Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Leadership or Sinking Ship?

I'll keep this fairly short.
 
First, I mocked the members of the Port Angeles City Council for taking their non-stand stand endorsing (not!) the upcoming school bond and levy. They were, and are, ridiculous in their zealous caution.
 
Second, the comments coming in here recently have turned towards the school ballot issues. So until there's a dedicated blog for those issues, feel free to discuss them here.
 
And third, now, somewhat inexplicably, the Port of Port Angeles has weighed in on the issue, with a 2-1 vote to officially endorse these school measures. John Calhoun was the holdout, while Colleen McAleer and Jim Hallett voted in favor of the endorsement.
 
Speaking to this issue, Jim Hallett was quoted as saying thus: "The public looks to its elected leaders for direction. We represent the entire county."
 
So I'm wondering what your thoughts are on the school levy and bond, but also what you think about how the imperial Port-a-Potty Jim Hallett - who ran for office unopposed - views his position.
 
Jim Hallett: Outstanding in his field?

Is the voting process a circular firing squad, in which we choose leaders to elect so that they, in turn, may tell us how to "lead" our lives and vote? Or is the process a little more involved than that?
 
Does someone who ran for office unopposed really have the right to say they "represent the people," when "the people" had no other choice on the ballot?
 
Do you really believe the Port Commissioners are there to "represent" (that is to say, serve) the "entire county"? Or might they actually have a narrower, more limited and more self-serving agenda?
 
But if they do represent the entire county, then does that help to explain why Clallam County is in such poor shape?
 


39 comments:

  1. Jim Hallett has no more credibility than...any other elected, so-called leader in Clallam County. Hook that fool up to a wind turbine; he's got enough hot air in him to power the whole town.

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    1. I wouldn't let Jim Hallett in my house, or near my kids or my wallet. He doesn't represent me.

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  2. If the Port is really so, so concerned about public service, might I suggest that they do away with executive sessions, and all their other backroom, behind-the-scenes schemes? Do everything in public, open wide for observation and feedback. Related to that, how about having your meetings at a time that isn't in the middle of the work day? That would allow more people to more easily attend, and help with your quest to "serve the public."

    In other words, I'd say there's lots of room for improvement, and lots of work these port commissioners will have to do before I believe that they're anything other than self serving egomaniacs. Sorry if that sounds so cynical.

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  3. I thought public representatives were supposed to listen to the public, and represent the interests they hear from listening to the public.

    The "leadership" part comes in when they get lots of different views expressed, and they have to figure out what the best outcome is, to pursue.

    Having said that, it begs the obvious question. Upon what is the public basing it's views and opinions? On the party line as dutifully regurgitated by the PDN? On the clearly slanted information of a proposals' proponent, as in the supporters of the school levies? On the clearly slanted information of a proposals' opponents, whose sole goal is to convince you they're right in their views?

    "Alternate news" found on the internet, where any perspective of any issue can be found? Where search terms necessarily direct you to information you want to hear?

    Whose "truth" are decisions made upon?



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    1. I know that in City Hall, staff are responsible for 99% of the reality that the City Council operates from. I mean, really, how many times have you seen the Council vote down a staff recommendation? It happens, but only rarely. You hear them say it over and over, "Staff says...per staff...staff recommends...staff says...staff knows best..." It's like they don't have brains in their heads, just ears tuned to radio station staff.

      Which sort of begs the question: If staff are so knowledgeable, so right on the money, why do we need a City Council? Wouldn't it be cheaper and easier to just buy a big rubber stamp?

      Needless to say, this also speaks to the problem of getting rid of bad staff members, because the staff would have to recommend doing that before the Council would be likely to act. And I don't think staff will be recommending cutting their own throats any time soon.

      So the wheel goes round and round.

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  4. The school bonds are asking too much from people who have too little - especially in the face of a declining number of students here. Sadly, the schools here are just like Civic Field - facilities that have been left to rot away for too long, making any chance of recovery that much more difficult. Sorry folks, but as things stand, I can't support pouring so much money (especially money that I don't have, given the economy here) into a failed state.

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  5. Makes me suspicious when elected officials start telling me what they think I should think.

    I agree, make them uphold the sunshine laws (which are pretty "chance of sun" around here). From watching for two decades, it would seem, that all decisions are made in some backroom, hell, underground chamber. I've heard more "because we do it that way" without any reason. Few things really make sense.

    Kangaroo court comes to mind.

    I don't know if the city itself can ever "fess up" to their crimes, and declare insolvency. If they do, wonder how many old-times/old guard will end up in jail?

    I'd love to see the state auditors come in, and actually do their job. But, there seem to be people at the state level, doing whatever they can, to keep the city from ever doing that.

