goal of making the state resilient within a 50-year time frame.
Press release issued: 11. 4. 16
http://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-launches-new-resilient-washington-subcabinet-preparation-big-one

For more state headline news click here

NEWS NOTEBOOK: TALK ABOUT BEING A BUNCH OF POOR LOSERS!

MoveOn Petition Asks Electoral College to Vote Hillary Clinton
A petition on MoveOn.org asks the Electoral College to vote for Hillary Clinton, in spite of the clear outcome of Tuesday's election. While the returns are still coming in, it seems that Donald Trump has won the presidency but Hillary Clinton has won the popular vote. Democrats and proponents of absolute democracy are furious that this can happen.---PJMEDIA

CAN TRUMP MEND THE GREAT DIVIDE IN THIS NATION?

TRUMP IS PRESIDENT WE'LL SEE IF HE CAN BRING AMERICA TOGETHER
Quoting from his speech last night which was published in the New York Times:
" Now it’s time for America to bind the wounds of division; have to get together. To all Republicans and Democrats and independents across this nation, I say it is time for us to come together as one united people." President elect Trump
See full speech: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/10/us/politics/trump-speech-transcript.html
More Quotes: It’s time. I pledge to every citizen of our land that I will be president for all Americans, and this is so important to me. For those who have chosen not to support me in the past, of which there were a few people. . . I’m reaching out to you for your guidance and your help so that we can work together and unify our great country.
Editorial Note: How is he going to united the people, when he spent the better part during this campaign dividing it?

Case in point: 'Go to hell!' A divided America struggles to heal after ugly election (REU)
The 2016 U.S. election was unprecedented in the way it turned Americans against each other, according to dozens of interviews in rural United States and across some of the most politically charged battleground states.



World reaction to Trump Victory:
Anxious world leaders seek clarity on Trump policies (REU)
Putin was among the first to send Trump congratulations.
Ties between Washington and Moscow have become strained over the conflicts in Ukraine and Syria, and allegations of Russian cyber attacks featured in the election campaign.
"It is not an easy path, but we are ready to do our part and do everything to return Russian and American relations to a stable path of development," Putin said.

Trump election puts Iran nuclear deal on shaky ground (REU)
Donald Trump's election as president raises the prospect the United States will pull out of the nuclear pact it signed last year with Iran, alienating Washington from its allies and potentially freeing Iran to act on its ambitions.

 Backs against the wall: Trump victory casts pall over Mexico (REU)
Mexico was pitched into deep uncertainty by Donald Trump's U.S. election victory on Tuesday after a bitterly divisive campaign, raising the prospect of major clashes over trade, immigration and security.

Trump arouses Syrian rebel concern, 'cautious' optimism in Damascus (REU)
Donald Trump's election as U.S. president on Wednesday drew concern among Syrian rebel groups and a degree of optimism in Damascus, where his victory was seen as a better outcome than a Hillary Clinton win.

Cuba announces military exercises after Trump elected U.S. president (REU)
Cuba on Wednesday announced a week of pre-scheduled nationwide military exercises to prepare for "enemy actions", the day after the United States elected as president Donald Trump who has threatened to unravel the U.S.-Cuban detente.


For more National News....click here


NEWS NOTE BOOK:

Picture from a shared FB photo

Even though I didn't vote for Trump, or Clinton.
We need all to settle down, and get back to uniting this great nation, and give him to prove that he is up to the task of mending this nation's nation's broken spirit and bring people together. That should be the job of every president elected. All the best to our new commander in chief.

WHILE WE AMERICAN'S GOES TO THE POLLS, THE WORLD SPINS ON IT AXIS AND WAITS..

Editorial Comment, Well readers this is the day when we American's goes and do our collective civic duty in casting a vote for the president of the United States. BUT! As we go and do this civic duty, the world still spins on it's axis and world news and events still take place....Case in point:

Secretary-General Warns of Glaring Gaps in Ability to Prevent, Respond to Catastrophic Biological Attack, at Review Conference Opening---press release issued Nov. 7th
Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message to the opening of the Review Conference of the Biological Weapons Convention, in Geneva today:
Ambassador György Molnár, President of the Review Conference, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
I am pleased to send greetings to this important Review Conference.  You meet in a rapidly evolving security environment, marked by revolutionary technological and scientific change.  States parties need to grapple with the growing risks of a biological attack.
The deliberate release of a biological agent would be a global health and humanitarian catastrophe.  Yet there are glaring gaps in our ability to both prevent and respond to this nightmare scenario.
I also encourage States parties to address the vital question of how to promote advances in life sciences that benefit all humanity, while safeguarding against their use for malicious purposes.
This Review Conference is an opportunity to guarantee that the BWC remains fit for purpose.  I count on all States parties to take the necessary decisions to make the Convention strong.---ref.
http://www.un.org/press/en/2016/sgsm18256.doc.htm

For more world news stories click here

Editorial Comment: You have to wonder though what does the world think about our tit for tat presidential election. Most of the world think there are just two choices for we Americans to make. One a loud month bully from the North East, (Trump), or, someone who should be behind bars for all those emails being on her personal server that jeopardise national security. What some are not considering there is a third option, so this election isn't as cut and dry as some around the world might think. Governor Gary Johnson under the Libertarian ticket is still the only logical option.

So with this in mind, here are just some headlines I gathered:

  16 reactions from world leaders stunned by this election
America's allies have been rattled by Donald Trump's isolationism, especially on trade, and many felt compelled to break diplomatic custom and criticize him. Several U.S. rivals, in particular Russia, appear emboldened by the fissures in U.S. society, a seeming extension of what critics say is President Barack Obama's reluctance to exercise American military power. If Hillary Clinton wins on Tuesday, some of those rivals may reassess.---The Poltico
http://www.politico.com/story/2016/11/2016-election-foreign-leaders-reactions-230640

America: Out of Order
Only one person should be elected president of the United States: Hillary Clinton. What does Donald Trump's success tell us about the nation? He is simply a symbol of a deeply divided country and that things under the Republicans could get even worse.--Watching America
http://watchingamerica.com/WA/2016/11/07/america-out-of-order/

US Presidential Elections Have Become a Vulgar Show Because of Candidate Trump
The United States press criticized the second presidential debate on Oct. 9, describing it as the worst mud slinging – and the dirtiest fight – in presidential election history. It was difficult to find any of the advanced aspects of American democracy the country takes pride in, as each candidate’s attacks on the other ran rampant. It makes me worry that there will be more bad news by election day, which is less than a month away.---Watching America
http://watchingamerica.com/WA/2016/11/07/us-presidential-elections-have-become-a-vulgar-show-because-of-candidate-trump/

Editorial note: That's just a sampling, no mention in any of these reports about a third choice..these reports all seem to favor a candidate who should be behind bars!
As for our neighbors in the North across the strait in Victoria BC, their leading newspaper the Times Colonist, had this headline: Across the capital region, all eyes on U.S. election tonight
 There are plenty of places for Victorians to gather and watch the U.S. election tonight — but the vibe might favour Hillary Clinton fans and those keen on political drama.


