DNR: Public invited to comment on proposed expansion of DNR conservation areas in Jefferson County
http://www.dnr.wa.gov/news/public-invited-comment-proposed-expansion-dnr-conservation-areas-jefferson-county
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will conduct a public information meeting and a public hearing for proposals to expand two DNR-managed conservation areas near Quilcene in Jefferson County.
The proposals for Devils Lake Conservation Area and Dabob Bay Natural Area both involve the potential transfer of state owned trust lands. The Dabob Bay proposal also envisions an expanded boundary from the existing conservation area on Dabob Bay across the north end of Toandos Peninsula to include Thorndyke Bay. The proposed boundary would include additional privately owned lands. Inclusion in a conservation area boundary does not affect private owners’ uses or rights, but does allow DNR to work with partners and granting agencies to raise funds and negotiate to buy privately owned parcels from willing sellers at market value.
Comments from the public will help DNR and Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark determine whether to expand the boundaries of the conservation areas.
Public Meeting
What: Public informational meeting
When: Wednesday, September 28, 2016
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Quilcene High School, multi-purpose room, 294715 U.S. Highway 101
Public Hearing
What: Public hearing on proposed site boundaries
When: Thursday, October 13, 2016
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Quilcene High School, multi-purpose room, 294715 U.S. Highway 101
Public Comment Period
DNR is accepting written comments about the proposed boundary expansions until close-of-business on Friday, October 21, 2016. Written comments may be mailed to Washington Department of Natural Resources, Attn: NRCA Boundary Proposals, PO Box 47014, Olympia, WA, 98504-7014; or emailed to AMPD@dnr.wa.gov. For additional information, please contact Curt Pavola at 360-902-1032.
related news story: State details conservation area expansion plans for Jefferson commissioners
The state Department of Natural Resources would expand Devil’s Lake Natural Resources Conservation Area and Dabob Bay Natural Area.---PDN
For more state news click here
Thursday, September 15, 2016
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
PROTECTING DRINK WATER IS ONE THING....
Stopping oil production in America from being oil production independant is another thing.
PETITION TO THE WHITE HOUSEStop construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline which endangers the water supply to Native American reservations.
Ref: https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/stop-construction-dakota-access-pipeline-which-endangers-water-supply-native-american-reservations
201,724 SIGNED 100,000 GOAL
The Dakota Access pipeline is set to be constructed near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in North Dakota, crossing under the Missouri River which is the only source of water to the reservation. The pipeline is planned to transport approximately 470,000 barrels of crude oil per day. The potential of oil leaks would contaminate the only source of water for the reservation. While Dakota Access claims oil leaks are unlikely, an oil leak from a separate pipeline in North Dakota was discovered (8/15/16) to have leaked over 500 barrels of oil since the leak began on July 19, 2016. You can read the article here: http://bit.ly/2aVm5cv. A leak like this from the Dakota Access pipeline would leave the Standing Rock Sioux without any clean water.
Editorial Comment: On the surface, the above petition which I signed in good faith, seemed to only address the issue of protection the water system which the native Americans need who live on the reservations. But apparently left wing environmentalist zealots bent on throwing us back to the days of the horse and buggy by completely ban oil production throughout the country. The stories from the US Chamber of Commerce paints the picture pretty clear enough I would say. The more this nation becomes overly dependant on foreign oil, the more likely any of those Arab nations that we buy our oil from will use it to gain political favors, including their main goal be rid of Israel. We can no longer be fully dependant on foreign which could fall into the hands of those who would blackmail this nation in getting what they want.
Related stories:
US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: ‘Uncivil’ Disobedience is Name of the Game for Dakota Access Pipeline Protesters
One of those national leaders, Jane Kleeb, who fought the Keystone XL pipeline in Nebraska, wants to replicate her “success” in North Dakota. Only her idea of success means less energy for her fellow Americans.
And Bill McKibben, who equates fighting energy development with world war, wants to turn the Dakota Access Pipeline into a presidential campaign issue.
The involvement of a man who has written, “We have to keep 80 percent of the fossil-fuel reserves that we know about underground,” shows us what this protest is really about.
Read more: https://www.uschamber.com/above-the-fold/uncivil-disobedience-name-the-game-dakota-access-pipeline-protesters
‘Keep It in the Ground’ Takes Pipeline Protest to the White House---US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
In the aftermath of the Obama administration blocking construction of part of the Dakota Access Pipeline in North Dakota, all sides have dug into their positions. Needless to say there are plenty of people upset with the Obama administration’s decision to block permission to build at the 11th hour and give in protestors’ uncivil disruptions.
https://www.uschamber.com/above-the-fold/keep-it-the-ground-takes-pipeline-protest-the-white-house
What If Our Energy Stayed In the Ground?---US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
We’ve heard lots of rhetoric during this campaign from anti-energy candidates and “Keep It in the Ground” activists about their desire to restrict or even ban oil, gas, and coal production on federal lands and waters. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce wondered what would happen if they got their way. And the results aren’t pretty
https://www.uschamber.com/above-the-fold/what-if-our-energy-stayed-the-ground
Read more Law & Justice, and Advocacy news here
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
TYRANTS WITH NUKES NOT A GOOD COMBINATION
NORTH KOREAN POT BELLY DICTATOR'S DEADLY DANCE WITH NUKES; UN SENDS SCOLDING COMMENT BUT TO WHAT EFFECT?
The following is the statement issued regarding the North Korea nuke test:
Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary General
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen of the media.
As you know, I returned last night from a very productive visit to Southeast Asia.
I will see you again next Wednesday for my traditional press conference before the new General Assembly beginning.
This morning, I want focus on the situation on the Korean Peninsula.
I condemn in the strongest possible terms the underground nuclear test by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. This is yet another brazen breach of the resolutions of the Security Council. For the fifth time in recent years, the DPRK alone has broken the international norm against nuclear tests. This unacceptable act endangers peace and security in the region and is another vivid reminder of the urgent need to strengthen the global nuclear test ban regime.
I reiterate the united call of the international community on the leadership of the DPRK to reverse its course and commit to a path of denuclearization. Rather than pursuing nuclear weapons and ballistic missile technology, the DPRK should be promoting the well-being of the country’s people.
I count on the Security Council to remain united and take appropriate action. We must urgently break this accelerating spiral of escalation.
We are monitoring and assessing developments related to the nuclear test in close coordination with the concerned international organizations, including the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, and with interested parties.
Related stories from the UN NEWS CENTER
Security Council strongly condemns DPRK nuclear test
Latest DPRK nuclear test ‘yet another brazen breach’ of Security Council resolutions – UN chief
Nuclear tests: 20 years after its adoption, the test ban treaty is yet to get into force
FROM THE US MISSION TO THE UN: Remarks at a Security Council Stakeout Before UN Security Council Consultations on North Korea
Ambassador Samantha Power
Press release issued 9.9.16: http://usun.state.gov/remarks/7423
Good afternoon.
You have heard already from President Obama and from Secretary Kerry today. You’ve also heard from capitals around the world, including very importantly, the capitals closest to North Korea: Seoul, Tokyo, and Beijing. You’ve likely heard from many of my Council colleagues – and hopefully, you’ll hear from the Council itself, speaking in one voice, soon.
Today, the world is completely united in condemnation of the DPRK’s fifth nuclear test. This test comes on the heels of China’s successful G-20 summit and President Obama’s productive meeting with President Xi.
This has, of course, become a pattern for the DPRK. Earlier in the year, days after the Chinese envoy to North Korea asked the DPRK to refrain from further provocative actions, the North Koreans tested a space missile on Chinese New Year. So, yet again, this test shows the DPRK’s complete disregard for international law; complete disregard for its own commitments under the September 2005 Joint Statement of the Six-Party Talks; complete disregard for those member states most likely to advocate on its behalf; and complete disregard for the resolutions of this Council – four of them in total. It also demonstrates thorough disregard for the people of DPRK and for the people of the region. Not only do North Korean citizens face severe food shortages because its government prioritizes nuclear weapons over their well-being, but each test also carries increased risk of the environmental consequences for the people of DPRK and the region.
Since the adoption of Resolution 2270 earlier this year, the DPRK has conducted 21 ballistic missile tests across a variety of platforms and ranges, including submarine-launched missiles. We’ve now seen them test a second nuclear weapon this year. This is more than brazen defiance. North Korea is seeking to perfect its nuclear weapons and their delivery vehicles so they can hold the region and the world hostage under threat of nuclear strike.
The Council must use every tool at its disposal to change North Korea’s calculus. We know that divisions on the Council only embolden the DPRK to further provocations, so we must send a clear, united, and strong message that the international community will never accept a nuclear North Korea. The Council must take further, decisive action that forces North Korea to change its calculus.
As you heard from President Obama, the United States will work with the Council and our other Six-Party partners and the international community to vigorously implement existing measures imposed in the four previous resolutions. And we will take additional significant steps, including new sanctions, to demonstrate to North Korea that there are consequences to its unlawful and dangerous actions.
So I’m on my way to consultations here. We’re going to consult very closely with other Council members, also with our colleagues and allies – in particular, Japan and South Korea, who, together with the United States, called for these emergency consultations – as we work together to ensure that the Council takes swift and credible action in response to this provocative violation of international law, and we look forward to getting this important process under way starting right now.
The White House: Statement by the President on North Korea's Nuclear Test
REF: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/09/09/statement-president-north-koreas-nuclear-test
The United States condemns North Korea's September 9 nuclear test in the strongest possible terms as a grave threat to regional security and to international peace and stability. North Korea stands out as the only country to have tested nuclear weapons this century. Today's test, North Korea's second this year, follows an unprecedented campaign of ballistic missile launches, which North Korea claims are intended to serve as delivery vehicles for nuclear weapons targeting the United States and our allies, the Republic of Korea and Japan. As Commander in Chief, I have a responsibility to safeguard the American people and ensure that the United States is leading the international community in responding to this threat and North Korea's other provocations with commensurate resolve and condemnation.
To be clear, the United States does not, and never will, accept North Korea as a nuclear state. Far from achieving its stated national security and economic development goals, North Korea's provocative and destabilizing actions have instead served to isolate and impoverish its people through its relentless pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missile capabilities. Today's nuclear test, a flagrant violation of multiple UN Security Council Resolutions, makes clear North Korea's disregard for international norms and standards for behavior and demonstrates it has no interest in being a responsible member of the international community.
Last night I returned from the G-20 and East Asia Summit meetings in Asia, where my counterparts and I were united in our call for North Korea to return to the path of denuclearization. Upon hearing the news of the test, I had the opportunity to consult separately via phone with Republic of Korea (ROK) President Park Geun-Hye and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. We agreed to work with the UN Security Council, our other Six-Party partners, and the international community to vigorously implement existing measures imposed in previous resolutions, and to take additional significant steps, including new sanctions, to demonstrate to North Korea that there are consequences to its unlawful and dangerous actions. I restated to President Park and Prime Minister Abe the unshakable U.S. commitment to take necessary steps to defend our allies in the region, including through our deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery to the ROK, and the commitment to provide extended deterrence, guaranteed by the full spectrum of U.S. defense capabilities
Editorial Note: Let us not forget the religious fanatics of Iran with their hands on nukes, along with the paranoid basket case in North Korea. Which is worse? And another question will any of the current presidential candidates stand up to them if elected, and how?
Related stories:
Close encounters with Iran show need for rules of behavior - U.S. Navy---REU
Iran unveils new high-speed vessel capable of carrying 100 people and a helicopter following encounters with US warships in the Gulf ---DAILY MAIL UK
Iranian military 'threatened to shoot down US Navy spy planes which were flying over the Persian Gulf' ---DAILY MAIL UK
Iran begins construction on 2nd nuclear power plant (AP)
Click here for more world and national headlines
The following is the statement issued regarding the North Korea nuke test:
Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary General
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen of the media.
As you know, I returned last night from a very productive visit to Southeast Asia.
I will see you again next Wednesday for my traditional press conference before the new General Assembly beginning.
This morning, I want focus on the situation on the Korean Peninsula.
I condemn in the strongest possible terms the underground nuclear test by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. This is yet another brazen breach of the resolutions of the Security Council. For the fifth time in recent years, the DPRK alone has broken the international norm against nuclear tests. This unacceptable act endangers peace and security in the region and is another vivid reminder of the urgent need to strengthen the global nuclear test ban regime.
I reiterate the united call of the international community on the leadership of the DPRK to reverse its course and commit to a path of denuclearization. Rather than pursuing nuclear weapons and ballistic missile technology, the DPRK should be promoting the well-being of the country’s people.
I count on the Security Council to remain united and take appropriate action. We must urgently break this accelerating spiral of escalation.
We are monitoring and assessing developments related to the nuclear test in close coordination with the concerned international organizations, including the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, and with interested parties.
Related stories from the UN NEWS CENTER
Security Council strongly condemns DPRK nuclear test
Latest DPRK nuclear test ‘yet another brazen breach’ of Security Council resolutions – UN chief
Nuclear tests: 20 years after its adoption, the test ban treaty is yet to get into force
FROM THE US MISSION TO THE UN: Remarks at a Security Council Stakeout Before UN Security Council Consultations on North Korea
Ambassador Samantha Power
Press release issued 9.9.16: http://usun.state.gov/remarks/7423
Good afternoon.
You have heard already from President Obama and from Secretary Kerry today. You’ve also heard from capitals around the world, including very importantly, the capitals closest to North Korea: Seoul, Tokyo, and Beijing. You’ve likely heard from many of my Council colleagues – and hopefully, you’ll hear from the Council itself, speaking in one voice, soon.
Today, the world is completely united in condemnation of the DPRK’s fifth nuclear test. This test comes on the heels of China’s successful G-20 summit and President Obama’s productive meeting with President Xi.