    I wonder how rotten this area is, seriously. With all the knowing glances and secret handshakes, and nods from a select handful of "leaders", as well as the big focus on who is an "outsider", it's clear that this area is all about running around the laws, and outside of what is proper.

    There is a small group running this town, and they see themselves as kings. How else do you explain all the non-performing leaders in the area, from Haguewood, to Veenema, to the (recently booted) Barb, and the whole, long dirty list of all the usual subjects? How deep does this rot go? And, more importantly, why?

    From reading through the archives of the PDN, one gets a clear idea that it's not one apple that's bad, but the whole barrel. That key "special" folk have lined up on the special pig trough of money, for their own benefit, and let the rest of us pay for it. The "old families" around here are a bunch of self-serving monsters, and the elected officials, they get into office, their puppets.

    But, it's death by a thousand paper cuts. Too many fleas will kill a dog. There are kids of kids of the titans of industry around here --- who keep sucking, harder and harder -- and the result is what we are living in.

    A quagmire of lies.

    My favorite "because we do it that way" is pay scale of our public officials, the employees, and even the "consultants" is off the charts. The excuse is that "we must pay a lot to attract top candidates" is so flimsy. At the height of the economic decline our fair city was still offering heated up economy prices, and giving cost-of-living increases like money was growing on trees. Try getting one of these high paying jobs if you aren't connected with the right old families. Just try. The knowing wink and nod is fully in-play.

    This town isn't about finding the best candidate, it's about finding the "right one". (The one who will look the other way at the nonsense going on, and then make it worth their time to take on the risk of getting caught.)

    The burden of these costs are squarely on the backs of the property owners in this area. We've had so many taxes added on (without our knowledge, or vote) -- the list is a mile long, go look at your actual property tax bill breakdown, go look at your utility bill, go look at all the special fees.

    We are at the ceiling limit on a lot of different taxing levies, all the ones that could be added without voter involvement.

    And, given the lack of transparency and accounting, and the overwhelming evidence of "special deals" "kickbacks" and other outright fraud -- what are we really paying for in this county? In this city?

    Indeed, stuck where the sun don't shine.

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    1. "I wonder how rotten this area is, seriously."

      It is seriously rotten. To the core. Forget the TWILIGHT vampires in Forks, the real vampires are in public office in Port Angeles.

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  6. This feels a little like that magazine cover (National Lampoon?) that had the gun to a dog's head, with the caption, BUY THIS MAGAZINE OR WE'LL SHOOT THIS DOG.

    We're being told we "hate the children" if we don't vote in favor of these measures. Well, I don't hate the children, but I DO hate the unending burden placed on the workers and homeowners and utility and tax payers here. We are already burdened so much, especially for a town this size, that asking us to add to that at all is a BIG ask.

    I don't hate the kids. No, I don't. But I just really don't know how much more of this load I can reasonably be expected to carry.

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  7. You've gotta love how someone is making snotty comments on Tom Harper's blog about how "only two people" comment here, when A) This is a busy, informative community forum, and B) Harper's blog exists almost solely to provide an outlet for one curmudgeonly old man.

    Thanks for the blog, CK. Keep up the good work! Read, everyone, and be sure to vote!

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    1. Ha! Well, I guess I'd like to thank both of you for being here - and for commenting so much.

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    2. Tom Harper is probably so jealous he's talking to himself. Who cares?

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    3. So, just checked the other blog, and found a few comments, most off topic and nonsensical, and most coming from one (admirably non-anonymous) old crank.

      The notion that this blog is all down to a couple of people is pretty silly. I see all sorts of comments, all sorts of "voices" here, and comments at all hours of the day. It's very active in a way that no other local info source is. The PDN has made it more and more onerous to comment. Port O Call hasn't really taken off, comments-wise. That leaves Unearthed as the place to go for something at least approaching a free exchange of ideas.

      Does it get too caustic for my taste sometimes? Sure. I don't really get the whole GAY SEX thing either. But I am grateful for this place, and hope you keep it going, CK. Lord knows we can use all the help we can get here.

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    4. The "gay sex" thing was a joke that was started, a week, or so ago, and embraced by several people who post regularly on the blog.

      The point was to see how many times it would need to show up in a blog to get to a high ranking on Google if someone did a search for "gay sex port angeles". Rather rapidly it moved to the first page of a google search.

      Now, having said that, turns out that 9/10ths of all the ads on craigslist/olympic Peninsula are guys looking for other guys (mostly married guys, at that). So, maybe a search SHOULD rank that high.

      FYI

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    5. Well, I don't think this blog owes it all to GAY SEX in PORT ANGELES, but...It's still getting about 300ish hits a day, with a few less on Fridays and Saturdays. I can't speak to how many different people comment here, but, there are a lot of comments coming in at a fairly steady clip, and they sure seem to be from more than two people.

