Since its inception, in 1981, has the Economic Development Committee succeeded in improving the economy of Clallam County? By their own statements, it doesn’t appear that way. Wages have dropped, “affordable” housing is scarce, businesses have left, etc. the only things going up are taxes and levels of bureaucracy. Olympia doesn’t help by forcing restrictions that hinder economic development, like mandating electric vehicle charging stations in subsidized housing, among many other costs. Businesses considering this area have to deal with infrastructure requirements that don’t exist, like fire suppression water, sewer needs, and transportation impediments. Let us install more roundabouts to improve travel times for the transport of raw materials and finished products. Let us hire another consultant or add another board member to help us decide what to do next to improve our economy. Then, to add insult to injury, have the organization that is doing such an applaudable job hold a gala to celebrate their accomplishments, just over the rainbow, at a sovereign nation’s casino, the loveliest place around. Come on man!
How about that big empty block of land in downtown Port Angeles that is supposed to be the site of a Elwha tribe-built hotel? It’s been more than FIVE YEARS since operating businesses were demolished and still nothing. And I remember a PDN article heralding the coming of a Popeye’s chicken restaurant, too. Instead, PA celebrates the coming of a couple of food trucks. And let’s talk about what the EDC has lined up for the mostly empty shopping plaza on Front St. Woohoo!
Again, the real message is hidden beneath the bumper sticker slogans. Minimum wage slaves catering to out of County high rollers. The wealth gap is enormous in this County. It breeds anger and results in the very people who have caused this tragedy to rule in the names of the needy. The angry pitchfork and torch crowd follows the lead of these sharks over the cliff to an even worse life only to be told, it's Trump... No, in Clallam County it is not Trump. It's the very greedy Kommissars you elected and the NGOs that cater to their vision of a future infused with minimum wage slaves. Wake up!
Have you noticed Progressives celebrate THEMSELVES when they have nothing to celebrate other than themselves...
MK, would this be a public records request of JKT?.....if so, no way. Who would carry the records of anything that went on in the casino? I have no idea who to ask or where to go.
It might have to be pieced together. Maybe a call to the ECD would clarify how the event went down? Alternatively, attendees who are public figures and attended would likely have email communications about being invited to the event as well.
They sound more and more like a the Clallam County Mafia. Gambling, drugs, construction, trucking, Whats next? Prostitution? Only with their sovereign country status. Even the untouchables couldnt touch them.
Well all those things sound great, if only a collectible tax paid to city and county is included. Also, a medical facility will be required for the treatment of gambling, drugs, prostitution and trucking, which is a hard nut to crack. It would need to be a residential treatment complex. The “clients” would include both the service provider (sex worker) and their customers. I would like to be on the planning board, after all I worked at Seattle-King County Public Health.
After looking at the list, of involved people complete with picture and current job, all I could think was, why are there so many participants? More is not merrier, it causes too much time wasting minutiae, and lack of concise conclusions. When you spend time discussing when, where and agenda of next meeting it erodes value of business at hand.
Most of us that have held a job know what I’m saying, don’t you just want to cringe?
It's how the activists work and we see the negative results of that every day.
How to make a public records request.
The CCWD has plenty of readers who are capable of submitting public records requests. The more people asking what's going on the better informed we are than relying on one person to bring the information to the citizens of Clallam County.
Public Records Act 42.56.030 The people of this state do not yield their sovereignty to the agencies that serve them. The people, in delegating authority, do not give their public servants the right to decide what is good for the people to know and what is not good for them to know. The people insist on remaining informed so that they may maintain control over the instruments that they have created. This chapter shall be liberally construed and its exemptions narrowly construed to promote this public policy and to assure that the public interest will be fully protected. In the event of conflict between the provisions of this chapter and any other act, the provisions of this chapter shall govern.
MK thank you for the YouTube link! There were many helpful tips, but there were two that caught my interest (1) Texting on private cell phones are public record when the phone is used for government business (2) Concealing records is subject to litigation in which they have to pay your attorney fees, if needed, to obtain those records.
McAleer tried selling off the John Wayne Marina to developers about 7 or 8 or so years ago and I have no doubt that is still on the back burner to go along with the uber-development planned for the uplands around the Marina...whoever rebuilds the marina...it will be unaffordable for all but the wealthy...welcome to Little California!
She is a realtor/developer first, even though she is not currently licensed.
We can't trust this group any more than the CCC...narcissistic, entitled infiltrators and saboteurs.
They have their and their cliques best interests in mind and heart.
I think part of their plan is to let us get into a financial position (we are) so that the county /state will have to liquidate public assets to offset debt. Things like the marina, maybe some parks, etc. It's been done elsewhere. Privatization of public assets. Public/private partnerships are a key arrangement of fascism. The kind of relationship the county has with 'the tribe'.