This has, of course, become a pattern for the DPRK. Earlier in the year, days after the Chinese envoy to North Korea asked the DPRK to refrain from further provocative actions, the North Koreans tested a space missile on Chinese New Year. So, yet again, this test shows the DPRK’s complete disregard for international law; complete disregard for its own commitments under the September 2005 Joint Statement of the Six-Party Talks; complete disregard for those member states most likely to advocate on its behalf; and complete disregard for the resolutions of this Council – four of them in total. It also demonstrates thorough disregard for the people of DPRK and for the people of the region. Not only do North Korean citizens face severe food shortages because its government prioritizes nuclear weapons over their well-being, but each test also carries increased risk of the environmental consequences for the people of DPRK and the region.
Since the adoption of Resolution 2270 earlier this year, the DPRK has conducted 21 ballistic missile tests across a variety of platforms and ranges, including submarine-launched missiles. We’ve now seen them test a second nuclear weapon this year. This is more than brazen defiance. North Korea is seeking to perfect its nuclear weapons and their delivery vehicles so they can hold the region and the world hostage under threat of nuclear strike.
The Council must use every tool at its disposal to change North Korea’s calculus. We know that divisions on the Council only embolden the DPRK to further provocations, so we must send a clear, united, and strong message that the international community will never accept a nuclear North Korea. The Council must take further, decisive action that forces North Korea to change its calculus.
As you heard from President Obama, the United States will work with the Council and our other Six-Party partners and the international community to vigorously implement existing measures imposed in the four previous resolutions. And we will take additional significant steps, including new sanctions, to demonstrate to North Korea that there are consequences to its unlawful and dangerous actions.
So I’m on my way to consultations here. We’re going to consult very closely with other Council members, also with our colleagues and allies – in particular, Japan and South Korea, who, together with the United States, called for these emergency consultations – as we work together to ensure that the Council takes swift and credible action in response to this provocative violation of international law, and we look forward to getting this important process under way starting right now.
The White House: Statement by the President on North Korea's Nuclear Test
REF: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/09/09/statement-president-north-koreas-nuclear-test
The United States condemns North Korea's September 9 nuclear test in the strongest possible terms as a grave threat to regional security and to international peace and stability. North Korea stands out as the only country to have tested nuclear weapons this century. Today's test, North Korea's second this year, follows an unprecedented campaign of ballistic missile launches, which North Korea claims are intended to serve as delivery vehicles for nuclear weapons targeting the United States and our allies, the Republic of Korea and Japan. As Commander in Chief, I have a responsibility to safeguard the American people and ensure that the United States is leading the international community in responding to this threat and North Korea's other provocations with commensurate resolve and condemnation.
To be clear, the United States does not, and never will, accept North Korea as a nuclear state. Far from achieving its stated national security and economic development goals, North Korea's provocative and destabilizing actions have instead served to isolate and impoverish its people through its relentless pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missile capabilities. Today's nuclear test, a flagrant violation of multiple UN Security Council Resolutions, makes clear North Korea's disregard for international norms and standards for behavior and demonstrates it has no interest in being a responsible member of the international community.
Last night I returned from the G-20 and East Asia Summit meetings in Asia, where my counterparts and I were united in our call for North Korea to return to the path of denuclearization. Upon hearing the news of the test, I had the opportunity to consult separately via phone with Republic of Korea (ROK) President Park Geun-Hye and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. We agreed to work with the UN Security Council, our other Six-Party partners, and the international community to vigorously implement existing measures imposed in previous resolutions, and to take additional significant steps, including new sanctions, to demonstrate to North Korea that there are consequences to its unlawful and dangerous actions. I restated to President Park and Prime Minister Abe the unshakable U.S. commitment to take necessary steps to defend our allies in the region, including through our deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery to the ROK, and the commitment to provide extended deterrence, guaranteed by the full spectrum of U.S. defense capabilities
Editorial Note: Let us not forget the religious fanatics of Iran with their hands on nukes, along with the paranoid basket case in North Korea. Which is worse? And another question will any of the current presidential candidates stand up to them if elected, and how?
Related stories:
Close encounters with Iran show need for rules of behavior - U.S. Navy---REU
Iran unveils new high-speed vessel capable of carrying 100 people and a helicopter following encounters with US warships in the Gulf ---DAILY MAIL UK
Iranian military 'threatened to shoot down US Navy spy planes which were flying over the Persian Gulf' ---DAILY MAIL UK
Iran begins construction on 2nd nuclear power plant (AP)
Click here for more world and national headlines
Monday, September 12, 2016
Cantwell, Murray Fight for Shipyard Workers and Servicemembers
Press release issued 9.9.16 from Sen. Cantwell
REF: https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-murray-fight-for-shipyard-workers-and-servicemembers
WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.), along with a bipartisan group of senators, sent a letter to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees urging them to incorporate language in the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would ensure servicemembers and Department of Defense (DoD) civilians, including public shipyard workers, receive full reimbursement when traveling on long-term temporary duty (TDY).
“We strongly support DoD’s efforts to scrutinize costs carefully in order to eliminate waste. However, as Senators with a keen interest in protecting our shipyard workforce and capabilities, we have seen the negative impact of this policy firsthand. This policy has adversely affected our shipyard workers, who often conduct essential long-term TDY assignments to maintain our nation's naval fleet,” the senators wrote. “…Servicemembers and DoD civilians who are asked to spend long periods of time away from their home and families should be confident that they will receive full compensation. They should not have to worry that they may have to cover expenses out-of-pocket for official travel.”
The Senate-passed NDAA and associated Senate Armed Services Committee Report language would ensure public shipyard workers traveling on long-term TDY to conduct maintenance, as well as others as determined by the respective services, would not be subject to the reduced TDY rate. The House-passed NDAA goes a step further and would repeal the entire DoD long-term TDY policy for all servicemembers and DoD civilians, including shipyard workers.
Senators Cantwell and Murray sent the letter along with Senators Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Susan Collins (R-ME), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Angus King (I-ME), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Mike Rounds (R-SD).
The full text of the letter is below.
Dear Chairmen Thornberry and McCain and Ranking Members Smith and Reed,
As you reconcile the differences between the House-passed and Senate-passed versions of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2017, we write to urge you to adopt Section 603 of the House FY 2017 NDAA, which would stop the Department of Defense (DoD) from reducing the employee per diem allowance based on the duration of the temporary duty travel (TDY) assignment.
As you are aware, in November 2014, DoD made changes to the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) that included a 25 percent cut to both the per diem allowance and the lodging stipend for travel in excess of 30 days, and a 45 percent cut for travel longer than 180 days.
We strongly support DoD’s efforts to scrutinize costs carefully in order to eliminate waste. However, as Senators with a keen interest in protecting our shipyard workforce and capabilities, we have seen the negative impact of this policy firsthand. This policy has adversely affected our shipyard workers, who often conduct essential long-term TDY assignments to maintain our nation's naval fleet. The former Commander of NAVSEA, Admiral William Hilarides, wrote that the policy "has already had a negative impact on the Naval Shipyards' ability to effectively and efficiently conduct Navy ship maintenance." Additionally, he added that the policy "has the potential to increase the end cost of projects." Also, on March 15, 2016, then-Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Michelle Howard, also expressed concern about the policy saying, "as a government we should be providing just compensation to our people."
We believe shipyard workers deserve just compensation, but so do servicemembers and other DoD civilians traveling for other mission-essential purposes. Servicemembers and DoD civilians who are asked to spend long periods of time away from their home and families should be confident that they will receive full compensation. They should not have to worry that they may have to cover expenses out-of-pocket for official travel. DoD’s 2014 JTR policy change undermines morale of the existing workforce at a time when we need to attract the next generation of public servants and retain the experienced and skilled workers currently serving in defense of our nation.
However, based on the facts discussed above, we believe servicemembers and other DoD civilians should be able to benefit from the same policy. If the purpose of the long-term TDY is sufficiently serious to warrant the travel, then the service members or DoD civilians traveling should be fully reimbursed. If the long-term TDY is not mission essential, DoD should not be authorizing the travel in the first place.
Therefore, we respectfully request that the final Conference Agreement retain the House-passed language and rescind the 2014 JTR changes. Consistent with Section 1151 of the Senate-passed NDAA and the associated Senate Armed Services Committee Report (114-255) language, this will ensure public shipyard workers traveling on long-term TDY would not be subject to the reduced TDY rate and would not be required to submit receipts in order to receive the full per diem rate. Adopting Section 603 of the House FY 2017 NDAA would also ensure that all servicemembers and DoD civilians, including shipyard workers, receive full compensation for TDY expenses.
For more business and finance news click here
REF: https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-murray-fight-for-shipyard-workers-and-servicemembers
WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.), along with a bipartisan group of senators, sent a letter to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees urging them to incorporate language in the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would ensure servicemembers and Department of Defense (DoD) civilians, including public shipyard workers, receive full reimbursement when traveling on long-term temporary duty (TDY).
“We strongly support DoD’s efforts to scrutinize costs carefully in order to eliminate waste. However, as Senators with a keen interest in protecting our shipyard workforce and capabilities, we have seen the negative impact of this policy firsthand. This policy has adversely affected our shipyard workers, who often conduct essential long-term TDY assignments to maintain our nation's naval fleet,” the senators wrote. “…Servicemembers and DoD civilians who are asked to spend long periods of time away from their home and families should be confident that they will receive full compensation. They should not have to worry that they may have to cover expenses out-of-pocket for official travel.”
The Senate-passed NDAA and associated Senate Armed Services Committee Report language would ensure public shipyard workers traveling on long-term TDY to conduct maintenance, as well as others as determined by the respective services, would not be subject to the reduced TDY rate. The House-passed NDAA goes a step further and would repeal the entire DoD long-term TDY policy for all servicemembers and DoD civilians, including shipyard workers.
Senators Cantwell and Murray sent the letter along with Senators Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Susan Collins (R-ME), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Angus King (I-ME), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Mike Rounds (R-SD).
The full text of the letter is below.
Dear Chairmen Thornberry and McCain and Ranking Members Smith and Reed,
As you reconcile the differences between the House-passed and Senate-passed versions of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2017, we write to urge you to adopt Section 603 of the House FY 2017 NDAA, which would stop the Department of Defense (DoD) from reducing the employee per diem allowance based on the duration of the temporary duty travel (TDY) assignment.
As you are aware, in November 2014, DoD made changes to the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) that included a 25 percent cut to both the per diem allowance and the lodging stipend for travel in excess of 30 days, and a 45 percent cut for travel longer than 180 days.
We strongly support DoD’s efforts to scrutinize costs carefully in order to eliminate waste. However, as Senators with a keen interest in protecting our shipyard workforce and capabilities, we have seen the negative impact of this policy firsthand. This policy has adversely affected our shipyard workers, who often conduct essential long-term TDY assignments to maintain our nation's naval fleet. The former Commander of NAVSEA, Admiral William Hilarides, wrote that the policy "has already had a negative impact on the Naval Shipyards' ability to effectively and efficiently conduct Navy ship maintenance." Additionally, he added that the policy "has the potential to increase the end cost of projects." Also, on March 15, 2016, then-Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Michelle Howard, also expressed concern about the policy saying, "as a government we should be providing just compensation to our people."
We believe shipyard workers deserve just compensation, but so do servicemembers and other DoD civilians traveling for other mission-essential purposes. Servicemembers and DoD civilians who are asked to spend long periods of time away from their home and families should be confident that they will receive full compensation. They should not have to worry that they may have to cover expenses out-of-pocket for official travel. DoD’s 2014 JTR policy change undermines morale of the existing workforce at a time when we need to attract the next generation of public servants and retain the experienced and skilled workers currently serving in defense of our nation.
However, based on the facts discussed above, we believe servicemembers and other DoD civilians should be able to benefit from the same policy. If the purpose of the long-term TDY is sufficiently serious to warrant the travel, then the service members or DoD civilians traveling should be fully reimbursed. If the long-term TDY is not mission essential, DoD should not be authorizing the travel in the first place.
Therefore, we respectfully request that the final Conference Agreement retain the House-passed language and rescind the 2014 JTR changes. Consistent with Section 1151 of the Senate-passed NDAA and the associated Senate Armed Services Committee Report (114-255) language, this will ensure public shipyard workers traveling on long-term TDY would not be subject to the reduced TDY rate and would not be required to submit receipts in order to receive the full per diem rate. Adopting Section 603 of the House FY 2017 NDAA would also ensure that all servicemembers and DoD civilians, including shipyard workers, receive full compensation for TDY expenses.
For more business and finance news click here
Saturday, September 10, 2016
PORT TO GO OVER THEIR 2017 CAPITAL BUDGET DURING WORK SESSION
It will be an early start on Monday for the port, their work session will start at 8AM, usually yours truly is just putting together that days report around that time. So, Monday's Business and Finance Report might be a little late. At least I'll be capturing the discussion of the Port's 2017 budget process.
According to the staff memo provided from their agenda packet:
RCW & POLICY REQUIREMENTS:
Budget requirements are set forth in RCW 53.35. The final Budget must be adopted and a certified copy filed with the Clerk of the County by the first Monday in December, which is December 5, 2016.
BACKGROUND:
This is the third presentation of the 2017 Capital Budget. The first presentation on August 29th was the introduction of the budget. The introduction presentation discussed the process of creating the budget and presented the first draft of the budget documents. The second presentation on September 6th focused on Capital Project Prioritization. This work session went project by project through all thirtyfour(34) projects shown in the budget.
ANALYSIS:
The attached “Draft Final” 2017 Capital Budget is shown in the format that it will appear in the final budget book.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
The 2017 Capital Budget includes $9,376,000 from the Port’s Capital Improvement Fund and $771,910 from anticipated state and federal grants.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
No action is recommended at this time. This is the last scheduled Capital Budget Presentation that should reflect the direction provided by the Commission at the two previous work sessions. Additional, input is still much appreciated from the Commission at this time before the budget is finalized in November.
