The commissioners did not answer yesterday's question about the Land Back movement. Here is today's email:
Dear Commissioners,
Why was the courthouse renaming put on a fast track with a public hearing scheduled so quickly, while the issue of sovereign lodging taxes sat for months before even a letter was sent? How do you decide which issues get immediate attention and which ones wait?
Below is a modeled individual Clallam County Commissioner response explaining agenda prioritization through the lens of the Open Public Meetings Act, Clallam County Code, and County Administrative Policy — emphasizing transparency, statutory authority, procedural readiness, and equal application of process rather than political preference.
Dear Constituent,
Thank you for raising this question. Timing matters in public governance, and residents deserve clarity about how items move forward.
In Clallam County, agenda placement and procedural sequencing are governed by multiple layers:
1. Washington law (e.g., Open Public Meetings Act, RCW 42.30), which requires advance notice, open deliberation, and formal action in public session.
2. Clallam County Code (CCC), which defines the Board’s legislative authority and any hearing requirements tied to specific actions.
3. County Administrative Policies, which outline internal workflow — including how items are submitted, reviewed by staff and legal counsel, and placed on an agenda.
When a courthouse renaming resolution is introduced and scheduled, it typically requires only a Board motion or resolution under the County’s general legislative authority (RCW 36.32; CCC Title 2 – Administration). Once scheduled, OPMA procedural rules govern notice and hearing timelines.
By contrast, lodging tax matters are governed by RCW 67.28 and often intersect with contract obligations, statutory eligibility restrictions, reporting requirements, and sometimes intergovernmental considerations. Before the Board can formally deliberate, staff must confirm:
1. What authority the County has under statute;
2. Whether an interlocal agreement or sovereign immunity question is implicated;
3. What fiscal impacts or compliance risks exist;
4. Whether prosecutorial review is required.
Under Clallam County’s Administrative Policies, items generally move to the agenda after internal review and readiness for public action. If research, legal analysis, or negotiation is incomplete, the item may not yet be appropriate for scheduling.
In practical terms, issue timing often reflects:
1. Procedural readiness, not importance;
2. Legal complexity and need for counsel review;
3. Fiscal or contractual deadlines;
4. Staff workload and administrative sequencing;
5. Board direction to bring an item forward.
The Board does not independently “fast track” items outside of established process. Once an item is properly submitted and deemed ready, OPMA requires it be handled in open session with appropriate notice.
As elected officials operating under Article I, Section 1 and Article XI of the Washington Constitution, our authority is delegated by the people. Our responsibility is to act within code, statute, and policy — and to ensure that decisions are both transparent and legally defensible.
If you believe a matter warrants prioritization, I encourage continued public comment and direct communication so the Board can evaluate whether the issue is ready for formal placement on a future agenda.
Idk about the rest of you, but the overuse of the “time immemorial” talking point is really starting to get on my nerves. My eyes roll so far back in my head I almost fall over backwards every time one of these fools spouts that out of their noise hole
Every time I hear ‘time immemorial’ I too get a sick feeling and rage building up, and a belief that the person uttering the phrase is so uninformed, maybe brainwashed, that they need a gag in their mouth.
Latin phrase “tempus immemoriale,” which directly translates to “time beyond memory.”
In its earliest legal context, time immemorial referred to a time before legal history and record-keeping began, a period so distant that no living person could recall and no records could attest to the facts in question.
So, history, that cannot be remembered nor verified, is manufactured to influence present day relations.
@EricFehrmann, what about this history of migration? Is a change in THE land acknowledgement for 'time immemorial' more appropriate for the Clovis People? How Civilization First Began in the Americas: https://youtu.be/oxdRXmppX6k?si=Iflttbhty68wHK-R
I think part of the discomfort some people feel comes from the perception that land acknowledgments recognize one historical narrative while overlooking the broader human story of migration. All of our ancestors arrived here at some point.