Not a pretty picture...except for the 'ruling' class and their elite friends. History repeats.
Oh, they want the development alright but they have no way to achieve it yet.
At the very least they will have to offer sweet tax-free deals to businesses to entice them.
All talk and no show! Seem familiar?
And with one road in and out the densification is going to be horrific gridlocking if/when they achieve it.
CC as many of us have known it was done when the mills shut down and they started shipping most of the wood overseas and the fishery collapsed in the 70's. The 'free' global market decided the fate of CC along with socialist political infiltrators...and here we are.
TRUTH, JUSTICE, LIBERTY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND TOUGH LOVE!😎
Still waiting for actual jobs to come out of the Recompete grant people, although I’m betting you have to be friends with the right people or a member of the right tribe — in keeping with the finest traditions of Clallam County.
Bla, bla, bla...Ugh! Why was the EDC Gala held at the casino? No homeless blocking the entrance. No drug addicts begging patrons for money. No constituents allowed to protest outside the event. No mentally insane shouting obscenities in your face, threatening you. No disgusting trash piles emitting an ungodly smell to ruin your appetite. Any other venue means the bureaucratic elites have to face the consequences of their policies.
Denise, the Gala should have been preceded with a bus tour...the same tour one of our members so graciously wrote about (and most popular) showcasing the reality of Clallam County.
Gala Gallows Tour Free...ride along and experience, from a safe distance, a public viewing of the hanging burdens experienced by the real people of Clallam County. Paid for by Harm Reduction. Not recommended by JST.
Hold it at Guy Cole convention center, have it catered by a restaurant that was forced to close during Covid (unlike tribal restaurants), and fill up some hotel rooms in Sequim. Lots of people have lived here long enough to know we got by just fine before the Tribe built things in Blyn.
Some large events use outdoor tents for receptions, such as weddings and anniversaries. A well catered and spacious venue can be accomplished with the tax paying community in mind.
Denise, great Idea! Local catering, tent supplies, overnight stays would all be taxed and go into the recovering health of CC. Small businesses would profit and so would the citizens. Instead, no one profits, except the tribe, with events held at the casino.
There is such a thing called Events Packages that includes local deals. Anyways, it's an insult to have a Gala concerning rebuilding a community being hosted by the ones who are building a monopoly.
It is exceedingly hard to run a small business in WA state.
Taxes have increased astronomically, disproportionate to the rest of the country. The price of supplies have increased 50-100% and in some industries 200-300%. All small businesses are mandated to provide sick care which is well intentioned, but I can tell you is a killer for businesses that must pay high wage employees, that when gone produce nothing for the business. For instance, if you pay an employee $50/hr because they bring in $100/hr into the business, when they're sick It's a double hit as the employee is getting paid and the business is making no money. Same for vacation pay. While it's not mandated by the state, if you don't provide it you will not attract quality employees. You must also provide health insurance and paid holidays if you want to attract and keep quality employees.
There is also a prevailing expectation that everyone should make $100K or close. I have had many marginally qualified people turn down jobs because they didn't think it paid enough, which 5 years ago was a very generous wage.
It's tough as small business owners have watched their personal income decrease every year for the last five years while their employees have had wage increases and government employees complain incessantly about wages.
It's not an accident that the worst states to run a business in are CA, NY, NJ, IL, WA
It is VERY hard to run a business in this county. Easier in the county, than in the city. But, I wonder why I recently had a phone call from the county asking how many employees I had. I mean, answer is ZERO, but, still. And, even when I had a business IN city the city limits of Port Angeles, no one ever called me asking about my number of employees, or anything else (like could I afford the "downtown association fees" or if a $15 per employee "parking pass" -- for multiple part-time workers was feasible, and why each worker needed one, and couldn't double up, or if I could afford multiple health-department fees).
The business could have made it -- if only they'd given me ANY notice when they closed the street for construction, or when they decided to tear up a sidewalk (no notice). Or when they raised all the fees -- more than doubled.
I sunk a lot of $$$$ into the business, only to have the excessive, multiple fees ("death-by-a-thousand-papercuts"), raised commercial utility rates. And, then, there was the long drive for all my supplies -- and the Hood Canal started to go up-and-down like a cheap hooker. Gas prices skyrocketed, and ferry fees were raised (ridiculously).
This was over a 2-year period -- everything doubled.
It all conspired towards the demise. Business became an expensive "hobby" and required an influx of $$ every month. Had to close. No more workers.
It was the MOST unfriendly, impossible business experience that I've ever had. And, over that 2 years, the EDC never spoke with me, not even once. NOT ONCE. So much for any support or encouragement. (Of course, back then the Chamber was of no use, and the various associations were silent, too.)
