It Affects your tax dollars. I believe the local organizations attorney Johnston cited, Chamber of Commerce, EDC, Irrigation Festival & United Way are not governmental entities or councils that plan or work on our public projects and have authority or influence over our county tax dollars. This is so simple & common sense and of course an attorney will explode it into something it really is not, that is what attorneys do for a price. The last school levy not transparent, the pig had lipstick & was real pretty. Meetings held on our land are also protected by FOIA, there are many numerous to list and again Ms. Johnston apparently should know all of this but I think she is very good at hiding ALL the facts.
Another very good piece Jeff, thanks for your courage to stand up speak out, provide truthful facts, and give people hope change can & will happen. People are tired of the lies, the gaslighting, all the crying & destruction in the name of democracy.
"You could choose to use your platform to uplift and build rather than to denigrate and attack"
In other words all reporting should be rainbows and roses, and real concerns have no place in journalism. The only reason she wouldn't want the truth to come out is if there's something to hide.
Fantastic article, Jeff! The more you dig, the more you expose, the more truth you liberate. I am a tax payer, and until complete transparency and accountability are unquestioned, I endorse that all county/city related issues remain on county/ city property. The Towne Road issue epitomizes why all meetings must be held where transparency is suspect and not ever in question. I enjoyed reading about your family's commitment to this community and how your mother instilled that sense of pride for Sequim. We must save our town from becoming only known for its casino. See you Wednesday!
So incredibly glad we have you and others on the review board who are so fiercly dedicated to transparency and accountability.
I am not a lawyer but I try to acquaint myself with the OPMA as I believe it is the bulwark to transparency as it pertains to the sausage making process - and I find it's plain reading to be refreshingly accessable. It was meant to protect the public, so it should be easily understood by the public and generally speaking, I think it is.
I found the following in the OPMA RCW 42.30.070
Times and places for meetings—Emergencies—Exception.
"Unless otherwise provided for in the act under which the public agency was formed, meetings of the governing body need not be held within the boundaries of the territory over which the public agency exercises jurisdiction"
Under the OPMAs definitions section found in RCW 42.30.020
"Meeting" means meetings at which action is taken.
And "Action" means the transaction of the official business of a public agency by a governing body including but not limited to receipt of public testimony, deliberations, discussions, considerations, reviews, evaluations, and final actions. "Final action" means a collective positive or negative decision, or an actual vote by a majority of the members of a governing body when sitting as a body or entity, upon a motion, proposal, resolution, order, or ordinance.
In the examples you gave where French/Ozias and Emery were meeting with various others, I *think* that because they are not on the same board or governing body (also defined in RCW 42.30.020) their meeting does not meet the definition of a quarum and therefore is not required to be made public. I don't think working for Clallam county generally makes them park of the same governing body.
However, the example given by commissioner Richards of Sequim city council meeting at the tribal headquarters and barring his attendance would *absolutely* be a violation of the OPMA. Makes a lot of sense why the Sequim city council feels so embolded to continue to break the OPMA by requiring people register their names, address, phone numbers and emails to give public comment...but that's another point...
That leaves your point about tribal jurisdiction as far as protestors etc. A "quick googled search" (as advised by Ms. Johnston) gives me this "The question of jurisdiction is complex when tribal land is involved. This is because recent U.S. Supreme Court opinions have greatly altered the extent to which people who are not tribal citizens are covered by federal, state, or tribal laws while on these lands."
So I'm gunna go ahead and say that why not avoid the whole thing and just hold the meeting at a location where the laws are clearer? Maybe that big, beautiful events center that we all paid for? Which as a total side tangent I'd love to get a deep dive into the funding that went into that! In the last work session where they had someone from the events hall present to the commissioners he did a lot of smoke and mirrors in response to how much tax payer money went into that... But I digress.
Again, so appreciate your willingness to go toe to toe on these issues. Keep up the good work. Really looking forward to seeing the CRC unfold, we so need an overhaul in this county and I'm eager to see what can be done. When will the date and location for the town-hall meeting be decided upon? I had reached out to you a couple weeks back asking about these town-hall style meetings and whether making some changes to the manner and time of commissioners meetings would be in the purview of the CRC so I definitely want to attend.
I think the next Town Hall will be at Crescent Grange in Joyce, but I can't find a date for it on the CRC website. Maybe we will learn about the date and time at this Monday's regular CRC meeting (March 24, 5:30pm, courthouse).
Thank you for that succinct, easy-to-understand synopsis of the OPMA. Now, I believe I was wrong, and I wonder why the commissioners wouldn't just explain it as you did.
As for that events hall, they (along with allies) are pushing for a sales tax increase to fund it this Monday. I'll try to share that information on Monday morning. I agree; it's time to open the books on that project. Dad and I took a self-guided tour a few weeks ago. It is a beautiful building, but the floors and tables were filthy. It was on a Monday, and no one had cleaned up since the weekend. There was peeling paint, spills on chairs, and stains. I was impressed by the construction but not by the maintenance.
Regarding the date for the Town Hall in Blyn, I'm not sure. Usually, I find out about things at the meetings but I'll put the word out when we know.
I hope to touch on CRC topics in an article this Tuesday to give an overview of issues that are already rising to the top.
If you're open to questions: Could a non-quorum of PA City Council members, a non-quorum of the commissioners, and our DCD director meet and decide on hundreds of thousands of dollars regarding a project while having that meeting closed to the public? That's similar to what happens in Blyn during government-to-government meetings.
A woman on Zoom (she goes by CGH?) declined to give her name and address during public comment at last Tuesday's Board meeting. I believe she cited that an RCW does not require her to give that information.
That was me, and the main reason I decline to give that information is because I reject every possible optional restriction on public comment I can (as protected by OPMA), while it's still optional - so that when they try to require it, I've drawn my line and have made the precedent clear.
