Why is this specific proverb based on today’s article?
When citizens must routinely supply the labor, money, and attention needed to secure basic public outcomes, good governance requires government to ask not whether the community is generous, but why the system is so dependent on rescue.
The article describes a pattern, not just isolated frustrations: residents organizing around land-use decisions, volunteers cleaning public spaces, private fundraising for civic amenities, and skepticism about whether constituent communication is being meaningfully received. From a good-governance lens, the issue is not that volunteerism is bad. Volunteerism is healthy. The problem arises when volunteer labor starts functioning as a quiet replacement for public capacity, public prioritization, or public accountability.
Washington law and guidance point to three core expectations:
*First, the county government is supposed to make policy openly, hear residents, and conduct the people’s business transparently. The OPMA states that agencies exist to aid in the conduct of the people’s business and that the public must remain informed and able to inform public servants of their views (RCW 42.30.010; MRSC, 2024). The PRA similarly rejects the idea that public servants get to decide what the people should know (RCW 42.56.030; MRSC, 2025). That means constituent access and visible responsiveness are not extras; they are structural duties.
*Second, commissioners are not merely symbolic leaders. They are responsible for listening to residents, setting goals, making policy through the budget, and carrying out legislative duties tied to county services and priorities (MRSC, 2025). When recurring public needs are being met by ad hoc donations, volunteer cleanups, or private fundraising, that is a budgeting and priority-setting signal. It may indicate a mismatch between community need and government resource allocation, not simply an inspiring story of civic spirit.
*Third, on land-use and planning matters, Washington’s Growth Management framework expects early and continuous public participation, broad dissemination of proposals, public meetings after effective notice, and consideration of and response to public comment (RCW 36.70A.140; Commerce, 2025). That makes the reported movement toward a Western Region planning meeting important because it reflects a basic governance principle: people affected by land-use decisions should have a meaningful chance to participate before confidence collapses. Clallam County’s March 18, 2026, Planning Commission agenda also reflects ongoing discussion of a Western Clallam County meeting related to the comprehensive plan process.
Hats off to you, Jeff! Without this forum many or most of us would not know that we share many of the same concerns and had no idea how to address them or what to do. I have learned so much from your daily posts, connected with others and we move forward with questions and attempt to hold those responsible for decision making in this county accountable. This forum has prompted me from just a reader to a more active member of this county! We have much to do, and more and more people are reading CCWD! Thank you Jeff!!
TO CLALLAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS: A learning process refers to the structured sequence through which individuals acquire, process, apply, and reflect on new knowledge, skills, or values. It’s much more than the passive absorption of information — it involves ACTIVE PARTICIPATION, REASONING, and TRANSFORMATION OF PRIOR UNDERSTANDING.
Please read the County Commissioner Guide, it will help you reconnect with your constituents.
Being an effective leader is not something that simply happens the moment you’re elected to office – you have to learn and hone leadership skills. As a county commissioner, you’ll need to listen to the residents of the county, develop goals, and work effectively with the board of county commissioners to achieve these goals. We hope this publication will serve as both a basic primer on the role and duties of a county commissioner and a resource with answers to some common questions. You should use this publication to learn how to find information, assistance, and advice. While this text doesn’t contain everything you’ll need to know, it will guide you to the relevant statutes, resources, and people who can best answer your questions. There are a lot of people counting on you in your role as county commissioner. They want you to succeed, and so do we. Good luck!
Heather Cantua is one of the West End's newest super heroes. She is protecting our blind side and we appreciate all of her research and reporting. Who knew someone wanted to put mirrored cabins in a wooded area? Defies the whole premise of coming here. The West End is becoming more engaged and it is encouraging. I love your Tuesday morning comments, Heather! Cathy Walde, Ed Bowen, Dr. Sarah, Jake Seegers, Heather C., all of the "No to the RVO(rdinance)" individuals. Wow! What team!
Thank you Denise! Really appreciate the words of encouragement. I was listening to CCWD podcast on my drive into the Planning Commissioner's meeting and he started the episode with a little pep talk to me, and it was exactly what I needed to hear at the perfect moment! Getting engaged is confusing and exhausting, but made better when I know others are trying too!