Mimi, these are the real stories people don't hear about. Nobody knows exactly why our local businesses have folded and are still folding. It's just accepted or a passing paragraph in the news. I agree with MK, we need to be told the sad and expensive side of why CC is REALLY failing its citizens so people know how to help and voice objections. Thanks for this eye opener!
I'm sorry, Mimi, for your experience. It seems to be a "theme", unfortunately, for CC.
I am still in business (electrical contracting), but, my personal income has diminished over the last couple of years, while my electricians make more money than I do. Wage increase, benefits increasingly more expensive, and other overhead cost increases have made it more expensive to run a business.
Competition can be good for the consumer, but when it's coming from out-of-town providers, it takes away from the local economy and, if businesses close, the services become limited to the existing residents, including the ones who hired the "outsiders".
Standards set by city or county development departments (including you, EDC) need to be more aggressive about their requirements, demanding that outside developers use local providers. If outside developers plan to purchase land, get permits, subdivide, and build, they should be required to use local providers or they won't get approval. This practice would keep the local economy thriving and these businesses would remain open for ALL consumers to use their services.
Imagine that you would have to call a plumber or an electrician from the Seattle area to exchange an outlet or fix a leak? All because the local contractors couldn't stay open because their main source of income took the money out of town? So, the one who buys the new home or the renovated home now has no local contractor to fix their issues after the "outsider" company took their money and left town.
I'm about 8 years from retirement. I don't plan on sticking around, though I've lived in Sequim for 39 years, now. I have other ventures to try elsewhere.
I've been in business for over 33 years, this being my 3rd company of 20 years, an electrical contracting company. My husband is a brilliant electrician and Electrical Administrator. It's the reason why we have been able to stay married and run a business together for 20 years. We survived the recession between December 2007 and June 2009, having only just started our current business in 2005. I already knew the "key to survival", then.
This recent growth that we are seeing in the Sequim/Port Angeles area isn't "new", but it is the largest influx that we have yet seen. The difference is: outsourcing. This can crash an economy. It creates less healthcare providers, less professional services, more bad customer service and jobs left over that leave the remaining residents with terrible experiences, workers and customers alike.
You can't have an entire community of retired people.
Who will serve their dinner at the local restaurants? Who will fix their heating systems? Who will maintain or replace their aging back deck? When their breaker is tripping, will they get a service provider who comes from Tacoma? That is already happening with many services. Electric riding lawn-mowers that have to be taken to Tacoma to repair. Or a contractor from Seattle who has to come out to fix their generator because there is only one certified tech in the area to do it who is back-logged and the process of getting certification is challenging for local contractors who would otherwise be capable of doing the repair.
This is just ONE aspect of the entire issue. These are the things that the EDC needs to examine and reform. Looking at companies who provide better wages (I would be one of those, and no one has contacted me) won't fix this overall issue. Soon, those companies will be gone and what will be left over will be the large corporations who hire in retail for an unlivable wage.
Andrea, you've made me aware of things I never knew about the business aspect and hardship experienced in CC. It sounds more like we don't have enough talented young people? Rent and housing problems? We need to house the working people!!!! Thank you for this insight.
TJ, I hope our local commissioners and any other decision making body in CC reads this. You are the real people. I do try to shop in the small businesses in the area, but now I'm not sure who owns what!
Tongue in cheek, but maybe you didn't cry right. When my wife went back to school in her 40's everyone else but one peer told her that she could get the schooling paid for because she was a woman, in a female dominated field. She declined, we paid the requisite tuition.
"who is rowing and who is merely riding along" what about the people in the water, clinging to a rope behind the dingy?
This area has been in a slow decline. I see nothing that the EDC can actually say they have 'accomplished' over the years, other than pay a couple of execs some $$$$.
I had a call yesterday, asking how many employees my business had (from the county). Evidently someone is trying to get a head count. I never had any calls from the EDC.
Questions that come to mind - perhaps Ms. Mc Aleer could respond?
1 Was the guy Cole center booked? While is may not have provided the "draw" to get mass attendance that the gambling, beverage and all around celebratory environment of the Casino and hotel accommodations did....and her message was RIGHT ON it seems there was an important disconnect between the EDC's words and ACTION.
Leaders lead by example - disappointing that with all of the EDC's very capable and engaged
local community members they did not consider this before making arrangements for the all important "GALA". Tribal labor practices, salary opportunities of the tribe, income/profit retention opportunities they enjoy are no secret. The effects on other regular local business is a given and also well known - Before booking ANY EDC/govermental function SOMEONE should think about the appearance and needs of those area business that I think pay the EDC's operating expenses.
With the decling businesses coming to our area,, declining salary opportunities etc as stated in McAleer's very honest and appropriate comments, wonder if a more scaled back, old time event would have shown a real desire to 'PIVOT" and focus on the real, known, problems? Just asking if there was a better direction that could have better focused on the issues?
