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Jeff Tozzer's avatar

The commissioners did not answer yesterday's email. Here is today's question:

Dear Commissioners,

Yesterday, Administrator Mielke described a jail-based clinical model intended to interrupt repeat offending and reduce cycling through the system. In cases like Sergey Kubai—arrested three times in a single month on serious drug and weapons charges, released after the first two arrests and now being held—what specific metrics do you use to determine whether the model is actually working, and at what point do repeated arrests themselves signal the need to change course?

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

Dr. Sarah's avatar

The following illustrates how an individual county commissioner can acknowledge constituent concerns, explain their role and limits, and outline evidence-based expectations — followed by how the Board as a whole should act collectively in an open public meeting to ensure accountability, transparency, and measurable outcomes.

Dear Mr. Tozzer,

Thank you for your question regarding the jail-based clinical model described by Administrator Mielke and its intended goal of interrupting repeat offending.

As an individual county commissioner, I cannot speak on behalf of the full Board or make policy determinations outside of an open public meeting. I can, however, explain how I approach this issue from a governance and accountability perspective and what I believe the Board should be asking of staff.

From a good-governance standpoint, programs intended to reduce repeat offending must be evaluated using clearly defined, outcome-based metrics, not intent alone. In criminal justice research and policy evaluation, recidivism—measured as repeat arrest, reconviction, or re-incarceration within specified timeframes—remains a core outcome indicator, particularly when paired with additional measures that capture program performance more fully (National Institute of Justice [NIJ], 2023).

For a jail-based clinical model, the specific metrics I would expect to see include:

1. Repeat arrest rates at defined intervals (e.g., 30, 90, and 180 days), with attention to offense severity.

2. Clinical engagement and continuity of care, such as verified treatment participation during incarceration and successful linkage to services following release.

3. Post-release stability indicators, including housing placement and connection to community-based behavioral health supports, which research shows are strongly associated with reduced re-offending (Pew Charitable Trusts, 2024).

4. Public safety outcomes, including whether serious or violent offenses among participants decline over time.

I also believe it is important to acknowledge the limitations of any single metric. Research cautions against relying on recidivism alone, as repeated arrests can reflect not only individual behavior but also gaps in program implementation, downstream service capacity, or continuity of care—factors that are particularly relevant in rural counties with constrained behavioral health and housing resources (NIJ, 2023; National Reentry Resource Center, 2023).

That said, repeated arrests within short timeframes—especially for serious charges—should function as an early governance signal, prompting timely review rather than deferred evaluation. In a county of our size, a small number of high-risk cases can disproportionately influence public safety outcomes, which argues for earlier reassessment thresholds, not later ones (Council of State Governments Justice Center, 2024).

As an individual commissioner, I believe our responsibility is to ensure that the Board has adopted clear evaluation criteria, receives regular performance reporting, and has defined in advance when persistent repeat offending will trigger program review, modification, or redirection. I intend to support bringing this issue forward for discussion in a public meeting so the full Commission can examine the data, clarify expectations, and provide appropriate direction to staff.

I appreciate residents continuing to ask these questions. Effective policy requires not only good intentions, but measurable outcomes, transparency, and a willingness to adjust course when evidence indicates that a model is not achieving its intended results.

Sincerely,

[Commissioner Name]

Clallam County Commissioner

Modeled Board of Commissioners Motion (Good-Governance / Evidence-Based Oversight)

Motion:

I move that the Board of Clallam County Commissioners direct County staff to develop and present, at a future public meeting, a formal evaluation framework for the jail-based clinical model described to the Board, including clearly defined performance metrics, reporting cadence, and reassessment thresholds.

Purpose:

To ensure that programs intended to reduce repeat offending and improve public safety are evaluated using transparent, evidence-based criteria and that the Board has sufficient information to exercise its governance and oversight responsibilities.