How the charge of Government morphed from infrastrastructure, safety and economic opportunity to social engineering is a wonder. Naively or not, I pay taxes so Government can build and maintain roads. I do not pay taxes to insure and monitor that some made up participation percentage in that road construction of a favored gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation is met. Merit is bias blind and it favors the most competent person available for a task. Do you want the best available pilot flying you to Hawaii or do you want a dark skin toned transgender with a Government favored ethnicity ? If there is a place for these equal everything for everybody efforts, it is not Government. There already exists plenty of gray in Government scope, like should Government build and maintain recreational facilities, without officing, staffing, monitoring and managing social engineering efforts. Back to basics.
If RR is giving the county the "what-for" you know it's pretty bad. I'm surprised that Tony Corrado and the rest of the merry band of water controllers aren't already off their seats.
FEMA may fund the project if a true flood prevention angle is met. My project does that. The problem has always been that they don't really want flood prevention. They were misusing FEMA from the start.
Clallam Commie County is like a pan handler holding a sign that reads : I will work for NGO Grants : after their grift shifts,they load up the sticky wrinkled cash in a Mercedes and drive away !
Whose great idea was it to establish a government in Clallam County? We would clearly be better off without the miscreants in charge. Our taxes would go way down, volunteers to stepped up to do the necessary jobs would have their communities' interests at heart, and the Tribes could become Americans or go to hell.
Unrelated to today’s article. Cindy Kelly, the name rings a bell.PUD, residence, additional pay for husband which may not have been warranted. Could anyone refresh my memory?
Your poor dad, Jeff. He is a sweet, quiet man and to so rudely be accosted by Cindy Kelly is stunning. But it is the left's tactical form of bullying. She wanted to get to you by intimidating Dad, your family. I'm impressed with Dad's and your courage to stand up for yourselves, stay focused, and complete the mission: Exposing and Informing CC residents about the bad policies of our local and state leadership.
An Ethics Initiative—and a Curious Choice of Opposition
The Charter Review Commission has voted to send an initiative to the November 2026 ballot that would allow voters to decide whether elected county officials should be held to an enforceable code of ethics.
This week, county commissioners approved Cindy Kelly to chair the “Against” committee writing the voter pamphlet argument opposing that initiative.
Doherty got rid of the ethics codes because he knew they were going to convert to a tribal lead form of government. The record shows authority was given to the JKT ,LEKT and Makah tribes in 2010.
Desperation is setting in…..can’t lose control…..gotta have irresponsibility, no teeth behind bad decisions, free rein without any consequences…..I think the tax paying citizens have had enough of that picture!
A Fraud Investigation Report issued in early November by the Washington State Auditor’s Office (SAO) says a former Public Utility District No. 1 of Clallam County (PUD) employee "was paid $24,726 for which he was not eligible." The employee, Timm Kelly, is the husband of Cindy Kelly, who was recently defeated in her bid for a seat on the PUD board.
Hugh deal when fired and then lose an appeal for wrongful termination! No unemployment, no retirement benefits, no benefits for all the years of employment and must declare past termination for possible future employment opportunities. Companies do not want to hire previous terminated candidates. It’s a hugh deal because when terminated it’s difficult to pay bills & support one’s self somehow moving forward.
Also trying to connect this dot….Interested to know how Jeff’s dad was accosted by Cindy Kelly. Accosted, bullying & intimidating can be interpreted many ways and what one persons meaning of “clean” is can be much different to another person, so details matter. Any further information would be helpful.
4RD, I do not know all the details. However, I did read the article on the hearing. When the employees expressed their concerns they were validated, and actions were taken. Maybe if this was more prevalent in our state and local governments we would be in a much better position. As opposed to one or two Boeing employees who supposedly committed suicide on their way to Federal hearings.
I mentioned it in the podcast. Dad used to go to BOCC meetings and work sessions with me. He never spoke; he just sat there observing it all. Cindy Kelly is there occationally and the first words she ever said to my dad were, "Why do you hate the Tribes so much?" He said, "I don't." The next 45 minutes were Cindy Kelly talking at him while he stayed silent (not a two-way dialogue). To me, it seemed that public commenters asking legitimate questions about equality and balance were interpreted as tribal hatred. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Jeff, thank you for that explanation. I don't listen to the podcast because I'm not equip too. I do read the occasional transcripts. I'm glad you explained this. Cindy Kelly has a history I wouldn't be proud of if I were her. She's living in a glass house.
