Jeff, you are not crazy. That is my white truck. I drew the CC watchdog logo on with a window marker. I'm a proud CC watchdog citizen and I want everyone to know it. I will be putting the logo on all of my vehicles, including my baby blue Barracuda!
Christine!!!!! You are my hero. Did you also drop off cookies for the petition signers? I'm so impressed... your artwork is SPOT ON! Wow, way to go, and thanks for letting me know I'm not (that) crazy.
Mr. Van de Wege’s statement is cold and cruel. There is a huge deference between a Senior Citizens or Disabled Person’s exemption needs, compared to Tribal Land Property Tax Exemptions needs.
The senior citizens who qualify have a low income and/or disabilities certainly should be helped. THESE ARE THE ONES WHO TRULY SHOULD HAVE SOME RELIEF. They still have to pay water, gas, electricity, food, and health care.
JST does not have a need, it is greed. They generally have access for funding for water, gas, electricity, food, and health care (plus much more ie car buying). Seems former state senator and representative does not recognize this group, he’s out for himself, not the needs of the tax paying citizens.
Senior Citizens or Disabled Persons Exemptions
If you are 61 or older on December 31 of the filing year (no age requirement for disabled persons). You must be the owner and occupant of a single family dwelling, mobile home, or one unit in multiple-unit housing and have a COMBINED DISPOSABLE INCOME OF $46,000 or LESS (including income of spouse and co-tenant). Your HOUSEHOLD INCOME DETERMINES THE AMOUNT OF EXEMPTIONS from regular property taxes or excess levies. Updated income levels reflect a legislative change beginning with 2023 income for 2024 taxes.
Tribal Land Property Tax Exemptions
When tribal lands are held in trust by the Federal Government, that property and the improvements on it are exempt from property taxes when owned by a tribe or its members/citizens. When land is owned by a tribe or its members/citizens in "fee" patent (as opposed to being held in trust by the Federal Government), the property is subject to property taxes. The tribe may apply for an “ESSENTIAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES” EXEMPTIONS FROM THE PROPERTY TAX FOR ITS LAND OWNED IN FEE. “Essential government services” is defined as "SERVICES such as TRIBAL ADMINISTRATION, PUBLIC FACILITIES, FIRE, POLICE, PUBLIC HEALTH, EDUCATION, SEWER, WATER, ENVIRONMENTAL AND LAND USE, TRANSPORTATION, AND UTILITY SERVICES.
All I see is gaslighting in what Ozias says as to why we need to lift the property tax. I feel if they went back to basics and quit giving these NGO’s so much money, there would be enough without the lid.
The commissioners need to tightened the belts like everyone else is doing.
As far as tribal land not costing near the senior discount, these seniors have lived here most of their lives. Most wouldn’t be asking for the discount if the commissioners would quit spending money. These seniors deserve it, all they want to do is stay in their home, they don’t have a 86 million business
And, might I add, some senior citizens that own their own homes (and others that don't) are lacking in proper healthcare, as is the case of the OMC example.
Clearly, the land acknowledgment stuff is why there can be no meaningful adversarial testing of public policy.
All of these people you mentioned refused to even openly account for the Jimmycomelately science v. riparian science debate in a public process they control ... there was no debate just an email calling me a crackpot found hidden in a PRA request.
They were in denial about the failures of DRMT NOPLE and the Planning Commission.
The only ways change will occur are twofold, as I see it: First, keep highlighting the truth, as Jeff so eloquently does with CCWD. Democracy truly can die in darkness; thank you Jeff for shining a light in the tunnel. And second, we need solid commonsense candidates for all levels of governmental positions, from city councils and school boards to, yes, the commissioners themselves, then support the hell out of them in their election efforts. Both Mimi and James are examples [here's looking at you, Jake Seegers ... :-)]. If you haven't read Mimi's Substack linked in this CCWD re: trying to find out where the $$ went re: the sale of city surplus equipment, please do so, it is an eye-opener.
On another note, yesterday I watched JKT continue to fill in the wetlands at the golf course in Sequim, as well as cut down a line of very old hemlock trees in the center of the course itself. I am sure they have their reasons, but both actions seem to me to be very anti-environment. I wonder where the environmentalist protesters were hiding?
Robert, not to get off topic, but I can't help myself. I have to get this off my chest.
