Both the city of PA AND the County have gone to this restricted public comment for "only what is on the agenda" which makes zero sense at all. What public comment was FOR, was to speak with, and engage with those who make decisions for us.
Restricting comments is the exact opposite of what should be happening.
Public comment for a government body used to only be limited by "disruptive conduct" and often time limited (not always the case), but government is not supposed to exclude particular speakers because of their views. However, now unless you can tie it to an "agenda" (and the public has zero input on agenda) then you cannot speak, until (in the case of PA) the end comment period. In WA state, as of 2022, the laws have changed to restrict to the agenda. Unlike, anytime, previously. In fact, this was a bill slipped in... with 87 yeas, 11 nays. No real notice to the public house bill 1329, creates more barriers to open public comment. (Likewise, the full meeting packet USED to include letters written to the council. No more.) The changes are "minor" but in reality MAJOR. It is not int he spirit of the Open Public Meetings Act of 1971. And, it was fast tracked. Bills usually take much longer, and have more public input.
By comparison: Look at how popular, and effective the Mayor of Honolulu is. Rick Blangiardi does a DAILY podcast (One O'ahu Podcast) to update the residents of what is going on, then he takes CALLS, and answer them, or will get back to them (usually within days). He doesn't restrict to any agenda, it's whatever the public wants to talk about. He also has an "Ask the Mayor!" website, where you can submit your questions, and ... OMG ... the Mayor will get back to you!!
People speak favorably of their Mayor and the changes they have seen. He actually takes calls about potholes, and missing trash cans -- and fixes them (among other things). He has asked that soup-kitchens and other things for the homeless services, relocate out of tourist areas, and spread out in the community -- which has decreased the glut in Waikiki, and 17 other neighborhoods (where the majority of homeless service providers had congregated). A current TB test is required to stay at a shelter (as TB was becoming a major health issue). He has made a point of supporting small businesses -- which includes a business connector within the city.
Now, on O'ahu, in Honolulu, there is a strong mayor system (elected mayor, not weak mayor like Port Angeles and Sequim, where the City Manager makes the real decisions). But imagine if all three county commissioners did a daily podcast and took real-time calls from constituents? What if they had a website and solicited comments, every day, 365 days a year? What if the city mangers of Port Angeles and Sequim did the same? What if they were responsive to comments, and not merely pay lip-service to us?
Washington government is very unfriendly, and has really made bad choices, and who do they point at "our consultants".
Our form of government is guided by paid consultants. They have a greater say than the people who the government is supposed to be service, and have shut down as many lines of communication as possible. They have taken power FROM the people, in order to expand governments reach.
WE MUST influence the Charter Review, to ask for a more responsive government.
Wow what a great idea to have daily podcasts with commissioners. Questions from the public that require answers might actually influence decisions. Thanks so much for you post.
You are quite right about the use of "consultants" in county governments. I believe it's a way to keep commissioners out of the firing line when the community balks at their decisions. We had a consultant try to ram a decision down the throats of our community in Jefferson County and we fought him tooth and nail for over a year. We won and boy was that consultant pissed off. I think he was promised a bonus if he won. After the last meeting in which his loss was finalized, he walked out to the parking lot and slammed his briefcase into his trunk in anger. That moment was pretty funny. But all the crap we had to deal with for almost a year of meetings was not funny. It was a big pain in the butt. We breathed a sigh of relief when it was all over. The other thing that astounds me is the vast amount of money spent on these people. For what? What do we get for the investment? I agree consultant funds are often used as slush funds for commissioners to suck up to other power brokers. It would be great to get more oversight over the hiring of people outside the usual county staff members. Personally, I don't think most of the hired consultants really accomplish much of value. Sometimes they do - for example if there is a capital improvement process like building a sewer or some large infrastructure project that would overload the county staff.
Most politicians, but ESPECIALLY Democrat politicians have absolute contempt for their constituents. They want to boss people around and spend tax money, NOT to hear ideas or suggestions on how things SHOULD be done.
It's a shell game with the County's use of NGO's, and they're taking our money. Not too long ago I'd heard someone on a podcast claim that this system is how NGO's use one another to establish "science" when there was none. They'd cite claims/statements other NGO's had made, as evidence that whatever was claimed/stated was real, and their own recitation of the other NGO's claims/statements then made it fact/science. It's a way to hide true peer review because it's assumed that recitation of another's claim/statement is accurate.
