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Jeff Tozzer's avatar

Each day, I forward the article to the Board of County Commissioners. And each day, I ask a question. They do not reply. Here is today's question:

Dear Commissioners,

Business owners and residents are looking for real answers. Would the Board consider hosting a public town hall with the Prosecuting Attorney to address increasing crime, the influx of out-of-county offenders into Clallam County, and the County’s current law-enforcement priorities?

Many in the community are concerned that resources are being directed toward matters such as providing special protection for Commissioner Jim Stoffer and conducting a month-long investigation into my involvement with the Towne Road issue, while more urgent problems — break-ins, property damage, and repeat criminal activity — continue to go unresolved.

A transparent discussion would go a long way toward restoring public trust.

Thank you,

Jeff

All three county commissioners can be reached by emailing the Clerk of the Board at loni.gores@clallamcountywa.gov

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Jennifer's avatar

Jeff, there are more and more stories like this. It would make quite the statement if these store owners and others would show up with pictures and make the Commissioners look at these crime scenes. YES, CRIME SCENES!

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Brian Hilderman's avatar

You hit a lot of nerves with this article... Except the commissioners...

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Denise Lapio's avatar

They are disappointing as usual. Real men would answer your emails.

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Jennifer's avatar

Denise, real leaders HAVE to respond, otherwise, yes, they are just men on their own mission. Disappointment is a nice word. I don't feel nice anymore.

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Brian Hilderman's avatar

...emasculated... clearly

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Jake Seegers's avatar

Great work, Jeff. And thank you to the local business owner for shedding light on the truth. My kids have also seen things that they shouldn’t…usually at Safeway.

1/3 of PD calls are trespass? We have the lowest level of law enforcement officers per capita in America, but 1/3 of our LEO’s time is spent serving the county’s harm reduction customers?

Earlier in the week, in the Lincoln Safeway parking lot, while I was FaceTime-ing my son during a break between county meetings, I witnessed a man distributing drugs to dealers out of the back of his car. One after another, dealers pick up their inventory. The car was parked in the parking spaces directly across from the courthouse and Sheriff’s department.

How do I know for sure that drugs were being distributed? I was sitting in my vehicle and one of the same dealers that had picked up items from the car approached me asking if I was looking to make a purchase.

Buy your drugs at Safeway, get your free drug-use supplies across the street at HHS, stay rent-free on county, city and tribal land along Tumwater Creek…or in the alcove of a local business…this is local government’s sure-fire approach to attracting the wrong kind of business development from outside of the county.

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Susie Blake's avatar

The open air drug market at Safeway is common knowledge in PA, except for those on government payroll. Council claims to have concerns about food deserts yet enables crime and safety hazzards at the neighborhood grocery.

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Jennifer's avatar

Susie I call it the Safeway Cartel and the QFC Cartel. The Safeway Cartel is run by Crusty Face and the QFC is run by whoever isn't nodding out. Both are profitable, obvious and easily busted. I'm sure our Prosecuting Attorney takes the stance to not prosecute because, it too, is too political. OMG!

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Susan C Bonallo's avatar

I don’t think it’s too political, it’s too much work! LE knows the key players in the illegal drug market in CC. So what is holding them back from getting a swat team style raid and hauling these mother fluffers to jail. Too much paperwork? Bet I could round up a few

folks to fill out the reporting work. Something has to give! Either they are in bed with criminals or care so little that our voices aren’t heard .

Jake , I think the high rate of police calls that are trespassing is BS. Maybe those are the ones they respond to. Because if you never catch your perp, not much reporting to do. Not blaming cops, but someone is pulling the puppet strings.

I just see a deeper dive coming. Perhaps an ex-cop would be willing to share? No names needed.

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Jennifer's avatar

Jake, it must have been your pony tail that the drug dealer was attracted to. It fools them every time. Safeway isn't very safe. PS don't buy their pumpkins.

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Susie Blake's avatar

They will offer to anyone. I have been offered drugs before just walking by. An elderly man with a limp told me he has beenoffered drugs in the parking lot twice. I have seen the panhandlers have drugs delivered at their exit driveway spot seconds after some sucker gave them cash.