Noticing that a member of the JST placed a question “could he seek reparations from the Jamestown Tribe for the 1868 Dungeness Massacre, when S’Klallam warriors killed members of his ancestral nation?…” This question conjures up why don’t the tribal members have a voice?
The JST is governed by a few predominate members mostly in Allen family. Ron Allen’s views aren’t the views of other tribal members. Ron Allen’s views have given a false rise that all agree with him which is untrue, and have caused a dividing stance in the Clallam County Community. There are members who see how unfair the policies are. There are members, if they were running JST policies, would work with the Clallam County Community and make us whole again by a mutual partnership. A symbiotic relationship can be achieved where a close physical association would be beneficial to both side. Ron Allen’s Comprehensive Goal is to own all the land on the peninsula and to complete a business monopoly. The more this happens, the bigger the divide. As long as JST is run by a few dominated by a Sovereign leader and his family, the worse it will get. But don’t let some bad apples spoil the bunch.
And, create our own Land Trust. But, Is there a Land Trust in Clallam county? yes, there is. Oh, and they have a Land Acknowledgement:
North Olympic Land Trust works to conserve land across Clallam County on the North Olympic Peninsula. This area is the traditional homeland of five Sovereign Tribes – Hoh, Makah, Quileute, Jamestown S’Klallam, and Lower Elwha Klallam – who have lived on this land since time immemorial. A reciprocal relationship with this land – from the mountains to the sea – is the bedrock of each Tribe’s unique culture.
The Land Trust has profound admiration of the Tribes for their enduring fight for our environment and gratitude for sharing with us their principles of reciprocity, care and protection of the North Olympic Peninsula. We acknowledge historical and ongoing injustices and through our work strive to learn to live on the land and with the land. By doing this, we begin to make amends. May we heal relationships as we heal the land.
Re moderate tax increases. My bank sent me a notice of need to increase escrow payments. A couple of years ago it was just over $300/mo. Last year it was $450, now it's going to over $600. All these modest little levys add to up to big increases. Tired of this crap, wasted monies by corrupt officials. Picking up the load for the tribe. Re the Salmon. I understand that as a non natives are limited to their salmon fishing, but the natives are allowed to overfish with no limit? I heard this a while back.
The "Certificate of Indian Blood" is so incredibly ironic in it's existence. To start with Indians are from India. There is no legally accepted definition of indigenous. Native American is an option, but what then do we call the multi-generational native born that do not claim to be "indigenous" ? Finally, the in your face reality of so what. Why does it matter who anyone's parents are ? The basket weaving, woven bark nets, spears and bows & arrows and animal skin homes associated with "indigenous" are gone. They have been replaced with cell phones, computers, powered boats, cars and construction built buildings. I mean no disrespect to the deceased, but they are in fact deceased. How much or how much more should we be giving to and virtue signal supporting the dead ? Regarding the guilty conscience component, it is forgotten that "indigenous" people murdered both colonizers and other "indigenous" tribes. Assuming there was a war and the indigenous lost that war, why are we rewarding them today for loosing ? The "tribes" and all others occupying this country are of only one race and that is human.
While I am sickened by the injustice done to native Americans (nationally), I know we cannot change the past. We CAN change the present and the future. Reparation and constant reminder of past wrongdoing will not serve well.
I saw the post from James, but no link to what the lawsuit was about. Does anyone know? ETA, nvm I see someone has now added an AI summary. I wish James would have added this to begin with. He needs lessons from Jeff!
Jeff, you are not crazy. That is my white truck. I drew the CC watchdog logo on with a window marker. I'm a proud CC watchdog citizen and I want everyone to know it. I will be putting the logo on all of my vehicles, including my baby blue Barracuda!
Christine!!!!! You are my hero. Did you also drop off cookies for the petition signers? I'm so impressed... your artwork is SPOT ON! Wow, way to go, and thanks for letting me know I'm not (that) crazy.
Yes to the cookies and you are crazy. Perfect beautiful crazy and just what we need!
Mr. Van de Wege’s statement is cold and cruel. There is a huge deference between a Senior Citizens or Disabled Person’s exemption needs, compared to Tribal Land Property Tax Exemptions needs.
The senior citizens who qualify have a low income and/or disabilities certainly should be helped. THESE ARE THE ONES WHO TRULY SHOULD HAVE SOME RELIEF. They still have to pay water, gas, electricity, food, and health care.
