In his Sequim Gazette column, Commissioner Ozias claimed that the Towne Road realignment project cost local taxpayers less than $1.1 million. But according to the County Administrator’s own presentation to the Board of Commissioners, $1,305,978 in local funds were spent, drawn from the County Road Fund and Real Estate Excise Tax funds. Which figure is accurate?
Question for the Forum (feel free to take and ask any that I post): In the past, Commissioner Ozias said the county was exploring co-management agreements with local tribes for our county parks, citing Sonoma County, California as a model. Is Clallam County still pursuing or considering this idea?
The Board of Commissioners has publicly stated support for the Jamestown Tribe’s expansion of its land base through trust acquisitions, even noting that the Tribe is ‘building the land base to which they are entitled.’ At the same time, the Marine Resources Committee has recommended the removal of private property owners from the 3 Crabs neighborhood. How does the Board reconcile its role as elected officials representing county residents with its support for land expansion by a sovereign nation? On what basis do you decide whose land claims or rights are given priority?
Nearly six months ago, the Marine Resources Committee recommended that residents of the 3 Crabs neighborhood in Dungeness should retreat from their homes, effectively calling for the removal of both private property and the county road. Since that time, the Board of Commissioners has made no public statement on this recommendation. Do the commissioners support, oppose, or reject the idea of displacing county residents under this proposal?
If you want to catch a thief think like one,who and what event led to the unusual flooding of the 3 crabs area?The dyke removal and who removed it.Now who will benefit if property owners are evicted from flood zone.Who do you think would get the flood zone property.Who do you think would repair dyke so no more flooding and now flood property can be used as needed.
The cultural access tax has been promoted twice now by a majority of commissioners. Leaked emails showed that one commissioner was actively encouraging special interest groups to manufacture the appearance of widespread public support, even though that support wasn’t truly there. Which commissioner was involved in that effort, what is the current status of the cultural access tax, and how do you justify keeping county residents in the dark when transparency should be the foundation of public trust?
At a time when commissioners are considering cutting essential services and asking residents to raise their property taxes, how do you justify spending taxpayer money on a county poet laureate position?
In the past, Commissioner Ozias suggested exploring the idea of supporting local media with tax dollars, saying, ‘I don't know to what extent local governments can help be a part of helping to maintain local press. I don't know if that's an appropriate role for us in any way, shape, or form.’ Is this idea still being explored or considered by the Board of Commissioners?
The laptops used by commissioners are county property, purchased with taxpayer funds for official business. Some commissioners have placed stickers on these laptops, including political ones, while keeping their own personal items—like coffee mugs—plain. Can you explain why you believe it is appropriate for elected officials to place personal or political stickers on county-owned property that does not belong to them?
Biden-Harris gave $121MILLION to help tribes build "climate resilience" The largest amount ever given to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, EVER. The award was to 96 tribes, 10 tribal organizations to fund 124 projects. There was the American Rescue Plan, the infrastructure investment act and the Jobs Act -- which funneled BILLIONS for tribal governments to address pandemic recovery, infrastructure, broadband access, AND that pesky "climate resilience".
This is just our commissioners trying to clomp around in daddy's shoes, and pretend they are, too, able to grant three wishes and loads of $$$. It is embarrassing to see grown men play-acting to the detriment of us all.
What the Democratic Party seems to not get is that the message is clear: Screw them other "injuns" that are not federally recognized. They're even more "disadvantaged". Ineligible for any funding, without sovereign authority, and forget those who's blood quantum fell below tribal/bia standards (although, quantum is very subjective as 63% of those in recognized tribes are a mixture of races.) And, there is the real fact that blood quantum will "dilute" over time. And, there isn't a good DNA test for that (since so many tribes brought foreigners into their flock -- forced or otherwise, and raised white children as their own from first contact) .
How, in this day and age can anyone support the idea of eugenics? BIA doesn't even want to deal with "identity, culture, or family ties". Most people have fallen well below the 1/4 "blood" and will soon either find a new way to qualify, change the rules, or turn on those giving out free-money. (It will be worse than "skinty-color" discrimination.) It's a slippery slope.