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Jennifer's avatar

Susie, drug police stake out for months to get a bust! This one is the easiest I've ever heard of. WTH is going on? I don't blame our police officers, I have the utmost respect for them as I do our veterans. I will always support our police force, this is coming from above. Drug bust would give our leaders a bad name and they are the ones in charge. Get pissed everyone, it's wrong in so many ways.

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Susan C Bonallo's avatar

I am pissed. When there isn’t even a nod to being inconspicuous, it speaks very poorly of our boots on the ground. No fear of a drug bust here.

I still want to know how the commissioners have one ounce of pride in their work while this goes on. The New, Improved Version of one of our commissioners is too little, too late. We saw the real you, now quit acting like you are going for a job interview, with your best foot forward.

Seriously, that posturing turns my stomach. BOCCC you’re killing me man!🤮🤷‍♀️

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Jacob Seegers's avatar

Jennifer, your comment on the pony tail and pumpkins made my day😂

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Jennifer's avatar

Jeff, I didn't mean to offend you. From what I understand from comments, they would even approach the the bald guy with a blog. Love you to death ; )

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Jeff Tozzer's avatar

I bought scissors and a glue gun. The plan is, when Jake isn't looking, "snip, snip", Jake's man bun is gone, and I suddenly have a full head of hair (wait until glue dries before washing). I'm already fantasizing about running my hands through my new, lush, shampoo-laden locks.

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Denise Lapio's avatar

Too funny, Jeff!

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George's avatar

My eye clinic on Front Street has been burglarized many times over the past few years which has resulted in thousands of dollars in damage and losses. Someone defecated on the building recently after stealing copper from a heat pump unit which destroyed the unit completely. I have had to remove people from my entries many times upon arriving in the morning, and we have also had people enter during business hours to attempt to steal from our inventory twice in the past six months.

I am currently in the process of having a security fence installed. Property taxes and insurance have doubled over the last five years.

I feel these issues are directly due to current leadership and I’m hoping for change in the future. This is not the same town that I grew up in and returned to practice and raise a family.

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Jennifer's avatar

George. my eyes are being opened more and more. Never on God's Green Earth would I have imagined that this business abuse would be tolerated! Just hearing about it makes me crazy so I can't fathom your despair and anger. Forget Harm Reduction, our town needs to aid our respectable neighbors and hard working business people!!!!!!!

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private man's avatar

It's encouraged.

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Jon Purnell's avatar

There were half a dozen people loitering in the alley behind Taco Time, one of whom was foraging from a dumpster and discarding reject material on the ground adjacent to the alley. Made sure my car was locked when I came in for my appointment!! Thank you, George for the services you and your employees provide, and thank you for telling me about CCWatchdog.

I can only conclude that local government allows this state of affairs to continue because they are addicts themselves, that they are addicted to grant funding, if not drugs...although sometimes I wonder.

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jedjennings50's avatar

I wonder why Amazon paused their new building in PA and are expanding in Port Townsend. We could have had jobs ito pay

for locking people in jail and have thriving

economic results. Are you listening corrupt

Politicians?

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Jennifer's avatar

jedjennings50, why isn't our local news agencies pouncing on that news? Or the Commissioners bringing it up? Thank you again for bringing the news to us. It would be a HUGE loss to PA.

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Teresa 2's avatar

Yes, I didn't know that Amazon has alreay ditched the idea of building a warehouse in PA.

The Commisars are idiots and fools. Their LEGACY will be the DESTRUCTION of a once thriving town.

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Jennifer's avatar

Teresa 2, how come the rest of us don't know? That's something more than newsworthy. So now it's up to us to find the news on a substack? It aint right.

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Someone Someone's avatar

They’re still building the warehouse in PA at a different site out past Rite Bros where they won’t have so many environmental roadblocks.

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Jennifer's avatar

SomeSome, or shit smearing homeless people.

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jedjennings50's avatar

It is still at least a year away when they finally give the green light. It is still on hold

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Kristin's avatar

Question of the year Jennifer question of the year!

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private man's avatar

The answer is built into your question.

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Kathy's avatar

Their SEPA was approved in September, I too hadn't heard they were moving to Port Townsend.

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jedjennings50's avatar

They have not moved forward in PA yet because of the power co. And

the consumption issues. It is on hold until city quits squeezing Amazon.

Port Townsend is a separate facility that they are moving forward with.