CAPITAL BUDGET
The 2017 Capital Budget includes both a 1-year Capital Projects Budget and a 5-year Capital Improvement Plan. The Capital Projects Budget is funded by a combination of grants, property tax surplus, operating surplus and reserves. Surplus from property taxes is net of general tax levies in excess of debt service expenditures. Surplus from Port operations results from the cumulative excess of revenues over expenses. The operating surplus that is transferred from the General Fund to the Capital Improvement Fund is the amount that exceeds the target fund balance for the General Fund. Periodically, the Port will also issue debt to fund projects.
CAPITAL PROJECT PRIORITIZATION
The capital project prioritization spreadsheet breaks projects down into four (4) categories:
A. Regulatory Required Projects: These projects are required by a regulatory
agency. The Port must complete these projects to be within compliance.
B. Committed Projects: These projects are considered “committed” because of one
of the following reasons:
1. Receipt of outside grant funding. There are five (5) projects in the 2017
Capital Budget that have received grant funding.
2. Project is critical to accomplishing a long-term Strategic Goal.
3. Advisory Committee recommendation that has been accepted by staff and
commission to be included in the budget.
C. Critical Maintenance Projects: In order to prevent further damage or stay on
track with a multi-year programmatic maintenance schedule, these projects are
included in the 2017 Capital Budget. There are fifteen (15) projects within this
category and are prioritized based on need and not scored according to the
same four (4) criteria that is described for “Rated Projects”.
D. Rated Projects: Following regulatory, committed and critical maintenance are the
rated projects. All projects are rated but these projects will be prioritized based
on their total cumulative score. Staff ranked each project according to four (4)
criteria: 1) Job Creation / Retention, 2) Return on Investment, 3) Environmental
Benefit and 4) Strategic Planning Importance. These projects are ranked in
descending order based on their total cumulative score from the four categories.
There are five (5) projects that have a total score less than ten (10) and are
described as “low priority projects”. These projects may be deferred to 2018 due
to the significant project load included in the 2017 Capital Budget.
CAPITAL PROJECTS BUDGET
The total project cost must exceed $5,000 and the asset must have a minimum useful
live of five (5) years in order to be included in the Capital Budget. If it is maintenance
project, then the life of the asset must be extended by five (5) years.
On Sheets V-6 and V-9, the 2017 Capital Budget and the 5-Year Capital Improvement
Plan summarize the capital expenditures by department. Additionally, the investment in
new infrastructure is shown separate for maintaining existing infrastructure. Segregating
between maintenance and new helps staff determine if there is sufficient investment in
maintaining existing infrastructure. The Port has approximately $2,000,000 per year of
depreciation, which is used as an investment target for maintaining its assets.
5-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
The Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan identifies the most likely Capital Projects
through the year 2021. Projects shown in future years do not obligate or commit the
Port for funding. Each project will go through a more stringent prioritization analysis
prior to being accepted in a current year Capital Projects Budget.
See full Port agenda: http://wa-portofportangeles.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/09122016-183
According to the staff memo provided from their agenda packet:
RCW & POLICY REQUIREMENTS:
Budget requirements are set forth in RCW 53.35. The final Budget must be adopted and a certified copy filed with the Clerk of the County by the first Monday in December, which is December 5, 2016.
BACKGROUND:
This is the third presentation of the 2017 Capital Budget. The first presentation on August 29th was the introduction of the budget. The introduction presentation discussed the process of creating the budget and presented the first draft of the budget documents. The second presentation on September 6th focused on Capital Project Prioritization. This work session went project by project through all thirtyfour(34) projects shown in the budget.
ANALYSIS:
The attached “Draft Final” 2017 Capital Budget is shown in the format that it will appear in the final budget book.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
The 2017 Capital Budget includes $9,376,000 from the Port’s Capital Improvement Fund and $771,910 from anticipated state and federal grants.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
No action is recommended at this time. This is the last scheduled Capital Budget Presentation that should reflect the direction provided by the Commission at the two previous work sessions. Additional, input is still much appreciated from the Commission at this time before the budget is finalized in November.
CAPITAL BUDGET
The 2017 Capital Budget includes both a 1-year Capital Projects Budget and a 5-year Capital Improvement Plan. The Capital Projects Budget is funded by a combination of grants, property tax surplus, operating surplus and reserves. Surplus from property taxes is net of general tax levies in excess of debt service expenditures. Surplus from Port operations results from the cumulative excess of revenues over expenses. The operating surplus that is transferred from the General Fund to the Capital Improvement Fund is the amount that exceeds the target fund balance for the General Fund. Periodically, the Port will also issue debt to fund projects.
CAPITAL PROJECT PRIORITIZATION
The capital project prioritization spreadsheet breaks projects down into four (4) categories:
A. Regulatory Required Projects: These projects are required by a regulatory
agency. The Port must complete these projects to be within compliance.
B. Committed Projects: These projects are considered “committed” because of one
of the following reasons:
1. Receipt of outside grant funding. There are five (5) projects in the 2017
Capital Budget that have received grant funding.
2. Project is critical to accomplishing a long-term Strategic Goal.
3. Advisory Committee recommendation that has been accepted by staff and
commission to be included in the budget.
C. Critical Maintenance Projects: In order to prevent further damage or stay on
track with a multi-year programmatic maintenance schedule, these projects are
included in the 2017 Capital Budget. There are fifteen (15) projects within this
category and are prioritized based on need and not scored according to the
same four (4) criteria that is described for “Rated Projects”.
D. Rated Projects: Following regulatory, committed and critical maintenance are the
rated projects. All projects are rated but these projects will be prioritized based
on their total cumulative score. Staff ranked each project according to four (4)
criteria: 1) Job Creation / Retention, 2) Return on Investment, 3) Environmental
Benefit and 4) Strategic Planning Importance. These projects are ranked in
descending order based on their total cumulative score from the four categories.
There are five (5) projects that have a total score less than ten (10) and are
described as “low priority projects”. These projects may be deferred to 2018 due
to the significant project load included in the 2017 Capital Budget.
CAPITAL PROJECTS BUDGET
The total project cost must exceed $5,000 and the asset must have a minimum useful
live of five (5) years in order to be included in the Capital Budget. If it is maintenance
project, then the life of the asset must be extended by five (5) years.
On Sheets V-6 and V-9, the 2017 Capital Budget and the 5-Year Capital Improvement
Plan summarize the capital expenditures by department. Additionally, the investment in
new infrastructure is shown separate for maintaining existing infrastructure. Segregating
between maintenance and new helps staff determine if there is sufficient investment in
maintaining existing infrastructure. The Port has approximately $2,000,000 per year of
depreciation, which is used as an investment target for maintaining its assets.
5-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
The Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan identifies the most likely Capital Projects
through the year 2021. Projects shown in future years do not obligate or commit the
Port for funding. Each project will go through a more stringent prioritization analysis
prior to being accepted in a current year Capital Projects Budget.
See full Port agenda: http://wa-portofportangeles.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/09122016-183
Friday, September 9, 2016
ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF CITY PROTOCOL HYPOCRISY?
Editorial Note: Tuesday's city council meeting showed me just how much the council doesn't take seriously violators of their own code of conduct, they let their personal feelings for a board member cloud their judgement, hence you got the result you got from the council of tabling the issue of punishing Cherie Kidd for her conduct during the Feb. 2 meeting. Let's face it she lost her cool during that meeting. I was sure they would make a decision on admonishing or at the very least censor Kidd for her actions, but they decided according to published reports to table the decision to either cite Kidd's actions during that Feb. 2 meeting or not until October! Another delay on enforcing the ethics code they all embraced back when Max Mania was council member, which will further make the current ethics code a farce! But, there's more! At one point during the discussion which the other media types seemed to have miss, is when they had their break after a lengthy often temperamental debate on the subject, the mayor let Kidd back into the chamber, before closing the discussion. Whetham pointed out rightly I might add, that Kidd should not have returned to the council chamber until the mayor closed the discussion they were having before the break. The Mayor should have table the discussion prior to the break instead, in order to handle other items on the agenda so Kidd can come back and heard the rest of the agenda, he didn't do that. Hence Whethem was pointing out that Kidd re-entered the chamber after the break, before discussion of the ethics committee recommendations were decided on. However, the mayor over ruled Whetham's objections of Kidd's return to the council chamber, once again showing the residence of this city, that the council is selective on what protocals and proceedures they will follow.
See video clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_NqMsX-0gI&feature=youtu.be
City Staff memo of ethics recommendation of Ethics board one where Kidd was found violating ethics code, and was recommending a public admonishment:
Background/Analysis:
There have been four complaints 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 ordinance, 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.
Chronology of complaints:
1. February 4, 2016, Marolee Smith filed a complaint against Deputy Mayor Cherie Kidd. The findings and the recommendation of Board (1) are included Attachment 1.
2. February 19, 2016, the group Our Water-Our Choice filed a complaint against Deputy Mayor Cherie Kidd and Councilmember Dan Gase. The findings and recommendation of Board (2) are included Attachment 2
3. March 1, 2016, Marolee Smith filed a complaint against Mayor Patrick Downie. Ms. Smith withdrew her complaint on August 5, 2016. Her letter of withdrawal is included as
Attachment 3.
4. May 2, 2016, Marie Wiggins filed a complaint against Council members Sissi Bruch, Brad Collins, Michael Merideth and Lee Whetham. Ms. Wiggins withdrew her complaint on August 16. Her letter of withdrawal is included as Attachment 4. As noted above, Complaints 3 and 4 were withdrawn, and therefore no further action of Council is required. Of the two ethics complaints that went forward, Boards (1) and (2) have submitted their written findings of fact, conclusions, and recommended for disposition to Council. Council’s role now is to fulfill its requirement to review the Boards’ recommendations and determine what action, if any, to take in their disposition. If Council chooses to take action, Chapter 2.78.080 outlines Council’s options. That section is included as Attachment 5
See pages 1-3 - I-10 of agenda package for ethics board one facts and findings, along with their recommendation: http://wa-portangeles.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/3309
Related news stories...
Port Angeles City Council stalls on action against deputy mayor
Quoting the article posted: " Whetham said admonishment would be appropriate for a council member in a first term, but because Kidd is in her third term and had been mayor for two years, admonishment was insufficient. “Putting the slap on her is not enough,” he said."
Editorial Note: One thing is for certain, if they don't take action on either removing Kidd from her position as deputy mayor, or admonish, or at least censor her. The code of conduct will be rendered useless. Stay tuned!
Thursday, September 8, 2016
Sen. Murray and Rep. Herrera Beutler Announce Investments for Longview and Clark County to Strengthen Public Transportation Systems
From Sen. Murray's webpage: http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=17DB4855-F45E-445E-91AA-F40A2D9C34B0
Murray, Herrera Beutler fought to keep competitive grant program alive in last year’s transportation bill Investments will go to C-Tran and the City of Longview
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R- Southwest WA) announced three major Federal Transit Administration investments in Longview and Clark County’s public transportation systems made possible by Senator Murray and Rep. Herrera Beutler’s work to restore and fund the Bus and Bus Facilities Competitive Grant Program in last year’s transportation bill. RiverCities Transit, which serves Longview and Kelso, will receive grants to purchase two new biodiesel buses and to expand the Downtown Longview Transit Center. The other will go to C-Tran in Clark County for ten new hybrid buses, which will provide more efficient public transportation and support increased ridership.
Both Murray and Herrera Beutler strongly supported the applications to expand transportation options in Southwest Washington. Senator Murray wrote letters in support of RiverCities Transit’s application for two new biodiesel buses, and its application for the Downtown Longview Transit Center Expansion Project. In the House, Congresswoman Herrera Beutler led the effort to restore the Bus and Bus Facilities Competitive Grant Program when she successfully championed an amendment to the transportation bill in November 2015. Herrera Beutler’s efforts influenced the final House-Senate transportation bill agreement which included an additional $1.5 billion for which Southwest Washington transit agencies competed to improve bus services for Washington transit commuters.
“Our communities rely upon safe, reliable public transportation systems, and as ridership continues to increase and technology improves our transportation options, it is critical we fight to invest in aging transit systems,” Senator Murray said. “I am so glad to see the City of Longview and Clark County receive recognition for their strong transit plans and receive these federal investments to lessen the environmental impact, ease congestion, and support Southwest Washington’s continued growth.”
“It is great to see Clark County and the City of Longview receive grant funds to improve service for bus riders in Longview and throughout Clark County,” said Congresswoman Herrera Beutler. “So many folks here depend on efficient and convenient bus services, which is why I fought so hard to return hardworking taxpayer dollars back to Southwest Washington for these bus improvement grants.”
"Washington State's Congressional delegation was instrumental in passing new transportation funding this year and Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler and Senator Patty Murray’s leadership to increase funding for the bus and bus facilities program certainly aided further in making this grant award possible," said Jeff Hamm, Executive Director/CEO of C-Tran.
“The City of Longview continues to take significant strides to improve RiverCities Transit service throughout the community and revitalize our downtown,” said Longview Mayor Don Jensen. “We are thrilled that FTA has recognized our vision and awarded the City over $3.6 million to improve our Downtown Transit Center and purchase two biodiesel buses. The help and support from Sen. Murray and Rep. Herrera Beutler was instrumental in getting this award for a couple reasons. First, they both championed restoration of the bus grant program in the 2015 FAST Act which allows small and mid-sized communities like Longview to compete for federal funds. Second, they strongly supported our grant request in Washington, DC and wrote letters to FTA endorsing the projects. We are grateful for the support and look forward to bringing these critical transportation and economic development resources to our community.”
For more state news and what's going on with our delegation to Washington DC, see our Olympic Digest page...