(As for quantum and rules.... I won't even focus on the The Dawes Rolls. They only trace back to five tribes: Choctaw, Chickasaw, Cherokee, Creek and Seminole. AKA the "5 Civilized Tribes" of history, because THEY developed a written language, and took a census).
Today, it's obvious black people are fleeing the Democratic Party in droves --- (they were traditionally Republican after Lincoln, it was Roosevelt when they began to be swayed).
It's not going to end well. I see these liberal bribes of money, the Democratic Party pandering to the tribes. They are the new "disadvantaged". (What about the OLD disadvantaged? What about "all men are created equal"?) So, all these little feel-goody empty gestures are an attempt to put the Native Americans in the same camp as 'black lives matter', only, overlooking a key element.
The truth is -- "Indian People are Nations not minorities" which is an important distinction.
The identity isn't as fragmented as other minority groups that have been wooed with cash before. Our government has so much baggage -- due to a history of broken treaties and underhanded dealing. And, Democrats have a long history of absolutely BRUTAL dealing with the native people. (Read up about Andrew Jackson -- westward expansion, the Indian Removal Act, forced migration, and the legacy of cruelty).
I'm sure, like anyone, the officially recognized tribes will take what they can get, while the getting is good. It sure is sad what happens to the non-recognized tribes. Its only a matter of time before they're double-crossed again.
I'm not even sure the term "tribe" means much any longer. There's a belief that it refers to the people, but in reality it's a handful in leadership positions running it like a corporation. I don't understand how the members tolerate this internal abuse of their heritage.
Because many tribal members who oppose don't want to be kicked out and scrutinized. And sadly, many have generations of alcoholism and drug abuse, so even if they oppose- they can't afford to be kicked out either. They aren't even gonna waste their time voting if that's how their Nation chooses council, sometimes in tribes, just having a certain last name will designate you for leadership. So who are they to care.
Many people don't realize that some of the most dehumanizing behavior is bred within tribal walls.
Personally I don't see any harm in having a day to validate our Nations past struggle. But I do have a problem with trying to make people feel guilty because they were born of a different skin color. And I especially find it rather silly that the one tribe in our neck of the woods with the predominant European decent is always the one acknowledging and pushing this type of thing
MK Below is a tribal member running in JST next election. It’s one of the first times I’ve heard anyone speak out and question the very thing you question. Unfortunately, he is going up against Ron Allens vision of “monopoly”. Wayne Cope does not have a chance unless the out-of-service area people unite under him.
TRIBAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT:Member At-Large Candidate – Wayne Cope
“...The reason I would like your vote is the vast majority of the Tribal Citizens live outside the service area, and it’s my opinion that those Citizens ARE NOT BEING TREATED OR BEING HEARD. Just something for people to think about is the Tribe has more than 550 Citizens; how many out-of-service area people are on boards/committees? How many people who live within the service area are on one, two or three boards or committees? Is this something the Tribe wants? Well, if so, if it looks like crap, smells like crap, it’s probably crap...The other thing I think needs to be addressed: IS THE TRIBE A BUSINESS OR COMMUNITY? It seems like the Tribe states both, it just depends upon who you talk to. In order for the Tribe to survive, we can’t keep letting the same people make the big decisions over and over again. Those decisions need to be made by all the Citizens.
It's the same internal abuse we are getting from our boards. The boards do not represent their citizens interest.
MK, I wouldn't. There elections are just as crooked as ours. If they are able to see who is voting for whom, I quote SC: "Because many tribal members who oppose don't want to be kicked out and scrutinized"
I take my hat off to Wayne Cop. He's sticking his neck out for his citizen's rights.
I agree, and I pray he doesn't catch flack for it. If you go talk to many tribal citezens and descendants in the community, they will agree that it's gone way out of hand and it's time for Allen to step down. But many of these people can't vote or don't vote in tribal elections either.