Sequim city council apparently requires you register your personal information 24 hrs in advance so they can "verify your identity". I'm not a Sequim resident so the only reason I know about this is because the BoCC cited it as a possibility to adopt for their board meetings. I understand this to be a violation of OPMA, as the other commenter cited, but I think their argument is "attendance" v. "Participation", although OPMA makes no distinction.
I'm working on putting together my own write up on OPMA and public comment, so keep an eye out for that if you're interested in learning more.
Thank you for the detailed reply. I look forward to learning and hearing more from you. I applauded (silently) your stance to not reveal your personal information at Tuesday's meeting.
"A member of the public shall not be required, as a condition to attendance at a meeting of a governing body, to register his or her name and other information, to complete a questionnaire, or otherwise to fulfill any condition precedent to his or her attendance. This section does not prohibit any generally applicable conditions determined by the governing body to be reasonably necessary to protect the public health or safety, or to protect against interruption of the meeting, including a meeting at which the physical attendance by some or all members of the public is limited due to a declared emergency."
Public meeting room at county is the only reasonable place to meet. Can’t believe this is even an item on charter review committee. It not broken, why on earth would anyone suggest to “ fix it”!
The Clallam County Courthouse was constructed with taxpayer funding to accommodate County business, along with resident/taxpayer attendance at such meetings. If the venue does not accommodate attendance, then the Port Angeles High School Performing Arts Center could be utilized, being that County taxes have paid for that building, and it's maintenance since it was constructed,, as opposed to having closed door meetings at Seven Cedars Casino facilities. The PAHSPAC is more central to county residents, as well. I can see no logical, or rational argument for County Commissioners to travel over 20 miles each way in taxpayer funded vehicles, maintenance and fuels to the Seven Cedars Casino complex to discuss County business affecting all Clallam County residents and taxpayers. In a time when budget constraints are a factor, our Commissioners are not acting in the best interests of taxpayers, or responsible resource management.
If I recall the behind the scenes discussion had to do with outreach so that more citizens could be engaged instead of driving an hour plus each way to participate. The Commission in general seemed to agree with the concept. From there, the devil's in the details.
To improve public engagement, the local newspaper should be reporting the details, not just publishing a website. There are many folks who are not into computers and websites. They are disenfranchised from all the agencies, committees, meetings. To hold this public on a tribal owned facility is partisan politics ( imho). The county courthouse is midway in our county, historically and traditionally the place for public business. Whoever is suggesting otherwise is sowing chaos and wasting public time ( imho).
Centrally located in the county would not be Blyn, PA would ease any burden for westies but that’s what the CC will determine hopefully not on sovereign tribal land. Consider the suggester & then you’ll better understand why at every opportunity this county is sinking further & further into financial trouble.
More of my hazy recollection. I believe that when the group was asked who would take up organizing the meetings (Swain's was another location) Commissioner Stoffer was the first to offer up that assistance.
In 1971 a communist named Saul Alinsky wrote a book called, Rules For Radicals. Never read it. But a quote from it "He who controls the language, controls the masses". Lawyers really do think they control the language. I thank God for people like you Jeff. That know how to put them in their place.
I am not a law smith, but the existence of treaty entitled sovereignties within this country is a never ending gray area point of contention. I readily acknowledge that peoples who inhabited the U.S.A prior to it's European colonization were unfairly treated. Those people and their abusers no longer live. The treaty entitled enjoy and use non-treaty entitled provided infrastructure from roads to cell phones. I am not intimate with what taxation looks like for treaty sovereign lands, but I am confident it is much less than non treaty entitled ownership. There is a complete lack of both equity and logic in this pseudo sovereignty. Discriminating on a basis of ancestry is antithetical to the laws of the U.S.A.. How far down that rabbit hole is the exact legal determination of who qualifies to be treaty entitled ? Are there specified genetics and minimum genetic percentages that determine who is treaty entitled or is it simply a determination made by a treaty entitled chieftain ? How long should the ancestors of those who committed abusive acts pay for that ancestry ? I suggest the treaty entitled divide their resources as they choose, abandon sovereign status and become citizens of this country with identical rights and privileges. No more BIA and no more legally sanctioned discrimination. Just friends and neighbors. Conversely; if Clallam County wishes to conduct it's business on sovereign land, compliance identical to that of all sovereign nations must be followed to include passport services, legal identification, etc..
Even convicts serve their time and then it’s over. However as USA citizens of a nation who fought the Indians and won, like what happens in any war, WE are sentenced for an undetermined time to correct wrongs against the Indian nations. THIS IS A CON. Convicts serve their time & it’s over. If Indians need help & their tribe clearly has needs then help them, but I don’t see even well off & very successful tribes helping each other, because back many moons ago they fought & killed each other, yet currently as USA citizens we are paying a sentence without any parole.
Garry, enrollment in a tribe, is determined by the individual tribe. Blood quantum is determined by the individual tribe (not necessarily needed if tribe so chooses under rights of ancestry) You make a very good point on many levels. Native rights are being challenged on both sides in courts all the time under what I call the "S" words.
If my memory serves me correctly, which is debatable, according to a newspaper article a tribe north of Seattle wanted to raise the percentage of native blood higher to be recognized as a member of the tribe.By coincidence this was after the casinos started minting money . My take on that was : big numbers good for various forms of assistance but bad for splitting the pot. This was years ago.Just my personal opinion.
Great article, Jeff, and way to hold your own with Patrice. I am with you that to hold meetings on sovereign land is not a good policy. And to add clarification to that: why are some folks fighting so very hard to hold those meetings on Tribal land? Seems awfully fishy to me, like most things involving the tribe and control over Sequim policies.
My most generous explanation would be a lack of familiarity or a misunderstanding of the text. That's why I just copy/pasted, so that hopefully if my understanding is incorrect, the text itself will do the speaking (and someone will point that out to me!)