      I feel very confident in saying that this blog gets more traffic than Peter Ripley's, and probably less than the PDN gets. But it's easier to comment here - and you may actually run across some truth and/or useful information.

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    6. I just am SO upset and concerned by comments made on other blogs...I am just SO worried about what some nutball who is up commenting at 3 and 4AM thinks of me and my blog...Gosh...If only that one, desperate, hopped-up crank would like me...Oh, please...Please...Please get a life.

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  8. I understand that the original title for this ballot measure was the "Blood from a stone" measure.

    I just don't think the school district, having no authority over us like, say, the city does, will be able to squeeze this one out. We'll see.

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  9. I'd like to re-post a clip somebody else put up on another thread recently.

    " August 2006 (from the school districts back files)
    "PORT ANGELES AND THE LINCOLN CENTER: A LONG-RANGE ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
    Mr. Jim Haguewood, Clallam Business Incubator Director, offered the board a presentation describing current trends in economic development and anticipating the economic development outlook over the next five years. Mr. Haguewood discussed the Lincoln Center’s role in regional development, and provided suggestions for the school district’s role in economic development. Mr. Haguewood was followed by Dr. Mark Madsen, Port Angeles City Manager, who built upon the economic trend analysis, and described the draft strategic plan for the city of Port Angeles. Dr. Madsen discussed the city’s economic outlook, and suggested opportunities for the school district’s role as a partner in city development."

    Hmmm. And, how close did Haguewoods' presentation match what actually happened, in terms of economic growth in Port Angeles. Sure, Jimbo was successful in getting taxpayers to fund his lifestyle for a couple years, but did the economy in Port Angeles grow as he told decision makers it would?

    It isn't that other examples of how things haven't turned out as glowingly as this little circle of "special people" keep telling everyone. But, as we saw recently with the Clown Council giving the Chamber yet more money, it never seems to matter how much these folks lie, or get shown to be worthless liars, they get the money anyways.

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    1. Yes, they get the money - but in most cases, only after getting the votes that put them into office somewhere first. Jim McEnitre and Jim Hallett have both been elected to two of our local governing bodies. Is this because the people trust them? Is this because they are true, respected community leaders? Were they the best choice on the ballot?

      No, of course not. We have McEntire as a County Commissioner because he ran a mean, nasty campaign, and his opponent, Linda Barnfather, was being undercut by the people in her own party behind her back. Hallett's a Port Commissioner because NO ONE ELSE EVEN BOTHERED TO RUN. You'd think with the lack of jobs around here, there would have been SOMEONE who'd have liked to have that job, right? Remember when that nut Rick Burton ran for City Council? Why didn't he run against Hallett? Peter Ripley? Someone? Anyone?

      But no. Then we have these fools in office to rob and plunder for years at a stretch, and then - and only then - do people seem to bitch about it. Probably some of the same people who voted the yahoos in in the first place.

      What is this madness that infects Clallam County? Is it a curse? The fluoride in the water? Or should we all vote for the school bond, because we're all just plain too stupid? How do you explain a place like this?

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    2. Item number one, the right wing has all the channels of communication sewn up except the monthly Port O Call. Rush Radio, Brewer's Bullshit and the school system won't let them operate the paid for television station now rusting in the Lincoln Center. If only the right wing can get the message out only their message is heard.
      Item 2. There may be something to the fluoride making everyone passive. One of the ingredients in anti anxiety medication is chemically similar to fluoride.
      Item 3. Folks have been beat down for so long here they expect nothing to improve their lot so they gravitate to drugs and other self destructive habits.
      Item 4. When a new face shows up with new ideas everyone questions their motives and mistrusts them either openly or on the sly.
      Item 5. When you have a passive electorate only the most aggressive assholes will get elected. Dan Gase came in unopposed. At least Peter Ripley put his hat in the ring.
      Item 6. There is precious little trust in this community. Every merchant thinks that if someone goes in your store they are spending money that coulda/shoulda been mine.
      When we start thinking in terms of abundance instead of scarcity the whole world view changes. I meet new people here all the time who just love the place because their focus is on the good, the true and the beautiful instead of what kind of rat bastards are trying to muck it up.

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    3. This just in. Today Dale Wilson filed at Superior Court a motion for an injunction asking the judge to prohibit the city from contracting with the chamber until his bid protest works its way through the court system. Wilson put in a bid to operate the visitor center. His bid was way under the chamber's bid but Scott Nagel and the Lodging Tax committee wouldn't even allow the city council to consider it. Their concern? He hasn't been here long enough...

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    4. Any chance you've TRIED to get a straight answer on how to get the right papers to run? I had a run-around of gigantic proportions. I was told to go here, do that, "oh they're out today", "they'll call you back" and finally gave up. Clearly no one wanted another candidate in the race.