Murray, Herrera Beutler fought to keep competitive grant program alive in last year’s transportation bill Investments will go to C-Tran and the City of Longview
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R- Southwest WA) announced three major Federal Transit Administration investments in Longview and Clark County’s public transportation systems made possible by Senator Murray and Rep. Herrera Beutler’s work to restore and fund the Bus and Bus Facilities Competitive Grant Program in last year’s transportation bill. RiverCities Transit, which serves Longview and Kelso, will receive grants to purchase two new biodiesel buses and to expand the Downtown Longview Transit Center. The other will go to C-Tran in Clark County for ten new hybrid buses, which will provide more efficient public transportation and support increased ridership.
Both Murray and Herrera Beutler strongly supported the applications to expand transportation options in Southwest Washington. Senator Murray wrote letters in support of RiverCities Transit’s application for two new biodiesel buses, and its application for the Downtown Longview Transit Center Expansion Project. In the House, Congresswoman Herrera Beutler led the effort to restore the Bus and Bus Facilities Competitive Grant Program when she successfully championed an amendment to the transportation bill in November 2015. Herrera Beutler’s efforts influenced the final House-Senate transportation bill agreement which included an additional $1.5 billion for which Southwest Washington transit agencies competed to improve bus services for Washington transit commuters.
“Our communities rely upon safe, reliable public transportation systems, and as ridership continues to increase and technology improves our transportation options, it is critical we fight to invest in aging transit systems,” Senator Murray said. “I am so glad to see the City of Longview and Clark County receive recognition for their strong transit plans and receive these federal investments to lessen the environmental impact, ease congestion, and support Southwest Washington’s continued growth.”
“It is great to see Clark County and the City of Longview receive grant funds to improve service for bus riders in Longview and throughout Clark County,” said Congresswoman Herrera Beutler. “So many folks here depend on efficient and convenient bus services, which is why I fought so hard to return hardworking taxpayer dollars back to Southwest Washington for these bus improvement grants.”
"Washington State's Congressional delegation was instrumental in passing new transportation funding this year and Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler and Senator Patty Murray’s leadership to increase funding for the bus and bus facilities program certainly aided further in making this grant award possible," said Jeff Hamm, Executive Director/CEO of C-Tran.
“The City of Longview continues to take significant strides to improve RiverCities Transit service throughout the community and revitalize our downtown,” said Longview Mayor Don Jensen. “We are thrilled that FTA has recognized our vision and awarded the City over $3.6 million to improve our Downtown Transit Center and purchase two biodiesel buses. The help and support from Sen. Murray and Rep. Herrera Beutler was instrumental in getting this award for a couple reasons. First, they both championed restoration of the bus grant program in the 2015 FAST Act which allows small and mid-sized communities like Longview to compete for federal funds. Second, they strongly supported our grant request in Washington, DC and wrote letters to FTA endorsing the projects. We are grateful for the support and look forward to bringing these critical transportation and economic development resources to our community.”
For more state news and what's going on with our delegation to Washington DC, see our Olympic Digest page...
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
WASHINGTON STATE AG: SEATTLE-BASED JULEP BEAUTY TO PAY $3M IN AG LAWSUIT OVER DECEPTIVE BUSINESS PRACTICES
Restitution for subscribers, hygiene products to benefit homeless
From the Washington State Attorney General webpage: http://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/seattle-based-julep-beauty-pay-3m-ag-lawsuit-over-deceptive-business-practices
SEATTLE — Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson today announced Seattle-based Julep Beauty, Inc. and its owner Jane Park, will pay $3 million for using deceptive “negative option” marketing tactics to lure consumers into signing up for recurring boxes of Julep products, and then making it very difficult to cancel their subscriptions. Today’s announcement covers deceptive practices that occurred between 2012 and 2015.
“It is maddening for consumers to receive products they don’t want but are charged for,” said Ferguson. “That’s a deceptive way to run a business, and I won’t allow a company to get away with it.”
In a statement, Park said, “I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge and take responsibility for Julep’s previous practices that formed the basis of the AG’s lawsuit that was settled and announced today.”
Julep agreed to pay $1.5 million in restitution to affected subscribers, $250,000 in costs and fees, and to provide hygiene products with a retail value of $1 million at no cost to qualified charities and government institutions that serve victims of domestic violence and the homeless and prison populations.
The precise number of consumers affected is unclear, due in part to Julep’s inconsistent record-keeping. Approximately 55,000 customers nationwide canceled these recurring shipments between December 2012 and September 2015.
Another $250,000 in civil penalties will be suspended, provided Julep and Park avoid further violations of the law. The Attorney General also required the company to provide adequate disclosures of the costs and terms of its subscription services going forward, and to employ sufficient customer service staff to handle complaints and cancellations.
Julep designs and produces its own nail polish and other beauty products and aggressively markets them through social media and online advertisements. The company sells primarily through its website. It also distributes products through three Seattle beauty parlors, retailers such as Sephora and Nordstrom, and on TV through QVC.
As a promotion, Julep offers a “free” Welcome Box of Julep’s products. Consumers must provide a credit or debit card in order to pay taxes and shipping fees, but in the time period covered by the AGO lawsuit, the company did not adequately disclose that consumers were also enrolling in a subscription plan. The disclosures regarding the subscription and cancellation terms were buried in web checkout pages that the consumer was unlikely to see.
Many consumers first realized they were obligated to pay for the boxes when an unknown Julep charge showed up on their debit or credit account statements, or when additional, unexpected boxes of products arrived. The most common subscription plans cost consumers either $19.99 or $24.99 per month.
While Julep’s terms stated that consumers may cancel at any time, in practice it was often extremely difficult to do so. Julep did not employ enough customer service representatives to handle the volume of cancelation requests, and some consumers had to call multiple times before a cancellation was honored. A number of consumers continued to be billed after canceling their subscription.
The AGO investigation began after the office received a number of consumer complaints. The case was handled by Assistant Attorneys General Todd Bowers and Joel Delman.
For more law and justice news see our Law and Justice, and Advocacy Notebook page...
From the Washington State Attorney General webpage: http://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/seattle-based-julep-beauty-pay-3m-ag-lawsuit-over-deceptive-business-practices
SEATTLE — Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson today announced Seattle-based Julep Beauty, Inc. and its owner Jane Park, will pay $3 million for using deceptive “negative option” marketing tactics to lure consumers into signing up for recurring boxes of Julep products, and then making it very difficult to cancel their subscriptions. Today’s announcement covers deceptive practices that occurred between 2012 and 2015.
“It is maddening for consumers to receive products they don’t want but are charged for,” said Ferguson. “That’s a deceptive way to run a business, and I won’t allow a company to get away with it.”
In a statement, Park said, “I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge and take responsibility for Julep’s previous practices that formed the basis of the AG’s lawsuit that was settled and announced today.”
Julep agreed to pay $1.5 million in restitution to affected subscribers, $250,000 in costs and fees, and to provide hygiene products with a retail value of $1 million at no cost to qualified charities and government institutions that serve victims of domestic violence and the homeless and prison populations.
The precise number of consumers affected is unclear, due in part to Julep’s inconsistent record-keeping. Approximately 55,000 customers nationwide canceled these recurring shipments between December 2012 and September 2015.
Another $250,000 in civil penalties will be suspended, provided Julep and Park avoid further violations of the law. The Attorney General also required the company to provide adequate disclosures of the costs and terms of its subscription services going forward, and to employ sufficient customer service staff to handle complaints and cancellations.
Julep designs and produces its own nail polish and other beauty products and aggressively markets them through social media and online advertisements. The company sells primarily through its website. It also distributes products through three Seattle beauty parlors, retailers such as Sephora and Nordstrom, and on TV through QVC.
As a promotion, Julep offers a “free” Welcome Box of Julep’s products. Consumers must provide a credit or debit card in order to pay taxes and shipping fees, but in the time period covered by the AGO lawsuit, the company did not adequately disclose that consumers were also enrolling in a subscription plan. The disclosures regarding the subscription and cancellation terms were buried in web checkout pages that the consumer was unlikely to see.
Many consumers first realized they were obligated to pay for the boxes when an unknown Julep charge showed up on their debit or credit account statements, or when additional, unexpected boxes of products arrived. The most common subscription plans cost consumers either $19.99 or $24.99 per month.
While Julep’s terms stated that consumers may cancel at any time, in practice it was often extremely difficult to do so. Julep did not employ enough customer service representatives to handle the volume of cancelation requests, and some consumers had to call multiple times before a cancellation was honored. A number of consumers continued to be billed after canceling their subscription.
The AGO investigation began after the office received a number of consumer complaints. The case was handled by Assistant Attorneys General Todd Bowers and Joel Delman.
For more law and justice news see our Law and Justice, and Advocacy Notebook page...
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
" We will continue to oppose Russian aggression in Ukraine." ---President Obama
THE WHITE HOUSE: Remarks by President Obama and Prime Minister May of the United Kingdom After Bilateral Meeting at the G20 Summit
PRESIDENT OBAMA: Good morning, everybody. I want to begin by saying what a pleasure it was for me to meet with Prime Minister May and congratulate her on becoming Prime Minister. We’ve had occasion to be together before in other settings, but this is the first time that I had a chance to address her as Madam Prime Minister. I’m glad that Theresa and I could meet early in her tenure. The Prime Minister continues to be a steadying influence during a time of transition.
It was a wide-ranging conversation, but it began with the basic premise that even as the UK pursues an orderly exit from the EU, together, we reaffirm the very special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom. It will not simply endure, but it will continue to grow stronger with time. The vibrant economic partnership between our countries will continue as the UK gains further clarity on its new relationship with the EU. Our two countries will be discussing ways in which we continue to sustain and strengthen our trade and investment ties. Here at the G20, we will continue to pursue an agenda of inclusive and sustainable growth.
When it comes to security issues, under Prime Minister May, the UK has reaffirmed its strong commitment to the transatlantic architecture. We are NATO Allies. We see the world in the same way. We will continue to oppose Russian aggression in Ukraine. We will continue to counter cyber threats. We will continue to work diligently to root out terrorist networks, and we'll work to destroy ISIL.
At a time when the international order is under strain, I also emphasized the degree to which United Kingdom’s leadership on the world stage is essential. We are grateful for the UK’s indispensable role in achieving landmark agreements on climate change, on issues of energy security and global development. We will continue to count on being able to stand together, stand strong with our British friends to make sure that international norms and rules are enforced and are maintained.
The bottom line is, is that we don’t have a stronger partner anywhere in the world than the United Kingdom. And despite the turbulence of political events over the last several months, we have every intention to making sure that that continues.
And so I look forward to our partnership. This is my last G20, Theresa’s first. But the continuity of the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom, that stretches back many decades and it will continue for many decades to come.
PRIME MINISTER MAY: Thank you. Thank you very much. And I’m very pleased to be here at my first G20 Summit, and pleased to have had the opportunity to meet you, Barack. And, as you say, the United States is a special partner for the United Kingdom, a longstanding ally and a close friend. We share the same values of freedom, openness and tolerance. We share intelligence and technology. Our troops train, fight and recuperate together. And together, we do more together than any other two countries in the world. And I think that’s as true now as it has ever been.
And our discussions today have been wide-ranging. We focused on Brexit, on the threat from Daesh, the situation in Syria, and on the need to do more to solve the migration crisis. I’d just like to say a few words on each of those.
First, we have talked about Britain’s decision to leave the European Union -- the process now and what Brexit means for the UK’s relationships with our European friends, but with other countries, too. The UK has always been a strong partner for the U.S., and that will remain the case. We have a thriving economic relationship. British businesses export twice as much to the United States as they do to our next-largest market, and the United States is the largest inward investor in Britain, with total American investments providing more than one million jobs.
We need to build on that strong foundation as the UK leaves the EU. We’re both strong supporters of free trade, and today, we discussed how to take forward consultations to ensure that the UK and the U.S. have the strongest possible trading relationship. And this reinforces my belief that as we forge a new global role for the UK, we can and will seize the opportunities that Brexit presents, and make a success of it.
We’ve also discussed the threat from Islamist terrorism. The UK and the U.S. have been at the forefront of efforts to defeat Daesh in Iraq and Syria, and it’s vital that we take action to degrade Daesh abroad to help keep the streets of Britain safe. And the coalition is making progress -- Daesh is losing territory in Iraq and Syria. Its finances have been hit. Its leaders are being killed, and fighters are deserting. And in recent weeks, thanks the U.S. efforts, Daesh in Libya have been forced backwards too.
But we must not be complacent. We know these terrorists are intent on destroying our way of life, and the threat in the UK remains severe. So as we drive Daesh out of one area, we must be alert to the risk they will seek a safe haven’t elsewhere, and we must work internationally to defeat their ideology of hatred and murder. And we need to support other countries in the region, helping to protect them from the threat of Daesh, and thereby protecting people home in Britain, too.
We must also continue to strive for a political situation in Syria. The goal remains a negotiated settlement which delivers stability for all Syrians, and a government with whom we can work to defeat the terrorists. We welcome U.S. efforts to broker an end to the violence and to help protect moderate opposition forces. It’s vital that humanitarian supplies get to innocent Syrians who are in desperate need. And this afternoon, I will urge President Putin to do all he can to get the aid convoys in and to end the indiscriminate bombing of civilians. And next week, the Foreign Secretary plans to host the moderate Syrian opposition in London as we continue to support their hopes for a democratic, peaceful and inclusive Syria.
And finally, we discussed the global migration crisis. Across the world, there are now over 244 million migrants, 65 million displaced people, and over 20 million refugees. This growing crisis cannot be solved by the actions of one country alone. We need an international approach, which better identifies those refugees who most need support, deals more effectively with economic migrants, and does more to address the root causes of migration.
This issue will be top of the agenda at the U.N. General Assembly later this month, and I hope we can make concrete progress to stem the flow of migration and help people in their home countries and regions.