As far as a quarum goes...I'm not super familiar but I believe each entity decides what number to count as a quarum. In the case of the BoCC I believe it is 2 or more. Therefore, it would be possible I think, for 1 representative from each entity to go to a meeting, and it not count as a quarum. However, any event that is hosting public testimony or public comment falls under the requirements of the OPMA if my reading of the following is correct:
"Governing body" means the multimember board, commission, committee, council, or other policy or rule-making body of a public agency, or any committee thereof when the committee acts on behalf of the governing body, conducts hearings, or takes testimony or public comment.
But I think that may need to coincide with a quarum. Meaning, if you met with an individual commissioner and were giving testimony or public comment, I don't think it would be subject to OPMA - but if you wanted to meet with more than one, then it would. Hopefully that makes sense.
Looking forward to your articles, as I do for all of them! I've been hoping to get more info on the goings on of the CRC and planning on calling in from now on (toddler + newborn do not make in person attendance easy). And yes, the latest push for a "letter of support" for funding the event center from the commissioners had me rolling my eyes. I haven't personally had a chance to visit, but it strikes me that something that involved so much public funding should be at the publics disposal for public meetings.
"Because I have deep respect to all of our local tribes. School board directors, and school districts are required to do what's called government to government training, and that's mandatory for superintendents, the cabinet level, and school board directors. I'd like to see that at other elected levels because there is a lot of not of great understanding of how that works type thing. It's about respect of another sovereign government with each other and working together. So we'd like to see that."
Thank you Jeff Tozzer for another well written & thoughtful article~! I always smile at your professional push back when YOU are publicly accused of the same things that these manipulative clowns in government are constantly pulling~! When these dubious characters who have "somehow" (questionably to say the least) worked their way into our government get called out for their shady & suspicious dealings, highly questionable closed-door meetings, admitted preferences of some special interest groups over the majority of folks within our community, and political "doublespeak", they always very predictably pull the same "deny, lie, and accuse the other guy" garbage in their intellectually weak efforts to baffle, confuse, and sway the opinions of the good yet less aware folks in our community. To the specific point of "where" our community business should be conducted, I must remind everyone that when dealing in matters of real estate that "LOCATION" is always of utmost importance~! Location, Location, Location~! I am deeply concerned that anyone who is or was a so-called "attorney" would gloss over the very critical principle of real estate where location is all powerful~! Why would such a concerted effort be organized to deceive the good folks of our community into believing that tribal property is "supposedly" functionally the same as property within our community? This stinks to high heaven~! This is in fact an enormous red flag and it speaks volumes about the lack of transparency and Goodwill just on the face of it~! Tribal land enjoys a great many well-known and well understood exceptions to the rule of law compared to the land (location) within our community. ALL so-called "attorneys" would definitely know that if they were actually honest & real legitimate attorney's~! I clearly remember a recent revelation of some conversations within a local government leadership meeting where some were concerned about the legality of what they were doing, so this slick maneuver to hold our community's public business on tribal land is in fact highly questionable and wreaks of "stinkyocity" as a potential criminal ploy to intentionally complicate any future questions regarding jurisdictional issues and/or related potential civil/legal and/or criminal actions that may well be ahead given the course that we have seen these dubious characters in government on~! I do have to wonder what these clowns are attempting to hide and/or what they really have planned that is so important to them to intentionally complicate these clear & obvious matters of legal jurisdiction~? In closing, I would simply remind ALL of the Individuals in government leadership that your self-described & self-serving "glorious history" of the local governments in our community is in fact riddled with HIGHLY questionable decisions and absolutely despicable money management actions that should alarm ALL folks in our area, so if "we" are being asked to have any respect for the management of our governments here I would also strongly demand an end to these secret closed door meetings and an honest effort to be completely transparent going forward~! Keep up the great work Jeff Tozzer, because these personal attacks upon your good & Constitutional efforts would never be happening if you were not right on target~! Cheers~! Sincerely, Mike
If memory serves, there is an old episode of the TV show "Growing Pains" where the "bookish" actress "Tracey Gold" (Carol Seaver) turns in an English paper while attending high school, and her English teacher commented that her work was "replete with stinkyocity" which greatly upset her because she was supposedly a straight "A" student otherwise ;-) I embrace irony and I often use it as a weapon~! I actually worked on that old TV show (and others) at one time delivering scripts... This sort of thing greatly pleases me because as an old American Constitutionalist I am all too well aware that "we" (Americans) have been viciously and ruthlessly controlled by the criminals of humanity and their constant screwing with the English language to brainwash and control Americans~! So "Ips-O Fats-O" (a wonderful old Archie Bunkerism ;-) I have ALWAYS rebelled by using The Illuminati's own words and phrases back on them~! Yes, I am absolutely ruthless in defending America and ALL Americans against the criminals of humanity and I "stick it" to them every chance and in every way that I possibly can~! Ah, what good sport ;-) The added benefit is that I absolutely LOVE to torture the very odd language commonly known as "English". Hey, the English language started it first~!!! Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha!!!!! I am actually well capable of "speakie & writie English" if I want, but where would the fun be in doing that all of the time~? Ha! I have actually been a published writer for many decades, but I am also a cranky American Patriot who takes no prisoners ;-) Not many can understand my sense of humor in the dimensions that I actually unleash it, but then again I have been playing 5D Chess since I was very young and I live in the world of multiple meanings which some also correctly understand as "military style signaling" these days... In fact, your President and the global alliance (white hats) have indeed been using military style signaling hot & heavy since 2016, but not many understand it at all. To the majority it always appears to be "fumbling & bumbling" which with my face is easy to assume true~! HA! Yes, my friend, I really am monitoring what is
REALLY going on at the national and international level as I have previously said ;-) Brace yourself, because I have been holding back, but sooner or later I will let loose with the term "GOBZ" and all Hell will break lose~! Baaaaaaa Haaaaaaaaaa Haaaaaaaaaa~! Have a fun day~! Sincerely, Mike
There shouldn't even be a "Blyn" option. They are taking up salmon spawning space. Jamestown should have listened to reason long ago , even for for more valuable land on Bell Hill.. While most other properties are blocked for allegedly being a future victim of sea level rise, the Jamestown tribe made a mockery of those allegations. They moved an entire creek and blocked creeks. Just driving by is a Loomis Tavern middle finger to the scientific or municipal conditions everyone else has to abide by now. Ditto the event center which is where it could be held.