The only tribal members patting the council on the back are the ones directly benefiting from it.
There are many wonderful people in the tribe and who do work within its walls that are great people in general, but Jamestown is big business, and not many are gonna have the cajones to take that on.
What if we all claimed land we once occupied as rightfully ours now, yes, my Beeman Lands. I was a good steward while on all of them. I never moved on because I used up all the resources in one place.
Our local tribes made a land deal, a sale, in the Point No Point Treaty. Was it a fair exchange? I’ve seen no evidence or even an argument that it was not. Evidence of coercion? Nope!
Don, I think there's maybe a chance to answer so many of questions we've all been asking about Tribal Treaties (and their interpretations) BECAUSE
Trump is coming through the back door right now (especially with the shut down) i.e. defunding grants (energy ones right now) paid government positions and offices in the BIA. His first term touched on citizenship vs being sovereign. I'm sure, he will tackle the Tribes being tax exempt for gas and land. We might get the land back if they have to pay taxes on them (and are forced to sell) but the government sure as hell wants its taxes and certainly doesn't want to subsidize anything it can't tax if a business is placed on it.
I pledge allegiance to the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
I denounce you and this reprehensible proclamation. How dare you divide this county into two separate nations in my name. You stand before your meeting and vow your loyalty to ONE NATION, then turn around and read this proclamation! SHAME! SHAME! SHAME! I regret that I cannot attend Tuesday’s meeting to voice my absolute scorn for this proclamation and your utter disregard for your constraining power of a promise or sense of duty. SHAME! SHAME! SHAME!
This is why this county is such a total mess! We’ve got so many races here in Clallam County, aside from having two nations! What in the hell is wrong with these 3 stupid white guys? The white men are the ones who have in the past made it all about race and here they are doing it again but this time doing it under the pretense of politics! History is repeating itself and this right here is how it is done! Thank you Eric for pointing out how these ignorant masters insist and want to put us all back to before 1964!
4rd- I also object to the preamble of land acknowledgment. It has become an attitude of entitlement. Below is an example of that attitude.
Tribal Candidate Statement: Member At-Large Incumbent – Dana Ward
“...I often represent JST at community events...I am honored to attend and ACCEPT LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE S’KLALLAM PEOPLE at local events in Clallam and Jefferson county...”
Federal law in the United States protects against discrimination on the basis of race and color for all people, including those of any race (e.g., White, Black, Asian, Native American) and those of mixed or multiple races. Laws like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibit discrimination based on race and color in employment and federally funded programs for everyone.
FOR ALL PEOPLE! Why are our Commissioners selecting Native Americans? Why aren’t they selecting all or any of the other races? I think our Commissioners need to have a complaint filed with the FEPC/EEOC for discrimination. Discrimination pointing out the fact Native Americans are different from all the other races, bringing this to light, singling out a particular race over all other races! This is something Bee, the attorney, needs to put a stop to, ASAP, before this proceeds further. I take offense and I feel discriminated against, how about you? I would certainly say our County is a federally funded program.
Yes, counties receive a significant amount of funding from the federal government, typically through intergovernmental transfers and grants to support various public services like infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social programs. This federal funding is crucial for county budgets, often making up a substantial portion of their total revenue, though the exact amount varies by county and program.
And at the close of the meeting the 3 Wise Men , Ozias, French, and Johnson, will put a "C" in the middle of our foreheads. and send us back into the community to suffer the slings and arrows, And we will run the gauntlet as we go to render unto Caesar that which is Caesars on 10/31/25 to the offices of the Taxman in Port Angeles..
In his Sequim Gazette column, Commissioner Ozias claimed that the Towne Road realignment project cost local taxpayers less than $1.1 million. But according to the County Administrator’s own presentation to the Board of Commissioners, $1,305,978 in local funds were spent, drawn from the County Road Fund and Real Estate Excise Tax funds. Which figure is accurate?
Question for the Forum (feel free to take and ask any that I post): In the past, Commissioner Ozias said the county was exploring co-management agreements with local tribes for our county parks, citing Sonoma County, California as a model. Is Clallam County still pursuing or considering this idea?