The staff recommended that they not be mirrored cabins. The Hearings Examiner said mirrored cabins may have an impact on the wildlife, and so they would need to get a habitat biologist report on the issue before being able to use mirrored cabins.
I haven’t heard anything about the result of the commissioners intention to restrict homeowners ability to rent rooms in their homes or RVs out to people in need. Please comment on any status updates to their intentions back at the end of 2025.
I think it all got put on hold and sent back to the Planning Commission with a clear message from the public that the direction they were going was not favorable.
That's a good point on the RV ordinance. I just went back and looked through meeting minutes and I don't see any agenda items or minutes where the commissioners discussed it further. So I don't know what the next steps are. For interested parties, I highly recommend emailing Bruce and asking.
Judy's Larson story is that she showed up and gave public comment at a Sequim town hall in July 2025. She specifically asked if comments needed to be made in writing too, and was assured no, they were taking notes. Then she never got a response and can no longer find evidence of her concerns being document and addressed. She brought this up to Bruce in January 2026, and asked again on Wednesday for where she can find the response to her July 2025 questions.
At Wednesday's meeting, I repeated my overall concerns about the county's failure to obtain public comment. In particular, the county was relying heavily on email notifications, which weren't being sent. The county's back up public notice was the website, which continues to be three months out of date and indicate that public hearing was over in December: https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/1842/Comprehensive-Plan-Update
They keep extending public hearing, this week they extended it to through April 15th. But the only proactive communication of that has been through an email sent out by Bruce Emery this week. Otherwise you'd have to read the minutes to know.
The Commissioners seemed a bit divided on this use. The Chairman believed that the County has been doing extensive public outreach, but it's just that I'm not aware of everything that's happened. A Commissioner said he think's obvious that the process has not adequately solicited public feedback, that the County has an obligation to meet people where they are, and they have failed to do that.
In response to all this, Bruce said that on the April 1 Planning Commission meeting, he is going to present a timeline of all of the public input they have received, and their proactive outreach efforts that he believes satisfies GMA requirements.
I plan to submit my own public comment before that meeting that outlines the public input process from my perspective. I'd highly encourage anyone else who has been trying to engage in this process over the past year submit their own stories.
One more note: if you want to get anything in the Commissioner's packets for the Wednesday April 1 meeting, you need to get comments in by THIS Tuesday, March 24. My experience is that the Commissioners really focus on what makes it into their packet. It appears they receive email notifications of public comment submitted later, but they typically don’t address it until it makes it into the packet.
I learned that the hard way, trying to submit something on a Wednesday the week before the meeting, and I was already too late, and it got bumped to the next meeting.
TLDR: If you want the Commissioners speak to the status of the RV ordinance changes on April 1, I suggest writing to Bruce by EOD this Tuesday.
About reservoirs and droughts: My understanding is that PA has a big water line going from the wells near the Elwha to the McKinley paper plant but that's closed. What if they just connect that water line into the PA supply?
I was in Scotland last year and walking Edinburgh and Glasgow, I stumbled across some areas I quickly retreated from. People rolling on sidewalks and the walking dead. Harm reduction plus is big time there. The laws so very lax regarding drug use and seemed in some places just acceptable. A shame as much of those cities are beautiful and historic. Yep, definitely hoping Berry doesn't visit....
CAS, the visitors and people living here do the same. No need to spend the money going abroad, just visit beautiful downtown PA ; )
Actually, I would look forward to being a ROLE model as the first county who took control and cleaned up this mess. It is a reality and is doable. TAKE BACK CLALLAM COUNTY
In the harm reduction center presentation one of the photos appears to be a decorated plastic greenhouse set up with chairs on site. Wouldn't be at all surprised if the HRHC has been allowing onsite use
Here's an idea...how about tax credits for those that volunteer to clean up what the cities and county "should" be taking care of? If we got a 10% credit on our tax bills because we contribute 20 hours per month to 4PA or other great organizations within the county, that would incentivise the county to do one of two things...they'd either take care of business or take us up on the offer....