Sorry for the confusion but PA has some red tape to move on to get this

going.

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MK's avatar

This is unacceptable that as a revenue generator you're being forced to have to spend your money on this sort of thing.

Some people will downplay this, just like having a car broken into, suggesting that insurance can pay for it. The reality is, for anyone who suffers a loss and files a claim, is that your rates will not only go up, but you'll be cancelled.

Businesses, and individuals, end up paying out of pocket which is a forced financial hit that isn't reasonable or fair.

City and county leadership are failing us.

The diversity in thought is missing from our leaders who all seem to be in a mind-melt.

Unacceptable.

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jedjennings50's avatar

I believe women go through a stage called menopause. These politicians we have to

deal with are in the stage called MENTALPAUSE. I told you I wasn’t PC.

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Robert's avatar

I feel the beginnings of a wave of change. It's starting slowly but building momentum rapidly, and will hopefully culminate at the ballot box, where we can rid the county of the ineffectual leadership that has enabled this horror for community members and small business owners alike. It all started with the Boy with a Blog and CCWD, which has both exposed the ineptitude and, dare I say it, corruption, in county leadership, and given a voice to the frustrated "little guy" with no deep pockets for campaign contributions or the time to stand on a street corner waving a sign while flashing back to the 1960's. Time to get the junkies and derelicts off the streets, end the ridiculously ineffective "harm reduction" programs, and severely curtail or end all funding for NGO's that have no accountability to the public. For starters. The "broken window" style of policing that worked so well to end petty crime and clean up New York City under former mayor Giuliani could certainly serve us well.

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Jake Seegers's avatar

Great comment, Robert.

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Someone Someone's avatar

Don’t forget that much of Port Angeles has (1) friends and family members with an addiction problem, (2) were themselves addicted and/or homeless or (3) work for the county or city in roles supported by harm reduction tax funding. They look at CCW readers as a bunch of tribe- and homeless/addict-haters. They don’t see a crime and homelessness problem. They see a compassion deficit.

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Robert's avatar

I like that term, “compassion deficit.” Is that like “almost pregnant?” 😂 But your analysis is spot on.

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Jennifer's avatar

That's why we need to out vote them and elect the right people. Here we come in 2026

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Someone Someone's avatar

That’s what we thought this year with James and Mimi running in the PA Council race. It’s never enough because they control the election process — like how LaTrisha Suggs magically found so many extra votes in late counting.

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Kristin's avatar

Don't even get me going on the last 3 days of ballot counting and the magic ballots grrrrr

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Jennifer's avatar

Kristin, kinda like the Kennedy (impossible) single magic bullet theory? Yeah, where did that cruise ship of votes dock?

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Jennifer's avatar

SomeSome, we will have more pissed off people in 2026 than we had in 2025. I like pissed off people. They are motivated, optimistic, insightful and strategic.

In fact, I'm pissed off now. Haven't felt this good all week ; )

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Someone Someone's avatar

Oh, to have your optimistic pessimism. Now I am just old and jaded. The Dems always have a big edge in registration plus their ability to get out the votes.

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Jennifer's avatar

SomeSome, yeah, but they didn't have a crazy ass pissed off President like Trump to fight. He's coming in through so many back doors that they never even knew were there.

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Susie Blake's avatar

This deserves emphasis

"And then I hear Mike French and Kate Dexter proudly claim they’re ‘taking care of the most vulnerable in our community.’ That is not true. The most vulnerable people in our community are our children, and mine has to witness this chaos on a regular basis."

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MK's avatar

Neither personally lifts a finger. It's disgusting behavior. Their new found emotional morality is at the cost of the taxpayers.

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Russell Holt's avatar

“Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times.” Both Port Angeles P.D. along with Clallam County S.O. are lead by beta-boys, not men. They both have bought into all the 2020 riot non-sense that has brought about all this social justice crap. I heard them both once on KONP being interviewed whimpering about how they called one another the day all the George Floyd propaganda began afraid that their officers would get caught up in all the drama. So they've pulled back the covers over their pansy heads taking a knee. Here we are. ARREST - re- ARREST these frequent flyers book them into oblivion get aggressive or appoint a real man with in your departments to handle the assignment not one of you're DEI special box checkers you've promoted send those types to the Tupperware party patty cake admin meetings with you're nitwit politicians you protect for you're feelings. Stop whining with the park ranger at PAPD do away with the Clown Benedict (sheriff) years of ignoring the wave of crime engulfing the county. Get off your hind legs. Yes, you spent the majority of your years behind a desk, yes, yes you've got your FBI academy class ring which only proves you have knee pads. Now's your time to make that badge shine or be that whimper that's not worthy of having you're photo hanging with the old timers on the wall there at HQ. You're worthless as of now.