Out of principle alone my answer is no. If they want to do a four corners style as kind of a format in Joyce, Port Angeles, Sequim and Gardner. Or just one big one in Sequim and one big one in Port Angeles, I am down.
I haven't taken the "I live in the lands" of people who need reparations for colonization" for a "bad relationship" oath.
We acknowledge and honor the ancestral areas of the qʷidiččaʔa·tx̌ (Makah), nəxʷsƛ̕áy̕əm̕ (Klallam) and t͡ʃə́mqəm (Chimacum) Peoples, who have stewarded the land and waters from Cape Flattery to Point Wilson throughout hundreds of generations. We respect their sovereignty and support their Treaty rights and right to self-determination. Through disease, unfair dealings, oppression, and attempted erasure of their culture, these people have endured and continue to honor their cultural traditions.
Living more sustainably requires us to think holistically and long-term – not just to look forward to the future, but to recognize our past. Colonization has shaped the reality of everyone here today. We take this opportunity to acknowledge that fact and express our desire to be part of the much-needed process of learning about our “landcestry” and repairing relationships with the original people of these lands and waters, as an investment in the generations to come.
"We acknowledge that we live and work on the appropriated homeland and territory of the Jamestown S’Klallam, Port Gamble Klallam, Lower Elwha Klallam, Makah, Quileute, Hoh and Quinault Tribes. We respect and honor their stewardship of these lands in the past, present and future and their Treaty Rights and status as sovereign nations."
Too sensible John! Every place on Earth has been appropriated by someone at sometime...It's Problem, Reaction, Solution again and again. Good ol' Hegel.
The tyrants and despots know what they are doing...it's a real science. (if we're to follow the science)
Some of the world's best deviant minds have come up with many devious plans and have no shortage of people who want to try them out and no shortage of subjects on which to try them.
I would sterilize the planet if I could...there'll be another experiment always and eventually ready to burst forth here as long as there's a planet.
I don't really understand what all the fuss is about.
Humanity is some kind of sacred thing?
It's a bloody mess and good luck with all that!☺️
There's a good book called "The Thin Black Line" which is about all that will be left of us 100,000 years from now!😊.
Bravo, Jeff, you eloquence and knowledge are very impressive and refreshing. I thank you for your service to our community, both formally and informally.
This whole conversation is ridiculous. Washington state laws apply to Washington state agencies, no matter how or where they act (as one of your commenters noted). For example, whether the Clallam County Commissioners meet in Port Angeles, Joyce, Forks, Blyn (on or off tribal trust land), Victoria Canada, or Disneyland, California, Washington State law regarding their actions and decision-making applies. Full stop. No legitimate legal question here. What is the real issue here?
Oh, yes, I read your stuff. It doesn't hold water, sorry. And, yes, my wife shares my name. But I am my own person, with my own views. I reiterate -- what is your issue?
I appreciate your effort, but, honestly, they have no merit. Tough to hear, I am sure, but it is what it is. I've been on the receiving end of things I didn't want to hear before, but please accept reality.
The real issue is transparency and accountability...secrecy is repugnant to a free people...we have virtual dictators who are already not holding to their oath of office of fair and impartial representation.
Watch The Speech That Got JFK killed on YT.
That pretty well covers the whole shebang.
That's why the attacks on DJT are so ferocious and unrelenting.
Trump, who was friends with JFK Jr. is trying to fulfill the oath made by JFK to do everything in his power to undo the corruption and evildoing in gov't.
You may be an apologist for the system as it is but that doesn't change the facts about it.
We have no ethics board to hold people accountable for their actions in gov't.
Do you think that's a good idea?
Probably you do, that's why you take the tack you do.
We don't always have all the facts so we often have to infer by circumstance and action what is going on.
We the people want TRUTH, JUSTICE, LIBERTY AND TOUGH LOVE ACCOUNTABILITY and we are tired of all the obfuscation, gaslighting, interference with due process, lying and back-door deals we have to pay for.
I can not think of any justifiable reason for anything that affects me to be held on tribal land.
It Affects your tax dollars. I believe the local organizations attorney Johnston cited, Chamber of Commerce, EDC, Irrigation Festival & United Way are not governmental entities or councils that plan or work on our public projects and have authority or influence over our county tax dollars. This is so simple & common sense and of course an attorney will explode it into something it really is not, that is what attorneys do for a price. The last school levy not transparent, the pig had lipstick & was real pretty. Meetings held on our land are also protected by FOIA, there are many numerous to list and again Ms. Johnston apparently should know all of this but I think she is very good at hiding ALL the facts.
Another very good piece Jeff, thanks for your courage to stand up speak out, provide truthful facts, and give people hope change can & will happen. People are tired of the lies, the gaslighting, all the crying & destruction in the name of democracy.
You're welcome, Pepai.
As a tax-payer, I find her to be suspiciously defensive and accusatory.
Me, too! She's a lawyer. She'll grandstand for any client for any price.
"You could choose to use your platform to uplift and build rather than to denigrate and attack"
In other words all reporting should be rainbows and roses, and real concerns have no place in journalism. The only reason she wouldn't want the truth to come out is if there's something to hide.
Fantastic article, Jeff! The more you dig, the more you expose, the more truth you liberate. I am a tax payer, and until complete transparency and accountability are unquestioned, I endorse that all county/city related issues remain on county/ city property. The Towne Road issue epitomizes why all meetings must be held where transparency is suspect and not ever in question. I enjoyed reading about your family's commitment to this community and how your mother instilled that sense of pride for Sequim. We must save our town from becoming only known for its casino. See you Wednesday!