So we’ve had a productive meeting. It’s been an opportunity to discuss how we respond to some of the great challenges we face. And I look forward to continuing our discussions at the summit, particularly on the global economy. We understand that many of our citizens are frustrated by the pace of globalization and feel they’re not experiencing the benefits of international trade. We both believe this is an issue that we as G20 leaders cannot afford to ignore. Instead, we must all work together to spur economic growth, to boost free trade and build a fairer economy that truly works for all.---read more of their question and answers segment from the White House link provided above.
For more world and national headlines see our World And National digest reports.
Monday, September 5, 2016
USDA: Rural America Is Back in Business
President Obama took office during one of the worst economic recessions in our history. Challenges in the housing market had led to vast economic hardship and uncertainty for American families and communities across the country. During this time, widespread job losses coupled with an increasing shift to a technologically focused economy left many rural communities reeling. As a result, many families in rural America were faced with the difficult decision of migrating from the communities they called home in search of a brighter future, or waiting patiently for change to come.
By the media headlines we’ve seen, you could easily think rural America is a thing of the past. “The Graying of Rural America” … “Can Rural America Be Saved” … “Rural America Is Falling Behind” … The truth is, the facts reflect something very different: A rural America on the road to recovery and growth.
Nearly eight years later, rural America has made a remarkable comeback. After years of stagnation following the harsh economic climate that took hold during the Great Recession, we’re beginning to see positive trends in major indicators of economic recovery and we need to recognize it, celebrate it and make sure that progress continues.
For the first time since the start of the Recession, rural populations have stabilized.
The total number of people living in rural counties remained essentially unchanged between July 2014 and July 2015, following several years of rural net migration that began with the housing-market crisis. This improvement in population change coincides with rural economic recovery and, if current trends continue, we will begin to see gradual population growth in rural and small-town America in the coming years.
The rural unemployment rate dropped below 6 percent for the first time since 2007.
After reaching nearly 10 percent in 2010, rural unemployment has fallen to under 6 percent in 2015. Rural counties added over 125,000 jobs in both 2014 and 2015, after job losses averaging 200,000 per year during 2008–2013.
From 2012–2014, rural child poverty fell by 3 percentage points.
Rural child poverty, which had been trending upward from 2003 to 2012, has since begun a slow but steady decline. From 2012 to 2014, average incomes for families with children climbed 6 percent, nearly regaining their 2003 levels in rural areas. This income growth reduced child poverty considerably and demonstrates a very strong growth trend.
Two million fewer people live in a state of food insecurity today compared with a recession peak in 2011.
Food security for households with children, and households overall, is the strongest it’s been since before the Recession and we hope to have more good news to support this later in the month. That means more American families have reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food on a daily basis. SNAP participation is also down by 4 million people since it peaked in FY 2013.
These numbers still echo some lingering economic impact left in the wake of a deep recession, but since those early days, we’ve seen important trend lines shift to demonstrate positive change, and the austere outlook that once faced rural America shows growing signs of promise.---read more of the USDA report
https://medium.com/usda-results/results-ch7-bac6adea0994#.db90k9848
Editorial note: Sounds to me like a lot of propagandist drivel if you ask me. If we who live in rural communities since Obama took office, why is it more people are now on food stamps, and more homeless folks around?
By the media headlines we’ve seen, you could easily think rural America is a thing of the past. “The Graying of Rural America” … “Can Rural America Be Saved” … “Rural America Is Falling Behind” … The truth is, the facts reflect something very different: A rural America on the road to recovery and growth.
Nearly eight years later, rural America has made a remarkable comeback. After years of stagnation following the harsh economic climate that took hold during the Great Recession, we’re beginning to see positive trends in major indicators of economic recovery and we need to recognize it, celebrate it and make sure that progress continues.
For the first time since the start of the Recession, rural populations have stabilized.
The total number of people living in rural counties remained essentially unchanged between July 2014 and July 2015, following several years of rural net migration that began with the housing-market crisis. This improvement in population change coincides with rural economic recovery and, if current trends continue, we will begin to see gradual population growth in rural and small-town America in the coming years.
The rural unemployment rate dropped below 6 percent for the first time since 2007.
After reaching nearly 10 percent in 2010, rural unemployment has fallen to under 6 percent in 2015. Rural counties added over 125,000 jobs in both 2014 and 2015, after job losses averaging 200,000 per year during 2008–2013.
From 2012–2014, rural child poverty fell by 3 percentage points.
Rural child poverty, which had been trending upward from 2003 to 2012, has since begun a slow but steady decline. From 2012 to 2014, average incomes for families with children climbed 6 percent, nearly regaining their 2003 levels in rural areas. This income growth reduced child poverty considerably and demonstrates a very strong growth trend.
Two million fewer people live in a state of food insecurity today compared with a recession peak in 2011.
Food security for households with children, and households overall, is the strongest it’s been since before the Recession and we hope to have more good news to support this later in the month. That means more American families have reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food on a daily basis. SNAP participation is also down by 4 million people since it peaked in FY 2013.
These numbers still echo some lingering economic impact left in the wake of a deep recession, but since those early days, we’ve seen important trend lines shift to demonstrate positive change, and the austere outlook that once faced rural America shows growing signs of promise.---read more of the USDA report
https://medium.com/usda-results/results-ch7-bac6adea0994#.db90k9848
Editorial note: Sounds to me like a lot of propagandist drivel if you ask me. If we who live in rural communities since Obama took office, why is it more people are now on food stamps, and more homeless folks around?
Saturday, September 3, 2016
STONE WALLING ON VACATION RENTALS?
The following is the draft Ordinance regarding Vacation rentals, which the County Commission held a public hearing on Aug. 22nd, but made to decision on. The question is why the delay on making an decision on this proposed ordinance?
An ordinance amending Clallam County Code Title 33,Zonrng, to add a new Chapter titled
Vacation Rentals
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF CLALLAM COUNTY COMMISSIONERS:
Section xx, Purpose, is created to read as follows:
Communities with scenic beauty become a destination for to meet their recreational needs, but sometimes a lack of create conflict within neighborhoods. The purpose of this term accommodations occurring within single family owners to operate and be accountable to their neighbors, enjoy their stay. Other types of transient Section xx, Vacation Rental Standards, is Vacation rentals must comply with all as
(l) Shall be operated in a way that will
(2) Shall have an inspection by the Clallam structure for transient accommodations that the
(a) Where a rental is dependent on
to of accommodations has a potential to standards for short clear guidelines for are safe and can
chapter. as follows: following
to Division prior to the use of the
has adequate means of egress, exits, smoke detectors, carbon and other fire protection systems in compliance with the Building Code.
(3) The property owner must sewage disposal.
used, allowed at the vacation which be determined by a licensed designer
(b) to that exceed the design capacity of the septic system as repair.
(c) A contract provider for yearly inspections
of the Health. with one space for every sleeping accommodation (i.e.
rental. a nuisance of odor or attract animals, and shall remain
ln .10. A contract of refuse disposal shall be established.
(6) with Clallam County Code 15.30.010
(7) N to the tenants regarding rules of conduct and their responsibility not to trespass or to create disturbances. If there is an easement that provides access to the be indicated on a map or the easement shall be marked; if there is no access, this shall together with a warning not to trespass.
(8) Location of breaker box, water, and gas shut off, instructions regarding the septic system and a local emergency contact number shall be provided to tenants.
(9) Transient accommodations must meet all local and state regulations, including those
pertaining to business licenses and Lodging Taxes. are Compliance shall be addressed through Chapter 33.59 Enforcement and Title 20 Code Compliance.
For further details see our Meetings and Commentary page...
An ordinance amending Clallam County Code Title 33,Zonrng, to add a new Chapter titled
Vacation Rentals
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF CLALLAM COUNTY COMMISSIONERS:
Section xx, Purpose, is created to read as follows:
Communities with scenic beauty become a destination for to meet their recreational needs, but sometimes a lack of create conflict within neighborhoods. The purpose of this term accommodations occurring within single family owners to operate and be accountable to their neighbors, enjoy their stay. Other types of transient Section xx, Vacation Rental Standards, is Vacation rentals must comply with all as
(l) Shall be operated in a way that will
(2) Shall have an inspection by the Clallam structure for transient accommodations that the
(a) Where a rental is dependent on
to of accommodations has a potential to standards for short clear guidelines for are safe and can
chapter. as follows: following
to Division prior to the use of the
has adequate means of egress, exits, smoke detectors, carbon and other fire protection systems in compliance with the Building Code.
(3) The property owner must sewage disposal.
used, allowed at the vacation which be determined by a licensed designer
(b) to that exceed the design capacity of the septic system as repair.
(c) A contract provider for yearly inspections
of the Health. with one space for every sleeping accommodation (i.e.
rental. a nuisance of odor or attract animals, and shall remain
ln .10. A contract of refuse disposal shall be established.
(6) with Clallam County Code 15.30.010
(7) N to the tenants regarding rules of conduct and their responsibility not to trespass or to create disturbances. If there is an easement that provides access to the be indicated on a map or the easement shall be marked; if there is no access, this shall together with a warning not to trespass.
(8) Location of breaker box, water, and gas shut off, instructions regarding the septic system and a local emergency contact number shall be provided to tenants.
(9) Transient accommodations must meet all local and state regulations, including those
pertaining to business licenses and Lodging Taxes. are Compliance shall be addressed through Chapter 33.59 Enforcement and Title 20 Code Compliance.
For further details see our Meetings and Commentary page...
Friday, September 2, 2016
ETHICS SENDS RECOMMENDATION TO CITY....BUT!
There's that little public admonishment of Cherie Kidd to settle....
The next city council meeting will get recommendations from the ethics board over the latest ethics complaint filed by the former mayor's wife, Marie Wiggins, who withdrew her complaint, which she wrote the following letter to the council earlier in August, see page I-18 in agenda packet provided.
However, during the next council meeting the council will receive some recommendations from the ethics board, according the the staff memo provided:
"There have been four complaints 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 ordinance, 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
Chronology of complaints:
1. February 4, 2016, Marolee Smith filed a complaint against Deputy Mayor Cherie Kidd.
The findings and the recommendation of Board (1) are included Attachment 1.
2. February 19, 2016, the group Our Water-Our Choice filed a complaint against Deputy
Mayor Cherie Kidd and Councilmember Dan Gase. The findings and recommendation of
Board (2) are included Attachment 2.
3. March 1, 2016, Marolee Smith filed a complaint against Mayor Patrick Downie. Ms.
Smith withdrew her complaint on August 5, 2016. Her letter of withdrawal is included as
Attachment 3.
4. May 2, 2016, Marie Wiggins filed a complaint against Council members Sissi Bruch, Brad Collins, Michael Merideth and Lee Whetham. Ms. Wiggins withdrew her complaint on August 16. Her letter of withdrawal is included as Attachment 4. As noted above, Complaints 3 and 4 were withdrawn, and therefore no further action of Council is required. Of the two ethics complaints that went forward, Boards (1) and (2) have submitted their written findings of fact, conclusions, and recommended for disposition to Council. Council’s role now is to fulfill its requirement to review the Boards’ recommendations and determine what action, if any, to take in their disposition. If Council chooses to take action, Chapter 2.78.080 outlines Council’s options. That section is included as Attachment 5.
Review of the Ordinance
As stated in prior memos to Council, the four complaints filed since February are the first since the Code of Ethics was adopted in 2012. While the four complaints were being processed, staff received numerous comments from Councilmembers as well as from public, all to the effect that these first complaints provided a test-run of the Ethics Code. Most agree that after the complaints have been heard and concluded, Council and staff should then review the Code and make changes as appropriate. After the Council’s final disposition of the complaints, staff will begin to review how this process has worked and suggest modifications and adjustments to the ordinance. These suggested changes will be brought to Council for consideration at a future meeting.
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 complaints. The total amount spent on outside legal representation was $20,000. "
Editorial Note: One thing is not settled as of yet, who will publically admonish Cherie Kidd? If they don't admonish her for her part in the February meeting, you must as well shred that code of ethics all the good it is. It will be like saying: " let's just ignore what we passed as ethics and code of conduct" Whetham is correct the entire ethics code needs to be reviewed.
see city council packet starting on page I-1: http://wa-portangeles.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/3309
Thursday, September 1, 2016
Kilmer Joins Chair of Commission on Civil Rights to Hear Directly from Regional Tribes on Challenges They Face
From a press release issued by Congressman Kilmer on Monday as posted on his site
Dated 8.26.16
Taholah, WA – Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA) joined the Chairman of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, Martin Castro, along with local tribal leaders at the Quinault Reservation for a summit to discuss funding disparities facing tribal communities. The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is currently putting together an update to a 2003 report called Quiet Crisis that found federal investments too often failed to provide adequate health care, education, natural resource protection, and housing among other basic needs.
Kilmer and Chairman Castro were joined by Quinault President Fawn Sharp, who is also President of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians and Vice President of the National Congress of American Indians; Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe Chair Ron Allen, and other tribal leaders from across the state at the forum. Chairman Castro provided Kilmer and the tribal leaders with updates about the progress being made on the final report. He also heard testimony about gaps faced on reservations. After the listening sessions the group took a tour of the Quinault Reservation.
“Too many tribes across the nation aren’t getting the investments they need to thrive,” said Kilmer. “Tribal communities are essential to creating jobs, protecting our environment, and helping our country grow. But they face significant challenges in health care, education, natural resource protection, and economic opportunity. Discussions like the one we had today -- involving people who are directly impacted by the shortcomings in federal policy -- can help establish a path forward. I'm committed to working with the Commission and with local leaders to address these challenges. We have to do better.”
“It is an honor to meet with the leadership of the Affiliated Tribes of the Northwest to hear directly from them about the unmet needs and the opportunities in Indian Country and to share with them our continuing work on updating our "Quiet Crisis" report. It is part of the Commission's historic commitment to focusing on the civil rights of our First Nations,” said Chairman Castro.