In my experience anytime someone in a leadership role wants to tell everyone what needs to be done, as opposed to doing what needs to be done, we're just being given lip service because for the most part it works. I have neighbors who don't question what's going on because they'll recite the story line being trotted out as evidence.
I'm starting to really dislike your articles because I can't believe the actions of our elected leaders. They obviously don't see themselves as having an obligation to their entire constituency, at all. They don't even hide it.
What I don't understand is how is it that an entity, such as the Jamestown Corporation, needs any additional funding for the excuses contrived by the ethical conflict of interest NGO run by Ozias? They obviously are financially stable. What's the real reason Ozias can't stop tripping over himself to invent reasons to give them preferential treatment when none is needed?
Ozias might be on the "political conveyor belt" like Tharinger, Chapman, and Kilmer... we are just a stop along the way to higher political office and as long as he does what his top donor wants, he will be rewarded with further endorsements, campaign funding, and appointments.
The trouble is that MOST of the people are completely unaware of the malfeasance and corruption, so a recall effort is likely to fail. Efforts to educate such people and get them involved are equally likely to fail-- people just don't want to be bothered.
His resume will surely highlight his work on the Towne Road project. You bet he is considering himself as a member of the 'elite' on their way to Olympia.
My husband and I have known Mark and his wife for many years, but haven’t communicated since he first became commissioner. We even donated, as we felt he was a straight shooter, and had integrity. It’s funny how money and power can so change the fabric of Who You Are, over time. I’m so sad he has gone that route.
I'd be curious to hear, if you would share more, about what Mark has said in the past that led to to believe in him. As in are there any parallels to what you're currently reading about him?
When he and his wife ran the local Saturday Farmer’s Market in Sequim, and they had a small farm supplying veggie starts (I’d donated a poly tunnel greenhouse I had, to their operation) or owned a little grocery in the heart of downtown, the two seemed like such grounded, community-minded young folks. I can’t remember any conversations regarding political takes on the county and its operations, but we were enthused about his running for office, thinking he was incredibly caring about his community.
I think it's tough to make a decision when we vote for someone with not much of a political track record, yet, who doesn't want to vote for someone who tells us they care about the community. Thank you for clarifying.
It's a piece of the puzzle and I've read that multiple times so no it hasn't. There's more than that going on. In order to get people to care you need to unpack the "why" because there are likely more reasons to be concerned. If someone who is an Ozias supporter hears just of campaign contribution they can easily rationalize it away, as in it's circumstantial because it's just one incident. Describe 3-4+ incidents and the circumstantial nature is dispensed with a "more likely than not" standard, which is harder to ignore.
This is a year of Charter Review. We elected 15 people to represent us, and come up with initiatives for next years November ballot --- why don't we ask the Charter to recommend adding "regular podcasts taking calls from the people AND more voice in our government". I'd like the barriers to come down at the City of Port Angeles and get away from this 'closed door' policy. And, we CAN ask that the Charter Review make it a requirement for the town hall meetings, in the evening, from the county commissioners, and/or make their work meetings after 5pm.
It's our chance to make some significant change to our county.
And, personally, I'd like to see some pressure put on them to quit being so aloof.
That should be a matter of formality given their statements desiring to be open and inclusive. Why would they disagree with the words that came out of their mouths when they ran for office?
The state has disabled ethics (you can only whistleblow IF you work for the government, and the state doesn't investigate ethics at the local level). And, they don't respond to complaints from people who are not employees. Even if we, as an individual, KNOW that elected are operating against the sunshine laws, too bad. Doesn't matter. No recourse. The city of Port Angeles deleted all their ethics rules -- and has nothing at all (as per a public information request). Crickets. I'm sure the county isn't much different.
So, there is absolutely NOTHING to make them uphold sunshine laws, or be accountable. Nothing to make them uphold the platform they ran on.
You'd THINK, in a civilized society there would be an ethics board to uphold the sunshine laws, investigate kickbacks, blah blah blah. But NOPE.
The Executive Ethics Board (https:..ethics.wa.gov) says: "Please note that we do not have jurisdiction over local officials such as city council members, school board directors or mayors, non-state employees or over complaints filed against an agency as an entity."
