Commissioner justifies investigation against "Towne Road followers"

Ozias defends use of county resources

Mr. Ash received a response this weekend from Commissioner Ozias regarding Ash’s initial inquiry about the commissioner-led investigation against “Towne Road followers.” Commissioner Ozias’ response, and Mr. Ash’s reply are below.

This weekend also saw the suspension of four user accounts on nextdoor.com — three belonged to Towne Road supporters who had posted articles from Clallam County Watchdog, and my account was also suspended. All four accounts had been reported as “disrespectful” by an individual whose driveway accesses the Towne Road levee.

The “nextdoor” app can be credited with initially fostering a forum to support the reopening of a public road. That movement developed into a much larger purpose that continues to seek honesty and accountability from county leaders. This weekend’s engagement and discussion by Watchdoggers (the ones who are still allowed to use the platform) flooded CCwatchdog.com with record views and a wealth of new subscribers. Thank you, the data confirms that our community is thirsty for a discussion about transparency in local government.

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From: Ozias, Mark
Sent: Sunday, January 28, 2024 11:55:57 AM
To: Tom Ash
Subject: RE: Covert criminal investigation of Towne Road followers without contacting those investigated

Mr. Ash,

When I receive a message from a county resident that expresses concern about their safety and/or potential illegal activity, I connect them with the Sheriff for follow up as deemed appropriate by law enforcement.  This activity being related to a county project, I also reached out to the Prosecuting Attorney.  As I am sure you have discovered via your public records requests, there has been no additional follow-up on my part nor any request to launch any kind of investigation.

Mark Ozias

Clallam County Commissioner

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From: Tom Ash
Sent: Sunday, January 28, 2024 6:49 PM
To: Ozias, Mark
Subject: Re: Covert criminal investigation of Towne Road followers without contacting those investigated

Commissioner Ozias,

Thank for the reply, but it would be better if it were accurate.  Below is a list of the steps you took to investigate spurious, unreasonable, untrue accusations against me.  Did you really believe that to be necessary, or did you just want to harass me for disagreeing with your actions related to Towne Road?

You used complaints from your sole ally in your repeated attempts to stop Towne Road from reopening for your personal interest, not for the good of the taxpayers of Clallam County.  Listed in chronological order below are the steps you took against all the taxpayers who wish you to stop your special interest intervention and complete the project as soon as possible.

November 16, 2023: received spurious, unvalidated, and outrageous accusations from one landowner against every Clallam County taxpayer supporting the completion of the Towne Road projects.  Identified in the complaint as "Towne Road followers."  Following are the steps you took against hundreds of Clallam County Taxpayers and Constituents based on unfounded complaints on one landowner who supports your personal desire for the outcome of the Towne Road Project.

November 16, 2023: Mark Ozias reached out to Mark Nichols Clallam County Prosecuting Attorney citing "Harassment" that did not occur.

November 19, 2023:  Mark Ozias reached out to one landowner advising them of your request to have them meet with the Clallam County Prosecuting Attorney and advising of the Sherriff's Department advising them of these unsubstantiated claims against hundreds of Clallam County taxpayers who do not support your personal position.

November 20, 2023:  Mark Ozias receives recommendations from Clallam County Prosecuting attorney on actions single landowner can take against hundreds of Clallam County Taxpayers who do not support your personal efforts to keep Towne Road closed. 1, pursue "criminal investigation."  2, take a legal recourse short of criminal investigation securing legal representation from Jefferson or Kitsap county attorneys if the landowner cannot find a local attorney to take action against hundreds of Clallam County Taxpayers.

November 29, 2023:  Mark Ozias passes Clallam County Prosecuting recommendations along to the single landowner regarding steps to take against hundreds of Clallam County Taxpayers who do not support your personal efforts to keep Towne Road closed.

November 30, 2023:  Mark Ozias enlists Sheriff Brian King in your effort against hundreds of Clallam County Taxpayers who do not support your personal efforts to keep Towne Road closed even though you point out in this communication that the single landowner "have been in touch with your office."  Did the first Sheriff Investigation not have the outcome you desired?

November 30, 2023:  Sheriff King contacts Mark Ozias to advise that he has reviewed the evidence presented by the single landowner and found nothing that would allow the single landowner to be "successful in obtaining an anti-harassment order.”  Yet, the Sheriff will reach out to the single landowner to see if there is any more to the complaint.

November 20, 2023:  Sheriff King involves Chief Criminal Detective Amy Bundy in the investigation against hundreds of Clallam County Taxpayers who do not support your personal efforts to keep Towne Road closed.

December 1, 2022:  Mark Ozias advised Sheriff King that "this matter continues to escalate."  How do you make such a claim when there remains zero evidence that any of the claims made by the single landowner ever occurred to begin with?

December 12, 2023:  Sheriff King and the single landowner meet in person to discuss unsubstantiated claims against hundreds of Clallam County taxpayers who do not support your personal position.

Commissioner Ozias, I appreciate your response and I always welcome the opportunity to communicate with you but at least now we have established the facts, the timeline, and the fact that you have supported and propelled this ridiculous investigation of me and not once have you reached out to me (a single landowner) or the hundreds of Clallam County taxpayers who do not support your personal position.

Thomas Ash