“We are thankful that Congressman Kilmer and some members of the US Commission on Civil Rights were able to hear the profound impacts that inadequate funding has on our tribal communities. It’s not a quiet crisis of unmet funding needs, but a humanitarian crisis. Indian Country suffers from shocking levels of poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, violence and deteriorating health. Today, tribal governments must contend with the legacy left behind by a long, painful history of vacillating federal-tribal policy, ranging from paternalism, assimilation, and termination. Settlement of this country was made possible through treaties with Indian nations. In exchange for ceding millions of acres, tribes received promises that have not been fulfilled,” said President Fawn Sharp.
Since 2003, problems such as budget cuts due to sequestration, increasing threats from natural disaster, and a continued lack of quality housing, educational support, and economic development opportunity have impacted tribal communities.
In 2015, Kilmer led a bipartisan group urging the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights to update the 2003 report. The members noted that since the original report was published, the needs of Native American communities have continued to grow, while investments have not kept pace.
ref: http://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-joins-chair-of-commission-on-civil-rights-to-hear-directly-from-regional-tribes-on-challenges-they-face-
Dated 8.26.16
Taholah, WA – Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA) joined the Chairman of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, Martin Castro, along with local tribal leaders at the Quinault Reservation for a summit to discuss funding disparities facing tribal communities. The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is currently putting together an update to a 2003 report called Quiet Crisis that found federal investments too often failed to provide adequate health care, education, natural resource protection, and housing among other basic needs.
Kilmer and Chairman Castro were joined by Quinault President Fawn Sharp, who is also President of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians and Vice President of the National Congress of American Indians; Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe Chair Ron Allen, and other tribal leaders from across the state at the forum. Chairman Castro provided Kilmer and the tribal leaders with updates about the progress being made on the final report. He also heard testimony about gaps faced on reservations. After the listening sessions the group took a tour of the Quinault Reservation.
“Too many tribes across the nation aren’t getting the investments they need to thrive,” said Kilmer. “Tribal communities are essential to creating jobs, protecting our environment, and helping our country grow. But they face significant challenges in health care, education, natural resource protection, and economic opportunity. Discussions like the one we had today -- involving people who are directly impacted by the shortcomings in federal policy -- can help establish a path forward. I'm committed to working with the Commission and with local leaders to address these challenges. We have to do better.”
“It is an honor to meet with the leadership of the Affiliated Tribes of the Northwest to hear directly from them about the unmet needs and the opportunities in Indian Country and to share with them our continuing work on updating our "Quiet Crisis" report. It is part of the Commission's historic commitment to focusing on the civil rights of our First Nations,” said Chairman Castro.
“We are thankful that Congressman Kilmer and some members of the US Commission on Civil Rights were able to hear the profound impacts that inadequate funding has on our tribal communities. It’s not a quiet crisis of unmet funding needs, but a humanitarian crisis. Indian Country suffers from shocking levels of poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, violence and deteriorating health. Today, tribal governments must contend with the legacy left behind by a long, painful history of vacillating federal-tribal policy, ranging from paternalism, assimilation, and termination. Settlement of this country was made possible through treaties with Indian nations. In exchange for ceding millions of acres, tribes received promises that have not been fulfilled,” said President Fawn Sharp.
Since 2003, problems such as budget cuts due to sequestration, increasing threats from natural disaster, and a continued lack of quality housing, educational support, and economic development opportunity have impacted tribal communities.
In 2015, Kilmer led a bipartisan group urging the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights to update the 2003 report. The members noted that since the original report was published, the needs of Native American communities have continued to grow, while investments have not kept pace.
ref: http://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-joins-chair-of-commission-on-civil-rights-to-hear-directly-from-regional-tribes-on-challenges-they-face-
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
OBAMA PARDONS 111 DRUG DEALERS...YET HE WANTS TO CLEAN THE STREETS OF CRIME., and GUNS
Press release from the white house was issued 8.30.16
President Obama Grants Commutations
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the President granted commutation of sentence to the following 111 individuals:
Malik Abuhamid Ibm Wakil Abdunafi – Baltimore, MD
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine, at least 50 grams of cocaine base (crack), heroin, and marijuana; distribution of cocaine and cocaine base (crack); distribution of heroin; possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine, at least five grams of cocaine base (crack), heroin, and marijuana; Middle District of Pennsylvania
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $100,000 forfeiture (August 31, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016, and obligation and payment of forfeiture remitted.
Quentin C. Adams – St. Louis, MO
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (two counts); distribution of cocaine base; Western District of Missouri
Sentence: Life imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (June 15, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months' imprisonment.
Sly Stallone Aikens – Hickory Grove, SC
Offense: Knowingly using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to, and possessing the firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime (two counts); District of South Carolina
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (April 29, 2005); amended to 235 months' imprisonment (September 28, 2006)
See the rest of those who were pardoned on the White House webpage: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/08/30/president-obama-grants-commutations
Response by the US Dept. of Justice...
Deputy Attorney General Sally Q. Yates Statement on the President’s Recent Clemency Decisions
Deputy Attorney General Sally Q. Yates released the following statement following President Obama’s clemency announcement today:
"The clemency initiative is about more than the 111 people who learned today that their sentences have been commuted; it's also about the families and communities who will welcome them home as they work to build a new life. With today's announcement, the President has given a second chance to over 300 individuals in the month of August and we expect many more men and women will receive that same opportunity in the months to come. We remain hopeful that Congress will come to a bipartisan and lasting solution for much needed sentencing reforms before the end of the year."
ref. https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/deputy-attorney-general-sally-q-yates-statement-president-s-recent-clemency-decisions-1
Editorial Note: All these 111 criminals that Obama cleared, all had two things in common, drugs, and GUNS! Guns, which Obama claims he wants to take away from law abiding citizens, while he pardons a bunch of drug dealers and thugs who uses guns to commit all kinds of violance, against cops. Yet, the Dept. of Justice plays right along with president that all is right in the world under the current administration. No one can tell me that the attorney general is not being bias or Obama's "yes" man.
Former FBI Agent Sentenced to 36 Months in Prison for Stealing Drug Proceeds and Obstructing Justice
Dept. of Justice press release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/former-fbi-agent-sentenced-36-months-prison-stealing-drug-proceeds-and-obstructing-justice
A former FBI special agent was sentenced today to 36 months in prison for stealing over $136,000 in drug proceeds seized during the execution of search warrants in 2014, falsifying documents and tampering with a witness.
Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Special Agent in Charge Angel D. Gunn of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General’s Los Angeles Field Office made the announcement.
Scott M. Bowman, 45, of Moreno Valley, California, pleaded guilty on May 2, 2016, to one count of conversion of property by a federal employee, one count of obstruction of justice, one count of falsification of records and one count of witness tampering. Bowman was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jesus G. Bernal of the Central District of California, who also ordered Bowman to pay $136,462 in restitution.
According to admissions made in connection with his plea, Bowman misappropriated drug proceeds seized during the execution of three search warrants in June and August 2014 after they were transferred to his custody in his official capacity as a federal law enforcement officer. Bowman admitted that he proceeded to spend the stolen money for his own personal use and enjoyment, including tens of thousands of dollars on vehicles and new equipment, including speakers, rims and tires. Bowman also used $15,000 of the misappropriated cash to pay for cosmetic surgery for his spouse and opened a new checking account into which he deposited $10,665 of the stolen funds, he admitted.
According to the plea agreement, in order to conceal his embezzlement, Bowman falsified official FBI reports and submitted a deposit receipt – with a forged signature – that understated the amount of proceeds he had actually seized at the search site. In October 2014, Bowman sent emails to a local police detective containing a detailed cover story that the detective was instructed to provide in case he was asked about Bowman’s handling of the drug proceeds and a copy of the receipt with the forged signature so that the detective could falsely claim the forged signature as his own, Bowman admitted.
The Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Lauren Bell and Robert J. Heberle of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section prosecuted the case.
Editorial note: Do you think Obama will offer clemency for this guy?
President Obama Grants Commutations
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the President granted commutation of sentence to the following 111 individuals:
Malik Abuhamid Ibm Wakil Abdunafi – Baltimore, MD
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine, at least 50 grams of cocaine base (crack), heroin, and marijuana; distribution of cocaine and cocaine base (crack); distribution of heroin; possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine, at least five grams of cocaine base (crack), heroin, and marijuana; Middle District of Pennsylvania
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $100,000 forfeiture (August 31, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016, and obligation and payment of forfeiture remitted.
Quentin C. Adams – St. Louis, MO
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (two counts); distribution of cocaine base; Western District of Missouri
Sentence: Life imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (June 15, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months' imprisonment.
Sly Stallone Aikens – Hickory Grove, SC
Offense: Knowingly using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to, and possessing the firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime (two counts); District of South Carolina
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (April 29, 2005); amended to 235 months' imprisonment (September 28, 2006)
See the rest of those who were pardoned on the White House webpage: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/08/30/president-obama-grants-commutations
Response by the US Dept. of Justice...
Deputy Attorney General Sally Q. Yates Statement on the President’s Recent Clemency Decisions
Deputy Attorney General Sally Q. Yates released the following statement following President Obama’s clemency announcement today:
"The clemency initiative is about more than the 111 people who learned today that their sentences have been commuted; it's also about the families and communities who will welcome them home as they work to build a new life. With today's announcement, the President has given a second chance to over 300 individuals in the month of August and we expect many more men and women will receive that same opportunity in the months to come. We remain hopeful that Congress will come to a bipartisan and lasting solution for much needed sentencing reforms before the end of the year."
ref. https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/deputy-attorney-general-sally-q-yates-statement-president-s-recent-clemency-decisions-1
Editorial Note: All these 111 criminals that Obama cleared, all had two things in common, drugs, and GUNS! Guns, which Obama claims he wants to take away from law abiding citizens, while he pardons a bunch of drug dealers and thugs who uses guns to commit all kinds of violance, against cops. Yet, the Dept. of Justice plays right along with president that all is right in the world under the current administration. No one can tell me that the attorney general is not being bias or Obama's "yes" man.
Former FBI Agent Sentenced to 36 Months in Prison for Stealing Drug Proceeds and Obstructing Justice
Dept. of Justice press release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/former-fbi-agent-sentenced-36-months-prison-stealing-drug-proceeds-and-obstructing-justice
A former FBI special agent was sentenced today to 36 months in prison for stealing over $136,000 in drug proceeds seized during the execution of search warrants in 2014, falsifying documents and tampering with a witness.
Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Special Agent in Charge Angel D. Gunn of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General’s Los Angeles Field Office made the announcement.
Scott M. Bowman, 45, of Moreno Valley, California, pleaded guilty on May 2, 2016, to one count of conversion of property by a federal employee, one count of obstruction of justice, one count of falsification of records and one count of witness tampering. Bowman was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jesus G. Bernal of the Central District of California, who also ordered Bowman to pay $136,462 in restitution.
According to admissions made in connection with his plea, Bowman misappropriated drug proceeds seized during the execution of three search warrants in June and August 2014 after they were transferred to his custody in his official capacity as a federal law enforcement officer. Bowman admitted that he proceeded to spend the stolen money for his own personal use and enjoyment, including tens of thousands of dollars on vehicles and new equipment, including speakers, rims and tires. Bowman also used $15,000 of the misappropriated cash to pay for cosmetic surgery for his spouse and opened a new checking account into which he deposited $10,665 of the stolen funds, he admitted.
According to the plea agreement, in order to conceal his embezzlement, Bowman falsified official FBI reports and submitted a deposit receipt – with a forged signature – that understated the amount of proceeds he had actually seized at the search site. In October 2014, Bowman sent emails to a local police detective containing a detailed cover story that the detective was instructed to provide in case he was asked about Bowman’s handling of the drug proceeds and a copy of the receipt with the forged signature so that the detective could falsely claim the forged signature as his own, Bowman admitted.
The Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Lauren Bell and Robert J. Heberle of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section prosecuted the case.
Editorial note: Do you think Obama will offer clemency for this guy?
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Secretary-General, at Kazakhstan Event, Calls on All States to Advance Progress towards Vision of Nuclear-Weapon-Free World
Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message, delivered by Michael Møller, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, to the Building a Nuclear-Free World Conference, in Astana today:
I am pleased to send this message to all participants at the conference on “Building a Nuclear-Free World”, marking the twenty-fifth anniversary of the closing of the Semipalatinsk test site and the seventh International Day against Nuclear Tests. I thank the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan for hosting, once again demonstrating its commitment to the pursuit of a world free of nuclear weapons.
I saw this same resolve in the people living around Semipalatinsk when I visited six years ago. More than 450 nuclear tests there left deep scars, both physical and spiritual, on the people of Kazakhstan. I was moved by their plight and inspired by their enduring determination to turn this poisonous inheritance into a message of peace.
The decision to shutter Semipalatinsk 25 years ago was truly historic. So, too, was the decision to return the former Soviet nuclear weapons and join the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. These twin outcomes set the stage for Kazakhstan to become a standard-bearer in the cause of nuclear disarmament.
In addition to helping establish the important commemoration we mark today, Kazakhstan has played a leading role in the creation of a Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone. It spearheaded the Universal Declaration on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free World at the General Assembly. President [Nursultan] Nazarbayev has called nuclear disarmament a top global priority.
As divisions between States on how to achieve nuclear disarmament grow, countries like Kazakhstan must lead the way to common ground and inclusive dialogue. Such leadership is urgently needed to make our world truly secure.
We must give priority to achieving the long-overdue entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Negotiated two decades ago, the absence of sufficient ratifications is a glaring example of the stalemate plaguing multilateral disarmament.
The achievement of a moratorium on nuclear testing — maintained by all but one State — is significant. But, as I have said time and again, it can be no substitute for a legally binding prohibition.
Political will is essential to replace the costly, divisive and dangerous rivalries that prevail in our world with a sense of global solidarity for our shared future. On this day, I call upon all States to summon the political will to advance progress towards realizing our vision of a world free of nuclear weapons.
ref. http://www.un.org/press/en/2016/sgsm18007.doc.htm
Related news stories
On World Day, top UN officials call for prompt entry into force of nuclear test ban treaty---UN NEWS CENTER
For more world and national news see our World and National Digest reports page...
