87 Comments

This is very angering! What prevents them from finishing the road as planned/promised? Is there any legal action we can take? A class action lawsuit, if push comes to shove?

BTW, when I first learned about this scandal, I drove down there and found the gate open, so I continued driving along the levee to the 2nd (N) gate which was closed, so I made a U-turn and drove back, stopping at the dairy to buy a few things. I passed several people walking their dogs.

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Without a Code of Ethics that applies to Clallam County elected officials, the only definitive thing I've been told is, "This has to be decided at the ballot box."

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Be careful my friend, someone who shall not be named may accuse you of doing the damage pictured above.

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Thanks. Let them accuse all they want. I didn't do anything so they have no proof otherwise.

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Oh boy...really looking forward to Sunday morning's read! As always, thanks Jeff...our hero for truth, transparency, and accountability!

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Thank you both, hope you took your coffee with antinausea medicine before you read it.

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In the after condition, the Clallam County Road Department intends to relocate the dike along a portion of the lower Dungeness River and the existing Towne Road such that they cover 7 .93 acres of the subject property. Its a county road department project. They are subject to RCW 36.82.070. We need to find out how much money the county spent on trails

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The project says county roads all over it. They are subject to RCW 36.82.070. That is why dude wrote the email.

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You are the man with the golden shovel..... kudos!

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The one common point associated with all of the Public Works Department activities is the County Road System. RCW 36.82.070 specifically restricts the use of any Road Funds to road related projects only.

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Do these things just come to you? Or have you been waiting for this. I hope you make public comment tomorrow. And send a letter to Loni, too.

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Its confusing. They co-mingled road fund with DOE/ AND? The county put in a matching portion. Their guy said it was a road project. If it is under RCW 32.82.070, they broke the law.

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You have my attention!

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Wow. Seems all I can say, reading your posts!

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Not one to rain on anybody's parade, but this would suggest that trail funds are road funds:

RCW 47.30.060

Expenditures deemed to be for highway purposes—Powers and duties of department—Restrictions on use of paths and trails.

For the purposes of this chapter, the establishment of paths and trails and the expenditure of funds as authorized by RCW 47.30.030, as now or hereafter amended, shall be deemed to be for highway, road, and street purposes.

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RCW 36.82.080

Purpose for which road fund can be used—Payment of bond or warrant interest and principal.

The payment of interest or principal on general obligation county road bonds, or retirement of registered warrants both as to principal and interest when such warrants have been issued for a proper county road purpose, are declared to be a proper county road purpose

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Whine the way to stopping a project. Next, the classroom trail proponents will meet on Monday to discuss taking the tribes offer to do an organized head count. They will use this meeting to justify stopping the project. Its funny they complain about Jeff holding a meeting in a school house and attack his "followers' now they are trying to take a page out of Jeff's book after whining about it. The problem they seem to forget is all the people Jeff organized wanted was to continue a funded project. There simply is no mechanism to stop a funded and initiated project with a counter ground swell of support hoping the County takes a bribe.. That groundswell had to start well before the funding and the commencing on the project. They just keep desperately trying to get the Commissioners to stick their neck out. Nichols had better step in here or things will go from bad to worse.

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I did my 20 years of "hard time" in Seattle and saw the loudest whiners, become the biggest influencers. Somehow, I think we still have enough common sense in this county to prevent that from happening.

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I did real hard Pugetropolis time from 1981 to 2020. 41 years. I came back to run out the clock. My relatives (great great grandfathers) both came to Port Angeles in 1917. One made flour, the other was the first Baptist church preacher. My Aunt went to school and came back and taught at Lincoln School from 1924 to 1974. I graduated from PA high School in 1981. My mom graduated from Roosevelt. I went to Roosevelt three years. My dad talked Long John Gilbert into letting him take a chain saw to Long John's corner to build a brick bbq. My mon worked at the Red Ranch inn after that.

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You can't get more Sequim than that! Wow... I bet our ancestors hung out back in the day, causing trouble and terrorizing the townsfolk by opening roads and such.

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Sequim is picking berries for the Cameron's and at Grays Marsh and other places.