2. DID the Tribe appreciate the business that the EDC generated for them and donate a portion of the profits? The least that they could have done.....I do not really want to hear about all of tribe's past contributions...I asking for specifics of what was discussed and provided for this event.
3. Glad to see ALL THREE local representatives in attendances. A feat that is not always easy to arrange and can only mean they should be readily available to discuss how better to arrange things and what they are jointly planning to do for the area....Legislation session is now over - they and their staff should be able to carve out time for anyone wishing to discuss what many see as an overall and increasing area problem...lack of transparency, decisions and discussion being held behind closed doors, preferential treatment for an organization that should compete on a fairer playing ground. It is not necessarily the Tribe's fault that they are operating as evidently the law allows...and "marketing their operation -it is those that choose how to use their services in and for the benefit of others that need to be reminded to make better decisions.
One might wonder if there are actual ethics violations occurring? - some using the old plan.... to ask for forgiveness of an egregious Unintended? error than to seek permission and full disclosure before hand. Legislative representatives were there - they know or should now the actions behind the scenes - they should want to do the RIGHT THING FOR ALL - Is it time to ask or remind them? Is it time to investigate who might be hiding behind the curtain pulling some silent strings? Wouldn't be the first time probably....
From an article in The Epoch Times by Mark Hendrickson; (parentheses mine):
"Clearly, bureaucracies have usurped the legislative prerogative of Congress in violation of the constitutional separation of powers. This is unconscionable. We are a democratic republic in which the people get to vote for or against the people who write the rules that we must obey. The fact that unelected bureaucrats (and falsely elected bureaucrats), virtually unaccountable to the people, are writing most of the rules (and making most of the 'deals') is a constitutional abomination."
"This evil is compounded by the way bureaucracies assume judicial powers."
"It's too early to predict how much long-term success Team Trump will achieve in extirpating the powers that have been abrogated by the unconstitutional 'fourth branch of government', but I wish them well as they fight this good fight."
..."neither does the constitution authorize federal intervention into everyday economic activities, such as education, agriculture and energy."
"James Jackson, a member of the House of Representatives in the first Congress, said, "We must confine ourselves to the powers described in the Constitution, and the moment we pass it, we take an arbitrary stride towards a despotic government.""
"James Madison, 'one of the architects of the Constitution', warned, "If Congress can do whatever in their discretion can be done by money...the government is no longer a limited one possessing enumerated powers, but an indefinite one.""
This is why they stopped teaching about governmental processes and lulled us into a stupor so they could carry out treason and sedition in the shadows of our ignorance!
TRUTH, JUSTICE, LIBERTY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND TOUGH LOVE! 😱😎😊🤓🎭
In my opinion most of the conservation groups,committee's,review boards ect ect ect are going to be connected to big govt one way or another for control.This is how big govt operates that wants to have mass support, it controls small govt to administer it's agendas which usually leads to bad things 'higher taxes,transparency,employment,safety issues ect ect ectThis type of govt brainwashing leads to decay which everybody can see in big democrat states and is now in our backyard.Clallam county voters better wake up pretty quick before home wreckers make clallam county a totally undesirable place to live & retire to,many have already moved out of state which will continue.
Not one, not a single elected official stood up for the manner of this gathering. They really do hate us & they really don’t give a crap about us or businesses. It’s all about them & they are telling & showing us so. Talk is cheap, actions speak volumns!
A Gala party usually has alcohol. Had any of you been there, you would have heard a lengthy list of real achievements by EDC. They are part of the reason Sequim High School will get a CTE center to help train our homegrown service people, such as firemen, plumbers, electricians, auto mechanics, food service workers, and health care workers.
Since its inception, in 1981, has the Economic Development Committee succeeded in improving the economy of Clallam County? By their own statements, it doesn’t appear that way. Wages have dropped, “affordable” housing is scarce, businesses have left, etc. the only things going up are taxes and levels of bureaucracy. Olympia doesn’t help by forcing restrictions that hinder economic development, like mandating electric vehicle charging stations in subsidized housing, among many other costs. Businesses considering this area have to deal with infrastructure requirements that don’t exist, like fire suppression water, sewer needs, and transportation impediments. Let us install more roundabouts to improve travel times for the transport of raw materials and finished products. Let us hire another consultant or add another board member to help us decide what to do next to improve our economy. Then, to add insult to injury, have the organization that is doing such an applaudable job hold a gala to celebrate their accomplishments, just over the rainbow, at a sovereign nation’s casino, the loveliest place around. Come on man!
Scorecard indicates failure...
How about that big empty block of land in downtown Port Angeles that is supposed to be the site of a Elwha tribe-built hotel? It’s been more than FIVE YEARS since operating businesses were demolished and still nothing. And I remember a PDN article heralding the coming of a Popeye’s chicken restaurant, too. Instead, PA celebrates the coming of a couple of food trucks. And let’s talk about what the EDC has lined up for the mostly empty shopping plaza on Front St. Woohoo!