If the intent is to address specific treaty-era injustices, then perhaps we should say that clearly. Precision matters. Otherwise, the practice can feel selective — even if the underlying legal issues are real and deserving of attention.
@EricFehrmann, I agree that individuals who lawfully acquired property under the legal framework in place at the time should not be accused of theft. Stability of title and reliance on law are foundational to civil society.
Where the discussion becomes more complex is jurisdiction. Treaty rights and tribal sovereignty remain active in federal law today, which means some of the debate is about ongoing governmental relationships — not individual guilt. My concern is that when official land acknowledgments use broad moral language without clarifying that distinction, it can create confusion and defensiveness rather than understanding.
If we’re discussing legal obligations or jurisdiction, precision matters. Clarity protects everyone.
Super job on the article today. Eric's comment should hit home but I'm sure it had 2" thick impenetrable skulls to deal with. This one sided governance has got to stop. We the taxpayers should be represented, End of story. I'll make sure to attend the March 10th hearing.
Great comments to to commissioners too.
Thank you and all the doogers new and old, have a great day!
Still nothing from our weak kneed Commissioners to adress the JST Corporation and tax revenue. Pathetic lumps.
This is a fine example of why you don't want to be beholden to the government, your parents, or the JST Corporation. In those situations you're owned and to say anything risks the benefit you're getting.
Why is it the County's job to create a Septic Sandy, when all they had to do was send out emails to the septic pumping companies that service septics to remind their existing and new customers to get their septics pumped (which they probably already do?) As for Tim Wheeler - why aren't you in jail yet for defacing property?
I find it interesting as to how Tim Wheeler chastizes the opposition, yet within the first parargraph of the rant, accuses others of ranting, then resorts to class-labeling such as "MAGA". His presumtion is that anyone with differing thoughts or opinions are "MAGA", another example of TDS, as though working to rebuild our Republic to a strong, independent nation, supported by and through the People as stated and exemplified in our Constitution is somehow oppressive. This, while claiming to protect some mythical "democracy" that has been shoved down the throats of a few lost souls, yet by no means represents the majority. A day of reckoning is upon us, as we either stand or fall. DISCLAIMER: I am in no way affiliated with, nor do I subscribe to the ideology of Tim Wheeler, or his ilk; they have their say, and I have mine, both perfectly legal. We now return to our regularly scheduled programming.
He used the same adjective "rabid" ,which equates opposition with diseased animals, as Bruce Emery(?) did when complaining about opinions on the RV ordinance. Who is handing out their talking point memos?
Oh, that Tim Wheeler is a life-long Communist. He will never change, as it's too much fun watching the Democracies fail or fall. He is also an Anarchist, in my view.
Thoughts on 3 yr septic inspections, should get a reminder with inspection report. I thought how it was supported to work when i attended the septic class? For 10k why not?
An observation: Why is it that elected representatives like Ms. Randall seem to only tout as their accomplishments how many pork dollars they bring to their districts from the already bankrupt federal government, often only earmarked from "nice to have" and not "must have" projects? Or in her case, one-third for a flush JST corporation, and not struggling counties? Is it any wonder that deficit spending has become the de facto modus operandi of governments on every level? Is it any wonder WA state is on the verge of passing its first income tax? Can't we shrink government and live within our means instead?
Yes, we can shrink our gov't and be good stewards of our financial responsibilities. Emily Randall is a puppet. She was put in this position to be the mouth piece for all things corrupt and chaotic. And she obeys. She does not represent her District.
Your new community sounds similar to the the one we’re moving to in July this year. I’ve spent my entire life in Sequim. I enjoy being outdoors walking the trails, spending time at the river, roaming through the beautiful forests. Always by myself. But I don’t feel safe doing that here anymore. I won’t go do any of those things unless my man can come w/ me & that to me is my turning point. That should be the standard for ANY community: how safe a person is walking the streets or trails alone. That’s not the standard in this community anymore. Our elected leaders are actually fighting to make it more unsafe & keep it that way! It’s devastating to me but I’m looking forward to embracing something better somewhere else. Best of luck to you & your family in the future
I hope you also find a great landing spot. Sequim and PA were a wonderful place to raise my children up to probably Covid in 2020. That emboldened and brought out the control freaks and the peninsula has never been the same. I hope it heals and my girls can return someday to a place where you can be safe and live your life free of Nannies wanting to control everything.