Minimum elements to be included in staff’s report:

1. Defined outcome metrics, including but not limited to:

1.1. Repeat arrest rates at specified intervals (e.g., 30, 90, and 180 days), with offense-severity distinctions;

1.2. Clinical engagement and continuity-of-care indicators during incarceration and post-release;

1.3. Post-release stability measures, such as housing placement and linkage to behavioral health services;

1.4. Public safety indicators relevant to program participants.

2. Baseline and comparison data, identifying pre-implementation conditions or appropriate benchmarks to contextualize outcomes.

3. Reporting cadence, specifying how often the Board and the public will receive performance updates.

4. Reassessment thresholds, identifying conditions under which persistent repeat arrests or lack of measurable improvement will trigger formal program review, modification, or alternative recommendations to the Board.

5. Implementation considerations, including known capacity constraints (e.g., housing, treatment availability, workforce limitations) that may affect outcomes in a rural county context.

Intent:

This motion is not intended to direct day-to-day operations, but to ensure that the Board’s policy decisions are informed by measurable outcomes, transparent reporting, and clearly articulated decision points consistent with evidence-based governance practices.

References

Council of State Governments Justice Center. (2024). 50 states, 1 goal: Examining state-level recidivism trends in the Second Chance Act era.

https://csgjusticecenter.org/publications/50-states-1-goal/

National Institute of Justice. (2023). Recidivism research and measurement. U.S. Department of Justice.

https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/corrections/recidivism

National Reentry Resource Center. (2023). Measuring reentry success beyond recidivism.

https://nationalreentryresourcecenter.org/sites/default/files/inline-files/Look%20Beyond%20Recidivism_March%2029%202023.pdf

Pew Charitable Trusts. (2024). Evidence-based strategies to reduce recidivism.

https://www.pewtrusts.org

Dr. Sarah's avatar

@JeffTozzer, I want to give credit where it’s due—this platform, its readers, and Jeff’s daily persistence are what create the space for this kind of civic engagement in the first place. I’m honestly still surprised a straightforward public records request made its way beyond the process itself, but that says more about the value of this community than about anything I did individually.

While I have additional public records requests pending and some related articles still emerging, my continued contribution here has taken the form of modeled, good-governance replies to Jeff Tozzer’s questions to the commissioners. Think of them less as answers and more as templates—examples of how elected officials could respond in a way that explains authority, respects open-meeting law, and keeps the public conversation moving.

In the meantime, this will have to suffice—along with my pointed, sometimes uncomfortable, and admittedly can-not-not-say public comments during open public meetings. Persistence takes many forms. CC Watchdog gives it a place to land.

Jeff Tozzer's avatar

And like cold sores, we just keep coming back!

Glen Parker's avatar

Good morning Jeff,

That was quite the commissioners forum yesterday. The lack of adult leadership by our commissioners is hard to witness. Watching them approve of all the budget items without question was comic and to hear Mark Ozias say we can't force them to meetings. I couldn't help but blurt leverage from my seat. I apologize for my actions but not my word....Harm reduction is working by the reports handed to him, when all he has to do is take a picture now and compare it to 8 years ago. It truly amazes me of their blindness or is it purposely planned?

Have a Happy New Year Jeff, Doug , and Jake and lovely family!

To all Clallam County, we will make this a Happy New Year! Best of blessings to you all!

Jeff Tozzer's avatar

"Leverage" was the perfect word, Glen. Happy New Year's to you and Karen. It's always good to see and hear you at meetings.

Jacob Seegers's avatar

Happy New Year, Glen! Thank you and Karen for your passionate advocacy of Clallam citizens and for your strong support of a bright future.

Denise Lapio's avatar

No need to apologize, Glen. You were very accurate in the need for leverage. It was perfect.

Ed A. Hackie's avatar

chant to the deaf commisioners and the virtue signalers: No taxpayer money to unaccountable NGOs Zero!!!

