Privacy without accountability breeds distrust; accountability without privacy breeds fear. Good governance requires both—clearly defined, lawfully applied, and publicly understood.
The commissioners did not answer yesterday's question about how to define success for harm reduction policies. Here is today's question:
Dear Commissioners,
There’s a growing perception in this county that when residents send thoughtful, substantive emails—especially on issues involving legal rights or policy concerns—they either receive no response at all or get a defensive reply that doesn’t actually address the question, and then the conversation simply stops. Whether that perception is fair or not, it’s out there, and it’s eroding trust. What specific steps are you taking to ensure that citizen emails are answered directly, respectfully, and with follow-through, rather than dismissed or allowed to fade away once the initial reply is sent?
A modeled individual commissioner response that treats responsiveness as a governance issue, not a personality issue, and offers a concrete solution for public review.
Dear Constituent,
Thank you for raising this concern directly. Even if experiences vary, the perception that substantive emails are dismissed or allowed to fade away is something we should take seriously.
Under Article I, Section 1 of the Washington State Constitution, public authority is delegated by the people. Responsiveness is part of that delegation.
As an individual commissioner, I cannot unilaterally establish a Board-wide communication policy. However, I can commit to two things:
1. Ensuring that my own responses acknowledge substantive emails promptly, address the question asked, and cite governing authority when legal matters are involved; and
2. Bringing forward for discussion a simple Constituent Communication Standard that would establish clear expectations for acknowledgment timelines, substantive replies, referral clarity, and explanation of statutory limitations (for example under the Open Public Meetings Act).
I have drafted a short framework outlining those elements. Before formally placing it on a work session agenda, I would value your perspective:
1. Would a defined acknowledgment timeframe, a clear response window, and citation of applicable statutes address the concern you describe?
2. Is there something specific you believe would improve follow-through?
If there are particular examples where you believe the process broke down, I am also willing to review them.
Trust improves when concerns about process lead to structural clarity. I appreciate you raising the issue.
Draft – Clallam County Commissioner Constituent Communication Standard
(For Discussion and Public Input)
Purpose
To promote public trust, ensure consistency in communication, and reinforce the Board’s responsibility under Article I, Section 1 of the Washington State Constitution that political authority is delegated by the people.
This proposed standard applies to substantive written communications (email or letter) from members of the public concerning county policy, legal authority, or administrative matters.
1. Acknowledgment
Substantive emails shall receive acknowledgment within three (3) business days.
Acknowledgment may indicate that research or consultation is needed before a full response can be provided.
2. Substantive Response
A substantive reply, or status update explaining next steps, shall be provided within ten (10) business days, unless circumstances reasonably require additional time.
If additional time is required, the anticipated timeline shall be communicated.
3. Directly Addressing the Question Asked
When feasible, responses should:
Address the specific question raised.
Identify relevant statutes, county code provisions, or adopted policy when legal or regulatory matters are involved.
Clarify whether the issue falls within the Board’s legislative authority, administrative oversight, or another department’s operational responsibility.
4. Referral and Follow-Through
If an inquiry must be referred to a department:
The constituent shall be informed where the matter was referred.
Referral shall not substitute for acknowledgment or explanation.
The commissioner may request confirmation that the matter has been reviewed.
5. Confidentiality and Legal Limitations
If a matter cannot be discussed due to statutory limitation (for example, executive session limitations under the Open Public Meetings Act, personnel confidentiality, or pending litigation):
The response shall identify the general statutory basis for limitation.
The limitation shall be framed as legal, not discretionary.
6. Recurring Public Concerns
When multiple constituents raise similar issues, the Board may consider:
Scheduling the matter for discussion at a work session.
Providing clarification during commissioner reports.
Directing staff to prepare a public informational briefing.
7. Professional Conduct
All responses shall reflect:
Respectful tone.
Neutral and fact-based language.
Recognition that public authority is delegated by the people.
8. Public Records Compliance
All commissioner correspondence related to county business constitutes a public record under RCW 42.56 and shall be retained and handled accordingly.