The Board of Commissioners has publicly stated support for the Jamestown Tribe’s expansion of its land base through trust acquisitions, even noting that the Tribe is ‘building the land base to which they are entitled.’ At the same time, the Marine Resources Committee has recommended the removal of private property owners from the 3 Crabs neighborhood. How does the Board reconcile its role as elected officials representing county residents with its support for land expansion by a sovereign nation? On what basis do you decide whose land claims or rights are given priority?
Nearly six months ago, the Marine Resources Committee recommended that residents of the 3 Crabs neighborhood in Dungeness should retreat from their homes, effectively calling for the removal of both private property and the county road. Since that time, the Board of Commissioners has made no public statement on this recommendation. Do the commissioners support, oppose, or reject the idea of displacing county residents under this proposal?
If you want to catch a thief think like one,who and what event led to the unusual flooding of the 3 crabs area?The dyke removal and who removed it.Now who will benefit if property owners are evicted from flood zone.Who do you think would get the flood zone property.Who do you think would repair dyke so no more flooding and now flood property can be used as needed.
The cultural access tax has been promoted twice now by a majority of commissioners. Leaked emails showed that one commissioner was actively encouraging special interest groups to manufacture the appearance of widespread public support, even though that support wasn’t truly there. Which commissioner was involved in that effort, what is the current status of the cultural access tax, and how do you justify keeping county residents in the dark when transparency should be the foundation of public trust?
At a time when commissioners are considering cutting essential services and asking residents to raise their property taxes, how do you justify spending taxpayer money on a county poet laureate position?
In the past, Commissioner Ozias suggested exploring the idea of supporting local media with tax dollars, saying, ‘I don't know to what extent local governments can help be a part of helping to maintain local press. I don't know if that's an appropriate role for us in any way, shape, or form.’ Is this idea still being explored or considered by the Board of Commissioners?
The laptops used by commissioners are county property, purchased with taxpayer funds for official business. Some commissioners have placed stickers on these laptops, including political ones, while keeping their own personal items—like coffee mugs—plain. Can you explain why you believe it is appropriate for elected officials to place personal or political stickers on county-owned property that does not belong to them?
There are even more fantastic questions submitted by readers if you read the comments from an article about the last commissioners' forum: https://www.ccwatchdog.com/p/commissioners-finally-open-the-floor/comments
Biden-Harris gave $121MILLION to help tribes build "climate resilience" The largest amount ever given to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, EVER. The award was to 96 tribes, 10 tribal organizations to fund 124 projects. There was the American Rescue Plan, the infrastructure investment act and the Jobs Act -- which funneled BILLIONS for tribal governments to address pandemic recovery, infrastructure, broadband access, AND that pesky "climate resilience".
This is just our commissioners trying to clomp around in daddy's shoes, and pretend they are, too, able to grant three wishes and loads of $$$. It is embarrassing to see grown men play-acting to the detriment of us all.
What the Democratic Party seems to not get is that the message is clear: Screw them other "injuns" that are not federally recognized. They're even more "disadvantaged". Ineligible for any funding, without sovereign authority, and forget those who's blood quantum fell below tribal/bia standards (although, quantum is very subjective as 63% of those in recognized tribes are a mixture of races.) And, there is the real fact that blood quantum will "dilute" over time. And, there isn't a good DNA test for that (since so many tribes brought foreigners into their flock -- forced or otherwise, and raised white children as their own from first contact) .
How, in this day and age can anyone support the idea of eugenics? BIA doesn't even want to deal with "identity, culture, or family ties". Most people have fallen well below the 1/4 "blood" and will soon either find a new way to qualify, change the rules, or turn on those giving out free-money. (It will be worse than "skinty-color" discrimination.) It's a slippery slope.
(As for quantum and rules.... I won't even focus on the The Dawes Rolls. They only trace back to five tribes: Choctaw, Chickasaw, Cherokee, Creek and Seminole. AKA the "5 Civilized Tribes" of history, because THEY developed a written language, and took a census).