I used to make Friday night plans to go to Pismo Beach with my old drinking buddies. At least we made it to Eugene one time.
Santa Maria tri tip. YUM
Again, the real message is hidden beneath the bumper sticker slogans. Minimum wage slaves catering to out of County high rollers. The wealth gap is enormous in this County. It breeds anger and results in the very people who have caused this tragedy to rule in the names of the needy. The angry pitchfork and torch crowd follows the lead of these sharks over the cliff to an even worse life only to be told, it's Trump... No, in Clallam County it is not Trump. It's the very greedy Kommissars you elected and the NGOs that cater to their vision of a future infused with minimum wage slaves. Wake up!
Have you noticed Progressives celebrate THEMSELVES when they have nothing to celebrate other than themselves...
Gala... Cost to attend? Invitation only? $85 to $2500 for tickets. What an honor to sit right by the stage no? :)
Public records request should suss that out...
MK, would this be a public records request of JKT?.....if so, no way. Who would carry the records of anything that went on in the casino? I have no idea who to ask or where to go.
It might have to be pieced together. Maybe a call to the ECD would clarify how the event went down? Alternatively, attendees who are public figures and attended would likely have email communications about being invited to the event as well.
A riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma : ) I think I would rather go to the dentist and have a tooth pulled. LOL
Jennifer, you decide and we will adjust the chair! 😂
It's not for everyone, but for the inquisitive types there's a challenge.
They sound more and more like a the Clallam County Mafia. Gambling, drugs, construction, trucking, Whats next? Prostitution? Only with their sovereign country status. Even the untouchables couldnt touch them.
Maybe "Mafia" rule was better. ?
Apparently our powers that be think so.
Well all those things sound great, if only a collectible tax paid to city and county is included. Also, a medical facility will be required for the treatment of gambling, drugs, prostitution and trucking, which is a hard nut to crack. It would need to be a residential treatment complex. The “clients” would include both the service provider (sex worker) and their customers. I would like to be on the planning board, after all I worked at Seattle-King County Public Health.
After looking at the list, of involved people complete with picture and current job, all I could think was, why are there so many participants? More is not merrier, it causes too much time wasting minutiae, and lack of concise conclusions. When you spend time discussing when, where and agenda of next meeting it erodes value of business at hand.
Most of us that have held a job know what I’m saying, don’t you just want to cringe?
Convert your annoyance into action.
It's how the activists work and we see the negative results of that every day.
How to make a public records request.
The CCWD has plenty of readers who are capable of submitting public records requests. The more people asking what's going on the better informed we are than relying on one person to bring the information to the citizens of Clallam County.
Two excellent videos:
https://youtu.be/mufJ4APxSYs?si=NM0-nibjFp0mnXmR
https://youtu.be/ibHoH4xq0Fg?si=APbVqvvTXVT14c9N
Public Records Act 42.56.030 The people of this state do not yield their sovereignty to the agencies that serve them. The people, in delegating authority, do not give their public servants the right to decide what is good for the people to know and what is not good for them to know. The people insist on remaining informed so that they may maintain control over the instruments that they have created. This chapter shall be liberally construed and its exemptions narrowly construed to promote this public policy and to assure that the public interest will be fully protected. In the event of conflict between the provisions of this chapter and any other act, the provisions of this chapter shall govern.
MK thank you for the YouTube link! There were many helpful tips, but there were two that caught my interest (1) Texting on private cell phones are public record when the phone is used for government business (2) Concealing records is subject to litigation in which they have to pay your attorney fees, if needed, to obtain those records.
As always, good info. I knew about the 1st one bc of Hilary Clinton/Benghazi problem but not item two.
Thank you.
Thank you.
McAleer tried selling off the John Wayne Marina to developers about 7 or 8 or so years ago and I have no doubt that is still on the back burner to go along with the uber-development planned for the uplands around the Marina...whoever rebuilds the marina...it will be unaffordable for all but the wealthy...welcome to Little California!
She is a realtor/developer first, even though she is not currently licensed.
We can't trust this group any more than the CCC...narcissistic, entitled infiltrators and saboteurs.
They have their and their cliques best interests in mind and heart.
I think part of their plan is to let us get into a financial position (we are) so that the county /state will have to liquidate public assets to offset debt. Things like the marina, maybe some parks, etc. It's been done elsewhere. Privatization of public assets. Public/private partnerships are a key arrangement of fascism. The kind of relationship the county has with 'the tribe'.
Not a pretty picture...except for the 'ruling' class and their elite friends. History repeats.
Oh, they want the development alright but they have no way to achieve it yet.
At the very least they will have to offer sweet tax-free deals to businesses to entice them.
All talk and no show! Seem familiar?