Implementation Note
This standard is intended as a governance best-practice guideline. It does not create enforceable rights or alter statutory authority but reflects a commitment to consistent and transparent communication.
Dr Sarah, this is the way it should run, and I thank you for this information, but is not the way it is run, nor points to it being run under the current leaders.
A written standard only matters if it’s actually followed. Without review or transparency, it becomes just another document.
That’s why I would support including an annual public review of communication practices and some form of aggregate reporting on response timelines. Not to assign blame — but to make expectations visible.
Trust doesn’t grow from drafting language. It grows from consistent practice and willingness to measure ourselves against the standard.
If this is going to move forward, it has to include accountability, not just aspiration.
Wonderful article, thank you for bringing us to light. I can only pray that our CC commissioners will listen and implement the safeguards afforded to us and make the proper changes.
Unfortunately, young minds have, and are being taught, as opposed to learning, hence, indoctrigand, which has been transpiring for a few generations. "Education is an admirable thing but is well to remember from time to time..." Thank you, Jake Seegers, for stepping into the ring, knowing that the heat has been dialed up, since, and will continue. The challenges we all face will be well represented through your efforts; we need to give you all the sharpest tools to work with, and shiploads of support.
We'll supply our own...if we say it long enough and loud enough, even we may begin to believe it!
P.S. To ignore a being is the highest form of insult...so the kommissars have been and are giving us the double-middle-finger without raising their hands or saying a thing!🤓
Wow, first Drew Schwab and now Dan Lindgren - communicating with the public and treating them with respect. Fantastic article and congratulations on your success, Jake!! And congratulations, Jeff, on an ever expanding audience! What a team! For anyone wondering if you have any rights left in this state and county, this is the article that gives hope and instructs how to fight for them. Why do we have to keep fighting for our Constitutionally bound rights? Because the wrong people get into office.
This article gave me goosebumps. It captures the heart of why so many of us still feel proud to be Americans, despite so much corruption and the almost-constant, continual de-legitimization of our freedom. There are still everyday men and women all around us who are willing to stand up and stick their neck out for the sake of staying free. You know what's really awesome? That kind of courage is contagious. Thank you for your leadership, Jake. It's making waves, in all the right ways.
I was wondering what the theme song would be after your hint last week — so, so good!
About the dishwasher issue, in case anyone wonders how do dishes stay clean without a dishwasher — I wash mine by hand at least twice a day, or more depending on my kitchen activities. I know this is a very antiquated concept, proven by your encounter at the meeting you spoke at, but I assure you it still exists. Guess what — I even write things on paper, that’s how antiquated I am. LOL.
In defense of privacy....My son lives on 100 plus acres in Oregon. Two property adjusters came on to the ranch unannounced through a gate that was open, but with No Trespassing signs. Unfortunately one of them got bit by a rattlesnake! My son discussed with the county about bear, cougar, rattlesnakes and such and that a call would be best advised before entering on their own again!!
Now it begins. 🎶 Attack without facts. What are our current Clallam County Commissioners doing to "promote our general Welfare and Secure our Blessing of Liberty?
Did you know you can go onto the County accessor and treasurer site and see pictures of your property ?360° views of sheds out buildings every door and window of your home and your neighbors and anyone else ? all you need is a name or an address ! We were not here or notified when the pictures were taken ! Our property is not visible from our private road these photos are available to the public !
In Worthington v. Washington State Military, I caught them using flir on "non-target housing" to "calibrate" their equipment. They claimed it was a federal record, to hide 4th amendment abuse.
I am pretty sure that same "calibration" takes place here..Enough to believe political enemies could be targeted during such "calibration."