Today, it's obvious black people are fleeing the Democratic Party in droves --- (they were traditionally Republican after Lincoln, it was Roosevelt when they began to be swayed).
It's not going to end well. I see these liberal bribes of money, the Democratic Party pandering to the tribes. They are the new "disadvantaged". (What about the OLD disadvantaged? What about "all men are created equal"?) So, all these little feel-goody empty gestures are an attempt to put the Native Americans in the same camp as 'black lives matter', only, overlooking a key element.
The truth is -- "Indian People are Nations not minorities" which is an important distinction.
The identity isn't as fragmented as other minority groups that have been wooed with cash before. Our government has so much baggage -- due to a history of broken treaties and underhanded dealing. And, Democrats have a long history of absolutely BRUTAL dealing with the native people. (Read up about Andrew Jackson -- westward expansion, the Indian Removal Act, forced migration, and the legacy of cruelty).
I'm sure, like anyone, the officially recognized tribes will take what they can get, while the getting is good. It sure is sad what happens to the non-recognized tribes. Its only a matter of time before they're double-crossed again.
History always repeats itself.
I'm not even sure the term "tribe" means much any longer. There's a belief that it refers to the people, but in reality it's a handful in leadership positions running it like a corporation. I don't understand how the members tolerate this internal abuse of their heritage.
Because many tribal members who oppose don't want to be kicked out and scrutinized. And sadly, many have generations of alcoholism and drug abuse, so even if they oppose- they can't afford to be kicked out either. They aren't even gonna waste their time voting if that's how their Nation chooses council, sometimes in tribes, just having a certain last name will designate you for leadership. So who are they to care.
Many people don't realize that some of the most dehumanizing behavior is bred within tribal walls.
Personally I don't see any harm in having a day to validate our Nations past struggle. But I do have a problem with trying to make people feel guilty because they were born of a different skin color. And I especially find it rather silly that the one tribe in our neck of the woods with the predominant European decent is always the one acknowledging and pushing this type of thing
MK Below is a tribal member running in JST next election. It’s one of the first times I’ve heard anyone speak out and question the very thing you question. Unfortunately, he is going up against Ron Allens vision of “monopoly”. Wayne Cope does not have a chance unless the out-of-service area people unite under him.
https://jamestowntribe.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Oct-2025-Tribal-newsletter-DIGITAL-reduced.pdf
TRIBAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT:Member At-Large Candidate – Wayne Cope
“...The reason I would like your vote is the vast majority of the Tribal Citizens live outside the service area, and it’s my opinion that those Citizens ARE NOT BEING TREATED OR BEING HEARD. Just something for people to think about is the Tribe has more than 550 Citizens; how many out-of-service area people are on boards/committees? How many people who live within the service area are on one, two or three boards or committees? Is this something the Tribe wants? Well, if so, if it looks like crap, smells like crap, it’s probably crap...The other thing I think needs to be addressed: IS THE TRIBE A BUSINESS OR COMMUNITY? It seems like the Tribe states both, it just depends upon who you talk to. In order for the Tribe to survive, we can’t keep letting the same people make the big decisions over and over again. Those decisions need to be made by all the Citizens.
It's the same internal abuse we are getting from our boards. The boards do not represent their citizens interest.
Wow, what a sobering statement that parallels local politics. If I was a tribal member I'd certainly vote for the change that's needed.
Maybe Wayne Cope could write an article for the CCWD. I wish him luck.
MK, I wouldn't. There elections are just as crooked as ours. If they are able to see who is voting for whom, I quote SC: "Because many tribal members who oppose don't want to be kicked out and scrutinized"
I take my hat off to Wayne Cop. He's sticking his neck out for his citizen's rights.
I agree, and I pray he doesn't catch flack for it. If you go talk to many tribal citezens and descendants in the community, they will agree that it's gone way out of hand and it's time for Allen to step down. But many of these people can't vote or don't vote in tribal elections either.