And, the deck is stacked against anyone who might dare to complain with this little fun tidbit: "If a determination is made that a reprisal or retaliatory action has been taken against the state employee, the retaliator [sic] may be subject to a civil penalty of up to five thousand dollars." (typo from website)
I've dug deep into the ethics laws. Kickbacks would be a criminal act and subject to a criminal investigation, as would be a few other violations of law.
These Commissioners must be voted out! Do you know that these THREE commissioners appointed the County Administrator for $193,000 per year? APPOINTED!!!
It gets better... This guy Mielke is from Spokane. NO ties to our County.
We have Commissioners bought and paid for by "special interests" and a County Administrator appointed by and run by Commissioners.
We ARE in trouble people. 217 people represented by a few of their members run this County through their Commissioners.
We need to vote TWO of these Commissioners out, dump this Spokane puppet and get back to doing what is right for the County.
Are we going to allow this clown car to do as they please in the name of "Climate"???
The Charter Review could make this an elected position like we did for the Department of Community Development (not that it's been a cake walk for those elected). I'd like to see an elected Auditor, County Administrator. Wouldn't that be fun?
Good luck getting 30,000 voters to vote them out, let alone be aware of the problem. One third of the residents in Clallam County are over 65. Nine out of 10 people over age 65 are more interested in Survivor reruns than politics and their knowledge of what's going on in our local government reflects that. Yet, they vote without having a clue as to what/why, just because Suzie said so or they read PDN's recommendations. I got called nasty names when I tried to educate people in my community a bit. Apparently, they are clueless and want to remain so.
My blood pressure was stabilizing after a week free of the "COMMISSIONERS". Maybe time is here to follow Mike French's call for civil disobedience. Maybe not paying attention to his 3 minute timer. Where is the PDN unbiased reporting? If not for CC Watchdog, we would be unaware of the shenanigans. Maybe change the name of Clallam County Commissioners to Dewey, Cheatum, and Howe.
Thank you keeping us informed. argh, one might otherwise think that the ones paying the wages and for the services would be the "most important partner"
Public meetings and social media is needed to notify people. Not everyone can make it to a meeting, not everyone engages in social media it needs all possible ways to work.
Why is the county giving money to support habitat for humanity? If there is any public money used the project has to go out for bid.
When asked if other small businesses had been invited to bid on the project, Habitat CEO Colleen Robinson said, “We have an emergent availability of labor and resources from JKT” and “We are not required to do a formal bid process.”
THIS IS THE QUESTION THAT NEEDS AN IMMEDIATE RESPONSE IN WRITING FROM CLALLAM COUNTY AND HABITAT FOR HUMANITY.
It is clear Habitat for Humanity is federally funded and county funded why and how can our government and HFH by pass the bidding process and direct award a contract to a preferential contractor?
A 501(c)(3) organization can sometimes directly award contracts without a bid process, also known as a "sole-source contract," when there is a clear justification for choosing a specific vendor, usually due to unique expertise, emergency situations, or when the service or good is only available from a single source; however, they still need to document their reasoning to ensure compliance with ethical and legal standards.
I ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO SEEK OUT THE INFORMATION FROM HABITAT FOR HUMANITY AND UNDERSTAND WHY THIS PROJECT WAS “sole-source contract”. None of the above, unique expertise, emergency situation or service or good only available from a single source applies?
Key points to remember:
Justification is crucial:
Even when direct awarding a contract, a 501(c)(3) must clearly document why a competitive bidding process was not used, including details about the vendor's unique capabilities or the urgency of the situation.
Limited situations:
Direct awards are typically only allowed when there is a compelling reason, like a specialized service, a single supplier for a specific product, or a time-sensitive need.
Internal review process:
Most organizations have internal procedures to review and approve any direct contract award, ensuring transparency and accountability.p
Examples of when a 501(c)(3) might use a direct award:
Specialized expertise:
Hiring a medical expert for a specific research project where only one qualified individual exists.
Emergency repairs:
Contracting a single vendor to immediately fix critical infrastructure damage after a natural disaster.
Unique service provider:
Engaging a local artist for a specific community art project with a distinct style.
Important considerations:
Potential for conflict of interest:
Direct awards can raise concerns about favoritism, so careful oversight is necessary to avoid conflicts of interest.
Compliance with state and federal regulations:
Check local laws regarding procurement procedures, as some jurisdictions may have stricter rules regarding direct contracts.