Editorial note: Still again, no mention not even honorably about a third party candidate. AMAZING! And Canada is teeming with many parties running for higher office. Figure that one out. I just think the world as a whole is not looking at this election clearly, they just don't like Trump for some reason, so they are rooting for Hillary who will end up in endless scandals, and possible impeachment. Does that make any sense? NO! It don't! Not when we have a third option.

So, ignore the naysayers readers...go out and vote your conscience...VOTE JOHNSON!

Changing the name of this publication

Okay, I have decided to change the name of this publication to the PORT ANGELES GLOBE.
I'll still share the same stories and do what I have been doing the past few years, but now under a new title. It just seems to fit, since it's will strictly be online. It just seems to be more appropriate because this isn't about me, it's about the larger community here on the net, as well as the Port Angeles Washington area. It will be the same format, but under a new name: THE PORT ANGELES GLOBE.
I know this sudden change will confuse some folks, but to me it just seem more appropriate than using my name as its title. I want a name of a publication that reflects all of the world wide community. It will take some doing in getting use to the new name plate, and I'll have to get new business cards made up perhaps. But, those who know me, will still get the quality they can usually expect coming from me. ---Peter Ripley, Publisher

State program to help reimburse landlords for property damage---WA STATE COMMERCE DEPT

Press release issued Nov. 4th
OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Department of Commerce today announced a new program designed to provide relief to landlords whose property has been damaged by a tenant who used a federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) housing choice voucher, also known as a “Section 8” voucher, or a Veterans Affairs supportive housing voucher, also known as a VASH vouchers.
The housing choice voucher program is the federal government’s major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market.
“Strengthening communities is our agency’s core purpose. Providing tools to ensure that everyone is housed is an important element of vibrant communities supporting successful businesses and self-sufficient people,” said Corina Grigoras, Commerce managing director for housing finance programs.
The Washington State Legislature this year provided Commerce with funds and authority to reimburse qualifying landlords from $500 to $5,000 to cover damages found to have been caused by Section 8 or VASH tenants. To qualify, landlords must have a court judgment against the tenant, and the damaged property must be in a jurisdiction that prohibits denial of tenancy based on source of income. Other restrictions apply.
Landlord Mitigation Program
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Department of Commerce was directed by the Washington State Legislature to develop and implement a Landlord Mitigation Program (per ESHB-2380, Laws of 2016, Section 1010). The Landlord Mitigation Program is designed to provide financial assistance to landlords of private market units to mitigate qualifying damages caused by tenants who use HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher Program to pay for their rent.

WHO CAN APPLY?
To be eligible for the program, a landlord must have leased a private market unit to a tenant using the HUD Housing Choice Voucher Program. For more details on the various Housing Choice Voucher types, visit HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher Program website. The damages to the rented unit/property must exceed normal wear and tear.
To qualify for this assistance, the landlord must first obtain a judgment against the tenant from a court in the county in which the rental property is located. The judgment claim must have been initiated no earlier than April 18, 2016 (which is the date the bill became law). An application for reimbursement under the Landlord Mitigation Program must be submitted to Department of Commerce within one year of the date of the judgment.
The rented unit/property in question must also be located in a jurisdiction that prohibits landlords from denying tenancy based solely on the tenant's source of income. To the Department of Commerce’s knowledge, the following locations currently have such protections in place. We recommend you check with authorities in your community, as local landlord-tenant ordinances vary and may change.
Unincorporated King County
Bellevue
Redmond
Kirkland
Seattle
Olympia
Tumwater
Vancouver
Reimbursements are limited to those amounts covered in a final judgment against a tenant who was a Housing Choice Voucher-holder during their tenancy. The landlord must submit an application for mitigation assistance to the Department of Commerce within one year of obtaining a judgment against a qualified tenant. The timeframe to appeal a judgment must have expired without appeal or there must be no outstanding appeal on the judgment.
Read more on our Business and finance report

NEWS NOTEBOOK: ONLY ONE VIABLE CANDIDATE TO CHOSE FROM THE CURRENT CROP OF PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES....GARY JOHNSON
Let's first see how the other two candidates could win those crtical electorial votes tomorrow, which was reported by Vox:
Donald Trump is the underdog in Tuesday’s presidential election. But he still has a shot of winning, at least if you believe the FiveThirtyEight forecast. So what would his path to Electoral College victory look like?
Essentially, the likeliest way Trump can top 270 electoral votes appears to be by:
1) Holding the lean Trump swing states of Iowa, Ohio, and Arizona
2) Winning the toss-up states of Florida and North Carolina
3) Winning either one more big state like Pennsylvania or Michigan, or multiple smaller remaining contests.
see full report on Trump

Part two: Hillary Clinton:
How Hillary Clinton could win 270 electoral votes
Hillary Clinton is the favorite to win Tuesday’s presidential election. But the race has tightened of late in both national and swing state polls, and there’s been increasing chatter suggesting that Clinton’s “firewall” protecting an electoral college majority could be in danger.
The big picture, though, is that Clinton has two broad paths toward reaching 270 electoral votes:
1) Holding her six “firewall” states: Virginia, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire. Those states, combined with the solidly Democratic states, would give her the presidency.
2) If she loses one or more firewall states, she’d likely have to make up for those losses with similarly-sized wins in one or more of the following: Nevada, North Carolina, and Florida — the diverse toss-up state trio. (see full report)


Editorial note neither reports from Vox even mention the third wheel in this election Gary Johnson. The media pretty much wrote Johnson off when his running mate Bill Weld decided to be interviewed by a mouthpiece so called journalist for the Clinton campaign and vouched for Clinton, claiming he was pressured by the obnoxious  Rachel Maddow who was badgering him for an answer to her question regarding Clinton See story: How Bill Weld betrayed libertarians---The Week
But, Weld probably knew this going in that interview.

Now, despite Welds blunder and doing something that is  unheard of in campaigning for the highest office in the land, Johnson claims he can still win this election through the House of Representatives if he can win just 5% of those critical electoral college votes. According polls he  Right now, Gary Johnson is averaging between 4 and 6 percent in national polls and Jill Stein is averaging closer to 1 to 2 percent in national polls. In 2012, Johnson was averaging at 5.1 percent before the election, when he only received 1 percent of the vote total. So the current numbers aren’t leaving people very hopeful as far as his chances at reaching 5 percent. And Jill Stein’s chances are even less than that. ( that's according to a report in clear politics)
Neither candidate on the two major parties aren't worth the salt they are made from. Clinton's presidency will be mard by endless scandle, and possible impeachment, Trump is just a snake oils salesman selling deep seeded resentment, which spread the division of this nation even further. So, what choice we have, the only choice logically Gary Johnson.
So yes I am in Gary, the question here is your running mate in?

The only viable presidential candidate, Gary Johnson.