JST does not have a need, it is greed. They generally have access for funding for water, gas, electricity, food, and health care (plus much more ie car buying). Seems former state senator and representative does not recognize this group, he’s out for himself, not the needs of the tax paying citizens.
Senior Citizens or Disabled Persons Exemptions
If you are 61 or older on December 31 of the filing year (no age requirement for disabled persons). You must be the owner and occupant of a single family dwelling, mobile home, or one unit in multiple-unit housing and have a COMBINED DISPOSABLE INCOME OF $46,000 or LESS (including income of spouse and co-tenant). Your HOUSEHOLD INCOME DETERMINES THE AMOUNT OF EXEMPTIONS from regular property taxes or excess levies. Updated income levels reflect a legislative change beginning with 2023 income for 2024 taxes.
Tribal Land Property Tax Exemptions
When tribal lands are held in trust by the Federal Government, that property and the improvements on it are exempt from property taxes when owned by a tribe or its members/citizens. When land is owned by a tribe or its members/citizens in "fee" patent (as opposed to being held in trust by the Federal Government), the property is subject to property taxes. The tribe may apply for an “ESSENTIAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES” EXEMPTIONS FROM THE PROPERTY TAX FOR ITS LAND OWNED IN FEE. “Essential government services” is defined as "SERVICES such as TRIBAL ADMINISTRATION, PUBLIC FACILITIES, FIRE, POLICE, PUBLIC HEALTH, EDUCATION, SEWER, WATER, ENVIRONMENTAL AND LAND USE, TRANSPORTATION, AND UTILITY SERVICES.
It's as if he is blaming senior citizens for their existence. You are absolutely correct in saying that his statement is cruel and cold!
ageism in local government is pretty blatant, especially in PA, and seems to go hand in hand with the moves against single family home ownership
Kevin, another out-of-touch politician.
All I see is gaslighting in what Ozias says as to why we need to lift the property tax. I feel if they went back to basics and quit giving these NGO’s so much money, there would be enough without the lid.
The commissioners need to tightened the belts like everyone else is doing.
As far as tribal land not costing near the senior discount, these seniors have lived here most of their lives. Most wouldn’t be asking for the discount if the commissioners would quit spending money. These seniors deserve it, all they want to do is stay in their home, they don’t have a 86 million business
And, might I add, some senior citizens that own their own homes (and others that don't) are lacking in proper healthcare, as is the case of the OMC example.
...seniors BELOW an income threshold.
Clearly, the land acknowledgment stuff is why there can be no meaningful adversarial testing of public policy.
All of these people you mentioned refused to even openly account for the Jimmycomelately science v. riparian science debate in a public process they control ... there was no debate just an email calling me a crackpot found hidden in a PRA request.
They were in denial about the failures of DRMT NOPLE and the Planning Commission.
CC Watchdog, thank you for clearing the brain fog!! :D
I was trying to sound haunted, but Doug says it sounds "suggestive."
The only ways change will occur are twofold, as I see it: First, keep highlighting the truth, as Jeff so eloquently does with CCWD. Democracy truly can die in darkness; thank you Jeff for shining a light in the tunnel. And second, we need solid commonsense candidates for all levels of governmental positions, from city councils and school boards to, yes, the commissioners themselves, then support the hell out of them in their election efforts. Both Mimi and James are examples [here's looking at you, Jake Seegers ... :-)]. If you haven't read Mimi's Substack linked in this CCWD re: trying to find out where the $$ went re: the sale of city surplus equipment, please do so, it is an eye-opener.
On another note, yesterday I watched JKT continue to fill in the wetlands at the golf course in Sequim, as well as cut down a line of very old hemlock trees in the center of the course itself. I am sure they have their reasons, but both actions seem to me to be very anti-environment. I wonder where the environmentalist protesters were hiding?
Robert, not to get off topic, but I can't help myself. I have to get this off my chest.
Noticing that a member of the JST placed a question “could he seek reparations from the Jamestown Tribe for the 1868 Dungeness Massacre, when S’Klallam warriors killed members of his ancestral nation?…” This question conjures up why don’t the tribal members have a voice?
The JST is governed by a few predominate members mostly in Allen family. Ron Allen’s views aren’t the views of other tribal members. Ron Allen’s views have given a false rise that all agree with him which is untrue, and have caused a dividing stance in the Clallam County Community. There are members who see how unfair the policies are. There are members, if they were running JST policies, would work with the Clallam County Community and make us whole again by a mutual partnership. A symbiotic relationship can be achieved where a close physical association would be beneficial to both side. Ron Allen’s Comprehensive Goal is to own all the land on the peninsula and to complete a business monopoly. The more this happens, the bigger the divide. As long as JST is run by a few dominated by a Sovereign leader and his family, the worse it will get. But don’t let some bad apples spoil the bunch.