And with one road in and out the densification is going to be horrific gridlocking if/when they achieve it.
CC as many of us have known it was done when the mills shut down and they started shipping most of the wood overseas and the fishery collapsed in the 70's. The 'free' global market decided the fate of CC along with socialist political infiltrators...and here we are.
TRUTH, JUSTICE, LIBERTY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND TOUGH LOVE!😎
Another opportunity for public records requests. 👍
Still waiting for actual jobs to come out of the Recompete grant people, although I’m betting you have to be friends with the right people or a member of the right tribe — in keeping with the finest traditions of Clallam County.
https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/1763/Recompete---NOPRC
The citizens make fine prostitutes.
Bla, bla, bla...Ugh! Why was the EDC Gala held at the casino? No homeless blocking the entrance. No drug addicts begging patrons for money. No constituents allowed to protest outside the event. No mentally insane shouting obscenities in your face, threatening you. No disgusting trash piles emitting an ungodly smell to ruin your appetite. Any other venue means the bureaucratic elites have to face the consequences of their policies.
Denise, the Gala should have been preceded with a bus tour...the same tour one of our members so graciously wrote about (and most popular) showcasing the reality of Clallam County.
Gala Gallows Tour Free...ride along and experience, from a safe distance, a public viewing of the hanging burdens experienced by the real people of Clallam County. Paid for by Harm Reduction. Not recommended by JST.
Because one year it is in PA and one year in Sequim, and the Casino is the only place large enough to host it—simple fact.
Hold it at Guy Cole convention center, have it catered by a restaurant that was forced to close during Covid (unlike tribal restaurants), and fill up some hotel rooms in Sequim. Lots of people have lived here long enough to know we got by just fine before the Tribe built things in Blyn.
Jeff, the citizens WERE offered free shots and prizes like a free 6 packs of beer. The Tribes only got mo' money.
A lot of profit jabbing people. Cars were lined up before daybreak, tent swabbing going on….it wasn’t free we are paying for it all.
And the tribe got $80 per 2-dose patient.
Some large events use outdoor tents for receptions, such as weddings and anniversaries. A well catered and spacious venue can be accomplished with the tax paying community in mind.
Denise, great Idea! Local catering, tent supplies, overnight stays would all be taxed and go into the recovering health of CC. Small businesses would profit and so would the citizens. Instead, no one profits, except the tribe, with events held at the casino.
There is such a thing called Events Packages that includes local deals. Anyways, it's an insult to have a Gala concerning rebuilding a community being hosted by the ones who are building a monopoly.
Bull! Grange High school come on man
The grange can not seat 200 people, and you can not serve liquor on school property.
Maybe you need alcohol to wash down the BS?
Eric, hell, 2 glasses of wine and I'd applaud wall to wall carpeting
Does an event need alcohol? Coffee bar, tea bar, spa water, fizzy water, juice bar...
It sure does make it more fun!
Ah, true story!
Do as I say, not as I do……….pretty much sums it up.
It is exceedingly hard to run a small business in WA state.
Taxes have increased astronomically, disproportionate to the rest of the country. The price of supplies have increased 50-100% and in some industries 200-300%. All small businesses are mandated to provide sick care which is well intentioned, but I can tell you is a killer for businesses that must pay high wage employees, that when gone produce nothing for the business. For instance, if you pay an employee $50/hr because they bring in $100/hr into the business, when they're sick It's a double hit as the employee is getting paid and the business is making no money. Same for vacation pay. While it's not mandated by the state, if you don't provide it you will not attract quality employees. You must also provide health insurance and paid holidays if you want to attract and keep quality employees.
There is also a prevailing expectation that everyone should make $100K or close. I have had many marginally qualified people turn down jobs because they didn't think it paid enough, which 5 years ago was a very generous wage.
It's tough as small business owners have watched their personal income decrease every year for the last five years while their employees have had wage increases and government employees complain incessantly about wages.
It's not an accident that the worst states to run a business in are CA, NY, NJ, IL, WA
and the best are WY, TX, FL, ID.
It is VERY hard to run a business in this county. Easier in the county, than in the city. But, I wonder why I recently had a phone call from the county asking how many employees I had. I mean, answer is ZERO, but, still. And, even when I had a business IN city the city limits of Port Angeles, no one ever called me asking about my number of employees, or anything else (like could I afford the "downtown association fees" or if a $15 per employee "parking pass" -- for multiple part-time workers was feasible, and why each worker needed one, and couldn't double up, or if I could afford multiple health-department fees).
The business could have made it -- if only they'd given me ANY notice when they closed the street for construction, or when they decided to tear up a sidewalk (no notice). Or when they raised all the fees -- more than doubled.