You are sounding a lot like an American Constitutionalist :-)
Nice work with the Grey's Harbor Assessor and my compliments to Dan Lindgren for his Constitutionally appropriate actions. The most disturbing thing by far about your interaction with the Grey's Harbor Assessor is that he never considered "The Constitutionality" of his actions for, as he stated, 20 years~! 20 YEARS??? GOOD GOD~! That is an epic condemnation of the LONG failed American educational system~! I suspect that as a direct result of ALL of the problems that Americans are currently dealing with, in the hopefully not-too-distant future NO ONE will be allowed to work in ANY level of government function unless they pass an intensive course in Constitutional law with flying colors and they are held personally liable for any violations of The Constitution~! The fact that this has never been a strict requirement before, completely reveals the very criminal nature and most importantly criminal Intent of government leadership going back to day one in America~! The Constitution FIRST, then the job and the paycheck~!!! Additionally, as someone who is more than familiar with the profession of real estate appraiser work and law, I would like to expose a very serious federal crime that these "county assessor's" have been actively engaged in for many years now. The county assessor's duty is strictly confined and limited to determining property value for taxation purposes. That is all = full stop~! Government assessors and NOT, repeat NOT, "appraisers"~! They are ONLY "assessors". The two terms are NEVER interchangeable~! It is not only a terrible insult for government assessors to refer to themselves as "appraisers", but it is in fact TOTALLY misleading and a clear and undeniable violation of federal law to do so~! The federal U.S.P.A.P. (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) laws very clearly and strictly define real estate appraisers' duty and function, which has nothing to do with the duties and functions of government assessors~! Sadly, many ignorant uninformed real estate salespeople have also fallen for this criminal deception (federal crime) of the government assessors, to the point where many real estate owners and buyers have been defrauded in a number of material ways over the years due to this specific subject and it does need to stop~! If ANYONE calls themselves a real estate appraiser, they MUST actually be qualified to do so and acting within the scope of that function, or they are committing a federal and likely state crime. County tax assessors are NEVER, under any circumstances, "real estate appraisers" in their function~! Lastly, with regard to the subject of governments or government subcontractors conducting aerial surveillance of Americans private properties, or the Americans themselves for that matter, yes, this is currently being widely done in a sweeping direct violation of our Constitutional rights. While the question of "government surveillance" has been contested and somewhat reasonably adjudicated since the foundation of America and The American Constitution, even questions involving "elevated vantage points" that government operatives could lawfully occupy, recent technological advancements have been ruthlessly abused and "we" (Americans) now require NEW restrictions (laws) for the government to follow to protect Americans from the governmental abuses that are currently underway all across the US. The American, and state Constitutions were all developed to protect Americans from government abuses, because it has always been known that ALL governments will quickly abuse their limited authority with little to no consideration for anyone else's freedoms and rights~! Like greedy power mad spoiled little children, too many in government are ALWAYS seeking ways to take advantage of everyone that they can~! I have some reason to cautiously hope that a new time is ahead for Americans where the government knows its bounds and strictly abides by those limits, so that Americans can also improve by abiding by their limits, and some reasonable level of limited overall trust can someday be reestablished in the process~! Thanks for the excellent and timely article Jake~!
Good Governance Daily Proverb
Privacy without accountability breeds distrust; accountability without privacy breeds fear. Good governance requires both—clearly defined, lawfully applied, and publicly understood.
Good Governance Test
When privacy is invoked, a well-governed body should be able to answer:
1. What specific statute authorizes this confidentiality?
2. Is the scope limited to what the law requires?
3. Can we release aggregate or redacted information instead?
4. Have we explained this clearly to the public?
If those answers are transparent, privacy enhances legitimacy.
If those answers are vague, privacy appears as concealment.
The commissioners did not answer yesterday's question about how to define success for harm reduction policies. Here is today's question:
Dear Commissioners,
There’s a growing perception in this county that when residents send thoughtful, substantive emails—especially on issues involving legal rights or policy concerns—they either receive no response at all or get a defensive reply that doesn’t actually address the question, and then the conversation simply stops. Whether that perception is fair or not, it’s out there, and it’s eroding trust. What specific steps are you taking to ensure that citizen emails are answered directly, respectfully, and with follow-through, rather than dismissed or allowed to fade away once the initial reply is sent?
It’s this: “Oh, another Watchdog person.” And they hit the Ignore button.