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Glen Parker's avatar

Nothing changes if there are no consequences....simple as that! Nicely put Russel

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Don Beeman's avatar

How many of those old timers on the wall wore generals stars? How many under the command of those old timers carried Billy Clubs. Big benefit and retirement packages have emasculated those in charge.

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JJW's avatar

As a small start the bait (narcan, etc.) should be moved to the parking lot by the county offices.You know the one completed not to long ago. The one that eliminated some spaces, but looks really,really nice as you walk in to pay your increasing taxes,or pay for a permit etc. Just possibly walking through the debris will wake someone up. If some can not make it to the parking lot, that is the final price you pay. Hard nosed, yes I agree. We have run out of feel good options.Some strong politically incorrect action needs to be taken. The last election in the city shows people do not get it.

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Jennifer's avatar

JJW, I agree with Robert, I feel the wave of change a coming. The 2026 election will not be the same as 2025. Money always gets people's attention, and when they are hit with the new costs, they will start to ask "why" and look for the answers. The answers and history are right here on CCWD substack. It will happen.

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Hollie's avatar

30 years in several retail business in West Greenwich Village Manhattan.NYC. First store was 39 Christopher St. Opened in 1966.

I never had gates across front of stores. Never found sleeping folks at door step. One , only one day time robbery, thief caught with help of police horse patrol. I agree free drug supplies are nonsense.

All changed in the community when the meth clinic was established in my area. All the business fought this . But to no avail. PA is a mess. Seems commission is deliberately driving business away.From 1960's in several states , when meth clinics ( meth is another addictive dangerous drug) open, drug supplies were freely handed out. Cities die..History repeats. Leaders need to educate themselves.

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Glen Parker's avatar

Send a copy to Mark Ozias please...he was instrumental in the regional MAT clinic being put in Sequim. 500 people gave testimony of their past experiences with the clinics and how they destroy communities. It was collusion at it's worst.

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MK's avatar

I'd add the citizens need to educate the leaders, with their votes.

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Denise Lapio's avatar

Jeff keeps bringing the commen sense, the human compassion, and the personal stories of crime victims to the public. Real people being real victims recounting their real experiences and yet the Commissioners and Council members can't handle the real truth. Living in denial is all they can handle. They can't even answer one of Jeff's emails because their egos won't let them recognize their faults. Thank you Jeff for bringing the real stories and the real metrics that showcase real harm to real human beings. We, The People, know the real solutions to our real problems. Let's keep bringing them to the CCWD table.

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GrandmaShell's avatar

I agree with the PA business owner statement about addicts making a conscious decision. I have a longtime friend missing who was living on the streets next to a 7-11. The last known contact with her was when she overdosed and was administered Narcan. Multiple doses and a trip to the hospital. She went right back to the streets and drugs. She has been missing for over six months. Checking the unclaimed list on the morgue website, in three counties, hoping she’s found. We are sure she has died but now we wait. We have looked in homeless encampments and handed out flyers. At least if the Narcan wasn’t administered we could’ve had closure.

“And my biggest issue is this: these junkies are making conscious decisions to do dangerous and illegal drugs. They know the risks—one of which is death”

She receives SSI and SNAP and three times in rehab, was on methadone for over ten years. Access to drug and alcohol counseling through the methadone clinic. Invited multiple times to live with family and friends. Now we wait.

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MK's avatar

I don't understand how our "harm reduction" leaders get off on the cruelty of their decisions when the endless stories such as yours get no traction.

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Jennifer's avatar

GrandmaShell, the destruction of drug abuse and drug enabling is coming to light. Story by story on this site. Thank you for sharing that it is not working.

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Teresa 2's avatar

It's very sad you are having to deal with this. It takes a big emotional toll wondering where, when and how. You have made a decision about her fate and perhaps that's a start to closure. I hope so. I hope you heal.