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96 cents a flat

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Wow! Kids wouldn't do that job for any price these days. "My generation" goofed off and had strawberry fights -- just out there throwing the Cameron's money at each other.

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I wouldnt be surprised if "someone" who wanted free taxpayer funded gates and new construction away from their property, managed to vandalize gates and locks to "prove" there were miscreants in our midst ready to single them out. Looks like the gate was damaged from the INSIDE, and the open gate with the multitude of locks on the chain were left open by someone with a code or key, travelling thru while doing daily business...no boogeyman, no one out to "get" them...

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The phenomenon of being a "victim" perhaps? To garner sympathy, and therefore support? Oh Kathy, great minds think alike.

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On ND one of the gate gaters played the race card. From unrelated brouhahas, even.

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Well, we knew that was coming. Desperate.

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Ya!

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What a nightmare of a county and city. It’s being run like a cheap HOA. The word professional can’t be used. Protocol either. No discernment that they are being viewed by a public they took an oath to. No idea of accountability.... but then if they are buddying up with the tribe, that aire of ‘small town comorra’... palms will be greased. Who needs accountability, right.

So we see first hand the desensitization of first leaders who then do the same to its public. How because it’s dragging on for so long... nothing in the public view to monitor the situation... it was more or less tongue n cheek in the gazette Jan 3rd Ed.

So when do we start banging on the pots and pans to get crazies in line? Expose the shenanigan boys and girls?

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As a recovering member of an HOA, I say you hit the nail on the head, Paula. I used to wonder why the papers wouldn't touch this, then I saw who pays for half-page ads and began to suspect that they won't ever bite the hand that feeds them (I'm not talking about Angeles Furniture). As far as making a racket, County government is set up so that after an election, there is no obligation for elected to leaders to interact with constituents (however, some choose to). Our 3-minute public comment, delivered to the faces of three stone-faced commissioners, is the only chance we get to speak. And forget about answering questions, the commissioners are there to "listen, not respond." Please let me know if you have any ideas how to get some dialogue going before fall of 2027 (next District 1 election cycle).

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Ok. That pots n pans banging is no joke. When I lived in Tennessee every time the vote came up to start to have state income taxes far an wide people would arrive at the state house during the vote and on feet and in cars in the late hours they would honk bang on pot n pans and make as much noise as possible to let the law makers know what side their bread was buttered on.

Time to rally the troops take a census make some noise

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Sounds like your idea led to results... I like that. Not as much as the nude sit-in in the courthouse rotunda, but I could warm up to some pot and pan banging.

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Also since Canadians own that rag of a news paper ... I’m barred on a platform because I used poor judgement in naming their political preferences... truly I’m not a trouble maker or a loud mouth. Never have spoken up as much as now. Sick of our world situation etc so this business at home is just to much. I’m trying to use better words in a tolerable way.

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Sadly, I think I'm the moderator here, which means anything goes (unless you criticize my hair or rippling muscles). I know you were looking for a "safe space" to be yourself... welcome to CCWD!

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Wow. Amazing. Again.

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NOW have you seen it all, Deborah?

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When my husband and I saw what we told you about I decided I had seen it all. And we don’t want to see any more. But like you, kind sir, some things present in your life and beg for your action and work. Justice is like that for some. When people are lied to and manipulated and hurt we each have a choice to make. Reading back on the posts here I am very late to this effort. Your investigative reporting, your writing and passion for honesty and transparency may yet win the day. You certainly have wonderful supporters and support here. And we are honored to add ours.

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The only thing that doesn't surprise me is that our community is taking a stand -- we've never been okay with standing on the sidelines and watching others get taken advantage of.

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You have multiple generations of folks here. I have been away from my home turf for many years. It is clear to me why you have this confidence in the people of this area. I read on your past posts a little bit about your mom. Sounds like you were raised by people who stood for what is right. And worked hard for the oppressed. Thank you for bringing me up to speed. I love this area and have met and made friends with many dear souls here. Thank you for your tireless work to bring Clallam County government to transparency. For many it is a welcomed change.

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You're so welcome, Deborah. I'm so glad you are able to see why Sequim is special.