MANDATORY PUBLIC MEETINGS WITH SIMULTANEOUS SOCIAL MEDIA BROADCAST.
CHARTER REVIEW GIVEN FULL MORAL AUTHORITY TO REVIEW AND ACT ON CORRUPTION AND ABUSE OF POWER WITH FULL PUBLIC DISCLOSURE /SOCIAL MEDIA OF THE PROCESS.
MANDATORY Q+A WITH TRACKING OF THE LIES.
IMMEDIATE RESIGNATION OF ALL 3 COMMISSIONERS.
REAL DEBATES BY WISE CANDIDATES WHO HAVE REAL FISCAL KNOWLEDGE AND A PROVEN LOYALTY TO THE PEOPLE OF CLALLAM COUNTY.
WE ARE A CAPTURED STATE, COUNTY, CITY...IF WE DON'T DEMAND REAL ACCOUNTABILITY (MORALS/ETHICS) AND CONSEQUENCES FOR ELECTED (NOT SELECTED) WE ARE COOKED.
...NO MORE 'APPOINTEES'!
ALL PARTICIPANTS IN GOVERNANCE NEED TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS BY A TRUE AND JUST PROCESS.
IT'S 'HUMAN' TO BE CORRUPTED BUT 'DIVINE' TO CORRECT CORRUPTION, COLLUSION, GRAFT, GRIFT, THEFT, ETC.
Who owned and is current property owner of proposed 48 homesite,who will determine who will be eligible for homes,there should be regulations in place that county has to abide by before awarding contracts,from past experience multi million $$$ contracts would have to be bid on and lowest bid would get contract,why was this project just awarded to jamestowne without other public bids which sends up a big red flag,seems other contractors would fall under prejudice laws with this type of awardment.This issue smells very fishy along with some other projects that current commissioners are responsible for.
The best way for the county to fairly and reasonably engage the general public would be to immediately remove ALL of the clowns in the county, tribes, and anyone else who have done their best to actively exclude the vast number of Clallam County residents from having a say in matters that effect the county~! It is completely disgusting & outrageous that any non-government organization, especially from outside of America, should EVER be "consulting" Americans on American business. America is for Americans first and foremost, and "we" (Americans) do NOT need, nor do we want foreign interference in American matters~! M
Is there a way to recall our commissioners and elect new ones? Using NGO's to dictate policy, showing favoritism and creating monopolies. Abusing public funds.
Its a local judicial sandbox full of blue sand. The best bang for the buck is to send individual and group writings to the new federal agencies. If the NGO's don't get federal funding, they will not be able to sustain the local global 4 NGO network. It will force everything back under eh County and the Administrative Procedures Act.
I couldn't agree with you more John. The next few weeks should give us a better idea of just what the new administration (Federal) is going to look like. There's a good chance a lot of the blue sand there will be at a lower level with a few true patriots in a few key places.
public input is a must.these closed door meetings with the tribe need to be stopped.the decisions made effect literally all of clallam county
Both the city of PA AND the County have gone to this restricted public comment for "only what is on the agenda" which makes zero sense at all. What public comment was FOR, was to speak with, and engage with those who make decisions for us.
Restricting comments is the exact opposite of what should be happening.
Public comment for a government body used to only be limited by "disruptive conduct" and often time limited (not always the case), but government is not supposed to exclude particular speakers because of their views. However, now unless you can tie it to an "agenda" (and the public has zero input on agenda) then you cannot speak, until (in the case of PA) the end comment period. In WA state, as of 2022, the laws have changed to restrict to the agenda. Unlike, anytime, previously. In fact, this was a bill slipped in... with 87 yeas, 11 nays. No real notice to the public house bill 1329, creates more barriers to open public comment. (Likewise, the full meeting packet USED to include letters written to the council. No more.) The changes are "minor" but in reality MAJOR. It is not int he spirit of the Open Public Meetings Act of 1971. And, it was fast tracked. Bills usually take much longer, and have more public input.
https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2021-22/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Laws/House/1329-S.SL.pdf?cite=2022%20c%20115%20s%2013
By comparison: Look at how popular, and effective the Mayor of Honolulu is. Rick Blangiardi does a DAILY podcast (One O'ahu Podcast) to update the residents of what is going on, then he takes CALLS, and answer them, or will get back to them (usually within days). He doesn't restrict to any agenda, it's whatever the public wants to talk about. He also has an "Ask the Mayor!" website, where you can submit your questions, and ... OMG ... the Mayor will get back to you!!