The CCD has profiles for both candidates on the website, but if I hadn't scrolled down past all the election details, I would have never known... https://www.clallamcd.org/elections-appointments - Judy Larson is running against Wendy Rae Johnson. Her name sounds familiar, but I do not know why. Her bio and voting appeal do sound very reasonable!
Do the inhabitants of 'tribal nations' on 'sovereign' land get reminders from Septic Sandra? Wonder if any CCD employees are affiliated with any septic inspection companies.
1. Port Angeles already has a covered waterfront pavilion at City Pier. The homeless junkies have been camping there for years. It could use some paint but we don’t need to replace it.
2. Shame on Emily Hanson of the PDN for slapping her byline on what’s clearly a press release from Murray or Randall or Cantwell.
When specific businesses get tax exemptions like 'lodging tax' and others do not that is a clear sign of prejudice that is supposed to be against state laws.
Good articles, Jeff. So much going on in our little community. So sad to know TJ and Kirsten are moving. Didn't NOI also move? Best wishes for them and I hope they succeed in finding their dreams. It was great to see more concerned and curious citizens coming to see their gov't at work. I hope they come back. It's a treat to see you, Jeff, giving comments and staying your course when some of the Board try to put on a discouraging face.
I see a septic pumper truck or two daily it seems when I am out. Can’t be a very critical issue with many problems. I’d say people are taking care of business. You’ll know if you have a problem without inspections.
I’m trying to work “time immemorial” into this. What was the preferred way to wipe and favorite aid “indigenously?” Thimbleberry leaves? Maple? A piece of deer skin, especially for winter time?
Judge Boldt concluded the tribes were not capable of grasping the concept “in common” with others. I believe he just refused to look at the evidence that was or wasn’t everywhere.
“A crisis is a horrible thing to waste.”
I wonder how the bugs and lower organisms in the food chain would vote if they could?
Are there any instances where plenty comes from sterility?
Imagine “time immemorial” when the waters were teeming with life and all those critters were exhaling, pooping, and dying and their corpses, poop, and all the vegetation washed in were decomposing (making CO2) if not consumed by others?
The Valley Creek Estuary pavillion, among other sad events and gatherings, was also the site of an apparent suicide by hanging that resulted in cars passing by on their morning commute being greeted by a dangling corpse.
The human population is sick, sicker than before the good intentioned harm reduction and other emotionally driven feel good policies. Mother nature is going to clean up the mess.
The commissioners did not answer yesterday's question about the Land Back movement. Here is today's email:
Dear Commissioners,
Why was the courthouse renaming put on a fast track with a public hearing scheduled so quickly, while the issue of sovereign lodging taxes sat for months before even a letter was sent? How do you decide which issues get immediate attention and which ones wait?
Below is a modeled individual Clallam County Commissioner response explaining agenda prioritization through the lens of the Open Public Meetings Act, Clallam County Code, and County Administrative Policy — emphasizing transparency, statutory authority, procedural readiness, and equal application of process rather than political preference.
Dear Constituent,
Thank you for raising this question. Timing matters in public governance, and residents deserve clarity about how items move forward.
In Clallam County, agenda placement and procedural sequencing are governed by multiple layers:
1. Washington law (e.g., Open Public Meetings Act, RCW 42.30), which requires advance notice, open deliberation, and formal action in public session.
2. Clallam County Code (CCC), which defines the Board’s legislative authority and any hearing requirements tied to specific actions.
3. County Administrative Policies, which outline internal workflow — including how items are submitted, reviewed by staff and legal counsel, and placed on an agenda.
