Political grandstanding

Plus a chance to pay DLTA's legal fees

Political grandstanding is the use of speech or actions to gain political support through emotional or effective appeals, and it was on full display this week in the Commissioners’ Boardroom.  After two weeks of drafting, editing, and spending taxpayer-funded county resources on two letters, the commissioners further distanced themselves from their oaths to discharge duties “faithfully and impartially.”

The first letter, suggested by Commissioner Ozias as an apology from the county to an organization that funded 52% of his last campaign, was a shameless display of political posturing.  The groveling begins in the first line, "This response is long overdue, and for that, we offer a sincere apology."

It's an apology that, apparently, could not be offered during the multiple private meetings held between the commissioners and the Jamestown Tribe in April. The atoning had to be done publicly for "the use of speech or actions to gain political support through emotional or effective appeals" to meet the threshold of political grandstanding.

The letter did not address the Jamestown Tribe’s early yet deliberate breach of the dike in 2022 that caused the closure of Towne Road. It did not mention the ensuing coverup, orchestrated by Commissioner Ozias, or the substantial cost to taxpayers. The letter is a response to the tribe’s correspondence in October and January requesting that Towne Road remain closed. The good news is that, after begging for forgiveness, the county seems to be staying the course for completing the road this year.  

The letter closes with an assurance that the county is open to tribal involvement, which is likely — last week Commissioner Ozias announced that the Jamestown Tribe is the county's most important partner in local governance.  It may come as a surprise to the Quileute, Makah, and Lower Elwha Tribes, or the 77,000 taxpayers residing in Clallam County, that a hierarchy of importance has developed in governing our county and that Commissioner Ozias and the Jamestown Tribe are at the top.

If our county’s most important partner has concerns about the stormwater mitigation designed for Towne Road — a water treatment technology that exceeds the stringent standards set by the county, Department of Ecology, and Army Corps of Engineers — the Jamestown Tribe could share how they treat stormwater near Jimmycomelately Creek which runs between the tribe's Casino and gas station.  If a salmon-bearing stream sandwiched between gas pumps and a 500-car parking lot can thrive, surely the completion of Towne Road can be done environmentally responsibly.

The second letter authored by the county this week was in response to Dr. Guillozet who, in January, contacted the county with concerns and language strikingly similar to the tribe’s letters.

Originally, the county addressed its response to "Floodplains by Design"; a division of the Department of Ecology that funded a lion's share of the Dungeness Levee Floodplain Restoration. However, during Tuesday’s public comment period, someone from the gallery explained that Dr. Guillozet worked for a non-governmental special interest organization based out of Portland, Oregon and that she had no authority to represent a state agency.  With that correction noted, the commissioners approved a letter to the Bonneville Environmental Foundation instead of Floodplains by Design.

There's at least one more letter, but it's not from a political top donor and it doesn’t mention salmon or recreation. The letter doesn’t lend itself to political grandstanding, it’s merely a request for the county to improve a dangerous and deadly intersection in Carlsborg that has seen 18 accidents in 7 years, one being fatal.

Two months ago, the Sequim Prairie Grange submitted a letter and petition asking for safety improvements to the Cays Road/Old Olympic Highway/Macleay Road intersection. Since that letter was received, a 19th accident has occurred. The Grange hasn’t received a response from the commissioners.

Not even a letter of apology.

Anti-road group seeks donations

If you live in Clallam County, you've already paid to use Towne Road. Now's your chance to pay not to use it.  Dungeness Levee Trail Advocates (DLTA), the charitable nonprofit organization dissatisfied with the hybrid trail/road compromise, is currently seeking funds for legal fees and trail improvements.  Donations are tax-deductible.

DLTA members are inviting residents to walk on the public road they've funded during a community event this weekend. Participants will be allowed to ask questions of DLTA members staged along the unfinished roadway.  A glimpse of how they may answer questions can be viewed on their website’s “Frequently Asked Questions” here.

Conflicting information has emerged regarding an event venue reached by driving on the gated, unfinished portion of Towne Road closed to the public.  DLTA co-founders who own the event venue, have stated publicly that the venue is closed:

However, an item published in two local newspapers states that an event is being held at the previously closed venue on May 11th.

May 11th is Irrigation Festival Parade Day. With an influx of visitors to the area who may recreate upon the unfinished portion of Towne Road or flock to witness the floodplain restoration in progress, the added traffic could be dangerous for pedestrians. 

It's unclear how event support staff (caterers, party rentals, florists, etc.) will reach the venue while the public right of way is closed.  It is also unclear how walkers, cyclists, equestrians, e-trikes, and wheelchair users will safely navigate the traffic without the protection of the curb or guardrail that Commissioner Ozias has noted is necessary to protect people.

May 11th is also Sequim's chance to meet former newscaster, and top podcaster, Brandi Kruse.  Her interview yesterday with Senator Mark Mullet, Democratic candidate for governor, is a must-watch. Clallam County Watchdog subscribers will get event details sent to their email inboxes.