Chose wisely folks.

 visit their page

https://www.johnsonweld.com/

PORT WILL MULL OVER PROPERTY TAX INCREASE, DECISION WILL BE NOV. 14th

Well, this pass week, the city council paved the way in accepting yet again the 1% property tax, which will have final approval come their next meeting in on November 15th. This week the port will have a chance to either give the tax payer a break on propery taxes, or accept the 1% increase which is allowed by state law.
According to the staff report: The Port’s general property tax levy limitation is set forth in RCW 53.36.020 Tax Levy – Limitation. The maximum tax rate may not exceed $.4500 per thousand dollars of assessed value. The Port’s current tax rate is $.19865286591 per thousand dollars of assessed value. Generally, the maximum increase in the annual dollar amount of property taxes levied is 1% of the amount of tax levy from the previous year, plus an additional dollar amount calculated by multiplying the regular property tax levy rate for the preceding year by the increase in assessed value in the Port district resulting from new construction, improvements to property, and any increase in the assessed value of state-assessed property.
The Port is not required to levy the full amount of the maximum 1% increase in property taxes. Rather, the Port may submit a levy certification for the exact same amount of funds it levied in the prior year, or less. If the Port levies less than what it could have levied, the difference is considered “banked” and may be applied to future levies.
The Commission has had multiple discussions regarding the Port’s property tax levy and potential increases. At the commission meeting on October 25, 2017 the Commission introduced resolution 16-1140 which authorized increasing the levy increase beyond the implicit price deflator of .953% and resolution 16-1141 which authorized increasing the tax levy by 1% + 1/3 of the Port’s banked capacity which totaled 1.87%.

Click here to read more


NEWS NOTEBOOK:

condoleezza rice (pic taken from google getty file)

OH IF ONLY! SHE RAN!

Here is your true president material readers, Condoleezza Rice, she would have been even a better choice as VP even on the Libertarian ticket, why you may ask? One, she has the charisma, secondly leadership quality, thirdly experience in foreign policy, as well as likeability. Most important Loyalty! She would definitely stand up to Putin's saber rattling. The list could go on.

SALMON HABITAT, AND COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR CAROLSBURG ON TAP AT NEXT COUNTY WORK SESSION.

Clallam to Consider Amendment 1 with Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office to add funding for the purpose of supporting and implementing the preservation of salmon habitat.
During their work session on Monday Clallam County will discuss amending the funding project for salmon habitat. According to the staff memo provided: Approve an amendment that will add $45,878 to RCO grant #15-1396P for the purpose of supporting and implementing the preservation of salmon habitat. Thís amendment is active from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 20L7.
Click here to continue reading

Also checkout our leading news commentary: THAR SHE GOES AGAIN! COUNCIL MEMBER BRUCH WANTS FEEL GOOD MEASURE...


NEWS NOTEBOOK: NATIONAL

How Bill Weld betrayed libertarians (The Week)
Quote: Maybe Gary Johnson's biggest blunder this election season wasn't his infamous "Aleppo" moment. Maybe it was picking Weld as veep.
A running mate has only two jobs during an election: Dissing the other candidates and shilling for his own. (Just look at poor Mike Pence going around debasing himself and calling Donald Trump "a good man," refusing to even acknowledge that Trump called Mexicans "rapists" and women "pigs.") This job is important for all veeps, but doubly so for third-party tickets given that they don't have a lock on any major media and can't count on any automatic support or attention. They have to fight for both, and have only their own inner resources to rely on.

Editorial Comment: I voted on the Libertarian candidate, thinking, anyone would be better than the two clowns currently running on the DNC, and GOP ticket. I am disappointed to say the least on this because I never heard of a presidential candidate from another campaign endorsing a rival which Weld did! If I could I would take back my ballot! The Libertarians had a good chance here, but thanks to Weld's blunder, I think it will be a very long time before anyone to take the Libertarians serious again...You can't have it both ways Bill!

Secretary of the Navy sees expanded role for Kitsap region in the near future --From Congress Kilmer's webpage

Source: Congressman Kilmer's webpage
http://kilmer.house.gov/news/in-the-news/secretary-of-the-navy-sees-expanded-role-for-kitsap-region-in-the-near-future
(Kilmer posted the article on his webpage on 10. 31. 16)
BREMERTON — He has logged 1.3 million frequent-flyer miles, visited 142 countries and earned the distinction of being the longest-tenured Secretary of the Navy since World War I. So it would make sense if Ray Mabus sounded like he was ready for a vacation.
Far from it.
As President Barack Obama’s second term winds to a close, Mabus’ time as SECNAV is also reaching its end. But in a visit to Kitsap as part of his self-described “Farewell Tour” on Oct. 21, he exuded enthusiasm both for myriad accomplishments and milestones reached — and also for the greatly expanded role Kitsap County and the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard will be asked to play in the coming decades.
“I leave knowing that our future will be as successful as our storied past,” Mabus told a gathering of senior Naval officers, local elected officials and prominent citizens at the Kitsap Conference Center.
Possibly the most important of those initiatives will be rebuilding of the Navy’s global fleet. With budget resolutions, sequestrations and a sitting congress determined to cut budgets and hold down costs, the depleted Navy fell under the federal budget axe. Over the next decade, the Navy fleet shrunk considerably.
But with an increasingly restless China, growing turmoil in the Persian Gulf, erratic leadership in nuclear-capable North Korea and now even the possible departure of a longtime ally, the Philippines, there is a growing recognition in Washington D.C. that the Navy will need to re-constitute the fleet — and that PSNS will be a key West Coast presence in the Pacific Rim geopolitics of the future.
Part of that will come from $18 billion worth of Virginia-class submarines, many of which will be built right here. A considerably more aggressive hiring movement will get underway. In the near future, Mabus said, 60 percent of the global fleet will be based in the Pacific.
Click here to continue reading


NEWS NOTEBOOK

SEATTLE PI: Inslee is still trolling for campaign dollars despite $9.5 million war chest
Gov. Jay Inslee ceaselessly asks for more campaign money, rolling out warnings of nefarious Republican threats even while rolling in a war chest far surpassing that of his Republican challenger.

SEATTLE TIMES: Carbon-tax initiative foes, backers raise last-minute cash
A gusher of late money infuses campaigns of both proponents and opponents of Initiative 732, a proposed carbon tax on fossil fuels that has gained national attention.

PUGET SOUND BUSINESS JOURNAL: China and Russia plan wide-body jet to compete against Boeing and Airbus

Sen. Murray Visits Chief Sealth High School, Hears from Teachers, Students on TEALS Program and Discusses STEM Work in Congress

Press release issued 11. 1. 16
(Seattle, WA) – Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) visited Chief Sealth International High School to hear from teachers, volunteers, and students about the Technology Education and Literacy in School (TEALS) program, in which employees from Microsoft and other tech companies help provide high-quality computer science education for students in Washington state. Senator Murray also discussed her work in the Senate to increase access to STEM education, including in her rewrite of the K-12 education law, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
“We are all here today because we understand that sparking a passion for STEM, and computer science specifically, can change a student’s life. And it’s not just students that benefit—it’s critical to helping strengthen our economy, state, and country,” said Senator Murray.  “It’s one of the many reasons I worked to fix the broken No Child Left Behind law—so that we increased support for computer science educators and programs, like TEALS. I strongly believe that every student—regardless of their future careers—will benefit from stronger STEM education.”
“It’s an honor to have Senator Murray, a champion of computer science education, visit a school where our employees, and those from other companies, are helping bring computer science education to students across Washington state and the country,” said Mary Snapp, Microsoft Corporate Vice President and leader of Microsoft Philanthropies. “TEALS is a great example of a public-private partnership in which we are working together to inspire students to study computer science in order to have the skills needed to fill the jobs driving the global economy.”
“President Obama believes that every child should have the opportunity to learn computer‎ science, and that achieving this goal will require leadership at the federal, state and local level,” said Ruthe Farmer, Senior Advisor for Tech Inclusion at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. “It is great to see leaders like Senator Murray championing the need for equipping our students with these essential skills, and we look forward to working with Congress on this important issue."
Click here for the rest of the story

NEWS NOTEBOOK: HAS THE LIBERTARIAN VICE PRESIDENT, JUMPED SIDES?