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    5. Anonymous 1:36 AM: Did you mean to say "get the right people to run?" Or are you simply talking about the actual paperwork associated with running for office?

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    6. Anyone attempting to get the papers to get on the ballot contact Port O Call and get them to go with you and record the behavior. What you described above is a crime and should be treated as such.
      Three spots are coming available on city council this November. Start early and get the word out. We need new faces.

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    7. NO, I meant, I tried to get the paperwork to run, and was given the most elaborate run-around. I'm sure it violates some state laws, but it was done in such a well orchestrated way. Clearly, that's part of the plan...make it impossible for "just anyone" to throw their hat in the ring.

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    8. Oh that "he hasn't been HERE long enough" is such nonsense. You can be here for 40 years, but if you weren't born here, to one of the "families" and you didn't go to the same schools, and have, at the very least, a few trysts with key players sisters (or brothers..Gay SEX Port Angeles) then you're TOO NEW. TOO NEW. You're an outsider in this xenophobic little cesspool of interbred morons.

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  10. anyone else think it's strange jim haugwoods new son in law is all of a sudden on the chamber board AND the new president of the pada?

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    1. You mean, you don't think it can be summed up by talent running in that family? Or would it be more accurate to say that something oozes?

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    2. Not that the guy is very impressive to listen to. How did he get to be .. oh, yeah, I remember.

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  11. Can't wait to see what happens to the Port's insurance costs, now that they're suing 22 of their insurance carriers. Watch those rates soar!

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    1. Hey, it's only public money, right?

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  12. Jim Haguewood may get his Port Angeles United after all. Now his son in law is prez of the downtown assn and on the board of the chamber. Now they control the chamber, the downtown assn, the CEO group and soon, if Edna has her way, the PADA. Gotta love those guys. They sure know how to consolidate the avenues leading to taxpayer subsidies. I wish some enterprising group would mount a bid to operate the Main Street program. There is approximately $150,000 available to the Main Street group and I hate to see it go to that mob. Soroptimist Club, your phone is ringing. PTA, Garden Clubs, AA, hell anyone can operate the Main Street Association. You don't have to be an association nor even know what you are doing going in. The program is nationwide and you will be guided through it by professionals at the national level. Come on, someone step up. Don't let this gang get hold of that pot of gold.

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    1. If only you knew what you're talking about . . . You sound like the kind of person who is well connected and knowledgeable and has "inside" information about who the "power players" are. It must be nice to summarize the whole community and connect the dots in such a simple minded manner . . . that is, of course . . . unless you're a simpleton. Simpletons gloss over complex issues and don't get bogged down by factual reporting. They create simple minded scenarios so everything fits into their narrow preconceived view.
      First of all, Edna just got voted off the PADA board and is no longer connected. Secondly, the Main Street program can keep up to $133,000 of B&O Taxes in our community if it is run effectively, rather than it going to the State. The Main Street program is not available to any other group in town and its administered at the State level - not the federal level. Thirdly, fact that Josh Rancourt just got elected to lead PADA - might be the most positive and promising thing that has happened to Port Angeles in awhile. Word on the street is he wants to turn it around and get rid of the "dead wood" that has kept that organization in the toilet. Maybe the community will see some of that B&O $133,000 that is available. As for your conspiracy theory that the town if being run by and controlled by a few "old time" cronies - where are the facts? I don't see evidence of that. If you were involved in any of these organizations that you claim they control, you would know otherwise. Oh that's right . . . . you're a Simpleton . . . you have your own set of facts.

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    2. Personally, I think that the big fish in the rotten little Port Angeles pond are Jim Haguewood and Karen Rogers. They may no longer be the most visible scoundrels here, but they have tentacles reaching far and wide, into many sources of money and influence. Souls they probably do not have, but connections, and possibly materials to blackmail those who do not cooperate, yes.

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    3. The new Chaber prez is pretty open about his goals of implementing PAU, and having the Chamber be the one "boardroom table" where everything is controlled from. Pretty enthusiastic about it, too.

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    4. Beg to differ. The Main Street program can be operated by any non-profit. Anyone can declare they are a 501(c) 6 non-profit and voila, they are one. Not bad for a simpleton eh?

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    5. Any non-profit that can pay a full-time executive director, that is.

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    6. The $133K is only available to MSP to the extent that they get the taxpaying businesses to support it, and keep supporting it. They weren't getting it cause they weren't asking right, or they weren't returning anything of value for it, or no one would trust them with it. Or all of the above. Different people can do all of that differently. But we'll see.

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  13. I would echo what a previous person said about attending meetings of local organizations so that you have personal knowledge. By doing so, you will have no doubts, and will be able to speak with authority about how utterly pathetic the so-called leadership of Port Angeles really is.

    Being one of those that does, I can tell you, with authority, that we are in serious trouble.

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