Maybe a way to counter these NGO's is to create more NGO's. By that I mean Non-Governmental Organizations that will do good - Watchdog NGO's!
And, create our own Land Trust. But, Is there a Land Trust in Clallam county? yes, there is. Oh, and they have a Land Acknowledgement:
North Olympic Land Trust works to conserve land across Clallam County on the North Olympic Peninsula. This area is the traditional homeland of five Sovereign Tribes – Hoh, Makah, Quileute, Jamestown S’Klallam, and Lower Elwha Klallam – who have lived on this land since time immemorial. A reciprocal relationship with this land – from the mountains to the sea – is the bedrock of each Tribe’s unique culture.
The Land Trust has profound admiration of the Tribes for their enduring fight for our environment and gratitude for sharing with us their principles of reciprocity, care and protection of the North Olympic Peninsula. We acknowledge historical and ongoing injustices and through our work strive to learn to live on the land and with the land. By doing this, we begin to make amends. May we heal relationships as we heal the land.
AFB, I am so sick of the phrase TIME IMMEMORIAL! It doesn't even make sense if nobody has knowledge or memory of it.
time immemorial
phrase
1. a time in the past that was so long ago that people have no knowledge or memory of it
Apparently, time immemorial = approximately two to four years, the amount of time between elections.
Timothy Excellent! I got my hardy belly laugh for the day : )
HAHA! so true. But it justifies everything! That phrase gives it monumental clarity!
AFB, I love it when written "...“These Indigenous People are the original people stewards of these lands and waters, since time immemorial...”
To me, it implies Indigenous People have an instinct or inherent knowledge to steward the land above and beyond other people.
Inherent is something you received from your parents or relatives. Instinctive is something you have as a human being.
Thank you Jeff for replaying your public comment.
Point well received by me and others.
Mark and Mike were uncomfortable-they heard you.
We all heard you.
I felt your heart.
You speak volumes of history, truth and allegiance.
There is no curtain you hide behind.
When we can speak realism and honesty, no one can attack us freely.
Get yourself a magnet for your car/truck.
I would recommend where we ordered ours for our business, however their customer service and process is less than ok.
God Speed Jeff.
Stay the course.... excellent journalism.
When things don't make sense.....
Always ask the question.
Re moderate tax increases. My bank sent me a notice of need to increase escrow payments. A couple of years ago it was just over $300/mo. Last year it was $450, now it's going to over $600. All these modest little levys add to up to big increases. Tired of this crap, wasted monies by corrupt officials. Picking up the load for the tribe. Re the Salmon. I understand that as a non natives are limited to their salmon fishing, but the natives are allowed to overfish with no limit? I heard this a while back.
Go after the low income elderly? I guess that's a move against the colonizers that would be acceptable to the poor tribe.
The "Certificate of Indian Blood" is so incredibly ironic in it's existence. To start with Indians are from India. There is no legally accepted definition of indigenous. Native American is an option, but what then do we call the multi-generational native born that do not claim to be "indigenous" ? Finally, the in your face reality of so what. Why does it matter who anyone's parents are ? The basket weaving, woven bark nets, spears and bows & arrows and animal skin homes associated with "indigenous" are gone. They have been replaced with cell phones, computers, powered boats, cars and construction built buildings. I mean no disrespect to the deceased, but they are in fact deceased. How much or how much more should we be giving to and virtue signal supporting the dead ? Regarding the guilty conscience component, it is forgotten that "indigenous" people murdered both colonizers and other "indigenous" tribes. Assuming there was a war and the indigenous lost that war, why are we rewarding them today for loosing ? The "tribes" and all others occupying this country are of only one race and that is human.
While I am sickened by the injustice done to native Americans (nationally), I know we cannot change the past. We CAN change the present and the future. Reparation and constant reminder of past wrongdoing will not serve well.
That last public comment though 😭😭😭
That was deep. And now I have to re do my eye liner for the day.
I saw the post from James, but no link to what the lawsuit was about. Does anyone know? ETA, nvm I see someone has now added an AI summary. I wish James would have added this to begin with. He needs lessons from Jeff!