In a video clipped on the Gary Johnson facebook page, shows his running mate Bill Weld.
see video clip  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqpLj1kQ_po&feature=youtu.be

First of all this video clip was shared by a Trump supporter who posted on Johnson's facebook page.
Obviously, Weld better check who he is campaigning with, Gary Johnson, not with Hillary here. Weld as a lot of explaining to do, in my book when you are running on third party ticket, you should feel that you can trust the loyalty of your running mate not be going around vouching for another party candidate, especially not someone being investigated by the FBI. Don't you think?

UN: Amid Rise in Atrocity Crimes, Speakers Urge Universal Support for International Criminal Court as General Assembly Considers Judicial Body’s Annual Report

Concern Expressed over Withdrawal Announcements by South Africa, Burundi, Gambia
With crimes against humanity multiplying around the world, States must push forward toward — and not back away from — universal support for the International Criminal Court, the General Assembly heard today, as it considered the latest annual report of the Hague-based judicial body.
Assembly President Peter Thomson (Fiji) recalled that 18 years had elapsed since the world came together in Rome to establish the International Criminal Court.  Nevertheless, daily atrocities committed against innocent civilians continued to shock the international conscience.  Encouraging States to promote the universality of the Rome Statute — the treaty that had established the Court and whose States Parties had accepted its jurisdiction — he warned that Member States should strengthen, not diminish, their resolve to end impunity.
Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi, President of the International Criminal Court, echoed that sentiment, stressing, “The assistance and cooperation of States remains crucial for the Court’s ability to conduct its mandate.”  Over the last two decades, she said, the body had given a voice to victims and made strides in addressing crimes such as the use of child soldiers, sexual violence in conflict attacks on civilians and the destruction of cultural property, while its Trust Fund for Victims had assisted more than 300,000 victims with physical and psychological rehabilitation and material support.
Presenting the Court’s latest annual report, she said the past year had seen three judgments, two trials held in their entirety, two ongoing trials and another set to begin soon.  Following convictions, reparations proceedings were underway in four cases.  Among other key developments, the Court had sentenced former Congolese politician Jean-Pierre Bemba to concurrent terms of 18 years in prison for rape and 16 years for murder carried out in the Central African Republic.
In its first conviction relating to the protection of cultural property, she said, the Court had sentenced Ahmad Al Mahdi — a former prominent figure of an Al-Qaida splinter group — to nine years in prison for destroying 10 buildings of a religious and historical character in Timbuktu, Mali.  It had also begun a trial against Côte d’Ivoire’s former President, Laurent Gbagbo, and another Ivoirian politician, who stood accused of murder, rape, persecution and other inhumane acts allegedly committed during the country’s 2010‑2011 post-election violence.

Click here to read more...


NEWS NOTEBOOK

WOW! WATCH: Cute Girl Goes OFF On Hillary – Her Parents Raised Her RIGHT!
This cupcake sure did some blasting on not only Hillary, but on feminist nazis as well

WA COMMERCE DEPT: Gov. Inslee proclaims Oct. 30 Weatherization Day in Washington State

Press release issued from the Washington State Dept. of Commerce 10/28/16
Celebrating 40 Years of weatherization and a new initiative to combat indoor asthma triggers

OLYMPIA, WA – Gov. Jay Inslee joins community action agencies, housing authorities and local governments across the state and nation in recognizing Oct. 30, 2016 as Weatherization Day in Washington. This year marked the 40th year nationally, and the 37th year locally, of the federal/state energy-saving service for low-income households around Washington.

“The Weatherization Assistance Program is an important resource for low-income citizens who struggle with high heating bills and energy-inefficient housing” said Gov. Inslee. “The investments we make in their home energy efficiency will save them money for years to come.”

Each year, Washington’s Weatherization Assistance Program has helped many households make it through the cold weather season – and the years ahead – by adding insulation, sealing cracks and making other improvements that reduce heat loss and save money on energy bills. In 2016, the Washington Weatherization Assistance Program expects to weatherize approximately 2,000 low-income homes. Read about successful work in Clark County (Vancouver Columbian).

Asthma and other respiratory diseases are also a chronic problem for many families in the homes weatherized by the Weatherization Assistance Program. Low-income families are more likely to have asthma, and children with asthma have the highest rates of hospitalization. In 2010, Washingtonians with asthma made 164,000 visits to emergency rooms, and paid $73 million for asthma-related hospitalizations. Public funds paid for about 60 percent of these costs (Washington State Department of Health data).

The new “Weatherization Plus Health” initiative can help reduce the impact of asthma by reducing indoor asthma “triggers” such as carpets, cockroaches, water damage and mold. A recent national study of the low-income weatherization program by Oak Ridge National Laboratory showed that weatherization in homes with asthma reduced asthma-related emergency room visits significantly. When Weatherization Plus Health is combined with homeowner education, Medicaid costs for asthma treatment can be reduced by over $400 per year per household.---click here to continue


NEWS NOTEBOOK

Peninsula College composites program’s open house set Tuesday in Port Angeles--PDN
PORT ANGELES — Peninsula College will host an open house for its advanced manufacturing and composites technology program Tuesday.
The free event will be from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the new Composite Recycling Technology Center building at 2220 W. 18th St. near William R. Fairchild International Airport in west Port Angeles. Refreshments will be provided.

CITY SET TO ACCEPT THAT 1% PROPERTY TAX INCREASE...

AND YOU WONDER WHY PA  CAN'T BUILD NEW SCHOOLS!

During their next meeting on Tuesday, the council will consider raising your property taxes, yet again by accepting the state's law regarding property tax rates.
According to the staff memo provided in the city's agenda packet: In accordance with state law, the 2017 Preliminary Budget was filed
with the City Clerk on October 20, 2016. In addition, a presentation of estimated 2017 Revenues was provided to Council at a public hearing on October 18th.
This is the first public hearing related to the overall 2017 budget, which will focus on property taxes; including finding of substantial need, authorizing a 1% increase in the property tax, and levying a property tax to be collected in 2017. State law requires that the City levy property taxes before November 30 each year. The property tax ordinance is scheduled for adoption at the November 15th Council meeting. The two resolutions are scheduled for adoption Tuesday's meeting.
The  public hearing will include an opportunity for comments on:
 2016 Levying of Property Tax for collection in 2017
 Finding of Substantial Need
 Authorizing an increase of 1% for Property Tax
The City Council by simple majority vote can increase the regular property tax levy by the lesser of one percent or the implicit price deflator (IPD). For 2017 collection, the IPD is below 1%, which means the Council may increase the property tax levy by 1% only by adopting the resolution stating substantial need exists – a similar occurrence happened with the 2015 property tax levy for 2016 collection. The estimated value of a 1% increase in property tax collection in 2017 is approximately $45,000.
The City is also able to collect property tax on the value of new construction added during the past year. The City has not yet received notice from Clallam County on the value of new construction; however, this should be received by early November. The levy amount will increase based on the value of new construction. The value of new construction, along with the assessed valuation for 2016, is not yet available, but should be available by the November 15th Council meeting. The amounts included in the table on the next page are merely estimates at this point. There is no longer an Excess Levy amount as the Library levy matured in November 2015. This eliminated a voter-approved property tax of approximately $0.20 per $1,000 of assessed valuation beginning January 1, 2016.