Good Governance Daily Proverb:
Volunteerism strengthens a community; it should not have to substitute for a government doing the basics well.
Why is this specific proverb based on today’s article?
When citizens must routinely supply the labor, money, and attention needed to secure basic public outcomes, good governance requires government to ask not whether the community is generous, but why the system is so dependent on rescue.
The article describes a pattern, not just isolated frustrations: residents organizing around land-use decisions, volunteers cleaning public spaces, private fundraising for civic amenities, and skepticism about whether constituent communication is being meaningfully received. From a good-governance lens, the issue is not that volunteerism is bad. Volunteerism is healthy. The problem arises when volunteer labor starts functioning as a quiet replacement for public capacity, public prioritization, or public accountability.
Washington law and guidance point to three core expectations:
*First, the county government is supposed to make policy openly, hear residents, and conduct the people’s business transparently. The OPMA states that agencies exist to aid in the conduct of the people’s business and that the public must remain informed and able to inform public servants of their views (RCW 42.30.010; MRSC, 2024). The PRA similarly rejects the idea that public servants get to decide what the people should know (RCW 42.56.030; MRSC, 2025). That means constituent access and visible responsiveness are not extras; they are structural duties.
*Second, commissioners are not merely symbolic leaders. They are responsible for listening to residents, setting goals, making policy through the budget, and carrying out legislative duties tied to county services and priorities (MRSC, 2025). When recurring public needs are being met by ad hoc donations, volunteer cleanups, or private fundraising, that is a budgeting and priority-setting signal. It may indicate a mismatch between community need and government resource allocation, not simply an inspiring story of civic spirit.
*Third, on land-use and planning matters, Washington’s Growth Management framework expects early and continuous public participation, broad dissemination of proposals, public meetings after effective notice, and consideration of and response to public comment (RCW 36.70A.140; Commerce, 2025). That makes the reported movement toward a Western Region planning meeting important because it reflects a basic governance principle: people affected by land-use decisions should have a meaningful chance to participate before confidence collapses. Clallam County’s March 18, 2026, Planning Commission agenda also reflects ongoing discussion of a Western Clallam County meeting related to the comprehensive plan process.
References
Clallam County. (2026, March 18). Planning Commission regular meeting agenda. https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03182026-1895
Municipal Research and Services Center. (n.d.). https://mrsc.org/publications
Municipal Research and Services Center. (2024). The Open Public Meetings Act: How it applies to Washington cities, counties, and special purpose districts. https://sao.wa.gov/resource-library/Open-Public-Meetings
Municipal Research and Services Center. (2024). Revenue guide for Washington counties. https://mrsc.org/getmedia/4865001b-1f63-410a-a5ed-8d1ad8d752f3/Revenue-Guide-For-Washington-Counties.pdf?ext=.pdf
Municipal Research and Services Center. (2025). County commissioner guide. https://mrsc.org/getmedia/6134275f-ca98-45b2-8c4c-aa49515363ab/County-Commissioner-Guide.pdf?ext=.pdf
Municipal Research and Services Center. (2025). Public Records Act for Washington cities, counties, and special purpose districts. https://mrsc.org/getmedia/796a2402-9ad4-4bde-a221-0d6814ef6edc/Public-Records-Act.pdf?ext=.pdf
Washington State Department of Commerce. (2025). Urban growth areas guidebook (Draft). https://www.commerce.wa.gov/draft-urban-growth-area-guidebook-available-for-review-and-comment/
Washington State Legislature. (n.d.). RCW 36.70A.140: Comprehensive plans—Ensure public participation. https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=36.70A.140&utm_source=chatgpt.com
Hats off to you, Jeff! Without this forum many or most of us would not know that we share many of the same concerns and had no idea how to address them or what to do. I have learned so much from your daily posts, connected with others and we move forward with questions and attempt to hold those responsible for decision making in this county accountable. This forum has prompted me from just a reader to a more active member of this county! We have much to do, and more and more people are reading CCWD! Thank you Jeff!!
We've really created something special.
💯
Whoo hoo!!