She would have loved you.
So incredibly glad we have you and others on the review board who are so fiercly dedicated to transparency and accountability.
I am not a lawyer but I try to acquaint myself with the OPMA as I believe it is the bulwark to transparency as it pertains to the sausage making process - and I find it's plain reading to be refreshingly accessable. It was meant to protect the public, so it should be easily understood by the public and generally speaking, I think it is.
I found the following in the OPMA RCW 42.30.070
Times and places for meetings—Emergencies—Exception.
"Unless otherwise provided for in the act under which the public agency was formed, meetings of the governing body need not be held within the boundaries of the territory over which the public agency exercises jurisdiction"
Under the OPMAs definitions section found in RCW 42.30.020
"Meeting" means meetings at which action is taken.
And "Action" means the transaction of the official business of a public agency by a governing body including but not limited to receipt of public testimony, deliberations, discussions, considerations, reviews, evaluations, and final actions. "Final action" means a collective positive or negative decision, or an actual vote by a majority of the members of a governing body when sitting as a body or entity, upon a motion, proposal, resolution, order, or ordinance.
In the examples you gave where French/Ozias and Emery were meeting with various others, I *think* that because they are not on the same board or governing body (also defined in RCW 42.30.020) their meeting does not meet the definition of a quarum and therefore is not required to be made public. I don't think working for Clallam county generally makes them park of the same governing body.
However, the example given by commissioner Richards of Sequim city council meeting at the tribal headquarters and barring his attendance would *absolutely* be a violation of the OPMA. Makes a lot of sense why the Sequim city council feels so embolded to continue to break the OPMA by requiring people register their names, address, phone numbers and emails to give public comment...but that's another point...
That leaves your point about tribal jurisdiction as far as protestors etc. A "quick googled search" (as advised by Ms. Johnston) gives me this "The question of jurisdiction is complex when tribal land is involved. This is because recent U.S. Supreme Court opinions have greatly altered the extent to which people who are not tribal citizens are covered by federal, state, or tribal laws while on these lands."
So I'm gunna go ahead and say that why not avoid the whole thing and just hold the meeting at a location where the laws are clearer? Maybe that big, beautiful events center that we all paid for? Which as a total side tangent I'd love to get a deep dive into the funding that went into that! In the last work session where they had someone from the events hall present to the commissioners he did a lot of smoke and mirrors in response to how much tax payer money went into that... But I digress.
Again, so appreciate your willingness to go toe to toe on these issues. Keep up the good work. Really looking forward to seeing the CRC unfold, we so need an overhaul in this county and I'm eager to see what can be done. When will the date and location for the town-hall meeting be decided upon? I had reached out to you a couple weeks back asking about these town-hall style meetings and whether making some changes to the manner and time of commissioners meetings would be in the purview of the CRC so I definitely want to attend.
Thanks for all your hard work!
I think the next Town Hall will be at Crescent Grange in Joyce, but I can't find a date for it on the CRC website. Maybe we will learn about the date and time at this Monday's regular CRC meeting (March 24, 5:30pm, courthouse).
Thank you for that succinct, easy-to-understand synopsis of the OPMA. Now, I believe I was wrong, and I wonder why the commissioners wouldn't just explain it as you did.
As for that events hall, they (along with allies) are pushing for a sales tax increase to fund it this Monday. I'll try to share that information on Monday morning. I agree; it's time to open the books on that project. Dad and I took a self-guided tour a few weeks ago. It is a beautiful building, but the floors and tables were filthy. It was on a Monday, and no one had cleaned up since the weekend. There was peeling paint, spills on chairs, and stains. I was impressed by the construction but not by the maintenance.
Regarding the date for the Town Hall in Blyn, I'm not sure. Usually, I find out about things at the meetings but I'll put the word out when we know.
I hope to touch on CRC topics in an article this Tuesday to give an overview of issues that are already rising to the top.
If you're open to questions: Could a non-quorum of PA City Council members, a non-quorum of the commissioners, and our DCD director meet and decide on hundreds of thousands of dollars regarding a project while having that meeting closed to the public? That's similar to what happens in Blyn during government-to-government meetings.
A woman on Zoom (she goes by CGH?) declined to give her name and address during public comment at last Tuesday's Board meeting. I believe she cited that an RCW does not require her to give that information.
That was me, and the main reason I decline to give that information is because I reject every possible optional restriction on public comment I can (as protected by OPMA), while it's still optional - so that when they try to require it, I've drawn my line and have made the precedent clear.
Sequim city council apparently requires you register your personal information 24 hrs in advance so they can "verify your identity". I'm not a Sequim resident so the only reason I know about this is because the BoCC cited it as a possibility to adopt for their board meetings. I understand this to be a violation of OPMA, as the other commenter cited, but I think their argument is "attendance" v. "Participation", although OPMA makes no distinction.
I'm working on putting together my own write up on OPMA and public comment, so keep an eye out for that if you're interested in learning more.
Thank you for the detailed reply. I look forward to learning and hearing more from you. I applauded (silently) your stance to not reveal your personal information at Tuesday's meeting.
Everything is open to interpretation when language isn't incredibly specific.
https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=42.30.040
"A member of the public shall not be required, as a condition to attendance at a meeting of a governing body, to register his or her name and other information, to complete a questionnaire, or otherwise to fulfill any condition precedent to his or her attendance. This section does not prohibit any generally applicable conditions determined by the governing body to be reasonably necessary to protect the public health or safety, or to protect against interruption of the meeting, including a meeting at which the physical attendance by some or all members of the public is limited due to a declared emergency."
Thank you, MK.
Concerned Citizen, thank you for all the research and explanations. It helps in rounding out the big picture!
Thank you!