Editorial Comment: WAIT! If the resolution is set to be adopted on the 15th, why the rush to get it adopted on Tuesday, Nov 1st? Nevertheless, the city will consider accepting the 1% increase by resolution this Tuesday it appears. Is it any wonder why we can't seem to pass school bonds, or levies to build new schools when property taxes keep going up. In this week's article in the PDN, the Port will also consider accepting the 1% property tax, and Port Commissioner Connie Beauvais  must have been reading the tea leafs or something because she pointed out that very thing regarding how accepting this 1% property tax increase affects any chances of school levies or bonds being approved by the voters. In the article with the headline: Port of Port Angeles considers tax increase The owner of property assessed at $200,000 would see about a 74-cent increase in property taxes.---PDN

Quoting Beauvais:  “Our communities can’t even pass school bonds or levies,” she said. “Even though it’s a minuscule amount of money, it does not look good.”

Editorial Comment: I would say so,  area business will probably have to pay more rent for the spaces they are renting, because the landlord's property taxes will increase, meaning higher prices for goods and services. Let alone, people who rent houses and apartments will also see increases because of it. We need a new high school built here folks, and raising taxes when we can't even build a new school for the kids, don't sit to well for this community as a whole.

Another hot topic on the Council agenda is  Lodging Tax Committee 2017 Budget Recommendations
According to staff memo provided: At a meeting held on October 20, 2016 the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee reviewed and considered eleven (11) applications for lodging tax expenditures. Due to file size, applications were distributed separately from the Council packet in an email dated October 25, 2016. In addition, the Committee reviewed final recommended allocations for marketing services, visitor center operation, and event grants. ---click here to continue

DOH USES THE OLDEST SHAME TACTIC IN THE BOOKS...

Making towns like PA to think twice about not adding fluoride.

DOH: Public Health Advisory for Port Angeles Water Utility Customers In the absence of fluoridated water, residents should protect against tooth decay

OLYMPIA -- The Department of Health advises Port Angeles Water Utility customers to seek additional sources of fluoride due to the absence of community water fluoridation.

“Fluoride in water is the most efficient way to prevent tooth decay in people of all ages, education levels, and income levels. Community water fluoridation has been shown to be safe for children and adults,” said Dr. Kathy Lofy, Washington State Health Officer.

On Aug. 3, Port Angeles Water Utility stopped adding fluoride to the drinking water.

In the absence of water fluoridation, individuals and families should consult their dentist or health care provider to discuss their risk for cavities and specific oral health needs.

Fluoridation reduces rates of tooth decay for all ages; however, young children, those without regular dental care, and seniors who often have receding gums or dry mouth are especially impacted when water is not fluoridated.

Community water fluoridation is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Dental Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

 REF. 

http://www.doh.wa.gov/Newsroom/2016NewsReleases/16123AbsenceOfFluoridePAWaterUtility

Editorial Comment: You probably seen the above press release issued by the Washington State Dept. of Health yesterday on facebook, being passed around like a joint, declaring the benefits of fluoride! These propagandist tout the benefits of toxic chemicals in your drinking water, yet they don't mention the risk involved in smoking pot. Oh, I forgot pot is legal now!

The DOH are just mouthpieces for pro fluoride zealot dentist who are out to play daddy warbucks. You see folks dentist knows what's best for you because of those degrees they got, we simple folks who never earned  a degree aren't smart enough to make our own choices. This is also a tactic  used by DOH to shame local governments to comply with dentists who think they know what's best.


NEWS NOTEBOOK
NEWS FLASH!
FBI to review more emails related to Clinton's private email use: letter (REU)
The FBI's head said on Friday that the agency would investigate additional emails that have surfaced related to Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email server to determine whether they contain classified information, adding that it is unclear how significant the new materials may be.
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-clinton-idUSKCN12S299

For more local headline news and commentary click here

Editorial Comment: This could mean the end of Hillary's bid for the White House. 

Washington leaders announce $2.7 million federal grant to increase apprenticeship opportunities---October 21, 2016 press release from the governor's office posted on their webpage. (in case you missed it)

OLYMPIA – Hundreds of Washington workers will have opportunities for job-based apprenticeships, thanks to a new $2.7 million federal grant the state will receive over the next 18 months. Washington state and federal leaders announced today that the U.S. Department of Labor has chosen Washington as one of 37 grantees to help grow and diversify apprenticeships around the country.
“This important federal investment will provide more Washingtonians with the opportunity to enter in-demand professions in fast-growing sectors of our state economy,” said Gov. Jay Inslee. “I appreciate the support that President Obama, Secretary Perez and members of the Washington Congressional Delegation have provided toward expanding apprenticeship opportunities in our state.”
“These investments in apprenticeships will help Washington state workers and businesses compete for and win the high-skill, high-wage jobs of the 21st century global economy,” said Sen. Patty Murray, the ranking member of the Senate Labor Committee, and a senior member of the Appropriations Committee. “I am very proud to have pushed to secure these investments, and will keep fighting to make sure investments and opportunities like these can reach even more students, workers, and businesses.”
"We need more skilled manufacturing workers and health care workers in Washington. The state and Governor Inslee winning this federal grant means Washington companies will be more successful because they will have a better trained workforce," said Sen. Maria Cantwell, who has advocated for expanded apprenticeship programs on the federal level.
A bipartisan group in the Washington House Delegation also threw their support behind Washington’s grant application, in a letter to the U.S. Department of Labor last month.
Washington’s Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) will oversee the state’s grant. The agency expects to register 600 new apprentices in the areas of health care, education, construction industries, and advanced manufacturing. The effort, called Project RAISE (Registered Apprenticeship Initiative for System Expansion), will target women, veterans, youth, low-income individuals, people with disabilities and people of color. The funds are part of an Obama Administration initiative called Apprenticeship USA. It involves more than $90 million in grants to increase access to apprenticeships.
Under Project RAISE, the state will work with various partners to expand apprenticeships, develop a high school-based manufacturing program at select schools, and increase industry demand in rural health care networks. It will also allow L&I to improve its tracking of growth and success of youth apprenticeships.
Partners involved in Project RAISE include the Community and Migrant Health Care centers of Washington, State Board for Community & Technical College’s 10 Centers of Excellence, Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee, and Washington State Labor Council.
L&I filed for the grant based on the need to help more people find and keep jobs. The agency’s Apprenticeship Program helps employer and employee groups develop and maintain on-the-job training programs. There are more than 12,000 active apprentices participating in programs across the state.
“We’ll use these funds to make a real difference for Washington workers,” said Joel Sacks, L&I director. “Through Project RAISE we will recruit new employers, promote the value of apprenticeships, and help more workers find and keep self-sufficient jobs.”
The grant will also fund improved web resources with the state Employment Security Department. A team of first responders will also be available to respond to the increased business apprenticeship inquiries as a result of the initiative.
Ref. http://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/washington-leaders-announce-27-million-federal-grant-increase-apprenticeship


NEWS NOTEBOOK:
Inslee, Clinton still atop latest polls in Washington state
Gov. Jay Inslee had more than 50 percent of voter support and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton has a 17-point lead over Republican Donald Trump in a new poll.---PDN

Editorial Comment: Well, gee whiz, we must not even vote then right? Let's face it Washington State is bought and paid for by the democrats thanks in part by many unions that supports them. Leaving those of us who are conservative minded blowing out in the wind. Like me,  many of us we are holding back our ballots to see where the wind blows. But, sooner if not later we all will have to come to terms and vote.