I am pleased to send this message to all participants at the conference on “Building a Nuclear-Free World”, marking the twenty-fifth anniversary of the closing of the Semipalatinsk test site and the seventh International Day against Nuclear Tests. I thank the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan for hosting, once again demonstrating its commitment to the pursuit of a world free of nuclear weapons.
I saw this same resolve in the people living around Semipalatinsk when I visited six years ago. More than 450 nuclear tests there left deep scars, both physical and spiritual, on the people of Kazakhstan. I was moved by their plight and inspired by their enduring determination to turn this poisonous inheritance into a message of peace.
The decision to shutter Semipalatinsk 25 years ago was truly historic. So, too, was the decision to return the former Soviet nuclear weapons and join the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. These twin outcomes set the stage for Kazakhstan to become a standard-bearer in the cause of nuclear disarmament.
In addition to helping establish the important commemoration we mark today, Kazakhstan has played a leading role in the creation of a Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone. It spearheaded the Universal Declaration on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free World at the General Assembly. President [Nursultan] Nazarbayev has called nuclear disarmament a top global priority.
As divisions between States on how to achieve nuclear disarmament grow, countries like Kazakhstan must lead the way to common ground and inclusive dialogue. Such leadership is urgently needed to make our world truly secure.
We must give priority to achieving the long-overdue entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Negotiated two decades ago, the absence of sufficient ratifications is a glaring example of the stalemate plaguing multilateral disarmament.
The achievement of a moratorium on nuclear testing — maintained by all but one State — is significant. But, as I have said time and again, it can be no substitute for a legally binding prohibition.
Political will is essential to replace the costly, divisive and dangerous rivalries that prevail in our world with a sense of global solidarity for our shared future. On this day, I call upon all States to summon the political will to advance progress towards realizing our vision of a world free of nuclear weapons.
ref. http://www.un.org/press/en/2016/sgsm18007.doc.htm
Related news stories
On World Day, top UN officials call for prompt entry into force of nuclear test ban treaty---UN NEWS CENTER
For more world and national news see our World and National Digest reports page...
Monday, August 29, 2016
Ocwen Resolves Licensing Issues with DFI (press release issued from DFI)
08/25/2016
Company will no longer use unlicensed offshore companies to service Washington loans
Olympia – The Consumer Services Division of the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) has reached a settlement with Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC (OLS) to end its practice of using offshore unlicensed affiliate companies to perform residential mortgage loan servicing activities for Washington loans. OLS is a company currently licensed with DFI as a Consumer Loan Company that is authorized to service residential mortgage loans made to Washington residents. However, OLS, utilized unlicensed affiliate companies in the Philippines and India to perform activities considered residential mortgage loan servicing under Washington law.
Washington’s Consumer Loan Act specifically requires that companies servicing residential mortgage loans be licensed as Consumer Loan Companies. Under the Consent Order entered to resolve the issue, the DFI found that Ocwen Financial Solutions Private Limited (OFSPL), operating out of a location in India, and Ocwen Business Solutions, Inc. (OBS), operating out of a location in the Philippines, have conducted “servicing” activities on Washington residential mortgage loans. The DFI found that OFSPL engaged in such unlicensed servicing activities dating back to Aug. 1, 2010, and OBS’s unlicensed activity was at least between June 2013 and August 2015. $900,000 Fine
Under the settlement, OLS agreed to pay a $900,000 fine and agreed to only service Washington residential mortgage loans through licensed entities going forward.
“Ocwen cooperated in our investigation and quickly made changes to its operations to address our concerns around unlicensed activity,” DFI’s Director of Consumer Services, Charles Clark, noted. For licensed loan servicers, the DFI conducts regular examinations to make sure such companies are operating in compliance with state and federal law.
“Our licensing requirement to engage in servicing activities is a significant protection for borrowers trying to pay off their homes,” DFI Director Scott Jarvis added. “It is critical that Washington residents' mortgage payments are properly handled and that loan modifications and foreclosures are in compliance with the law, and licensure allows us to closely monitor these activities.”
ref. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/news/press/ocwen-resolves-licensing-issues-dfi
Company will no longer use unlicensed offshore companies to service Washington loans
Olympia – The Consumer Services Division of the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) has reached a settlement with Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC (OLS) to end its practice of using offshore unlicensed affiliate companies to perform residential mortgage loan servicing activities for Washington loans. OLS is a company currently licensed with DFI as a Consumer Loan Company that is authorized to service residential mortgage loans made to Washington residents. However, OLS, utilized unlicensed affiliate companies in the Philippines and India to perform activities considered residential mortgage loan servicing under Washington law.
Washington’s Consumer Loan Act specifically requires that companies servicing residential mortgage loans be licensed as Consumer Loan Companies. Under the Consent Order entered to resolve the issue, the DFI found that Ocwen Financial Solutions Private Limited (OFSPL), operating out of a location in India, and Ocwen Business Solutions, Inc. (OBS), operating out of a location in the Philippines, have conducted “servicing” activities on Washington residential mortgage loans. The DFI found that OFSPL engaged in such unlicensed servicing activities dating back to Aug. 1, 2010, and OBS’s unlicensed activity was at least between June 2013 and August 2015. $900,000 Fine
Under the settlement, OLS agreed to pay a $900,000 fine and agreed to only service Washington residential mortgage loans through licensed entities going forward.
“Ocwen cooperated in our investigation and quickly made changes to its operations to address our concerns around unlicensed activity,” DFI’s Director of Consumer Services, Charles Clark, noted. For licensed loan servicers, the DFI conducts regular examinations to make sure such companies are operating in compliance with state and federal law.
“Our licensing requirement to engage in servicing activities is a significant protection for borrowers trying to pay off their homes,” DFI Director Scott Jarvis added. “It is critical that Washington residents' mortgage payments are properly handled and that loan modifications and foreclosures are in compliance with the law, and licensure allows us to closely monitor these activities.”
ref. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/news/press/ocwen-resolves-licensing-issues-dfi
Saturday, August 27, 2016
From Congressman Kilmer blog; Modeling Good Behavior in the Pacific Northwest
Too often Congress – and our political scene in general – looks like a clip from the World Wrestling Federation. Lately, we’ve seen far too many insults and jabs (though thankfully, we’ve mostly avoided actual body slams). But even the biggest Hulkamaniac has got to feel the need for greater civility. For more progress. For the voices of the American people to be listened to in our political process.
Having said that, despite the smackdown that we see on TV every day, I’ve got some good news. Having traveled from pillar to post in our region this August, I’m reminded that there are a lot of cool things happening locally. It’s a reminder that we have many significant challenges as a nation but there are people hard at work every day that have put their heads down and are working toward progress.
Read on for a few examples from the last two weeks.
Developing Timber 2.0
As many of you know, recently I was proud to introduce a bill – supported by Democrats and Republicans – that would encourage the use of innovative timber products. Earlier this month, I joined Senator Maria Cantwell in Shelton to discuss our bill and to tour the site of what will be Sierra Pacific’s new mill.
We spent time talking about the potential of these mass timber products – like cross-laminated timber (CLT). Cross-laminated timber gives us a chance to utilize an abundant and sustainable product native to Washington state that connects rural economies to greener urban growth.
Our legislation would take a lot of important steps forward. For example, it would establish a new wood innovation grant program to help rural communities, prioritizing projects that would utilize existing mill infrastructure in areas currently experiencing high unemployment. That could provide a boost to towns in our region who want to make sure our top export isn’t our young people.
During the roundtable, we heard from economic development and workforce development leaders who expressed their interest in pursuing opportunities in this developing arena. We heard from industry leaders who detailed the resources that they will need to open a CLT mill. We heard from local community leaders who are ready to roll out the red carpet and cut through the red tape. And the most inspiring part of the discussion: Everyone was committed to working together to move this effort forward.
ref/ http://kilmer.house.gov/news/newsletters/modeling-good-behavior-in-the-pacific-northwest
Having said that, despite the smackdown that we see on TV every day, I’ve got some good news. Having traveled from pillar to post in our region this August, I’m reminded that there are a lot of cool things happening locally. It’s a reminder that we have many significant challenges as a nation but there are people hard at work every day that have put their heads down and are working toward progress.
Read on for a few examples from the last two weeks.
Developing Timber 2.0
As many of you know, recently I was proud to introduce a bill – supported by Democrats and Republicans – that would encourage the use of innovative timber products. Earlier this month, I joined Senator Maria Cantwell in Shelton to discuss our bill and to tour the site of what will be Sierra Pacific’s new mill.
We spent time talking about the potential of these mass timber products – like cross-laminated timber (CLT). Cross-laminated timber gives us a chance to utilize an abundant and sustainable product native to Washington state that connects rural economies to greener urban growth.
Our legislation would take a lot of important steps forward. For example, it would establish a new wood innovation grant program to help rural communities, prioritizing projects that would utilize existing mill infrastructure in areas currently experiencing high unemployment. That could provide a boost to towns in our region who want to make sure our top export isn’t our young people.
During the roundtable, we heard from economic development and workforce development leaders who expressed their interest in pursuing opportunities in this developing arena. We heard from industry leaders who detailed the resources that they will need to open a CLT mill. We heard from local community leaders who are ready to roll out the red carpet and cut through the red tape. And the most inspiring part of the discussion: Everyone was committed to working together to move this effort forward.
ref/ http://kilmer.house.gov/news/newsletters/modeling-good-behavior-in-the-pacific-northwest
With all that money earned by timber harvesting, why our schools gets the shaft?
In a letter addressed to County Commissioner chair, Mike Chapman the commission of public lands sent him the following letter:
The letter was in their work session agenda packet
Dear Commissioner Chapman:
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages approximately 93,31I
acres of State Forest Transfer and Purchase Lands that benefit Clallam County. These lands generated $3,1 1.5,000 in the first two quarters of calendar year 2016 and are projected to generate $10,271,000 for calendar year 2016 from activities expected to occur under current contracts.
This represents an increase of $2,677,000 from the 2016 projection in the April 2016 report.
Net value under contract after calendar year 2016 is estimated at $1,960,000. This income
information does not include anticipated revenues from additional planned activities for which contracts have not been finalized. Projections of income after July 2,2013 reflect the management fee of 25 percent, as adopted by the Board of Natural Resources on that date. Some counties receive portions of their income from leases and fees; however, the majority of income reflected in this report is derived from timber sales. As most revenue stems from timber sales, these projections can fluctuate depending upon when timber harvests actually occur. Market conditions, contract requirements, and regulatory requirements influence timber purchasers' decisions about when to harvest. Harvesting could occur earlier if conditions warrant. Changes in purchaser's' plans for harvest will be reflected in future reports. The next projection of State Forest Land revenues will be available in October 2016.
I appreciate how necessary revenue is to the success of county functions. DNR consistently strives to ensure that we realize the maximum available income from the State Forest Transfer and Purchase Lands vie manage on behalf of the counties. signed: Peter Commissioner of Public Lands
Editorial note: I say with all this income the county gets from this timber harvesting, these funds should be used to build better schools in our community like a new high school. It's deplorable the condition of the Port Angeles high school is in, and the students who have to drink out of one water fountain in the entire school. Bathrooms, locker rooms barely meet ada standards. Something has to be done to ensure that our educational facilities are up to snuff and fully operational. Recently, my class of 1981 held their 35 class reunion, though those who went had fond memories of their former school, the state of that school is in a state of needing to be replaced. Food for thought.
FORMAT CHANGE:
Editorial note: The front page will be devoted to our feature stories, like the above story on the letter to Chapman, all other postings can now be found on our side bar menu. So, each day when publishing the front page of this site will be a feature story, could be a shared press release, or ordinance from the local, state, national governmental agencies. As for the other reports they all now have their own page which can be accessed on the side bar menu. I'll post the updated pages from here, and the sidebar menu on my facebook page.
The letter was in their work session agenda packet
Dear Commissioner Chapman:
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages approximately 93,31I
acres of State Forest Transfer and Purchase Lands that benefit Clallam County. These lands generated $3,1 1.5,000 in the first two quarters of calendar year 2016 and are projected to generate $10,271,000 for calendar year 2016 from activities expected to occur under current contracts.
This represents an increase of $2,677,000 from the 2016 projection in the April 2016 report.
Net value under contract after calendar year 2016 is estimated at $1,960,000. This income
information does not include anticipated revenues from additional planned activities for which contracts have not been finalized. Projections of income after July 2,2013 reflect the management fee of 25 percent, as adopted by the Board of Natural Resources on that date. Some counties receive portions of their income from leases and fees; however, the majority of income reflected in this report is derived from timber sales. As most revenue stems from timber sales, these projections can fluctuate depending upon when timber harvests actually occur. Market conditions, contract requirements, and regulatory requirements influence timber purchasers' decisions about when to harvest. Harvesting could occur earlier if conditions warrant. Changes in purchaser's' plans for harvest will be reflected in future reports. The next projection of State Forest Land revenues will be available in October 2016.
I appreciate how necessary revenue is to the success of county functions. DNR consistently strives to ensure that we realize the maximum available income from the State Forest Transfer and Purchase Lands vie manage on behalf of the counties. signed: Peter Commissioner of Public Lands
Editorial note: I say with all this income the county gets from this timber harvesting, these funds should be used to build better schools in our community like a new high school. It's deplorable the condition of the Port Angeles high school is in, and the students who have to drink out of one water fountain in the entire school. Bathrooms, locker rooms barely meet ada standards. Something has to be done to ensure that our educational facilities are up to snuff and fully operational. Recently, my class of 1981 held their 35 class reunion, though those who went had fond memories of their former school, the state of that school is in a state of needing to be replaced. Food for thought.