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Deborah...beautifully said...kudos!

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Oddly, Google Maps satellite view shows the road as a thoroughfare with a couple of cars on it. The view shows copyright 2024 and says map data 2024. Weird. It is not how I remembered it a couple of months ago or so.

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You're right! And the old dike trail that ran right along the river. That was such a nice place to walk until they tore it out.

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It would seem I have a couple of weeks at ND Caymen Islands. While I'm waiting on appeal is there anything you need help with other than poking the bear?

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You're a bad, bad boy Leo. Yes I need help: explain to a very, severely, absolutely incapable person about the Right of Way swapping that happened down on the Levee Project (asking for a friend).

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Bad Boys, Bad Boys, what ya gonna do, what ya gonna do when she comes for you.!!!

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OH my - Jeff Tozzer - SUPERHUMAN and able to stay PESKY!!!

THANK you - getting some Baileys to add to my Sunday coffee and to enjoy the good read!

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I come from good stock, thanks for reading along and staying up to date B.R.

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Bonnie, I have never in my life even had the thought to have Bailey’s with my Sunday morning coffee!!!! Wow!

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Now I can say, "I knew Deborah back before she discovered Bailey's".

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Before she discovered drinking it with Sunday morning coffee!!!!! 😂😂😂

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I did not even drink coffee until I was in my 20's - I thought coffee was ONLY drank with whisky in it!!! (thanks DAD!!!)

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Bonnie, I feel like I have missed so much!!!! 😳😲😬😃😂😂😂

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Life on a dairy farm in Sequim in the 50’s !!

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😳😲😬😃😂 what else did I miss?

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We’ll need to get together at Jeff’s house (my OLD house) to

Catch you up !!!

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I would scald my tongue and be awake. I never finished a cup till in my 50's

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My coffee drinking started during nursing school - I had a crab fishing business with a partner and part of my job was to shell crab for the 3 crabs restaurant - 5 am to 7 am and then to classes........

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AND - he went on to fish in ALASKA ($$$$) - then became a lobbyist and retired years ago...............me - 50 years in health care and I JUST retired 4 months ago - go figure!!!

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Road fund to gate funding is simply not found in the statute. Did Mark promise use of a road fund for a gate so he could get a sign in a pasture.

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Well, when you put it like that...

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I believe if you re-read the email exchange concerning the gate, OZ was going to add it to a then upcoming levee maintenance and repair contract, side stepping road funds.

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My comments for all the Dungeness projects.

The projects are not protecting the flat levels of the Dungeness like they do the Elwha and Jimmycomelately.

The Dungeness is not being afforded the same sediment mitigation that the Elwha and Jimmycomelately are allowed.

The same is said for saltwater marsh management.

All of the Elwha and Jimmycomelately meandering is limited to upper levels. Meanwhile, the Dungeness is going to be allowed to meander where the other two rivers are not.

This is blatant unfairness to the lower Dungeness community.

From: john worthington <worthingtonjw2u@hotmail.com>

Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2024 3:48 PM

To: Jeff Tozzer <jeff.tozzer@gmail.com>; Danielle.Zitomer@dfw.wa.us <Danielle.Zitomer@dfw.wa.us>; Leah Leach <leah.leach@peninsuladailynews.com>; Lear, Cathy <cathy.lear@clallamcountywa.gov>; Ozias, Mark <Mark.Ozias@ClallamCountyWA.gov>; ccreasey@co.clallam.wa.us <ccreasey@co.clallam.wa.us>; bruce.emery@clallamcountywa.gov

Subject: Re: The plan is to let the Dungeness meander.

Here is a breakdown of the policy departures from Elwha to Dungeness.

ELWHA:

Elwha river has a stormwater slit, where the stormwater and sediment is removed from the river. They do this specifically, so the sediment does not build up and create meandering.

Elwha river did not remove a levee just upstream from the tribal developments.

The Elwha stormwater is connected to the Port Angeles sewer system to protect the tribal developments sewer system from "high water tables."

The Elwha river policy was stagnant water was bad and could not be diverted to the river.