For more state news headlines click here

Sen. Murray on Extremely Low COLA Increase: “Woefully Inadequate for Washington State Seniors to Keep Up With the Ever-Increasing Costs Of Everyday Life”

Social Security Administration just announced cost-of-living adjustments for 2017 will only rise 0.3 percent – or just about $5 on average  ‘Raise’ is one of the lowest ever at a time when seniors face mounting costs
The SAVE Benefits Act would give about 70 million seniors, vets, and those with disabilities a supplementary payment of about $581
Bill would end tax subsidies for million-dollar corporate bonuses to give more than 1,200,000 Washingtonians emergency relief

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) announced a new push to urge her colleagues to pass the Seniors and Veterans Emergency (SAVE) Benefits Act, which would provide a one-time payment of $581 to Social Security recipients who were denied a cost of living adjustment (COLA) in 2016. Even though living expenses continue to increase, Washington state seniors recently learned that they would only be receiving a $5 monthly COLA increase - or 0.3 percent - for 2017.                                                  
“After a lifetime of hard work, all seniors deserve support to live healthy, full, and financially secure lives, and many rely on small annual increases to their Social Security benefits just to get by,” Senator Murray said. “Next year’s COLA is woefully inadequate for Washington state seniors to keep up with the ever-increasing costs of everyday life. I hope my colleagues will support this critical legislation to  help seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities have a fighting chance to make ends meet.”
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the purpose of the COLA is to ensure that the purchasing power of Social Security benefits is not eroded by inflation. COLAs are based on increases in the Consumer Price Index which is used to measure the annual change in inflation. CPI tracks the price of the “typical basket” of consumer goods. However, the federal government’s CPI formula heavily weights the price of gas and energy, which many seniors spend less on.
The 2017 increase in Social Security COLA will increase by only $5 a month for an average beneficiary receiving retirement benefits. According to the latest COLA, Social Security benefits and SSI payments will only increase by 0.3% beginning in December 2016. According to the Social Security Administration this 0.3% increase will benefit over 65 million people, but this year’s COLA increase is the second lowest increase since the economy emerged from the 2008 recession.
For more on the SAVE Benefits Act, click here. The bill was introduced last year by Senator Elizabeth Warren, and is co-sponsored by Senators Ed Markey, Barbara Mikulski, Patty Murray, Maria Cantwell, Charles Schumer, Bill Nelson, Debbie Stabenow, Bernie Sanders, Sherrod Brown, Bob Casey, Sheldon Whitehouse, Jeff Merkley, Kirsten Gillibrand, Al Franken, Richard Blumenthal, Chris Murphy, Mazie Hirono, Patrick Leahy, Cory Booker, Gary Peters, Richard Durbin, and Tammy Baldwin.---From a press release issue 10.25.16
ref. http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=7DC3CD3C-1C9D-4228-AF5D-92F7F4F21F00
Editorial Comment: It's funny they only care about the disabled, and elderly during election time don't isn't  folks?  If congress would stop dipping their hand in the trust fund of Social Security, and pay back what they took we wouldn't be in so much trouble as we are in now.

NEWS NOTEBOOK:
Man who saved Port Angeles Underground dead at 71 Don Perry’s family believes he died of a heart attack Monday, his wife said.---PDN

Quote: "  Don Perry, a former Port Angeles deputy mayor and historian credited with saving the Port Angeles Underground and its history, has died."
Editorial Comment: We send our condolences to his family during this time of grief.

For more national headlines click here

US STATE DEPT: Remarks at the Annual Meeting of the President's Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (PITF)---John Kerry Secretary of State

Quote: " Human trafficking is one of the few issues that we face, all of us, on a day-to-day basis in governing where there’s no – unlike a lot of other issues that are clouded by nuance or a kind of complexity, this is not complex except in the execution of the things we know we have to achieve. And there certainly is no nuance whatsoever. There’s a moral clarity here that’s as firm as you could have on any kind of issue. And needless to say, the notion of modern-day slavery is one that touches everybody’s conscience and it is one of just fundamental, basic human decency.
So I think that there are daily threats that are unfathomable that some people live with in some part of the world, whether it’s a pregnant woman who had a miscarriage on a factory floor and then was forced – this is outside of Bangkok – and she was forced to keep peeling shrimp for the next four days, or a fishing crew in Eastern Europe that was coerced into working up to 22 hours a day knee-deep in freezing water, or young women and girls who fled their homes as refugees only to be victimized by large sex trafficking rings elsewhere. Stories like these are common. They’re the everyday stories, unfortunately, and the moral urgency of addressing this issue is what has spurred everybody around this table and a lot of people who aren’t here today to action.
But I want to be clear: This not simply a question of right versus wrong. It’s in our strategic interest as well to ensure that this fight is a priority of our foreign policy. And the fact is that human trafficking is a multi-billion-dollar criminal enterprise. It’s assault on human rights and is – it’s a threat to global stability. It undermines the rule of law, it breeds corruption, it spreads disease, it widens the gap between the haves and the have-nots, and it tears whole families apart. So it’s counter to every single thing that we are trying to accomplish in the field of development and everything that we would like to see in our communities and in communities elsewhere in the world as we try to live up to the 2030 development goals.
So we all have an interest in succeeding, in winning this battle and in making sure that the perpetrators of these crimes are brought to justice. So I think that this Administration, as I said earlier, has done an exceptional job of creating the urgency around this issue that it deserves.
President Obama issued a critical executive order to ensure that no federal contract contributes in any way to human trafficking. It’s why in this year’s TIP Report the State Department is calling on every government in every region develop a better understanding of the needs of at-risk populations and to adopt strategies to reduce their vulnerability and keep them safe. And I will comment that today – what we learned last year is that if we engage with countries two or three months out, we can have a major impact on getting them to kick in to meet what we see is becoming a challenge in the reports. And today, I urged everybody to begin that process with the next administration promptly in January and February so that we double our effort to get ahead of that curve.
We’re gearing up now to implement the recommendations of the Advisory Council’s first annual report, which called for improved outreach on prevention and victim identification. And last month at Our Ocean conference, the State Department committed to invest more time and money than ever before in fighting forced labor in rogue elements of the worldwide fishing industry.
So the bottom line is we’ve been making steady progress to drawing attention to the crime of trafficking, we’re mobilizing resources unprecedented to fight it, and obviously, I hope everybody here will make sure that we’ll make the efforts necessary to make further gains and build on the past successes.
So I hope today we’re not just going to take stock, but we’re going to push harder across the board, that we keep the momentum going, and ensure that this critical work leaves the next administration with the best starting point that anybody’s ever had, and I’m absolutely confident that that’s going to be the case. So thank you. And with that, I think we turn now to Susan Coppedge to give us a update on the work of the Senior Policy Operating Group."