Public meeting room at county is the only reasonable place to meet. Can’t believe this is even an item on charter review committee. It not broken, why on earth would anyone suggest to “ fix it”!
The Clallam County Courthouse was constructed with taxpayer funding to accommodate County business, along with resident/taxpayer attendance at such meetings. If the venue does not accommodate attendance, then the Port Angeles High School Performing Arts Center could be utilized, being that County taxes have paid for that building, and it's maintenance since it was constructed,, as opposed to having closed door meetings at Seven Cedars Casino facilities. The PAHSPAC is more central to county residents, as well. I can see no logical, or rational argument for County Commissioners to travel over 20 miles each way in taxpayer funded vehicles, maintenance and fuels to the Seven Cedars Casino complex to discuss County business affecting all Clallam County residents and taxpayers. In a time when budget constraints are a factor, our Commissioners are not acting in the best interests of taxpayers, or responsible resource management.
If I recall the behind the scenes discussion had to do with outreach so that more citizens could be engaged instead of driving an hour plus each way to participate. The Commission in general seemed to agree with the concept. From there, the devil's in the details.
To improve public engagement, the local newspaper should be reporting the details, not just publishing a website. There are many folks who are not into computers and websites. They are disenfranchised from all the agencies, committees, meetings. To hold this public on a tribal owned facility is partisan politics ( imho). The county courthouse is midway in our county, historically and traditionally the place for public business. Whoever is suggesting otherwise is sowing chaos and wasting public time ( imho).
Creating problems where none previously existed.
Centrally located in the county would not be Blyn, PA would ease any burden for westies but that’s what the CC will determine hopefully not on sovereign tribal land. Consider the suggester & then you’ll better understand why at every opportunity this county is sinking further & further into financial trouble.
More of my hazy recollection. I believe that when the group was asked who would take up organizing the meetings (Swain's was another location) Commissioner Stoffer was the first to offer up that assistance.
In 1971 a communist named Saul Alinsky wrote a book called, Rules For Radicals. Never read it. But a quote from it "He who controls the language, controls the masses". Lawyers really do think they control the language. I thank God for people like you Jeff. That know how to put them in their place.
It's taken all of us so far, and there may be future place-putting.
I am not a law smith, but the existence of treaty entitled sovereignties within this country is a never ending gray area point of contention. I readily acknowledge that peoples who inhabited the U.S.A prior to it's European colonization were unfairly treated. Those people and their abusers no longer live. The treaty entitled enjoy and use non-treaty entitled provided infrastructure from roads to cell phones. I am not intimate with what taxation looks like for treaty sovereign lands, but I am confident it is much less than non treaty entitled ownership. There is a complete lack of both equity and logic in this pseudo sovereignty. Discriminating on a basis of ancestry is antithetical to the laws of the U.S.A.. How far down that rabbit hole is the exact legal determination of who qualifies to be treaty entitled ? Are there specified genetics and minimum genetic percentages that determine who is treaty entitled or is it simply a determination made by a treaty entitled chieftain ? How long should the ancestors of those who committed abusive acts pay for that ancestry ? I suggest the treaty entitled divide their resources as they choose, abandon sovereign status and become citizens of this country with identical rights and privileges. No more BIA and no more legally sanctioned discrimination. Just friends and neighbors. Conversely; if Clallam County wishes to conduct it's business on sovereign land, compliance identical to that of all sovereign nations must be followed to include passport services, legal identification, etc..
Even convicts serve their time and then it’s over. However as USA citizens of a nation who fought the Indians and won, like what happens in any war, WE are sentenced for an undetermined time to correct wrongs against the Indian nations. THIS IS A CON. Convicts serve their time & it’s over. If Indians need help & their tribe clearly has needs then help them, but I don’t see even well off & very successful tribes helping each other, because back many moons ago they fought & killed each other, yet currently as USA citizens we are paying a sentence without any parole.
Well said !
Pepai, I never thought of it that way. It makes sense.
Garry, enrollment in a tribe, is determined by the individual tribe. Blood quantum is determined by the individual tribe (not necessarily needed if tribe so chooses under rights of ancestry) You make a very good point on many levels. Native rights are being challenged on both sides in courts all the time under what I call the "S" words.
Sovereignty, Sustenance, Self reliance, Self governance, Stream rights, Soil rights, Salmon rights, Service funding rights, Stewardship rights, Saltwater rights, Sanctions, Science, Secret funding, Scams, Scapegoats, S'Klallam.
If my memory serves me correctly, which is debatable, according to a newspaper article a tribe north of Seattle wanted to raise the percentage of native blood higher to be recognized as a member of the tribe.By coincidence this was after the casinos started minting money . My take on that was : big numbers good for various forms of assistance but bad for splitting the pot. This was years ago.Just my personal opinion.
Why do we think the 'colonizers' risked life and limb to migrate to begin with?
Because they were well treated in their former countries?
Every race and sub-group of people have been mistreated and abused by someone or some entity.
Sadly it's part of the human story.
So this whole reparations agenda is about nothing but power and control...it definitely isn't about justice.
Very little of the 'tribal' money generated gets to the tribal members.
Ron Allen has stated that if tribal members want money they need to work for it.
Fine, but don't pretend 'the tribes' activities and cashflow are benefitting most of the members.
Has anyone seen the Candace Owens expose on BLM's extreme fraud?
Almost no money reached the needy...it was diverted into mansions and parties and other corruption.
Stop with the victimhood schtick.
Almost everyone has been victimized by some circumstance.
These communist agitators won't stop because they are not able to reason.
Everything is emotionalized...bad idea.🤔
Great article, Jeff, and way to hold your own with Patrice. I am with you that to hold meetings on sovereign land is not a good policy. And to add clarification to that: why are some folks fighting so very hard to hold those meetings on Tribal land? Seems awfully fishy to me, like most things involving the tribe and control over Sequim policies.