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Jeff Tozzer's avatar

I can't imagine, Grandma Shell. Thank you for sharing this with us.

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Rita Lilita's avatar

I wish it had been the offender and not the owner or staff of Bella Italia restaurant who was tasked with cleaning up and sanitizing the front of the business a few days ago. Was the feces smeared on the posted menu, windows and entry keypad supposed to be a statement or fecal incontinence?

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Jennifer's avatar

Reg: Jeff Tozzer Article: "A Quarter-Million Dollar Bathroom That People Aren't Using"

Jeff's above article was referenced in Next Door adamantly stating that his human feces claim was a lie. This writer says the feces was not human but from careless dog walkers.

I sure would like to know the breed of dogs that use toilet paper and can smear it on doors and entry keypads? I am more than appalled and disgusted with the Commissioners. The businesses are our bread and butter to keep our town alive. Shit smearing is the lowest of the low, by people who DO NOT RESPECT ENOUGH TO DESERVE HELP. I can't even imagine your anger having to clean up after people who have lost all dignity. Good God Almighty!

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AFB's avatar

These morons should be forced to go to a rehab room and detox! They need to suffer their consequences!

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Susie Blake's avatar

I think that person on NextDoor has been tasked with diminishing any attempts to inform the public how bad things really are in PA.

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Jennifer's avatar

Susie, same names dominate the threads whenever CCWD is referred to. These people also say they have facts, but never where I could find it. They haven't learned the difference between facts vs opinions.

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4 reasonable development's avatar

Was it Stoffer?

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Susie Blake's avatar

no, just a member of the public who is clearly trying to discredit any sharing of negative events in PA

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Teresa 2's avatar

This is horrible to read about. Anyone that deals with this crap should put it in a big box and take it to the Commissars offices. Filthy cleaning rags, poop and all. Drop it at the door and walk out. Every day, every business owner.

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Sarah Kincaid's avatar

Maybe the BOCC and City Councils should be required to clean up the messes they create.

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Jennifer's avatar

Sarah, then we would have to fund it ; )

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Sarah Kincaid's avatar

Yep, they would find a way. Maybe they could form an NGO and search for grants.

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Kirsten's avatar

This is just one of the reasons, although a major one, why we are moving to Montana in 6mo time. I’ve been here my entire life, 47 years. Although I know I will be homesick for this place, it’s also no longer the place I’ve loved my entire life & stories like this make my decision to leave less heartbreaking & more of a relief

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Jeff Tozzer's avatar

Ugh, I take it all back! Everything is FINE here, Kirsten! I made it all up. Please don't move. But if you do, keep an eye on us and see what Jake can do with this county when he gets in (translation: don't sign a lease in Montana for longer than one year).

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Glen Parker's avatar

And we'll get Mark removed as well....this is the beginning of something good!!!

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Denise Lapio's avatar

Good luck in your new home, Kirsten. Your presence will be missed, but very understandable why you need to leave.

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Teresa's avatar
8hEdited

Gosh I love this passionate community.❤️

Thank you for shining the light on the darkness that is surrounding our county and our State.

God Bless the business owner in this article & THANK YOU for the courage to bring forth and call out the devil and his work.

The hammer is here, CCWD.

I believe you have their attention now…

I see the winds if change.. a human tornado is what it will take… a “wave” of people.

Keep going… movement has been made.

And for the love of all that is holy-

STAY “One Step ahead” of DR. BERRY!

Do not trust HER.

So grateful for Jeff, “the business owner” & Jake, because here is the change.

🙏🏼💥😊

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Bill Roberds's avatar

It appears we are getting exactly what (they) voted for.

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G M Joyner's avatar

Henry David Thoreau wrote that most men lead lives of quiet desperation. I think of that phrase every time I have to go to PA. Thanks to CCW, the residents are waking up and becoming less quiet. Maybe by the time the next elections roll around, a critical mass of concerned voters will exist and we can get rid of the ideologues and their NGOs profiting from addiction.

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Scott's avatar

Question for local politicians: What is the limiting principle on ‘drug using vagrants sleeping in doorways’ and career criminals?

In other words, at what point is too many actually too many? It seems we have not hit that point yet.

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MK's avatar

That inflection point comes with the sense that re-election is at risk.

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