People speak favorably of their Mayor and the changes they have seen. He actually takes calls about potholes, and missing trash cans -- and fixes them (among other things). He has asked that soup-kitchens and other things for the homeless services, relocate out of tourist areas, and spread out in the community -- which has decreased the glut in Waikiki, and 17 other neighborhoods (where the majority of homeless service providers had congregated). A current TB test is required to stay at a shelter (as TB was becoming a major health issue). He has made a point of supporting small businesses -- which includes a business connector within the city.
Now, on O'ahu, in Honolulu, there is a strong mayor system (elected mayor, not weak mayor like Port Angeles and Sequim, where the City Manager makes the real decisions). But imagine if all three county commissioners did a daily podcast and took real-time calls from constituents? What if they had a website and solicited comments, every day, 365 days a year? What if the city mangers of Port Angeles and Sequim did the same? What if they were responsive to comments, and not merely pay lip-service to us?
Washington government is very unfriendly, and has really made bad choices, and who do they point at "our consultants".
Our form of government is guided by paid consultants. They have a greater say than the people who the government is supposed to be service, and have shut down as many lines of communication as possible. They have taken power FROM the people, in order to expand governments reach.
WE MUST influence the Charter Review, to ask for a more responsive government.
I hope everyone reads the above comment. Thank you for the links and research.
Wow what a great idea to have daily podcasts with commissioners. Questions from the public that require answers might actually influence decisions. Thanks so much for you post.
You are quite right about the use of "consultants" in county governments. I believe it's a way to keep commissioners out of the firing line when the community balks at their decisions. We had a consultant try to ram a decision down the throats of our community in Jefferson County and we fought him tooth and nail for over a year. We won and boy was that consultant pissed off. I think he was promised a bonus if he won. After the last meeting in which his loss was finalized, he walked out to the parking lot and slammed his briefcase into his trunk in anger. That moment was pretty funny. But all the crap we had to deal with for almost a year of meetings was not funny. It was a big pain in the butt. We breathed a sigh of relief when it was all over. The other thing that astounds me is the vast amount of money spent on these people. For what? What do we get for the investment? I agree consultant funds are often used as slush funds for commissioners to suck up to other power brokers. It would be great to get more oversight over the hiring of people outside the usual county staff members. Personally, I don't think most of the hired consultants really accomplish much of value. Sometimes they do - for example if there is a capital improvement process like building a sewer or some large infrastructure project that would overload the county staff.
Most politicians, but ESPECIALLY Democrat politicians have absolute contempt for their constituents. They want to boss people around and spend tax money, NOT to hear ideas or suggestions on how things SHOULD be done.
ignore the typos and bad grammar... I was in a hurry.
I think you should run for elected office. You have the right mindset.
I have run for city council twice. I gave up after twice.... because, who needs that nonsense.
It's a shell game with the County's use of NGO's, and they're taking our money. Not too long ago I'd heard someone on a podcast claim that this system is how NGO's use one another to establish "science" when there was none. They'd cite claims/statements other NGO's had made, as evidence that whatever was claimed/stated was real, and their own recitation of the other NGO's claims/statements then made it fact/science. It's a way to hide true peer review because it's assumed that recitation of another's claim/statement is accurate.
In my experience anytime someone in a leadership role wants to tell everyone what needs to be done, as opposed to doing what needs to be done, we're just being given lip service because for the most part it works. I have neighbors who don't question what's going on because they'll recite the story line being trotted out as evidence.
I'm starting to really dislike your articles because I can't believe the actions of our elected leaders. They obviously don't see themselves as having an obligation to their entire constituency, at all. They don't even hide it.
What I don't understand is how is it that an entity, such as the Jamestown Corporation, needs any additional funding for the excuses contrived by the ethical conflict of interest NGO run by Ozias? They obviously are financially stable. What's the real reason Ozias can't stop tripping over himself to invent reasons to give them preferential treatment when none is needed?
Ozias might be on the "political conveyor belt" like Tharinger, Chapman, and Kilmer... we are just a stop along the way to higher political office and as long as he does what his top donor wants, he will be rewarded with further endorsements, campaign funding, and appointments.