Geoff Fox's avatar

Early morning stupid stupid stupid thoughts - Solve the Food Bank triple dippers by opening the Forks, PA and Sequim banks on the same day with the same hours of operation. In the meantime the Director, who earns a 6 digit salary will immediately implement a plan to verify qualification for assistance. Until then all the food banks remains closed. CCC needs to "claw back" the $100,000 some thousand allocated to Trinity. This should be the start of a "claw back" movement. "Claw back" works for the Social Security administration why not Clallam County?

Mac's avatar

Why is it that only one church needs safe parking? What about all the other churches on the peninsula? What v u nch if useless bullshit!

Robert's avatar

Why in the Wide, Wide World of Sports would the commissioners be against having an agreed-upon, verifiable, enforceable code of ethics? Or, as paid employees of the county, be against a requirement to produce a monthly report detailing their activities and expenses charged against said activities? Or be required to disclose any and all potential conflicts of interest, such as their participation as either active board members or regular members of any NGO that receives county funds, or does business with the county in any way? Seems like a great New Year's resolution to step up to the transparency plate, does it not?

MK's avatar

It's odd indeed given two of the three openly disclose potential conflicts of interest.

Robert James's avatar

I think we know the answer to your question.

Only sociopathic narcissists wouldn't welcome guideline reminders and a framework to 'keep it honest'.

They don't respond because they don't have to...they are wrapped in the security of the deep-state apparatus...yes, even here in little old CC!

Unfortunately in a secular world, humans pretend like they ARE the gods with predictably disastrous results, every time!

Those who refuse to learn from history...😱

Prepare for the flood of insanity...coming soon!🤔

Mac's avatar

Great question. The answer is they have no ethics and they have no backbone. Just lies made up to better their agendas!

Kristin's avatar

When you are NOT ethical a enforceable code is a really bad thing. Just my opinion.

I agree with your comment 100%

Teresa 2's avatar

Compassion...no.

Harm reduction...no.

Enabling...YES!!!

MK's avatar
Dec 31Edited

Classic government response when the criteria needs to change to make the spending/policy appear legitimate wrt to the church safe parking area. It's only a matter of time before someone pencil whips the numbers/information/requirements so as to not look the fool.

I actually agree with the church's standards. It's simply hard to imagine that it hasn't served anyone yet given how serious we're told homelessness is.

Robert James's avatar

Most of the churches are satan-infiltrated...by their fruits ye shall know them!

You have to remember Herr Stoffer is a high ranking member of that church!

We ARE being HAD!😳

Allen Olypen's avatar

"The primary barrier? Vehicles that lack valid titles, registration, or insurance."

Ahh yes, the good ol' Living-on-the-Olympic-Peninsula Starter Pack: no insurance, valid tabs, or functional lighting. Where living in your car in a parking lot is an unattainable dream.

I just keep paying my uninsured-motorist+ insurance and renewing my tabs like a complete sucker. This place is a hell-hole.

User's avatar
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Dec 31
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Kristin's avatar

Jeff -- A lot to take in today some good (thankfully) some that just makes you want to smash your computer.

Example MO regarding harm reduction just makes you laugh and puke at the same time.

Dr. Sarah's comment at the end was perfect in the fact that I am an older single woman and Lincoln St. Safeway is fricking scary anymore. When Jake last week pointed out his CHILDREN asking questions just broke my heart. Going to a grocery store should be just that. Go get your groceries and get back in the car and go home.

If went to any of these meetings my mouth would get me is no much trouble just saying :D

Jeff Tozzer's avatar

It's just incredible. I don't know how I would explain that to a child. Parenting is a brave endeavor these days.

Kristin's avatar

On the Podcast: Public comment spotlight, the Commissioners’ Forum, and Commissioner Ozias will share “ample evidence” that harm reduction is working. ----- ROFL!! Will this include the environmental impact the reduction in crime?