TO CLALLAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS: A learning process refers to the structured sequence through which individuals acquire, process, apply, and reflect on new knowledge, skills, or values. It’s much more than the passive absorption of information — it involves ACTIVE PARTICIPATION, REASONING, and TRANSFORMATION OF PRIOR UNDERSTANDING.
Please read the County Commissioner Guide, it will help you reconnect with your constituents.
https://mrsc.org/getmedia/6134275f-ca98-45b2-8c4c-aa49515363ab/County-Commissioner-Guide.pdf?ext=.pdf
County Commissioner Guide
Introduction
Being an effective leader is not something that simply happens the moment you’re elected to office – you have to learn and hone leadership skills. As a county commissioner, you’ll need to listen to the residents of the county, develop goals, and work effectively with the board of county commissioners to achieve these goals. We hope this publication will serve as both a basic primer on the role and duties of a county commissioner and a resource with answers to some common questions. You should use this publication to learn how to find information, assistance, and advice. While this text doesn’t contain everything you’ll need to know, it will guide you to the relevant statutes, resources, and people who can best answer your questions. There are a lot of people counting on you in your role as county commissioner. They want you to succeed, and so do we. Good luck!
Heather Cantua is one of the West End's newest super heroes. She is protecting our blind side and we appreciate all of her research and reporting. Who knew someone wanted to put mirrored cabins in a wooded area? Defies the whole premise of coming here. The West End is becoming more engaged and it is encouraging. I love your Tuesday morning comments, Heather! Cathy Walde, Ed Bowen, Dr. Sarah, Jake Seegers, Heather C., all of the "No to the RVO(rdinance)" individuals. Wow! What team!
Thank you Denise! Really appreciate the words of encouragement. I was listening to CCWD podcast on my drive into the Planning Commissioner's meeting and he started the episode with a little pep talk to me, and it was exactly what I needed to hear at the perfect moment! Getting engaged is confusing and exhausting, but made better when I know others are trying too!
Heather, there is always an upside knowing all of us are trying in any way we can!
How the charge of Government morphed from infrastrastructure, safety and economic opportunity to social engineering is a wonder. Naively or not, I pay taxes so Government can build and maintain roads. I do not pay taxes to insure and monitor that some made up participation percentage in that road construction of a favored gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation is met. Merit is bias blind and it favors the most competent person available for a task. Do you want the best available pilot flying you to Hawaii or do you want a dark skin toned transgender with a Government favored ethnicity ? If there is a place for these equal everything for everybody efforts, it is not Government. There already exists plenty of gray in Government scope, like should Government build and maintain recreational facilities, without officing, staffing, monitoring and managing social engineering efforts. Back to basics.
If RR is giving the county the "what-for" you know it's pretty bad. I'm surprised that Tony Corrado and the rest of the merry band of water controllers aren't already off their seats.
I wish they would have taken my Jimmycomelately science arguments more seriously. Its not too late to fix the problem.
A thought. Maybe it needs to be packaged differently and sold elsewhere where that influence trickles down locally?
FEMA may fund the project if a true flood prevention angle is met. My project does that. The problem has always been that they don't really want flood prevention. They were misusing FEMA from the start.
This sol duc project would have been approved in a new york second if it was a certain tribal project.
And fully funded!
The Tribes never have to ask permission to build, do they?
Usually they just fill out the permit and wha lah approved.
Clallam Commie County is like a pan handler holding a sign that reads : I will work for NGO Grants : after their grift shifts,they load up the sticky wrinkled cash in a Mercedes and drive away !
Etc.Etc……
Whose great idea was it to establish a government in Clallam County? We would clearly be better off without the miscreants in charge. Our taxes would go way down, volunteers to stepped up to do the necessary jobs would have their communities' interests at heart, and the Tribes could become Americans or go to hell.
yeah but our city leaders aren't great, either. And if the state took over - eh, might as well let the tribe take over LOL!
Unrelated to today’s article. Cindy Kelly, the name rings a bell.PUD, residence, additional pay for husband which may not have been warranted. Could anyone refresh my memory?