A modeled individual commissioner response that treats responsiveness as a governance issue, not a personality issue, and offers a concrete solution for public review.
Dear Constituent,
Thank you for raising this concern directly. Even if experiences vary, the perception that substantive emails are dismissed or allowed to fade away is something we should take seriously.
Under Article I, Section 1 of the Washington State Constitution, public authority is delegated by the people. Responsiveness is part of that delegation.
As an individual commissioner, I cannot unilaterally establish a Board-wide communication policy. However, I can commit to two things:
1. Ensuring that my own responses acknowledge substantive emails promptly, address the question asked, and cite governing authority when legal matters are involved; and
2. Bringing forward for discussion a simple Constituent Communication Standard that would establish clear expectations for acknowledgment timelines, substantive replies, referral clarity, and explanation of statutory limitations (for example under the Open Public Meetings Act).
I have drafted a short framework outlining those elements. Before formally placing it on a work session agenda, I would value your perspective:
1. Would a defined acknowledgment timeframe, a clear response window, and citation of applicable statutes address the concern you describe?
2. Is there something specific you believe would improve follow-through?
If there are particular examples where you believe the process broke down, I am also willing to review them.
Trust improves when concerns about process lead to structural clarity. I appreciate you raising the issue.
Respectfully,
Commissioner
Clallam County Board of Commissioners
Draft – Clallam County Commissioner Constituent Communication Standard
(For Discussion and Public Input)
Purpose
To promote public trust, ensure consistency in communication, and reinforce the Board’s responsibility under Article I, Section 1 of the Washington State Constitution that political authority is delegated by the people.
This proposed standard applies to substantive written communications (email or letter) from members of the public concerning county policy, legal authority, or administrative matters.
1. Acknowledgment
Substantive emails shall receive acknowledgment within three (3) business days.
Acknowledgment may indicate that research or consultation is needed before a full response can be provided.
2. Substantive Response
A substantive reply, or status update explaining next steps, shall be provided within ten (10) business days, unless circumstances reasonably require additional time.
If additional time is required, the anticipated timeline shall be communicated.
3. Directly Addressing the Question Asked
When feasible, responses should:
Address the specific question raised.
Identify relevant statutes, county code provisions, or adopted policy when legal or regulatory matters are involved.
Clarify whether the issue falls within the Board’s legislative authority, administrative oversight, or another department’s operational responsibility.
4. Referral and Follow-Through
If an inquiry must be referred to a department:
The constituent shall be informed where the matter was referred.
Referral shall not substitute for acknowledgment or explanation.
The commissioner may request confirmation that the matter has been reviewed.
5. Confidentiality and Legal Limitations
If a matter cannot be discussed due to statutory limitation (for example, executive session limitations under the Open Public Meetings Act, personnel confidentiality, or pending litigation):
The response shall identify the general statutory basis for limitation.
The limitation shall be framed as legal, not discretionary.
6. Recurring Public Concerns
When multiple constituents raise similar issues, the Board may consider:
Scheduling the matter for discussion at a work session.
Providing clarification during commissioner reports.
Directing staff to prepare a public informational briefing.
7. Professional Conduct
All responses shall reflect:
Respectful tone.
Neutral and fact-based language.
Recognition that public authority is delegated by the people.
8. Public Records Compliance
All commissioner correspondence related to county business constitutes a public record under RCW 42.56 and shall be retained and handled accordingly.
Implementation Note
This standard is intended as a governance best-practice guideline. It does not create enforceable rights or alter statutory authority but reflects a commitment to consistent and transparent communication.
Dr Sarah, this is the way it should run, and I thank you for this information, but is not the way it is run, nor points to it being run under the current leaders.
@Jennifer, I understand what you’re pointing to.
A written standard only matters if it’s actually followed. Without review or transparency, it becomes just another document.
That’s why I would support including an annual public review of communication practices and some form of aggregate reporting on response timelines. Not to assign blame — but to make expectations visible.
Trust doesn’t grow from drafting language. It grows from consistent practice and willingness to measure ourselves against the standard.
