Selective Stories, Missing Details, and Whose Voices Count
A weekly review of what Peninsula papers chose to highlight—and what they left out
This week’s local coverage offered a candidate prioritizing public safety, a tribal chair reminding agencies they still have “a lot more to teach,” and a major fire story stripped of key background. A street-corner rant in the weekend edition while an out-of-state activist appeared under “Community Voices.” Meanwhile, local opinions continue to face closed doors. Here’s the rundown.
Clallam County Commissioner Race: Seegers Narrowly Ahead
The Peninsula Daily News reported that challenger Seegers holds a slight lead over incumbent Commissioner Mike French. Seegers listed his priorities clearly: public safety first as the foundation for everything else, followed by economic development, then balancing the county budget so taxpayers keep more of their money.
French emphasized running a campaign focused strictly on the issues and said he wants no aggressive or negative attacks from his supporters.
Indigenous Burial Sites: Tribal Chair Frances Charles Featured Prominently
An article in the Salish Current notes that disturbance of Indigenous burial sites remains common in the region.
Lower Elwha Klallam Tribal Chair Frances Charles was featured prominently in the article. She stated: “Fortunately, we have some good relationships with the agencies around Port Angeles — the city, the port, the school district, the museum. They understand to a point. But we still have a lot more to teach them.”
Spokane Fire Coverage Omits Critical Background
The Peninsula Daily News ran a New York Times syndicated report on the fire that devastated the Spokane area. o
While it noted a man had been arrested, it left out widely reported details: the suspect had previously killed his father, entered a plea that removed the possibility of a life sentence, served 12 years, and was released in Arizona before arriving in Washington.
Weekend Edition Focuses on Local Street Mess
The weekend edition of the PDN included a rant about the ongoing mess at Peabody and 2nd streets.
Just one question. Is that the east side of Peabody and 2nd…
Or the west side of Peabody and 2nd?
Has anyone tried to get an opinion published in the Sequim Gazette?
When I served on the Charter Review Commission, after reading a “pro water steward” article in the Gazette, I wanted to write a contrasting opinion. Commissioner Ozias had a monthly article, other citizens were getting published, but I was denied, and the editor contacted the Charter Review Commission. This article, featured under “Community Voices,” is from a director of a Human Rights organization in Idaho.
Is this what our local paper considers a “Community Voice” while refusing to publish local opinions?
Today’s Tidbit: Unity of Effort This Saturday in Sequim – Stop by Jake Seegers’ Booth
Unity of Effort returns Saturday, August 8, for its annual free community celebration honoring military, law enforcement, first responders, and security personnel. Held at Security Services Northwest headquarters (250 Center Park Way, Sequim), the family-friendly event features helicopter arrivals, police K9 demonstrations, emergency and military vehicle displays, live music (including headliner Lita Ford), kids’ activities, food vendors, and community booths. Gates open at 10 a.m.; free parking is available on-site.
While you’re there, visit the Jake Seegers for Commissioner booth from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pick up a yard sign, meet Jake, share your concerns about Clallam County and what you want from local government, and sign the petition to reopen Hot Springs Road into the Elwha Valley and the interior of Olympic National Park.
See you there!