Now that makes sense. Step on the small people to get ahead. What a great quality that should be the foundation of his recall.
The trouble is that MOST of the people are completely unaware of the malfeasance and corruption, so a recall effort is likely to fail. Efforts to educate such people and get them involved are equally likely to fail-- people just don't want to be bothered.
Always possible, but an exploratory meeting would be great if someone could put one together to see how this logistically works.
His resume will surely highlight his work on the Towne Road project. You bet he is considering himself as a member of the 'elite' on their way to Olympia.
Olympia is full of of ICLEI contractors. He already knows the secret handshake I am sure.
My husband and I have known Mark and his wife for many years, but haven’t communicated since he first became commissioner. We even donated, as we felt he was a straight shooter, and had integrity. It’s funny how money and power can so change the fabric of Who You Are, over time. I’m so sad he has gone that route.
I'd be curious to hear, if you would share more, about what Mark has said in the past that led to to believe in him. As in are there any parallels to what you're currently reading about him?
When he and his wife ran the local Saturday Farmer’s Market in Sequim, and they had a small farm supplying veggie starts (I’d donated a poly tunnel greenhouse I had, to their operation) or owned a little grocery in the heart of downtown, the two seemed like such grounded, community-minded young folks. I can’t remember any conversations regarding political takes on the county and its operations, but we were enthused about his running for office, thinking he was incredibly caring about his community.
I think it's tough to make a decision when we vote for someone with not much of a political track record, yet, who doesn't want to vote for someone who tells us they care about the community. Thank you for clarifying.
He ran into the global Rome and became a Roman.
The REAL REASON that Ozias gives JKT special treatment is because they donate heavily to his campaign! Surely, that did not elude you....
It's a piece of the puzzle and I've read that multiple times so no it hasn't. There's more than that going on. In order to get people to care you need to unpack the "why" because there are likely more reasons to be concerned. If someone who is an Ozias supporter hears just of campaign contribution they can easily rationalize it away, as in it's circumstantial because it's just one incident. Describe 3-4+ incidents and the circumstantial nature is dispensed with a "more likely than not" standard, which is harder to ignore.
This is a year of Charter Review. We elected 15 people to represent us, and come up with initiatives for next years November ballot --- why don't we ask the Charter to recommend adding "regular podcasts taking calls from the people AND more voice in our government". I'd like the barriers to come down at the City of Port Angeles and get away from this 'closed door' policy. And, we CAN ask that the Charter Review make it a requirement for the town hall meetings, in the evening, from the county commissioners, and/or make their work meetings after 5pm.
It's our chance to make some significant change to our county.
And, personally, I'd like to see some pressure put on them to quit being so aloof.
That should be a matter of formality given their statements desiring to be open and inclusive. Why would they disagree with the words that came out of their mouths when they ran for office?
The state has disabled ethics (you can only whistleblow IF you work for the government, and the state doesn't investigate ethics at the local level). And, they don't respond to complaints from people who are not employees. Even if we, as an individual, KNOW that elected are operating against the sunshine laws, too bad. Doesn't matter. No recourse. The city of Port Angeles deleted all their ethics rules -- and has nothing at all (as per a public information request). Crickets. I'm sure the county isn't much different.
So, there is absolutely NOTHING to make them uphold sunshine laws, or be accountable. Nothing to make them uphold the platform they ran on.
You'd THINK, in a civilized society there would be an ethics board to uphold the sunshine laws, investigate kickbacks, blah blah blah. But NOPE.
The Executive Ethics Board (https:..ethics.wa.gov) says: "Please note that we do not have jurisdiction over local officials such as city council members, school board directors or mayors, non-state employees or over complaints filed against an agency as an entity."
And, the deck is stacked against anyone who might dare to complain with this little fun tidbit: "If a determination is made that a reprisal or retaliatory action has been taken against the state employee, the retaliator [sic] may be subject to a civil penalty of up to five thousand dollars." (typo from website)
I've dug deep into the ethics laws. Kickbacks would be a criminal act and subject to a criminal investigation, as would be a few other violations of law.
https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=42.52
But you're correct, Clallam County has nothing, yet go look at Kitsap county's ethics code. That sucker has teeth.
That says a lot about how corruption is king in Clallam county. Doesn't it?