Cindy will also be writing the "against" statement for an enforceable code of ethics that will be voted on county-wide this November. That, and the PUD scandal, are covered in the second story: https://www.ccwatchdog.com/p/the-cost-of-good-intentions?utm_source=publication-search
Your poor dad, Jeff. He is a sweet, quiet man and to so rudely be accosted by Cindy Kelly is stunning. But it is the left's tactical form of bullying. She wanted to get to you by intimidating Dad, your family. I'm impressed with Dad's and your courage to stand up for yourselves, stay focused, and complete the mission: Exposing and Informing CC residents about the bad policies of our local and state leadership.
Jeff Tozzer
Dec 31, 2025
An Ethics Initiative—and a Curious Choice of Opposition
The Charter Review Commission has voted to send an initiative to the November 2026 ballot that would allow voters to decide whether elected county officials should be held to an enforceable code of ethics.
This week, county commissioners approved Cindy Kelly to chair the “Against” committee writing the voter pamphlet argument opposing that initiative.
Now why would anyone not want an enforceable code of ethics? Hum? Gasp, hiss, and zing says me.
At times old readers need to be reminded, and new readers need to be informed.
JJW, this is me ; )
Doctor: Your brain fell out after your accident, but we managed to put it back in
Me: Thanks for reminding me
Imagine being tasked with arguing against it.
It will be comical to read but not unexpected.
Me too!
Doherty got rid of the ethics codes because he knew they were going to convert to a tribal lead form of government. The record shows authority was given to the JKT ,LEKT and Makah tribes in 2010.
Refernces
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2010-03-12/pdf/2010-5479.pdf
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/07/21/2025-13683/magnuson-stevens-act-provisions-fisheries-off-west-coast-states-pacific-coast-groundfish-fishery
Desperation is setting in…..can’t lose control…..gotta have irresponsibility, no teeth behind bad decisions, free rein without any consequences…..I think the tax paying citizens have had enough of that picture!
A Fraud Investigation Report issued in early November by the Washington State Auditor’s Office (SAO) says a former Public Utility District No. 1 of Clallam County (PUD) employee "was paid $24,726 for which he was not eligible." The employee, Timm Kelly, is the husband of Cindy Kelly, who was recently defeated in her bid for a seat on the PUD board.
Read more at: https://www.sequimgazette.com/2014/03/20/state-auditor-confirms-overpayment-in-pud-case/
Trying to connect the dots in today’s article.
Hugh deal when fired and then lose an appeal for wrongful termination! No unemployment, no retirement benefits, no benefits for all the years of employment and must declare past termination for possible future employment opportunities. Companies do not want to hire previous terminated candidates. It’s a hugh deal because when terminated it’s difficult to pay bills & support one’s self somehow moving forward.
Also trying to connect this dot….Interested to know how Jeff’s dad was accosted by Cindy Kelly. Accosted, bullying & intimidating can be interpreted many ways and what one persons meaning of “clean” is can be much different to another person, so details matter. Any further information would be helpful.
4RD, I do not know all the details. However, I did read the article on the hearing. When the employees expressed their concerns they were validated, and actions were taken. Maybe if this was more prevalent in our state and local governments we would be in a much better position. As opposed to one or two Boeing employees who supposedly committed suicide on their way to Federal hearings.
4rd, I must have missed Jeff's dad being accosted. How did that happen? Where can I read that?
I mentioned it in the podcast. Dad used to go to BOCC meetings and work sessions with me. He never spoke; he just sat there observing it all. Cindy Kelly is there occationally and the first words she ever said to my dad were, "Why do you hate the Tribes so much?" He said, "I don't." The next 45 minutes were Cindy Kelly talking at him while he stayed silent (not a two-way dialogue). To me, it seemed that public commenters asking legitimate questions about equality and balance were interpreted as tribal hatred. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Jeff, thank you for that explanation. I don't listen to the podcast because I'm not equip too. I do read the occasional transcripts. I'm glad you explained this. Cindy Kelly has a history I wouldn't be proud of if I were her. She's living in a glass house.
Back to the mirrored cabins. Did staff recommend they not be mirrored and did the examiner make that part of the restrictions?
Only the Trendy Stupid generation would think mirrored cabins would function and succeed...
The staff recommended that they not be mirrored cabins. The Hearings Examiner said mirrored cabins may have an impact on the wildlife, and so they would need to get a habitat biologist report on the issue before being able to use mirrored cabins.