More US STATE DEPT. NEWS:
Remarks at Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs
The U.S. respects the Philippines’ sovereignty and independence. In fact, U.S. training, capacity building, equipment, these are all crucial to protecting the autonomy and promoting the self-reliance of the Republic of the Philippines.
Now, President Duterte already walked back and explained that comment about "separation" with the United States. He described it as a reference to maintaining an "independent" foreign policy. Well, if "separation" means that the government in Manila makes its own foreign policy decisions based on its own assessment of the Filipino national interests then there is no need for a change.

Related story: Philippines' Duterte hits out at U.S., then heads to Japan (REU)
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte lashed out anew at the United States on Tuesday and said it could forget a bilateral defense deal if he stayed in power long enough, in the latest jarring statement from Manila about the future of the alliance.

Editorial Comment: See just how much the current administration has done to damage relations with our long time allies. And Clinton was all part of this president's failed foreign policies, now she wants to be president? God, help us if she is elected, because it will be just another four years of Obama, like I have been saying several times.

The Second Meeting of the U.S.-China Space Dialogue
Pursuant to their shared goal of advancing civil space cooperation, as agreed upon in the Strategic Track of the U.S. - China Strategic and Economic Dialogue in June 2015 and reaffirmed in June 2016, the United States and China convened their second Civil Space Dialogue on October 20, 2016, in Washington, DC.


NEWS FROM ACROSS THE STRAIT: Turpel-Lafond ends her term as children’s representative--Times Colonist, Victoria BC

For more world news headlines click here

WA STATE DEPT. OF COMMERCE: Solar Plus Regional Initiative Wins $2 Million Grant from US Department of Energy

News release dated 10. 20. 16
Three-year joint effort to develop strategies for increasing solar energy, modernizing energy infrastructure in Washington and Oregon will launch this year.
OLYMPIA, Wash. — Solar Plus, a joint effort of more than a dozen stakeholder groups in Washington and Oregon has been awarded a $2,050,000 SunShot grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to further deployment of solar energy in the Pacific Northwest. It is the largest of the 17 awards totaling $21 million announced today.
Washington State is also one of 11 states in the Western Interstate Energy Board (WIEB), which received the second largest grant award of $2,020,000. The WIEB is based in Denver, CO.
The Solar Plus initiative will convene leaders from utilities, regulators, the Washington State Energy Office at the Department of Commerce, the Oregon Department of Energy, the solar industry and community-based organizations to develop a plan to tap into our region’s unique opportunities to develop solar and provide greater access.
The $2,050,000 grant is matched with additional cost-share commitments from partners. Over three years launching later this year, Solar Plus will look beyond energy generation to additional solar value streams, through three main focus areas:
· Deploying more community shared solar projects in the region
· Creating opportunities for increased resilience and access to solar for low-income communities
· Maximizing the social and electricity grid value of solar development
“Ensuring a clean energy future is vital to strengthening communities, and these awards recognize our leadership in renewable energy development,” said Gov. Jay Inslee. “We are excited to guide this effort convened by Northwest SEED and supported by a diverse group of public and private partners representing the needs and interests of our entire region.”
“Solar Plus will equitably grow the solar market in the Northwest and move us towards the energy grid of the future. Our community-driven approach seeks to triple the amount of solar, decrease costs, and double the solar jobs in the region by 2020,” said Jennifer Grove, Executive Director, Northwest Sustainable Energy for Economic Development (Northwest SEED).
Solar Plus will advance the broad-based goals set forth in the 2016 Governors’ Accord for a New Energy Future: diversify our energy generation, expand clean energy sources and modernize our energy infrastructure.
ref. http://www.commerce.wa.gov/news-release-solar-plus-regional-initiative-wins-2-million-grant-from-us-department-of-energy/

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News NOTEBOOK:

State minimum wage campaign: Is initiative best way to hike pay?
Initiative 1433 would raise the hourly minimum wage in Washington by roughly $4 over three years, to $13.50.---PDN


CITY OF PORT ANGELES RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES CAN ENTER A DRAWING FOR A FREE DUCTLESS HEAT PUMP
The City of Port Angeles and Clallam PUD No. 1 will host their fourth Improve The Odds (ITO) Talks on Wednesday, October 26 from 5:30-7:30 pm. The Talk will take place in the Vern Burton Auditorium located at 308 E. 4th St, Port Angeles, WA.
Port Angeles residents and commercial businesses can register in a drawing for one of two ductless heat pumps (DHP). Two DHPs will be given away; one for a residential home and one to a commercial business located within Port Angeles. The value of the ductless heat pump is up to $4,500.
Representatives of the local electric utility’s Energy Efficiency programs will unveil a new commercial incentive to decrease the cost of HVAC systems for local commercial businesses. How both residential and commercial ductless heat pumps work, quality installation guidelines, what energy savings you may expect, and available utility rebates and incentives to help defray purchase and installation costs will also be discussed.
The Improve The Odds Talk will discuss how you can improve the odds of increased home comfort and a lower utility bill by heating your home with a ductless heat pump. Ductless heat pumps are a proven efficient technology for heating and cooling homes and buildings which may save a homeowner up to 50% on their electric bills compared to a forced air furnace.
Representatives of local heating and cooling companies will be on hand to demonstrate their products and answer questions. Free refreshments will be provided.
ref. http://wa-portangeles.civicplus.com/civicalerts.aspx?AID=343

COUNTY WILL DISCUSS AMENDING GRANT WITH DOE, ON MCDONALD CREEK PROJECT

According the staff memo provided in the work session packet: At the September 27, 20t6 public hearing, the Board did not take action on a Draft Ordinance related to the application request to change the underlying zone from Urban Reserve Industrial (URI) to Industrial (M) for approximately 17.9 acres within the Port Angeles Urban Growth Area. The Board listened to staff's presentation, took public testimony and deliberated on the requested map amendment. The Board requested prior to making a decision on the proposed map amendment that staff prepare and present to the Board additional analysis on industrial land inventory in the western portion of Port Angeles. Staff will provide to the Board a land use analysis that includes all industrial lands in western portion of Port Angeles at the Work Session meeting on October 24,20t6.
S.G. Hurwofth submitted an application to request a Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map
Amendment for approximately 7.7 acres from Urban Reserve Industrial (URI) to Industrial (M). The subject area includes the applicant's vacant parcel of approximately 7.7 acres and three adjacent parcels under separate ownership totaling approximately 10.2 acres, for a total of t7.9 acres, The three adjacent properties were added by the Planning Commission for the purpose of review of this map amendment application at their June 1, 2016 Work Session. The subject area is located in the western portion of the Port Angeles Urban Growth Area (PAUGA) on the east side of South Fey Road and just north of US 101, within a portion of Section 7, Township 30, Range 6 (APN 063007429020, a n d 063 007 420200)
The Planning Commission held a public hearing on July 20, 20L6. A motion was made and seconded to retain the Urban Reserve Industrial zone that was established in 201L, as outlined in the Staff Report under Alternative 1. A roll call vote was taken and did not pass with 4 for the motion and 4 against. The Planning Commission could not obtain a fifth vote to forward a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners. The four votes that were in favor of retaining the Urban Reserve Industrial zone found that the application request did not meet at least three of the six Map.
Amendment criteria needed to warrant a Map Amendment. The application request was tabled for further discussion and deliberation.
At their August 3,20L6, the Planning Commission recommended approval of the Comprehensive Plan, and Zoning Map Amendment by a vote of 6 to 3, and adopted Findings and Conclusions to support their recommendation for approval.
See full report for further details
http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=12&meta_id=3348
See full work session agenda: http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=12