If this is going to move forward, it has to include accountability, not just aspiration.
Jake, if this is what you accomplished as an involved citizen, I can’t wait for you to be one of our County Commissioners!
Thank you, Jennifer(:
Wonderful article, thank you for bringing us to light. I can only pray that our CC commissioners will listen and implement the safeguards afforded to us and make the proper changes.
Sorry, I have found the CCC are where prayers go to be shelved.
Good morning Jeff and Jake,
Fantastic lead up to an important article. I'm glad to hear the CCWD numbers are still climbing!
I'll get more stickers to hand out in the next couple days. One guy I gave one to was so happy to have one he bought a Jake Seegers bag of brittle.
I hope our Commissioners can learn from Grays Harbor County. I doubt it but am always an optimist.
The way they disregard well thought out and presented concerns will be their fall...
Thank you both and have a great day all!
I'm an Optimistic Cynic! I believe things will turn out all right...but it won't have a thing to do with humanity!🤣
😂
The idea behind America’s founding was simple but powerful: government exists to serve the people, not rule over them.
Unfortunately, young minds have, and are being taught, as opposed to learning, hence, indoctrigand, which has been transpiring for a few generations. "Education is an admirable thing but is well to remember from time to time..." Thank you, Jake Seegers, for stepping into the ring, knowing that the heat has been dialed up, since, and will continue. The challenges we all face will be well represented through your efforts; we need to give you all the sharpest tools to work with, and shiploads of support.
Typo correction, "indoctriganda."
Propaganda...to Propagate an Agenda!
We'll supply our own...if we say it long enough and loud enough, even we may begin to believe it!
P.S. To ignore a being is the highest form of insult...so the kommissars have been and are giving us the double-middle-finger without raising their hands or saying a thing!🤓
Well said, MK.
Wow, first Drew Schwab and now Dan Lindgren - communicating with the public and treating them with respect. Fantastic article and congratulations on your success, Jake!! And congratulations, Jeff, on an ever expanding audience! What a team! For anyone wondering if you have any rights left in this state and county, this is the article that gives hope and instructs how to fight for them. Why do we have to keep fighting for our Constitutionally bound rights? Because the wrong people get into office.
JAKE SEEGERS 2026!!
Thank you, Denise.
Listener increase must me attributed to intro tunes. 👂
That's funny!
This article gave me goosebumps. It captures the heart of why so many of us still feel proud to be Americans, despite so much corruption and the almost-constant, continual de-legitimization of our freedom. There are still everyday men and women all around us who are willing to stand up and stick their neck out for the sake of staying free. You know what's really awesome? That kind of courage is contagious. Thank you for your leadership, Jake. It's making waves, in all the right ways.
Thank you for your comment, Brandy… you made my day(:
LOVE LOVE LOVE new song
I was wondering what the theme song would be after your hint last week — so, so good!
About the dishwasher issue, in case anyone wonders how do dishes stay clean without a dishwasher — I wash mine by hand at least twice a day, or more depending on my kitchen activities. I know this is a very antiquated concept, proven by your encounter at the meeting you spoke at, but I assure you it still exists. Guess what — I even write things on paper, that’s how antiquated I am. LOL.
In defense of privacy....My son lives on 100 plus acres in Oregon. Two property adjusters came on to the ranch unannounced through a gate that was open, but with No Trespassing signs. Unfortunately one of them got bit by a rattlesnake! My son discussed with the county about bear, cougar, rattlesnakes and such and that a call would be best advised before entering on their own again!!
Now it begins. 🎶 Attack without facts. What are our current Clallam County Commissioners doing to "promote our general Welfare and Secure our Blessing of Liberty?
We ARE the rattlesnakes!😎
Did you know you can go onto the County accessor and treasurer site and see pictures of your property ?360° views of sheds out buildings every door and window of your home and your neighbors and anyone else ? all you need is a name or an address ! We were not here or notified when the pictures were taken ! Our property is not visible from our private road these photos are available to the public !
I have “no photography” sign posted at my property as well.
How do you see rhe pictures?