I sunk a lot of $$$$ into the business, only to have the excessive, multiple fees ("death-by-a-thousand-papercuts"), raised commercial utility rates. And, then, there was the long drive for all my supplies -- and the Hood Canal started to go up-and-down like a cheap hooker. Gas prices skyrocketed, and ferry fees were raised (ridiculously).
This was over a 2-year period -- everything doubled.
It all conspired towards the demise. Business became an expensive "hobby" and required an influx of $$ every month. Had to close. No more workers.
It was the MOST unfriendly, impossible business experience that I've ever had. And, over that 2 years, the EDC never spoke with me, not even once. NOT ONCE. So much for any support or encouragement. (Of course, back then the Chamber was of no use, and the various associations were silent, too.)
Mimi, these are the real stories people don't hear about. Nobody knows exactly why our local businesses have folded and are still folding. It's just accepted or a passing paragraph in the news. I agree with MK, we need to be told the sad and expensive side of why CC is REALLY failing its citizens so people know how to help and voice objections. Thanks for this eye opener!
I'm sorry, Mimi, for your experience. It seems to be a "theme", unfortunately, for CC.
I am still in business (electrical contracting), but, my personal income has diminished over the last couple of years, while my electricians make more money than I do. Wage increase, benefits increasingly more expensive, and other overhead cost increases have made it more expensive to run a business.
Competition can be good for the consumer, but when it's coming from out-of-town providers, it takes away from the local economy and, if businesses close, the services become limited to the existing residents, including the ones who hired the "outsiders".
Standards set by city or county development departments (including you, EDC) need to be more aggressive about their requirements, demanding that outside developers use local providers. If outside developers plan to purchase land, get permits, subdivide, and build, they should be required to use local providers or they won't get approval. This practice would keep the local economy thriving and these businesses would remain open for ALL consumers to use their services.
Imagine that you would have to call a plumber or an electrician from the Seattle area to exchange an outlet or fix a leak? All because the local contractors couldn't stay open because their main source of income took the money out of town? So, the one who buys the new home or the renovated home now has no local contractor to fix their issues after the "outsider" company took their money and left town.
I'm about 8 years from retirement. I don't plan on sticking around, though I've lived in Sequim for 39 years, now. I have other ventures to try elsewhere.
Let me know if you ever want to do an interview about running a small business in Clallam County. This is very interesting.
I've been in business for over 33 years, this being my 3rd company of 20 years, an electrical contracting company. My husband is a brilliant electrician and Electrical Administrator. It's the reason why we have been able to stay married and run a business together for 20 years. We survived the recession between December 2007 and June 2009, having only just started our current business in 2005. I already knew the "key to survival", then.
This recent growth that we are seeing in the Sequim/Port Angeles area isn't "new", but it is the largest influx that we have yet seen. The difference is: outsourcing. This can crash an economy. It creates less healthcare providers, less professional services, more bad customer service and jobs left over that leave the remaining residents with terrible experiences, workers and customers alike.
You can't have an entire community of retired people.
Who will serve their dinner at the local restaurants? Who will fix their heating systems? Who will maintain or replace their aging back deck? When their breaker is tripping, will they get a service provider who comes from Tacoma? That is already happening with many services. Electric riding lawn-mowers that have to be taken to Tacoma to repair. Or a contractor from Seattle who has to come out to fix their generator because there is only one certified tech in the area to do it who is back-logged and the process of getting certification is challenging for local contractors who would otherwise be capable of doing the repair.
This is just ONE aspect of the entire issue. These are the things that the EDC needs to examine and reform. Looking at companies who provide better wages (I would be one of those, and no one has contacted me) won't fix this overall issue. Soon, those companies will be gone and what will be left over will be the large corporations who hire in retail for an unlivable wage.
Andrea, you've made me aware of things I never knew about the business aspect and hardship experienced in CC. It sounds more like we don't have enough talented young people? Rent and housing problems? We need to house the working people!!!! Thank you for this insight.
Sounds like a CCWD article.
Is the ECD a club with limited membership?
TJ, I hope our local commissioners and any other decision making body in CC reads this. You are the real people. I do try to shop in the small businesses in the area, but now I'm not sure who owns what!
The biggest problem with owning a small business is the complete lack of support.
Tongue in cheek, but maybe you didn't cry right. When my wife went back to school in her 40's everyone else but one peer told her that she could get the schooling paid for because she was a woman, in a female dominated field. She declined, we paid the requisite tuition.
Yeah, I'm not that person. I make a lot of noise, but hope the other guy does the crying. ;-)
That is a valid point. A "local" business could be owned by a conglomerate.
"who is rowing and who is merely riding along" what about the people in the water, clinging to a rope behind the dingy?
This area has been in a slow decline. I see nothing that the EDC can actually say they have 'accomplished' over the years, other than pay a couple of execs some $$$$.
I had a call yesterday, asking how many employees my business had (from the county). Evidently someone is trying to get a head count. I never had any calls from the EDC.