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PORT WILL HAVE A DISCUSSION ON EDC PRIORITIES FOR 2017 ON TUESDAY (CORRECTION)

The Port commission will meet in a special meeting on Tuesday starting at 9AM, and one of the budget item highlights is discussions over the priorities of the EDC for 2017.
According to the staff memo in the agenda packet posted on their webpage:
Port of Port Angeles Strategic Plan Priorities and Support by the EDC
The Port’s Strategic Plan involves several key initiatives which could be supported by
the EDC’s efforts in business recruitment, expansion, and retention. Key initiatives of
the Port are listed below along with ideas for EDC support and collaboration.
• Port: Expand maritime commerce and develop Marine Trades Industrial Park
o EDC to advocate for support from Department of Commerce.
o EDC to identify common suppliers and trades where it could be advantageous
to relocate or expand an office in Clallam County.
• Port: Promote innovative value-added wood products manufacturing (e.g., cross
laminated timber)
o EDC to coordinate with the Department of Commerce’s wood product sector
lead.
o EDC to support timber advocacy efforts to achieve a reliable and sustainable
harvest.
o EDC to participate in the state-wide leadership committee led by Forterra.
• Port: Establish commercial air service
o EDC assistance with welcoming committee or other outreach efforts in the
community will involve Port staff.
o EDC to help engage existing businesses to use air service.
o EDC to explore subsidies, incentives, revenue guarantees, ticket banks, or
anything else that private industry would support. Many of these ideas are
prohibited for the Port to engage in per the Federal Aviation Administration.
o EDC to proactively advocate for support of local TSA screening with
Congressional representatives.
• Port: Market Port facilities and Clallam County as the place to do business
o EDC in cooperation with the Port will plan for and work towards developing an
availability property list, a needs assessment and analysis report for industrial
property in Clallam County. The intent is to complete this project by
December 2017. (Note: The EDC has started implementing Zoom Prospector
software.)
o EDC assistance in identifying infrastructure needs to support business
recruitment and expansion.
o EDC will collaboratively involve the Port where Port property and assets are
necessary for business recruitment or expansion. The Port will be the lead
agency regarding Port assets that are identified, as required to fulfill potential
tenants’ requirements.
o EDC assistance with welcoming committee or other outreach efforts in the
community will involve Port staff.
• Port: Advance the development of a diversified and skilled workforce
o The EDC, along with the Port, will work in cooperation with Peninsula College
to identify workforce training needs and constraints in the following areas:
 Marine trades boat building and repair
 Composites and advanced manufacturing
 Advanced wood products manufacturing
o EDC to act as pass-thru agency or fiscal agent for federal and state grant
funding opportunities, such as the Governor’s Strategic Reserve Fund or
other Commerce and agency funding. If the EDC is not able to act as the
pass-thru agency, then inform the Port to assist with finding another
alternative.
o EDC, along with other partners, to involve the high schools in workforce
training opportunities.
o EDC to advocate that the Olympic Workforce Development Council (OWDC)
supports Clallam County’s workforce training needs. EDC Executive Director
to attend quarterly OWDC meetings.
o EDC to work with a variety of partners in workforce training: Peninsula
College, Olympic Workforce Development Council (OWDC), SBDC, local
trade associations, chambers, NOPRC&D, the NOP Skills Center, Centers of
Excellence – maritime and Aerospace, etc.
See full agenda: http://www.portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/10252016-193

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White House, Washington state and federal leaders announce major new initiatives for Puget Sound recovery

Press release issued on 10. 18. 16 from the governor's website
 SEATTLE – Today officials from the Obama administration and Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, U.S. Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell and U.S. Reps. Denny Heck, Derek Kilmer and Rick Larsen announced new federal actions to help protect and recover the health of Puget Sound, one of the nation’s largest estuaries. These actions demonstrate a firm commitment from the federal government to help restore Puget Sound, and are similar to federal actions taken in recent years to protect other large aquatic ecosystems, such as the Chesapeake Bay and the Great Lakes.

Christy Goldfuss, managing director of President Obama’s White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), joined federal, state and tribal officials in Seattle to announce a new memorandum of understanding that directs federal Puget Sound restoration activities and that recognizes the pressing need to address salmon recovery and protect tribal treaty rights. This MOU creates a Puget Sound Federal Task Force that includes several members of Obama’s cabinet and will enhance coordination among federal and state agencies, tribes and local restoration efforts.
In addition to this landmark task force and MOU, today the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Environmental Protection Agency announced more than $600 million in new federal funding commitments for habitat restoration, stormwater runoff, shellfish sustainability and other key strategies to improve the health of Puget Sound.
“A healthy Puget Sound provides key economic, cultural and ecological benefits, and serves as the cornerstone of the region's high quality of life. Building on decades of conservation efforts from federal, state, local and tribal agencies, today's actions will strengthen federal efforts to bolster conservation, restoration, and enhance tribal treaty rights within the Puget Sound at a critical juncture in the ecosystem's recovery,” Goldfuss said.
“Today’s announcements mark an important step on the path to restoring the health of Puget Sound, the recovery of our salmon species and fulfilling our nation’s commitment to Washington’s tribes,” Inslee said. “The federal commitments build upon our state’s investments and the strong partnership between all levels of government that are working to restore this estuary central to our state’s history, commerce and future.”
Kilmer and Heck lauded today’s federal executive actions, which closely reflect policy changes they have sought through their Promoting Unified Government Efforts to Save Our Sound (Puget SOS) Act.
“Too often, conversations in Washington, DC, on restoring America’s waterways start with the Chesapeake Bay and end with the Great Lakes. Today we are pushing our nation’s conservation priorities westward and bringing attention to Puget Sound, the iconic estuary that is part of our national identity and the heart of the Pacific Northwest,” said Heck, who with Kilmer co-chairs of the Congressional Puget Sound Recovery Caucus. “With this announcement, we are reaffirming that Puget Sound recovery will be a central part of our federal government’s conservation priorities moving forward. I look forward to working with our next president and Congress to provide the necessary resources to save our Sound.”
"Puget Sound is central to our region’s identity, history and culture,” said Kilmer. “It helps attract visitors to our area, supports critical habitats you won’t find elsewhere and powers our economy. In order to keep it healthy for future generations, the time for action is now. That’s why I’m glad we are here today to announce a new playbook that ensures the federal government is working in tandem with local partners and Native American tribes to more effectively protect and restore our Sound.”
The new federal MOU and task force will prioritize the protection of Puget Sound through development of a Puget Sound action plan to better coordinate federal programs, complement the state action agenda from the Puget Sound Partnership and focus on restoration work. The task force will develop the action plan in collaboration with state officials and in consultation with tribal governments. ---read more

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