The only tribal members patting the council on the back are the ones directly benefiting from it.
There are many wonderful people in the tribe and who do work within its walls that are great people in general, but Jamestown is big business, and not many are gonna have the cajones to take that on.
What if we all claimed land we once occupied as rightfully ours now, yes, my Beeman Lands. I was a good steward while on all of them. I never moved on because I used up all the resources in one place.
Our local tribes made a land deal, a sale, in the Point No Point Treaty. Was it a fair exchange? I’ve seen no evidence or even an argument that it was not. Evidence of coercion? Nope!
Don, I think there's maybe a chance to answer so many of questions we've all been asking about Tribal Treaties (and their interpretations) BECAUSE
Trump is coming through the back door right now (especially with the shut down) i.e. defunding grants (energy ones right now) paid government positions and offices in the BIA. His first term touched on citizenship vs being sovereign. I'm sure, he will tackle the Tribes being tax exempt for gas and land. We might get the land back if they have to pay taxes on them (and are forced to sell) but the government sure as hell wants its taxes and certainly doesn't want to subsidize anything it can't tax if a business is placed on it.
Just my thoughts.
Sent to commissioners just now.
COLUMBUS DAY
I pledge allegiance to the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
I denounce you and this reprehensible proclamation. How dare you divide this county into two separate nations in my name. You stand before your meeting and vow your loyalty to ONE NATION, then turn around and read this proclamation! SHAME! SHAME! SHAME! I regret that I cannot attend Tuesday’s meeting to voice my absolute scorn for this proclamation and your utter disregard for your constraining power of a promise or sense of duty. SHAME! SHAME! SHAME!
This is why this county is such a total mess! We’ve got so many races here in Clallam County, aside from having two nations! What in the hell is wrong with these 3 stupid white guys? The white men are the ones who have in the past made it all about race and here they are doing it again but this time doing it under the pretense of politics! History is repeating itself and this right here is how it is done! Thank you Eric for pointing out how these ignorant masters insist and want to put us all back to before 1964!
4rd- I also object to the preamble of land acknowledgment. It has become an attitude of entitlement. Below is an example of that attitude.
Tribal Candidate Statement: Member At-Large Incumbent – Dana Ward
“...I often represent JST at community events...I am honored to attend and ACCEPT LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE S’KLALLAM PEOPLE at local events in Clallam and Jefferson county...”
I can’t attend either Eric, but can I use some of your words to send in an email. I love it
Federal law in the United States protects against discrimination on the basis of race and color for all people, including those of any race (e.g., White, Black, Asian, Native American) and those of mixed or multiple races. Laws like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibit discrimination based on race and color in employment and federally funded programs for everyone.
FOR ALL PEOPLE! Why are our Commissioners selecting Native Americans? Why aren’t they selecting all or any of the other races? I think our Commissioners need to have a complaint filed with the FEPC/EEOC for discrimination. Discrimination pointing out the fact Native Americans are different from all the other races, bringing this to light, singling out a particular race over all other races! This is something Bee, the attorney, needs to put a stop to, ASAP, before this proceeds further. I take offense and I feel discriminated against, how about you? I would certainly say our County is a federally funded program.
Yes, counties receive a significant amount of funding from the federal government, typically through intergovernmental transfers and grants to support various public services like infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social programs. This federal funding is crucial for county budgets, often making up a substantial portion of their total revenue, though the exact amount varies by county and program.
Really tiring of victim/oppressor politics. Things that non of us were involved in.
And at the close of the meeting the 3 Wise Men , Ozias, French, and Johnson, will put a "C" in the middle of our foreheads. and send us back into the community to suffer the slings and arrows, And we will run the gauntlet as we go to render unto Caesar that which is Caesars on 10/31/25 to the offices of the Taxman in Port Angeles..
Will Whitey be allowed in to the Commissioners Forum? He’ll be out panhandling the public on this oppressed sovereign land.
Eric. Spot on. The divisiveness of our county commissioners is showing.
The ENTITLED!