Questions that come to mind - perhaps Ms. Mc Aleer could respond?
1 Was the guy Cole center booked? While is may not have provided the "draw" to get mass attendance that the gambling, beverage and all around celebratory environment of the Casino and hotel accommodations did....and her message was RIGHT ON it seems there was an important disconnect between the EDC's words and ACTION.
Leaders lead by example - disappointing that with all of the EDC's very capable and engaged
local community members they did not consider this before making arrangements for the all important "GALA". Tribal labor practices, salary opportunities of the tribe, income/profit retention opportunities they enjoy are no secret. The effects on other regular local business is a given and also well known - Before booking ANY EDC/govermental function SOMEONE should think about the appearance and needs of those area business that I think pay the EDC's operating expenses.
With the decling businesses coming to our area,, declining salary opportunities etc as stated in McAleer's very honest and appropriate comments, wonder if a more scaled back, old time event would have shown a real desire to 'PIVOT" and focus on the real, known, problems? Just asking if there was a better direction that could have better focused on the issues?
2. DID the Tribe appreciate the business that the EDC generated for them and donate a portion of the profits? The least that they could have done.....I do not really want to hear about all of tribe's past contributions...I asking for specifics of what was discussed and provided for this event.
3. Glad to see ALL THREE local representatives in attendances. A feat that is not always easy to arrange and can only mean they should be readily available to discuss how better to arrange things and what they are jointly planning to do for the area....Legislation session is now over - they and their staff should be able to carve out time for anyone wishing to discuss what many see as an overall and increasing area problem...lack of transparency, decisions and discussion being held behind closed doors, preferential treatment for an organization that should compete on a fairer playing ground. It is not necessarily the Tribe's fault that they are operating as evidently the law allows...and "marketing their operation -it is those that choose how to use their services in and for the benefit of others that need to be reminded to make better decisions.
One might wonder if there are actual ethics violations occurring? - some using the old plan.... to ask for forgiveness of an egregious Unintended? error than to seek permission and full disclosure before hand. Legislative representatives were there - they know or should now the actions behind the scenes - they should want to do the RIGHT THING FOR ALL - Is it time to ask or remind them? Is it time to investigate who might be hiding behind the curtain pulling some silent strings? Wouldn't be the first time probably....
From an article in The Epoch Times by Mark Hendrickson; (parentheses mine):
"Clearly, bureaucracies have usurped the legislative prerogative of Congress in violation of the constitutional separation of powers. This is unconscionable. We are a democratic republic in which the people get to vote for or against the people who write the rules that we must obey. The fact that unelected bureaucrats (and falsely elected bureaucrats), virtually unaccountable to the people, are writing most of the rules (and making most of the 'deals') is a constitutional abomination."
"This evil is compounded by the way bureaucracies assume judicial powers."
"It's too early to predict how much long-term success Team Trump will achieve in extirpating the powers that have been abrogated by the unconstitutional 'fourth branch of government', but I wish them well as they fight this good fight."
..."neither does the constitution authorize federal intervention into everyday economic activities, such as education, agriculture and energy."
"James Jackson, a member of the House of Representatives in the first Congress, said, "We must confine ourselves to the powers described in the Constitution, and the moment we pass it, we take an arbitrary stride towards a despotic government.""
"James Madison, 'one of the architects of the Constitution', warned, "If Congress can do whatever in their discretion can be done by money...the government is no longer a limited one possessing enumerated powers, but an indefinite one.""
This is why they stopped teaching about governmental processes and lulled us into a stupor so they could carry out treason and sedition in the shadows of our ignorance!
TRUTH, JUSTICE, LIBERTY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND TOUGH LOVE! 😱😎😊🤓🎭
In my opinion most of the conservation groups,committee's,review boards ect ect ect are going to be connected to big govt one way or another for control.This is how big govt operates that wants to have mass support, it controls small govt to administer it's agendas which usually leads to bad things 'higher taxes,transparency,employment,safety issues ect ect ectThis type of govt brainwashing leads to decay which everybody can see in big democrat states and is now in our backyard.Clallam county voters better wake up pretty quick before home wreckers make clallam county a totally undesirable place to live & retire to,many have already moved out of state which will continue.
Not one, not a single elected official stood up for the manner of this gathering. They really do hate us & they really don’t give a crap about us or businesses. It’s all about them & they are telling & showing us so. Talk is cheap, actions speak volumns!
A Gala party usually has alcohol. Had any of you been there, you would have heard a lengthy list of real achievements by EDC. They are part of the reason Sequim High School will get a CTE center to help train our homegrown service people, such as firemen, plumbers, electricians, auto mechanics, food service workers, and health care workers.
I'm glad that the EDC has accomplished this. How does that segue into the deafness surrounding the event?