When a courthouse renaming resolution is introduced and scheduled, it typically requires only a Board motion or resolution under the County’s general legislative authority (RCW 36.32; CCC Title 2 – Administration). Once scheduled, OPMA procedural rules govern notice and hearing timelines.
By contrast, lodging tax matters are governed by RCW 67.28 and often intersect with contract obligations, statutory eligibility restrictions, reporting requirements, and sometimes intergovernmental considerations. Before the Board can formally deliberate, staff must confirm:
1. What authority the County has under statute;
2. Whether an interlocal agreement or sovereign immunity question is implicated;
3. What fiscal impacts or compliance risks exist;
4. Whether prosecutorial review is required.
Under Clallam County’s Administrative Policies, items generally move to the agenda after internal review and readiness for public action. If research, legal analysis, or negotiation is incomplete, the item may not yet be appropriate for scheduling.
In practical terms, issue timing often reflects:
1. Procedural readiness, not importance;
2. Legal complexity and need for counsel review;
3. Fiscal or contractual deadlines;
4. Staff workload and administrative sequencing;
5. Board direction to bring an item forward.
The Board does not independently “fast track” items outside of established process. Once an item is properly submitted and deemed ready, OPMA requires it be handled in open session with appropriate notice.
As elected officials operating under Article I, Section 1 and Article XI of the Washington Constitution, our authority is delegated by the people. Our responsibility is to act within code, statute, and policy — and to ensure that decisions are both transparent and legally defensible.
If you believe a matter warrants prioritization, I encourage continued public comment and direct communication so the Board can evaluate whether the issue is ready for formal placement on a future agenda.
Respectfully,
Commissioner
Clallam County Board of Commissioners
References
Clallam County Code. (n.d.). https://clallam.county.codes/CCC
Clallam County. (n.d.). County administrative policies. https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/207/County-Administrative-Policies
Open Public Meetings Act, RCW 42.30 (Wash. 1971). https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=42.30
Lodging tax authority, RCW 67.28 (Wash.). https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=67.28
County legislative authority, RCW 36.32 (Wash.). https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=36.32
Washington State Constitution. (1889). https://leg.wa.gov/state-laws-and-rules/washington-state-constitution/
Good Governance Daily Proverb:
A free people govern best when they remember: sovereignty belongs to the people, and stewardship belongs to us all.
Idk about the rest of you, but the overuse of the “time immemorial” talking point is really starting to get on my nerves. My eyes roll so far back in my head I almost fall over backwards every time one of these fools spouts that out of their noise hole
TIME IMMEMORIAL
Every time I hear ‘time immemorial’ I too get a sick feeling and rage building up, and a belief that the person uttering the phrase is so uninformed, maybe brainwashed, that they need a gag in their mouth.
Latin phrase “tempus immemoriale,” which directly translates to “time beyond memory.”
In its earliest legal context, time immemorial referred to a time before legal history and record-keeping began, a period so distant that no living person could recall and no records could attest to the facts in question.
So, history, that cannot be remembered nor verified, is manufactured to influence present day relations.
@EricFehrmann, what about this history of migration? Is a change in THE land acknowledgement for 'time immemorial' more appropriate for the Clovis People? How Civilization First Began in the Americas: https://youtu.be/oxdRXmppX6k?si=Iflttbhty68wHK-R
Thanks for the link and take on ancestral lands. I guess I need to see the Wizard for a proper paper in order to understand.
I think part of the discomfort some people feel comes from the perception that land acknowledgments recognize one historical narrative while overlooking the broader human story of migration. All of our ancestors arrived here at some point.
If the intent is to address specific treaty-era injustices, then perhaps we should say that clearly. Precision matters. Otherwise, the practice can feel selective — even if the underlying legal issues are real and deserving of attention.
If one contracts property, following all legal rules at the time, then one must not be accused of stealing it.
If one contracts for property, following all legal terms society has ruled at the time, one must not be accused of stealing it.