Thanks. If Patrice has concerns, I'm sure others in the community do, too. I hope others can see how I formed my stance on this issue.
My most generous explanation would be a lack of familiarity or a misunderstanding of the text. That's why I just copy/pasted, so that hopefully if my understanding is incorrect, the text itself will do the speaking (and someone will point that out to me!)
As far as a quarum goes...I'm not super familiar but I believe each entity decides what number to count as a quarum. In the case of the BoCC I believe it is 2 or more. Therefore, it would be possible I think, for 1 representative from each entity to go to a meeting, and it not count as a quarum. However, any event that is hosting public testimony or public comment falls under the requirements of the OPMA if my reading of the following is correct:
"Governing body" means the multimember board, commission, committee, council, or other policy or rule-making body of a public agency, or any committee thereof when the committee acts on behalf of the governing body, conducts hearings, or takes testimony or public comment.
But I think that may need to coincide with a quarum. Meaning, if you met with an individual commissioner and were giving testimony or public comment, I don't think it would be subject to OPMA - but if you wanted to meet with more than one, then it would. Hopefully that makes sense.
Looking forward to your articles, as I do for all of them! I've been hoping to get more info on the goings on of the CRC and planning on calling in from now on (toddler + newborn do not make in person attendance easy). And yes, the latest push for a "letter of support" for funding the event center from the commissioners had me rolling my eyes. I haven't personally had a chance to visit, but it strikes me that something that involved so much public funding should be at the publics disposal for public meetings.
Thanks for the explanation, and double thanks for staying so engaged while raising a family. Not easy to do, but you do it very well.
Funnily enough it's being up at 3am that has gotten me back on the wagon keeping up to date with this stuff 🥴
From the recording of the January 27, 2025, Clallam County Charter Review Commission meeting.
https://clallamcowa.portal.civicclerk.com/event/3093/media
Time stamp 25:35 - 26:18
"Because I have deep respect to all of our local tribes. School board directors, and school districts are required to do what's called government to government training, and that's mandatory for superintendents, the cabinet level, and school board directors. I'd like to see that at other elected levels because there is a lot of not of great understanding of how that works type thing. It's about respect of another sovereign government with each other and working together. So we'd like to see that."
So my question is, who's the "we"?
Yes, who' the we.
Thank you Jeff Tozzer for another well written & thoughtful article~! I always smile at your professional push back when YOU are publicly accused of the same things that these manipulative clowns in government are constantly pulling~! When these dubious characters who have "somehow" (questionably to say the least) worked their way into our government get called out for their shady & suspicious dealings, highly questionable closed-door meetings, admitted preferences of some special interest groups over the majority of folks within our community, and political "doublespeak", they always very predictably pull the same "deny, lie, and accuse the other guy" garbage in their intellectually weak efforts to baffle, confuse, and sway the opinions of the good yet less aware folks in our community. To the specific point of "where" our community business should be conducted, I must remind everyone that when dealing in matters of real estate that "LOCATION" is always of utmost importance~! Location, Location, Location~! I am deeply concerned that anyone who is or was a so-called "attorney" would gloss over the very critical principle of real estate where location is all powerful~! Why would such a concerted effort be organized to deceive the good folks of our community into believing that tribal property is "supposedly" functionally the same as property within our community? This stinks to high heaven~! This is in fact an enormous red flag and it speaks volumes about the lack of transparency and Goodwill just on the face of it~! Tribal land enjoys a great many well-known and well understood exceptions to the rule of law compared to the land (location) within our community. ALL so-called "attorneys" would definitely know that if they were actually honest & real legitimate attorney's~! I clearly remember a recent revelation of some conversations within a local government leadership meeting where some were concerned about the legality of what they were doing, so this slick maneuver to hold our community's public business on tribal land is in fact highly questionable and wreaks of "stinkyocity" as a potential criminal ploy to intentionally complicate any future questions regarding jurisdictional issues and/or related potential civil/legal and/or criminal actions that may well be ahead given the course that we have seen these dubious characters in government on~! I do have to wonder what these clowns are attempting to hide and/or what they really have planned that is so important to them to intentionally complicate these clear & obvious matters of legal jurisdiction~? In closing, I would simply remind ALL of the Individuals in government leadership that your self-described & self-serving "glorious history" of the local governments in our community is in fact riddled with HIGHLY questionable decisions and absolutely despicable money management actions that should alarm ALL folks in our area, so if "we" are being asked to have any respect for the management of our governments here I would also strongly demand an end to these secret closed door meetings and an honest effort to be completely transparent going forward~! Keep up the great work Jeff Tozzer, because these personal attacks upon your good & Constitutional efforts would never be happening if you were not right on target~! Cheers~! Sincerely, Mike
You're welcome, Michael. Still trying to look up "stinkyocity" in my Mirriam-Webster dictionary :)
HA! HA!