DUNGENESS:

(1) Dungeness river takes only "top water" from river and stores that water in a reservoir, with the intention of sediment going down stream to cause meandering

(2) Dungeness river takes out or reduces ditch sediment to prevent sediment diversion.

(3) Dungeness river takes out a levee (Towne Road) approximately same river era as Elwha.

(4) Dungeness river does not connect stormwater overflow to a sewer system.

(5) Dungeness river policy is that stagnant water from a reservoir can be added to the river "when flows are low.' The planners resisted aerating suggestions made by one planner for the reservoir.

The results of the Dumgeness projects will clearly cause meandering on the Dungeness where there is no meandering on Elwha. The tribe wants to wait on Towne road because it takes time for the sediment to build up and cause meandering in order to to incapacitate the septic systems.

I am officially asking Clallam County to discontinue the Dungeness reservoir project, put the Towne Road levee in its original location and restore the irrigation ditches that have been illegally altered..

From: john worthington <worthingtonjw2u@hotmail.com>

Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2024 3:00 PM

To: Jeff Tozzer <jeff.tozzer@gmail.com>; Danielle.Zitomer@dfw.wa.us <Danielle.Zitomer@dfw.wa.us>; Leah Leach <leah.leach@peninsuladailynews.com>; Lear, Cathy <cathy.lear@clallamcountywa.gov>; Ozias, Mark <Mark.Ozias@ClallamCountyWA.gov>; ccreasey@co.clallam.wa.us <ccreasey@co.clallam.wa.us>; bruce.emery@clallamcountywa.gov

Subject: Re: The plan is to let the Dungeness meander.

Dave Howat, has agreed with my assessment. He is on a reservoir group.

From: john worthington <worthingtonjw2u@hotmail.com>

Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2024 2:53 PM

To: Jeff Tozzer <jeff.tozzer@gmail.com>; Danielle.Zitomer@dfw.wa.us <Danielle.Zitomer@dfw.wa.us>; Leah Leach <leah.leach@peninsuladailynews.com>; Lear, Cathy <cathy.lear@clallamcountywa.gov>; Ozias, Mark <Mark.Ozias@ClallamCountyWA.gov>

Subject: Re: The plan is to let the Dungeness meander.

Septic will be rendered useless with high water tables. Pencil it in. You can see how they left a levee on the Elwha intact in a similarly located position as Towne Road. They knew it would make the Elwha developments uninhabitable without septic.

They therefore know they need that levee removed to enable the water tables to be high so septic will not function, and the area will be inhabitable.

Essentially you can read the Elwha report and see how they did not want to remove a levee and the reasons for not removing it. They have now turned that all around for Dungeness.

This is how the state helps the tribe take over the Dungeness. Make it uninhabitable.

From: john worthington <worthingtonjw2u@hotmail.com>

Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2024 2:29 PM

To: Jeff Tozzer <jeff.tozzer@gmail.com>; Danielle.Zitomer@dfw.wa.us <Danielle.Zitomer@dfw.wa.us>

Subject: The plan is to let the Dungeness meander.

The sediment diversion is being changed and the levee is desired to be moved to allow river meandering where it has not meandered since 1964.

My arguments are totally correct. The river is going to be managed differently that Elwha and Jimmycomelately.

The Dungeness will not be protected from meandering, in places identical to Elwha and Jimmycomelately.

There will be high water tables once the river sediment builds up and diverts the river.

The people in that Valley need to be informed.

They are targeted for planned meandering.

Why take out a levee the Army Corps of engineers said we needed in 1964?.. To get meandering.

Why reduce flow of sediment to the ditches? So it builds up in the flat part of the river.

It is a fact. WSFW wants historic meandering in Dungeness but not on the Elwha or Jimmycomelately.

Dungeness better put in a tribal casino or they are toast.

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I am not seeing gate funding :)

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This report details that the Clallam County project will have direct and indirect effects on the WSDOT Towne Road Mitigation Site (subject) which will require 15.07 acres of wetlands creation or equivalent mix of creation, rehabilitation or enhancement. All of the mitigation required from

these impact to the subject will be provided by Clallam County on other property

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