@EricFehrmann, I agree that individuals who lawfully acquired property under the legal framework in place at the time should not be accused of theft. Stability of title and reliance on law are foundational to civil society.
Where the discussion becomes more complex is jurisdiction. Treaty rights and tribal sovereignty remain active in federal law today, which means some of the debate is about ongoing governmental relationships — not individual guilt. My concern is that when official land acknowledgments use broad moral language without clarifying that distinction, it can create confusion and defensiveness rather than understanding.
If we’re discussing legal obligations or jurisdiction, precision matters. Clarity protects everyone.
Its the second or third most popular event in the Oppression Olympics now.
Yes, where is Jennifer? She just LUUVS that phrase.... lol
ABeetle, you're too funny : )
We have a land acknowledgment. The pledge of allegiance
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/XsXsfAdGVRA
LOL!
Brilliant!
Good morning Jeff,
Super job on the article today. Eric's comment should hit home but I'm sure it had 2" thick impenetrable skulls to deal with. This one sided governance has got to stop. We the taxpayers should be represented, End of story. I'll make sure to attend the March 10th hearing.
Great comments to to commissioners too.
Thank you and all the doogers new and old, have a great day!
Still nothing from our weak kneed Commissioners to adress the JST Corporation and tax revenue. Pathetic lumps.
This is a fine example of why you don't want to be beholden to the government, your parents, or the JST Corporation. In those situations you're owned and to say anything risks the benefit you're getting.
They are too busy lapping up every word of BS from Dr Berry
They have a definitive list of "detractors" and list of OKG's that they really want to hear from.
Why is it the County's job to create a Septic Sandy, when all they had to do was send out emails to the septic pumping companies that service septics to remind their existing and new customers to get their septics pumped (which they probably already do?) As for Tim Wheeler - why aren't you in jail yet for defacing property?
I find it interesting as to how Tim Wheeler chastizes the opposition, yet within the first parargraph of the rant, accuses others of ranting, then resorts to class-labeling such as "MAGA". His presumtion is that anyone with differing thoughts or opinions are "MAGA", another example of TDS, as though working to rebuild our Republic to a strong, independent nation, supported by and through the People as stated and exemplified in our Constitution is somehow oppressive. This, while claiming to protect some mythical "democracy" that has been shoved down the throats of a few lost souls, yet by no means represents the majority. A day of reckoning is upon us, as we either stand or fall. DISCLAIMER: I am in no way affiliated with, nor do I subscribe to the ideology of Tim Wheeler, or his ilk; they have their say, and I have mine, both perfectly legal. We now return to our regularly scheduled programming.
He used the same adjective "rabid" ,which equates opposition with diseased animals, as Bruce Emery(?) did when complaining about opinions on the RV ordinance. Who is handing out their talking point memos?
Oh, that Tim Wheeler is a life-long Communist. He will never change, as it's too much fun watching the Democracies fail or fall. He is also an Anarchist, in my view.
Thoughts on 3 yr septic inspections, should get a reminder with inspection report. I thought how it was supported to work when i attended the septic class? For 10k why not?
Exactly. That's what I was thinking, also.
An observation: Why is it that elected representatives like Ms. Randall seem to only tout as their accomplishments how many pork dollars they bring to their districts from the already bankrupt federal government, often only earmarked from "nice to have" and not "must have" projects? Or in her case, one-third for a flush JST corporation, and not struggling counties? Is it any wonder that deficit spending has become the de facto modus operandi of governments on every level? Is it any wonder WA state is on the verge of passing its first income tax? Can't we shrink government and live within our means instead?
Yes, we can shrink our gov't and be good stewards of our financial responsibilities. Emily Randall is a puppet. She was put in this position to be the mouth piece for all things corrupt and chaotic. And she obeys. She does not represent her District.
Thank you Jeff for the comments. One good thing is I'm two hours ahead out here and get to hear you before most everyone else! I'll be around!