FORMAT CHANGE:
Editorial note: The front page will be devoted to our feature stories, like the above story on the letter to Chapman, all other postings can now be found on our side bar menu. So, each day when publishing the front page of this site will be a feature story, could be a shared press release, or ordinance from the local, state, national governmental agencies. As for the other reports they all now have their own page which can be accessed on the side bar menu. I'll post the updated pages from here, and the sidebar menu on my facebook page.
Friday, August 26, 2016
Full text of press release during composite ribbon cutting.
Here is the complete press release issued by the Port:
Plans announced for November Grand Opening and Product Launch
Port Angeles, WA— Thursday, August 25, 2016 — Port Angeles and Clallam county leaders
gathered Thursday to celebrate the completion of a new advanced manufacturing center that
will bring jobs and economic development to the region. The Composite Recycling Technology
Center (CRTC) is the only facility on the planet to transform uncured carbon fiber composite
scraps previously bound for landfills into new products. Thursday’s ribbon cutting was a
celebration for local leaders that will be followed by the grand opening in November, which will
bring state, federal, and international participants to the facility.
The Port of Port Angeles led the initiative to establish the infrastructure for the new building, and to launch what is now the independent non-profit CRTC. Not only will the facility bring new jobs to Clallam County, it also will house Peninsula College’s Advanced Manufacturing – Composite Technology program to give students classroom and hands-on training in advanced materials recycling and remanufacturing techniques.
The event focused on celebrating with the local community that came together in a unique
public-private partnership to establish a state-of-the-art facility for advanced manufacturing and
composite recycling on the Port’s Composite Manufacturing Campus. Speakers also highlighted
future plans and how the CRTC and Peninsula College will be employed as an economic
development engine for Clallam County going forward. The Port of Port Angeles received
funding for the new facility through a $2M grant from the US Department of Commerce,
Economic Development Administration; $1M from the WA Department of Commerce, Clean
Energy Fund, and $1M from Clallam County Opportunity Funds. Additional support for
improvements to the Composite Manufacturing Campus and new facility was provided by the
City of Port Angeles in the form of services for utility infrastructure, road infrastructure
improvements, and in-kind staff support.
The Port of Port Angeles provided funding for architectural design and engineering work, as well
additional costs that were not included in the grant funding. These costs included funding for 91
kilowatts of installed solar photovoltaic capacity on the roof of the facility. The quantity of clean energy to be generated will offset some of the energy that will be consumed by the CRTC
equipment for product manufacturing. The solar panels have already generated 22,000 kWh of
clean electricity, and offset 38,000 lbs of CO2. The Port has also committed to an “Economic
Development Services Agreement” with the CRTC. The full value of the commitment over
three years (2015-2017) totals $1.9M, including inkind contributions. This funding is being offered as match to the WA Department of Commerce, Clean Energy Fund for a pending grant request of equal value.
The new funding will be utilized by CRTC to purchase equipment for advanced manufacturing and R&D utilizing carbon fiber scrap.
Port Commissioner Connie Beauvais said, “The CRTC is the perfect example of how thinking
outside the box can bring economic prosperity to Clallam County. We gathered forces in the
community to form an impressive public-private partnership to launch this new initiative in
composite recycling.”
The CRTC has successfully moved into their new space and is ramping up for start of
production and product launch, which will be celebrated at a Grand Opening ceremony in
November. The CRTC will take uncured carbon fiber scraps, diverted from landfills, and utilize it in direct manufacturing of new products.
In addition to product manufacturing, CRTC is engaged in research and development (R&D) efforts to advance the composite manufacturing industry. CRTC recently announced an
agreement with IACMI –the National Composite Institute -- which has already resulted in funding for a research and development project involving automotive lightweighting through the use of recycled carbon fiber materials. This project is being led by Toray Composites Americas (Tacoma, WA based carbon fiber producer and MOU partner to CRTC) in collaboration with several other Washington State companies and additional partners.
“Innovative products made from recycled carbon fiber provide this region with opportunities for transforming our economy, attracting and training the best and brightest, and leading the nation in sustainable composites manufacturing.” said Robert Larsen, CRTC CEO.
In addition to the CRTC, the new facility also houses Peninsula College’s Advanced
Manufacturing – Composite Technology program with space for classrooms, offices, and lab
facilities. This program includes the first-of-its-kind Composite Recycling Certification, and
hands-on composites manufacturing Lab. The program gives students classroom and hands-on
training in advanced materials recycling and remanufacturing techniques. Peninsula College
has relocated their full composites program into the state of the art facility on the Port’s
Composite Manufacturing Campus, in time for start of classes the next quarter. The co-location
with CRTC provides students with unequaled opportunities for internships, hands on
manufacturing and R&D experience, and exposure to production operations.
“We’re excited to be participating in the development of the CRTC as a key educational
partner,” said Luke Robins, President of Peninsula College. “Partnerships such as the CRTC
create great synergy between public and private entities, provide outstanding learning
opportunities for our students, and can be dynamic catalysts for economic development for our
region. We look forward with great anticipation as the CRTC develops and
matures.” “It’s exciting that Port Angeles has the only facility in the world to recycle uncured
carbon fiber composite into new products, and even better to see that this effort is bringing good jobs into our region as well as training the next generation of workers,” said Clallam
County Commissioner Bill Peach.
“CRTC is a great example of how working together is powerful and can bring good jobs to our
region. Because of the strong partnerships among the County, City, Port and Peninsula College,
we were able to attract federal, state, local and private investment that will result in good jobs
and economic growth,” said City of Port Angeles Mayor Patrick Downie.----from a press release issued by the Port.
Plans announced for November Grand Opening and Product Launch
Port Angeles, WA— Thursday, August 25, 2016 — Port Angeles and Clallam county leaders
gathered Thursday to celebrate the completion of a new advanced manufacturing center that
will bring jobs and economic development to the region. The Composite Recycling Technology
Center (CRTC) is the only facility on the planet to transform uncured carbon fiber composite
scraps previously bound for landfills into new products. Thursday’s ribbon cutting was a
celebration for local leaders that will be followed by the grand opening in November, which will
bring state, federal, and international participants to the facility.
The Port of Port Angeles led the initiative to establish the infrastructure for the new building, and to launch what is now the independent non-profit CRTC. Not only will the facility bring new jobs to Clallam County, it also will house Peninsula College’s Advanced Manufacturing – Composite Technology program to give students classroom and hands-on training in advanced materials recycling and remanufacturing techniques.
The event focused on celebrating with the local community that came together in a unique
public-private partnership to establish a state-of-the-art facility for advanced manufacturing and
composite recycling on the Port’s Composite Manufacturing Campus. Speakers also highlighted
future plans and how the CRTC and Peninsula College will be employed as an economic
development engine for Clallam County going forward. The Port of Port Angeles received
funding for the new facility through a $2M grant from the US Department of Commerce,
Economic Development Administration; $1M from the WA Department of Commerce, Clean
Energy Fund, and $1M from Clallam County Opportunity Funds. Additional support for
improvements to the Composite Manufacturing Campus and new facility was provided by the
City of Port Angeles in the form of services for utility infrastructure, road infrastructure
improvements, and in-kind staff support.
The Port of Port Angeles provided funding for architectural design and engineering work, as well
additional costs that were not included in the grant funding. These costs included funding for 91
kilowatts of installed solar photovoltaic capacity on the roof of the facility. The quantity of clean energy to be generated will offset some of the energy that will be consumed by the CRTC
equipment for product manufacturing. The solar panels have already generated 22,000 kWh of
clean electricity, and offset 38,000 lbs of CO2. The Port has also committed to an “Economic
Development Services Agreement” with the CRTC. The full value of the commitment over
three years (2015-2017) totals $1.9M, including inkind contributions. This funding is being offered as match to the WA Department of Commerce, Clean Energy Fund for a pending grant request of equal value.
The new funding will be utilized by CRTC to purchase equipment for advanced manufacturing and R&D utilizing carbon fiber scrap.
Port Commissioner Connie Beauvais said, “The CRTC is the perfect example of how thinking
outside the box can bring economic prosperity to Clallam County. We gathered forces in the
community to form an impressive public-private partnership to launch this new initiative in
composite recycling.”
The CRTC has successfully moved into their new space and is ramping up for start of
production and product launch, which will be celebrated at a Grand Opening ceremony in
November. The CRTC will take uncured carbon fiber scraps, diverted from landfills, and utilize it in direct manufacturing of new products.
In addition to product manufacturing, CRTC is engaged in research and development (R&D) efforts to advance the composite manufacturing industry. CRTC recently announced an
agreement with IACMI –the National Composite Institute -- which has already resulted in funding for a research and development project involving automotive lightweighting through the use of recycled carbon fiber materials. This project is being led by Toray Composites Americas (Tacoma, WA based carbon fiber producer and MOU partner to CRTC) in collaboration with several other Washington State companies and additional partners.
“Innovative products made from recycled carbon fiber provide this region with opportunities for transforming our economy, attracting and training the best and brightest, and leading the nation in sustainable composites manufacturing.” said Robert Larsen, CRTC CEO.
In addition to the CRTC, the new facility also houses Peninsula College’s Advanced
Manufacturing – Composite Technology program with space for classrooms, offices, and lab
facilities. This program includes the first-of-its-kind Composite Recycling Certification, and
hands-on composites manufacturing Lab. The program gives students classroom and hands-on
training in advanced materials recycling and remanufacturing techniques. Peninsula College
has relocated their full composites program into the state of the art facility on the Port’s
Composite Manufacturing Campus, in time for start of classes the next quarter. The co-location
with CRTC provides students with unequaled opportunities for internships, hands on
manufacturing and R&D experience, and exposure to production operations.
“We’re excited to be participating in the development of the CRTC as a key educational
partner,” said Luke Robins, President of Peninsula College. “Partnerships such as the CRTC
create great synergy between public and private entities, provide outstanding learning
opportunities for our students, and can be dynamic catalysts for economic development for our
region. We look forward with great anticipation as the CRTC develops and
matures.” “It’s exciting that Port Angeles has the only facility in the world to recycle uncured
carbon fiber composite into new products, and even better to see that this effort is bringing good jobs into our region as well as training the next generation of workers,” said Clallam
County Commissioner Bill Peach.
“CRTC is a great example of how working together is powerful and can bring good jobs to our
region. Because of the strong partnerships among the County, City, Port and Peninsula College,
we were able to attract federal, state, local and private investment that will result in good jobs
and economic growth,” said City of Port Angeles Mayor Patrick Downie.----from a press release issued by the Port.
PORT ANGELES DIGEST
County held public hearing on vacation rentals, but made no decision on proposed ordinance
Editorial note: This week was plenty of discussions, and public hearings, but no action, or postponed until further information or discussions were made, both from the County, and Port Commissions.
Here are the summary reports on what went down during the meetings I attended and captured off my camera:
The county took testimony regarding the proposed "vacation rentals", however they made no decision on the matter.
The following is the draft ordinance which was in their agenda packet:
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF CLALLAM COUNTY COMMISSIONERS:
Section xx, Purpose is created to read as follows:
Communities with scenic beauty become a destination for of accommodations
to meet their recreational needs, but sometimes a lack of has a potential to
create conflict within neighborhoods. The puq)ose of this standards for short
term accommodations occurring within single family clear guidelines for
o\ryners to operate and be accountable to their neighbors, to are safe and can
enjoy their stay. Other types of transient chapter.
Section xx, Vacation Rental Standards, is as follows:
Vacation rentals must comply with all as following
(1) Shall be operated in away that will to
Ø Shall have an inspection by the Clallam
structure for transient accommodations that the
Division prior to the use of the has adequate means of egress,
(a) Where a rental is dependent on
exits, smoke detectors, carbon and other fire protection systøns
in compliance with the Building Code.
(3) The property owner must se\Mage disposal. used, allowed at the vacation
which be determined by a licensed designer.
(b) to that exceed the design capacity of the septic system as rqpar.
(c) Acontract provider for yearly inspections
of the Health. with one space for every sleeping accommodation (i.e.
rental. a nuisance of odor or attact animals, and shall remain
ln .10. A contract ofrefuse disposal shall be established.
(6) with Clallam County Code 15.30.010.
(7) N to the tenants regarding rules of conduct and their responsibility
not to trespass or to create disturbances. If there is an easement that provides
access to the be indicated on a map or the easement shall be marked; if there is
no access, this shall together with a warning not to trespass.
(8) Location of breaker box, water, and gas shut off, instructions regarding the septic
system and a local emergency contact number shall be provided to tenants.
(9) Transient accommodations must meet all local and state regulations, including those
pertaining to business lice,nses and Lodging Taxes.
are Compliance shall be addressed through Chapter 33.59 Enforcement and Title 20 Code Compliance
You can watch and listen to some of the public testimony on The Ripley Report Video Edition
The Commission approved all other items on their agenda during their meeting on Tuesday.
PORT ACCEPTS AIRPORT GRANT, WHILE AIRPORT LOOP IS PUT ON HOLD
During their meeting on Monday the Port Accepted the Small Community Air Service grant which totals $462,000. The grant according to the staff memo is to provided assistance in addressing airfare issues. You can catch the video of that discussion on the Video Edition of The Ripley Report.
As for the Airport loop, it was decided to hold off any decision on the "OVAL" project at the airport until more information. Finally, on the matter of amending the bylaws. that too was postponed until further discussions were done enlight of discussions regarding the authority of the Port Director. They had those discussions during their work session on Monday.
See their agenda for details: http://wa-portofportangeles.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/08222016-178
Local and regional headlines
Forum considers downtown panhandlers in Port Angeles
Emergency education fun for all
NEWS FROM ACROSS THE STRAIT (Victoria BC, Canada)
NOTEPAD NEWS...
Today's video clip, part 1 of the public hearing regarding vacation rental ordinance.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Where Did Cain Get His Wife?
A Study of Population Growth among Early People
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