McKenna went after that already. As long as the give some to a Republican they can give more to a Democrat'.
I'll see everyone at the Work Session at 9am tomorrow, and the Board meeting at 10am on Tuesday! Bring your comments!
These Commissioners must be voted out! Do you know that these THREE commissioners appointed the County Administrator for $193,000 per year? APPOINTED!!!
It gets better... This guy Mielke is from Spokane. NO ties to our County.
We have Commissioners bought and paid for by "special interests" and a County Administrator appointed by and run by Commissioners.
We ARE in trouble people. 217 people represented by a few of their members run this County through their Commissioners.
We need to vote TWO of these Commissioners out, dump this Spokane puppet and get back to doing what is right for the County.
Are we going to allow this clown car to do as they please in the name of "Climate"???
The Charter Review could make this an elected position like we did for the Department of Community Development (not that it's been a cake walk for those elected). I'd like to see an elected Auditor, County Administrator. Wouldn't that be fun?
Good luck getting 30,000 voters to vote them out, let alone be aware of the problem. One third of the residents in Clallam County are over 65. Nine out of 10 people over age 65 are more interested in Survivor reruns than politics and their knowledge of what's going on in our local government reflects that. Yet, they vote without having a clue as to what/why, just because Suzie said so or they read PDN's recommendations. I got called nasty names when I tried to educate people in my community a bit. Apparently, they are clueless and want to remain so.
20,000 people voted in the election to get Ozias elected.
1/4 of that is the amount to get signatures to put it to a vote.
5,000 meager signatures to get it going, if I read the RCW correctly.
Ozais should be recalled. He has a conflict of interest in nearly every project.
Looks like our commissioners are only serving special interest and their bank accounts. They forgot they work for all of us.
My blood pressure was stabilizing after a week free of the "COMMISSIONERS". Maybe time is here to follow Mike French's call for civil disobedience. Maybe not paying attention to his 3 minute timer. Where is the PDN unbiased reporting? If not for CC Watchdog, we would be unaware of the shenanigans. Maybe change the name of Clallam County Commissioners to Dewey, Cheatum, and Howe.
PDN??? Hahahahahahahahahahaha! PDN stands for Propaganda Distribution Network and is NOT the place to look for news critical of the Commissioners.
Thank you keeping us informed. argh, one might otherwise think that the ones paying the wages and for the services would be the "most important partner"
You're welcome, Diana.
Public meetings and social media is needed to notify people. Not everyone can make it to a meeting, not everyone engages in social media it needs all possible ways to work.
Why is the county giving money to support habitat for humanity? If there is any public money used the project has to go out for bid.
Join us and engage in conversations!
Clallam Republicans Group on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2734103209935513
and @clallamgop on X
https://x.com/clallamgop
When asked if other small businesses had been invited to bid on the project, Habitat CEO Colleen Robinson said, “We have an emergent availability of labor and resources from JKT” and “We are not required to do a formal bid process.”
THIS IS THE QUESTION THAT NEEDS AN IMMEDIATE RESPONSE IN WRITING FROM CLALLAM COUNTY AND HABITAT FOR HUMANITY.
https://www.habitat.org/sites/default/files/documents/Habitat_for_Humanity_Federal_Policy_Agenda-Resource.pdf
It is clear Habitat for Humanity is federally funded and county funded why and how can our government and HFH by pass the bidding process and direct award a contract to a preferential contractor?
A 501(c)(3) organization can sometimes directly award contracts without a bid process, also known as a "sole-source contract," when there is a clear justification for choosing a specific vendor, usually due to unique expertise, emergency situations, or when the service or good is only available from a single source; however, they still need to document their reasoning to ensure compliance with ethical and legal standards.
I ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO SEEK OUT THE INFORMATION FROM HABITAT FOR HUMANITY AND UNDERSTAND WHY THIS PROJECT WAS “sole-source contract”. None of the above, unique expertise, emergency situation or service or good only available from a single source applies?
Key points to remember:
Justification is crucial:
Even when direct awarding a contract, a 501(c)(3) must clearly document why a competitive bidding process was not used, including details about the vendor's unique capabilities or the urgency of the situation.
Limited situations:
Direct awards are typically only allowed when there is a compelling reason, like a specialized service, a single supplier for a specific product, or a time-sensitive need.