Your new community sounds similar to the the one we’re moving to in July this year. I’ve spent my entire life in Sequim. I enjoy being outdoors walking the trails, spending time at the river, roaming through the beautiful forests. Always by myself. But I don’t feel safe doing that here anymore. I won’t go do any of those things unless my man can come w/ me & that to me is my turning point. That should be the standard for ANY community: how safe a person is walking the streets or trails alone. That’s not the standard in this community anymore. Our elected leaders are actually fighting to make it more unsafe & keep it that way! It’s devastating to me but I’m looking forward to embracing something better somewhere else. Best of luck to you & your family in the future
I hope you also find a great landing spot. Sequim and PA were a wonderful place to raise my children up to probably Covid in 2020. That emboldened and brought out the control freaks and the peninsula has never been the same. I hope it heals and my girls can return someday to a place where you can be safe and live your life free of Nannies wanting to control everything.
Good luck, TJ. Find your peace.
Going to miss having you around. Disappointed for sure! but boy do I understand.
The CCD has profiles for both candidates on the website, but if I hadn't scrolled down past all the election details, I would have never known... https://www.clallamcd.org/elections-appointments - Judy Larson is running against Wendy Rae Johnson. Her name sounds familiar, but I do not know why. Her bio and voting appeal do sound very reasonable!
actually, I think Judy ran last year, too against Christy Cox, that's why I remember her name.
Do the inhabitants of 'tribal nations' on 'sovereign' land get reminders from Septic Sandra? Wonder if any CCD employees are affiliated with any septic inspection companies.
I’m sure their waste eventually disappears after millions of years ?
Turd Immemorial..
LOL!
1. Port Angeles already has a covered waterfront pavilion at City Pier. The homeless junkies have been camping there for years. It could use some paint but we don’t need to replace it.
2. Shame on Emily Hanson of the PDN for slapping her byline on what’s clearly a press release from Murray or Randall or Cantwell.
Does Hanson actually exist? Seems like just AI processing press releases
Is Tim Wheeler a Democrat or a Republican or a Communist? Just where is his loyalty ?
Card carrying communist...
His 4th of July is May 1st, May Day.
He is a Communist and is affiliated with the Democrat Party. You can go to his website to learn more.
When specific businesses get tax exemptions like 'lodging tax' and others do not that is a clear sign of prejudice that is supposed to be against state laws.
Good articles, Jeff. So much going on in our little community. So sad to know TJ and Kirsten are moving. Didn't NOI also move? Best wishes for them and I hope they succeed in finding their dreams. It was great to see more concerned and curious citizens coming to see their gov't at work. I hope they come back. It's a treat to see you, Jeff, giving comments and staying your course when some of the Board try to put on a discouraging face.
I see a septic pumper truck or two daily it seems when I am out. Can’t be a very critical issue with many problems. I’d say people are taking care of business. You’ll know if you have a problem without inspections.
I’m trying to work “time immemorial” into this. What was the preferred way to wipe and favorite aid “indigenously?” Thimbleberry leaves? Maple? A piece of deer skin, especially for winter time?
Judge Boldt concluded the tribes were not capable of grasping the concept “in common” with others. I believe he just refused to look at the evidence that was or wasn’t everywhere.
“A crisis is a horrible thing to waste.”
I wonder how the bugs and lower organisms in the food chain would vote if they could?
Are there any instances where plenty comes from sterility?
Imagine “time immemorial” when the waters were teeming with life and all those critters were exhaling, pooping, and dying and their corpses, poop, and all the vegetation washed in were decomposing (making CO2) if not consumed by others?
Oh, my! “Ocean acidification!”
😀
The Valley Creek Estuary pavillion, among other sad events and gatherings, was also the site of an apparent suicide by hanging that resulted in cars passing by on their morning commute being greeted by a dangling corpse.
This was within past couple years
Its worse when you know who they are..
The human population is sick, sicker than before the good intentioned harm reduction and other emotionally driven feel good policies. Mother nature is going to clean up the mess.
With a little help from her friends.
Cocaine is making a comeback.