I haven’t heard anything about the result of the commissioners intention to restrict homeowners ability to rent rooms in their homes or RVs out to people in need. Please comment on any status updates to their intentions back at the end of 2025.
I think it all got put on hold and sent back to the Planning Commission with a clear message from the public that the direction they were going was not favorable.
They have to follow the ball. Emery and the planning commission was taking comments.
That's a good point on the RV ordinance. I just went back and looked through meeting minutes and I don't see any agenda items or minutes where the commissioners discussed it further. So I don't know what the next steps are. For interested parties, I highly recommend emailing Bruce and asking.
Judy's Larson story is that she showed up and gave public comment at a Sequim town hall in July 2025. She specifically asked if comments needed to be made in writing too, and was assured no, they were taking notes. Then she never got a response and can no longer find evidence of her concerns being document and addressed. She brought this up to Bruce in January 2026, and asked again on Wednesday for where she can find the response to her July 2025 questions.
At Wednesday's meeting, I repeated my overall concerns about the county's failure to obtain public comment. In particular, the county was relying heavily on email notifications, which weren't being sent. The county's back up public notice was the website, which continues to be three months out of date and indicate that public hearing was over in December: https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/1842/Comprehensive-Plan-Update
They keep extending public hearing, this week they extended it to through April 15th. But the only proactive communication of that has been through an email sent out by Bruce Emery this week. Otherwise you'd have to read the minutes to know.
The Commissioners seemed a bit divided on this use. The Chairman believed that the County has been doing extensive public outreach, but it's just that I'm not aware of everything that's happened. A Commissioner said he think's obvious that the process has not adequately solicited public feedback, that the County has an obligation to meet people where they are, and they have failed to do that.
In response to all this, Bruce said that on the April 1 Planning Commission meeting, he is going to present a timeline of all of the public input they have received, and their proactive outreach efforts that he believes satisfies GMA requirements.
I plan to submit my own public comment before that meeting that outlines the public input process from my perspective. I'd highly encourage anyone else who has been trying to engage in this process over the past year submit their own stories.
One more note: if you want to get anything in the Commissioner's packets for the Wednesday April 1 meeting, you need to get comments in by THIS Tuesday, March 24. My experience is that the Commissioners really focus on what makes it into their packet. It appears they receive email notifications of public comment submitted later, but they typically don’t address it until it makes it into the packet.
I learned that the hard way, trying to submit something on a Wednesday the week before the meeting, and I was already too late, and it got bumped to the next meeting.
TLDR: If you want the Commissioners speak to the status of the RV ordinance changes on April 1, I suggest writing to Bruce by EOD this Tuesday.
Heather Good info to know, thank you.
About reservoirs and droughts: My understanding is that PA has a big water line going from the wells near the Elwha to the McKinley paper plant but that's closed. What if they just connect that water line into the PA supply?
Glasgow, Scotland has “drug consumption rooms”? Shhh, nobody give Alison Berry any new dumb ideas. https://www.conservativewoman.co.uk/the-corpses-are-piling-up-around-glasgows-safer-drug-consumption-room/
I was in Scotland last year and walking Edinburgh and Glasgow, I stumbled across some areas I quickly retreated from. People rolling on sidewalks and the walking dead. Harm reduction plus is big time there. The laws so very lax regarding drug use and seemed in some places just acceptable. A shame as much of those cities are beautiful and historic. Yep, definitely hoping Berry doesn't visit....
CAS, the visitors and people living here do the same. No need to spend the money going abroad, just visit beautiful downtown PA ; )
Actually, I would look forward to being a ROLE model as the first county who took control and cleaned up this mess. It is a reality and is doable. TAKE BACK CLALLAM COUNTY
Agreed, and fortunately I was able to get out and do some day hikes in the Highlands!
In the harm reduction center presentation one of the photos appears to be a decorated plastic greenhouse set up with chairs on site. Wouldn't be at all surprised if the HRHC has been allowing onsite use
Here's an idea...how about tax credits for those that volunteer to clean up what the cities and county "should" be taking care of? If we got a 10% credit on our tax bills because we contribute 20 hours per month to 4PA or other great organizations within the county, that would incentivise the county to do one of two things...they'd either take care of business or take us up on the offer....