Just scroll to the bottom of any listing: https://websrv22.clallam.net/propertyaccess/Property.aspx?cid=0&year=2025&prop_id=85317
Thanks for writing about this Jake.
Its a never ending battle with Washington State.
In Worthington v. Washington State Military, I caught them using flir on "non-target housing" to "calibrate" their equipment. They claimed it was a federal record, to hide 4th amendment abuse.
I am pretty sure that same "calibration" takes place here..Enough to believe political enemies could be targeted during such "calibration."
Wow, John! You are going to have to tell me more about that next time I see you.
Excellent Sunday Article, Patriot Jake Seegers~!
You are sounding a lot like an American Constitutionalist :-)
Nice work with the Grey's Harbor Assessor and my compliments to Dan Lindgren for his Constitutionally appropriate actions. The most disturbing thing by far about your interaction with the Grey's Harbor Assessor is that he never considered "The Constitutionality" of his actions for, as he stated, 20 years~! 20 YEARS??? GOOD GOD~! That is an epic condemnation of the LONG failed American educational system~! I suspect that as a direct result of ALL of the problems that Americans are currently dealing with, in the hopefully not-too-distant future NO ONE will be allowed to work in ANY level of government function unless they pass an intensive course in Constitutional law with flying colors and they are held personally liable for any violations of The Constitution~! The fact that this has never been a strict requirement before, completely reveals the very criminal nature and most importantly criminal Intent of government leadership going back to day one in America~! The Constitution FIRST, then the job and the paycheck~!!! Additionally, as someone who is more than familiar with the profession of real estate appraiser work and law, I would like to expose a very serious federal crime that these "county assessor's" have been actively engaged in for many years now. The county assessor's duty is strictly confined and limited to determining property value for taxation purposes. That is all = full stop~! Government assessors and NOT, repeat NOT, "appraisers"~! They are ONLY "assessors". The two terms are NEVER interchangeable~! It is not only a terrible insult for government assessors to refer to themselves as "appraisers", but it is in fact TOTALLY misleading and a clear and undeniable violation of federal law to do so~! The federal U.S.P.A.P. (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) laws very clearly and strictly define real estate appraisers' duty and function, which has nothing to do with the duties and functions of government assessors~! Sadly, many ignorant uninformed real estate salespeople have also fallen for this criminal deception (federal crime) of the government assessors, to the point where many real estate owners and buyers have been defrauded in a number of material ways over the years due to this specific subject and it does need to stop~! If ANYONE calls themselves a real estate appraiser, they MUST actually be qualified to do so and acting within the scope of that function, or they are committing a federal and likely state crime. County tax assessors are NEVER, under any circumstances, "real estate appraisers" in their function~! Lastly, with regard to the subject of governments or government subcontractors conducting aerial surveillance of Americans private properties, or the Americans themselves for that matter, yes, this is currently being widely done in a sweeping direct violation of our Constitutional rights. While the question of "government surveillance" has been contested and somewhat reasonably adjudicated since the foundation of America and The American Constitution, even questions involving "elevated vantage points" that government operatives could lawfully occupy, recent technological advancements have been ruthlessly abused and "we" (Americans) now require NEW restrictions (laws) for the government to follow to protect Americans from the governmental abuses that are currently underway all across the US. The American, and state Constitutions were all developed to protect Americans from government abuses, because it has always been known that ALL governments will quickly abuse their limited authority with little to no consideration for anyone else's freedoms and rights~! Like greedy power mad spoiled little children, too many in government are ALWAYS seeking ways to take advantage of everyone that they can~! I have some reason to cautiously hope that a new time is ahead for Americans where the government knows its bounds and strictly abides by those limits, so that Americans can also improve by abiding by their limits, and some reasonable level of limited overall trust can someday be reestablished in the process~! Thanks for the excellent and timely article Jake~!
Happy Presidents Day Holiday weekend~!!!
Sincerely, Mike
Thank you, Michael.
Don't put it past the snoopadoodles to start using drones to get past the no trespassing signs.