Internal review process:
Most organizations have internal procedures to review and approve any direct contract award, ensuring transparency and accountability.p
Examples of when a 501(c)(3) might use a direct award:
Specialized expertise:
Hiring a medical expert for a specific research project where only one qualified individual exists.
Emergency repairs:
Contracting a single vendor to immediately fix critical infrastructure damage after a natural disaster.
Unique service provider:
Engaging a local artist for a specific community art project with a distinct style.
Important considerations:
Potential for conflict of interest:
Direct awards can raise concerns about favoritism, so careful oversight is necessary to avoid conflicts of interest.
Compliance with state and federal regulations:
Check local laws regarding procurement procedures, as some jurisdictions may have stricter rules regarding direct contracts.
MANDATORY PUBLIC MEETINGS WITH SIMULTANEOUS SOCIAL MEDIA BROADCAST.
CHARTER REVIEW GIVEN FULL MORAL AUTHORITY TO REVIEW AND ACT ON CORRUPTION AND ABUSE OF POWER WITH FULL PUBLIC DISCLOSURE /SOCIAL MEDIA OF THE PROCESS.
MANDATORY Q+A WITH TRACKING OF THE LIES.
IMMEDIATE RESIGNATION OF ALL 3 COMMISSIONERS.
REAL DEBATES BY WISE CANDIDATES WHO HAVE REAL FISCAL KNOWLEDGE AND A PROVEN LOYALTY TO THE PEOPLE OF CLALLAM COUNTY.
WE ARE A CAPTURED STATE, COUNTY, CITY...IF WE DON'T DEMAND REAL ACCOUNTABILITY (MORALS/ETHICS) AND CONSEQUENCES FOR ELECTED (NOT SELECTED) WE ARE COOKED.
...NO MORE 'APPOINTEES'!
ALL PARTICIPANTS IN GOVERNANCE NEED TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS BY A TRUE AND JUST PROCESS.
IT'S 'HUMAN' TO BE CORRUPTED BUT 'DIVINE' TO CORRECT CORRUPTION, COLLUSION, GRAFT, GRIFT, THEFT, ETC.
Join us and engage in conversations!
Clallam Republicans Group on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2734103209935513
and @clallamgop on X
https://x.com/clallamgop
Who owned and is current property owner of proposed 48 homesite,who will determine who will be eligible for homes,there should be regulations in place that county has to abide by before awarding contracts,from past experience multi million $$$ contracts would have to be bid on and lowest bid would get contract,why was this project just awarded to jamestowne without other public bids which sends up a big red flag,seems other contractors would fall under prejudice laws with this type of awardment.This issue smells very fishy along with some other projects that current commissioners are responsible for.
The best way for the county to fairly and reasonably engage the general public would be to immediately remove ALL of the clowns in the county, tribes, and anyone else who have done their best to actively exclude the vast number of Clallam County residents from having a say in matters that effect the county~! It is completely disgusting & outrageous that any non-government organization, especially from outside of America, should EVER be "consulting" Americans on American business. America is for Americans first and foremost, and "we" (Americans) do NOT need, nor do we want foreign interference in American matters~! M
Is there a way to recall our commissioners and elect new ones? Using NGO's to dictate policy, showing favoritism and creating monopolies. Abusing public funds.
Recalling involves a LOT of signatures, and a process. it's possible.
About 5,000 signatures. That doesn't sound too difficult given the readership CCW has.
https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=29A.56.180
The recallable offenses must be iron clad. Or its a 30,000 dollar bill for the loser..
John, which RCW did you take action under?
Why didn't the prosecutor defend this in court as the RCW seems to imply?
https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=29A.56.110
I bet that when someone decides to spearhead this plenty of people would show up to an exploratory meeting to look at logistics.
Its a local judicial sandbox full of blue sand. The best bang for the buck is to send individual and group writings to the new federal agencies. If the NGO's don't get federal funding, they will not be able to sustain the local global 4 NGO network. It will force everything back under eh County and the Administrative Procedures Act.
I couldn't agree with you more John. The next few weeks should give us a better idea of just what the new administration (Federal) is going to look like. There's a good chance a lot of the blue sand there will be at a lower level with a few true patriots in a few key places.
If federal changes can stop the issues we're having in our blue sandbox I'll truly be surprised.
Federal changes may provide more tools for our toolbox. It's still going to be up to us to make changes. N.