If memory serves, there is an old episode of the TV show "Growing Pains" where the "bookish" actress "Tracey Gold" (Carol Seaver) turns in an English paper while attending high school, and her English teacher commented that her work was "replete with stinkyocity" which greatly upset her because she was supposedly a straight "A" student otherwise ;-) I embrace irony and I often use it as a weapon~! I actually worked on that old TV show (and others) at one time delivering scripts... This sort of thing greatly pleases me because as an old American Constitutionalist I am all too well aware that "we" (Americans) have been viciously and ruthlessly controlled by the criminals of humanity and their constant screwing with the English language to brainwash and control Americans~! So "Ips-O Fats-O" (a wonderful old Archie Bunkerism ;-) I have ALWAYS rebelled by using The Illuminati's own words and phrases back on them~! Yes, I am absolutely ruthless in defending America and ALL Americans against the criminals of humanity and I "stick it" to them every chance and in every way that I possibly can~! Ah, what good sport ;-) The added benefit is that I absolutely LOVE to torture the very odd language commonly known as "English". Hey, the English language started it first~!!! Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha!!!!! I am actually well capable of "speakie & writie English" if I want, but where would the fun be in doing that all of the time~? Ha! I have actually been a published writer for many decades, but I am also a cranky American Patriot who takes no prisoners ;-) Not many can understand my sense of humor in the dimensions that I actually unleash it, but then again I have been playing 5D Chess since I was very young and I live in the world of multiple meanings which some also correctly understand as "military style signaling" these days... In fact, your President and the global alliance (white hats) have indeed been using military style signaling hot & heavy since 2016, but not many understand it at all. To the majority it always appears to be "fumbling & bumbling" which with my face is easy to assume true~! HA! Yes, my friend, I really am monitoring what is
REALLY going on at the national and international level as I have previously said ;-) Brace yourself, because I have been holding back, but sooner or later I will let loose with the term "GOBZ" and all Hell will break lose~! Baaaaaaa Haaaaaaaaaa Haaaaaaaaaa~! Have a fun day~! Sincerely, Mike
There shouldn't even be a "Blyn" option. They are taking up salmon spawning space. Jamestown should have listened to reason long ago , even for for more valuable land on Bell Hill.. While most other properties are blocked for allegedly being a future victim of sea level rise, the Jamestown tribe made a mockery of those allegations. They moved an entire creek and blocked creeks. Just driving by is a Loomis Tavern middle finger to the scientific or municipal conditions everyone else has to abide by now. Ditto the event center which is where it could be held.
Out of principle alone my answer is no. If they want to do a four corners style as kind of a format in Joyce, Port Angeles, Sequim and Gardner. Or just one big one in Sequim and one big one in Port Angeles, I am down.
I haven't taken the "I live in the lands" of people who need reparations for colonization" for a "bad relationship" oath.
https://www.straitern.org/
We acknowledge and honor the ancestral areas of the qʷidiččaʔa·tx̌ (Makah), nəxʷsƛ̕áy̕əm̕ (Klallam) and t͡ʃə́mqəm (Chimacum) Peoples, who have stewarded the land and waters from Cape Flattery to Point Wilson throughout hundreds of generations. We respect their sovereignty and support their Treaty rights and right to self-determination. Through disease, unfair dealings, oppression, and attempted erasure of their culture, these people have endured and continue to honor their cultural traditions.
Living more sustainably requires us to think holistically and long-term – not just to look forward to the future, but to recognize our past. Colonization has shaped the reality of everyone here today. We take this opportunity to acknowledge that fact and express our desire to be part of the much-needed process of learning about our “landcestry” and repairing relationships with the original people of these lands and waters, as an investment in the generations to come.
https://www.noprcd.org/
"We acknowledge that we live and work on the appropriated homeland and territory of the Jamestown S’Klallam, Port Gamble Klallam, Lower Elwha Klallam, Makah, Quileute, Hoh and Quinault Tribes. We respect and honor their stewardship of these lands in the past, present and future and their Treaty Rights and status as sovereign nations."
Too sensible John! Every place on Earth has been appropriated by someone at sometime...It's Problem, Reaction, Solution again and again. Good ol' Hegel.
The tyrants and despots know what they are doing...it's a real science. (if we're to follow the science)
Some of the world's best deviant minds have come up with many devious plans and have no shortage of people who want to try them out and no shortage of subjects on which to try them.
I would sterilize the planet if I could...there'll be another experiment always and eventually ready to burst forth here as long as there's a planet.
I don't really understand what all the fuss is about.
Humanity is some kind of sacred thing?
It's a bloody mess and good luck with all that!☺️
There's a good book called "The Thin Black Line" which is about all that will be left of us 100,000 years from now!😊.
Bravo, Jeff, you eloquence and knowledge are very impressive and refreshing. I thank you for your service to our community, both formally and informally.
You're welcome, NOI.
This whole conversation is ridiculous. Washington state laws apply to Washington state agencies, no matter how or where they act (as one of your commenters noted). For example, whether the Clallam County Commissioners meet in Port Angeles, Joyce, Forks, Blyn (on or off tribal trust land), Victoria Canada, or Disneyland, California, Washington State law regarding their actions and decision-making applies. Full stop. No legitimate legal question here. What is the real issue here?
Did you read the article Mr. Johnston? Where have I seen that last name before?
Oh, yes, I read your stuff. It doesn't hold water, sorry. And, yes, my wife shares my name. But I am my own person, with my own views. I reiterate -- what is your issue?
I tried my best to outline concerns about transparency in the article and I presented several issues.
I appreciate your effort, but, honestly, they have no merit. Tough to hear, I am sure, but it is what it is. I've been on the receiving end of things I didn't want to hear before, but please accept reality.
Whose reality James?
If you haven't noticed most of the people on this forum want common sense and plain honesty to be the order of the day.
You are a common agitator/troll😁
You are an agitator and an apologist James...you don't hold water.
You might try reasoning instead of hiding behind legal obscurities.🙂
The real issue is transparency and accountability...secrecy is repugnant to a free people...we have virtual dictators who are already not holding to their oath of office of fair and impartial representation.
Watch The Speech That Got JFK killed on YT.
That pretty well covers the whole shebang.
That's why the attacks on DJT are so ferocious and unrelenting.
Trump, who was friends with JFK Jr. is trying to fulfill the oath made by JFK to do everything in his power to undo the corruption and evildoing in gov't.
You may be an apologist for the system as it is but that doesn't change the facts about it.
We have no ethics board to hold people accountable for their actions in gov't.
Do you think that's a good idea?
Probably you do, that's why you take the tack you do.
We don't always have all the facts so we often have to infer by circumstance and action what is going on.
We the people want TRUTH, JUSTICE, LIBERTY AND TOUGH LOVE ACCOUNTABILITY and we are tired of all the obfuscation, gaslighting, interference with due process, lying and back-door deals we have to pay for.
Is that clear?😜
Condescending for sure. How dare you ignorant slaves object to our orders.