Denise Lapio's avatar

Jeff, your article and podcast today reflect many collective concerns in our County, and those who are helping to fight for it. It was a very good meeting yesterday with many good comments and questions. I really liked your comment on the LIDAR mapping of the 209 mile coast by the JKT Corp. Why isn't it a joint effort between two sovereign nations? You expressed concern and I now join you in that concern. I also enjoyed seeing and hearing Ron Richards give his 2 cents as a public commenter. Thank you, Jeff, for all you have done for us this year. You never wavered in your resolve for transparency, open dialogue, and accountability. May 2026 bring you and all of us peace, prosperity, and freedom in our lives. God's grace upon us. HAPPY NEW YEAR! JAKE SEEGERS 2026!

Jeff Tozzer's avatar

Thanks, Denise. You know what struck me this morning? The news today is that childcare centers are being investigated for fraud in WA. You cautioned against that weeks ago (maybe even a month) during public comment. You're great at using common sense and spotting trends. What other concerns that you've voiced will come true?

MK's avatar

If Ron spoke I'll want to listen to the recording.

Clallamity Jen's avatar

Thank you for being persistent in asking your questions, Dr. Sarah! A deeply thought-provoking and accurate public comment as well. I’m not sure the county commissioners are capable of thinking that deeply, but it did not fall on deaf ears thanks to the Watchdog sharing it. Well done!

Dale Russell's avatar

Regarding the Sequim Food Bank: my wife belongs to a group in PA that occasionally is involved in civic activities. At one of their meetings several months ago they had a presentation by, I believe, the director of the Sequim Food Bank. We were out of town and my wife did not attend. But we were talking later to someone who did. She was impressed by the services they offered. I asked, "Who can make use of the Food Bank?" I was expecting some criteria based on need. Her answer, based on the presentation, was "Anyone can. You can." We are fortunate in that we have not needed to depend on public support programs or free services in our lifetimes. Here is a situation where one can go to a grocery store and pay for food or go to a Food Bank and get, maybe a more limited selection, for free regardless of your resources. Amazing. If we lived in Sequim we might be tempted to do that, although morally we would find it repugnant.

MK's avatar

I have a neighbor who used to volunteer at the PA food bank. Said that it was hard to watch what the lack of criteria and the seeming abuse as a result but lamented that there were people who indeed need these services, children included. I don't disagree with the need or concept, but this is another entity too large for their britches and has outgrown the true need.

Robert James's avatar

Nothing is Free!😳

Susie Blake's avatar

After listening to the meeting yesterday I can only conclude Ozias has no problem repeating whatever lie suits his purposes. Mielke's disrespect for the public comes through in video almost as bad as LSWs.

Looks like a pretty serious drug trafficking bust, local news is silent.

Robert James's avatar

Mielke helped destroy Spokane, we're his current 'assignment'. Such is secular politics!😱

jedjennings50's avatar

The Sequim Library is a prime example of not being accountable for costs of a public

project. I can tell you about the WASTE on this project first hand. I offered a VE lighting

package to them and offered a savings of $70,000. They put up an argument with the

Architect and library construction person that required a sample fixture of all the alternates.

Impossible as some if these were thousands of dollars each. The switchgear was less than the metering for power consumption on this job. Been doing this for 40 years and have never seen it be more than 25% of the gear(breakers and panels). Wasted about 40 k

in metering that was not even needed. The Solar on this job has a payback of around

20 years. After the homeless camp out at the library on cold rainy days this library will

be obsolete by then. A 10k square foot building could have been built for MILLIONS less.

I could go on but what’s the use it is almost done 8 months late and they still do not

have some of the project doing what was intended. I have NEVER seen with so much

Waste of dollars as this project. Incompetent people running a project that did not

have a clue to get to the finish line in a timely and fiscally responsible manner. I want

My money back. I do not think they have any left. Maybe get another loan.

Robert James's avatar

Tell it like it is, Jed!😎

jedjennings50's avatar

Oh by the way I did sell almost all of this project si I am not crying foul because of

not getting an order. I better brace myself for

the retaliation for spilling the beans.

Robert James's avatar

Sad truth. Honesty is punished and grift/graft is rewarded...the devil's playground!🤔

Walter Grant's avatar

They should of had Donald Trump build it?

jedjennings50's avatar

He would have it done and open by now at half the cost