Telling the truth about one of the worst, most corrupt places on Earth, and providing more information than the Peninsula Daily News could ever hope to.
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words...
...Though, admittedly, the picture itself contains some words.
*********
And meanwhile, soon to appear in dozens of locations around town...These lovely, professionally-made signs, as seen below. Ask for one for your yard or business window today!
Since the recall petition has done so poorly, I'd recommend you not order too many t-shirts. Maybe a couple hundred at most. More than that and you'll only "lose your shirt". Oh, I guess you'll lose it anyway since most people will only accept one if you're handing them out for free, like the signs!
Recall petition? There was a petition that just voiced "no confidence" and asked the four to step down didn't do poorly, but with all the other petitions, and the amount of confusion going around it is very time-involved.
And, with the attitudes expressed by the four -- clearly was going to be a useless exercise.
Recalls, although not difficult to begin, would involve a battle from the city and would probably be hung up for years. Longer than some of the bozos have left in their terms.
With all the council four have said recently, it will be pretty easy to get people to sign. What American wouldn't sign a petition to gid rid of elected officials who ignore and then want to silence the public?
We haven't even started the door-to-door effort, yet.
But, you will see the new signs up tomorrow, and from now on. First things first, dontcha know.
OK, so Anon 10:53 is clearly taunting the comment but still makes a point. The petition, or overall effort to oust the 4, has not gotten the kind of support (rapidly growing numbers) that are hoped for and the effort does show signs of stalling. The challenge seems to be whether or not the very cleaver (maybe too cleaver), vocal minority is successfully motivating the (still) silent, overwhelming majority of the community. I'm beginning to wonder if the majority is being driven away by the continuing no fluoride rant or else by the "draconian" attitudes/personalized attacks, as much as by they are by the ridiculous reactions coming from Kidd.
Clever. Yes, a great many people would probably like to take a cleaver to several Council members, but that doesn't change the fact that the word you were looking for was clever.
No, Anon 10:53 makes no point what so ever! All they are TRYING to do, like you (maybe the same person?), is create the impression that people are less pissed off at the council than they were a week ago. Based upon what? Nothing.
In fact, unlike a week ago, professional signs are now out on the streets. In less than a week, the Deputy Mayor, for the first time in the history of the City will be "tried" in public for Ethics Violations , specifically complaining about how the public was treated at the last council meeting!
I know MJ is now legal, but really. Are you trying so hard to diffuse the public's anger as to be blinded to all that is going on? Or, are you just one of "them", trying to save your own skin?
As if any of them are in there for the good of the town. Kidd and Downie are there because they need to have their little egos stroked constantly. Collins and Gase are just after whatever graft they can get. Public service is not their motivation.
Agreed, but the comment is "for the good of the town". The town is only going to move forward when they remove themselves from being the problem.
No one seriously thinks people are just going to fold up their tents and go home because some on the council told them to shut up and go away?!If anything, the council majority is doing everything they can to keep the turmoil going, and to throw gasoline on the fire!
Do you suppose anyone from the PDN has seen these signs? Do you think they'll ever be mentioned in stories on this community outrage? Does reflecting reality ever enter into their coverage?
Any other requests for public Information before I e-mail this Public Records Request to the City Clerk?
Dear Ms. Veneklasen,
I am making a Public Records Request in accordance with RCW 42.56 Public Records Act.
I am requesting a copy of the Port Angeles City Council “Rules of Procedure” in accordance with RCW 42.56.040 DUTY TO PUBLISH PROCEDURES, (1) (a) Rules of Procedure.
I also request a copy of any memos, records, meeting minutes, agendas and public notification, time and place for the January 5th, 2016 Port Angeles City Council Meeting and the vote on “sign prohibition” in City Council Chambers, including each council members recorded vote for or against the “sign prohibition”.
Please notify me by phone or e-mail when the requested records are ready and the cost of copies. If possible, you may e-mail the records in MS WORD or PDF format if you prefer.
Needless to say, please keep us in the loop with what you hear back from the City, and when. Will they delay, or, is it possible that City staff smell disaster looming for the Fluoride Four, and will thus be a little more responsive to the public?
Prediction: The City will stall and stonewall about fulfilling this records request, and may take three to six months or longer to produce the requested documents. When the records finally appear, they will be full of redactions of allegedly "privileged" or "exempt from disclosure" material. Sad to say, the City has a reputation for being well practiced in the use of every device imaginable to skirt the intent of open government laws.
The council rules were adopted 11/17/2015, 9 pages currently. Getting a copy was the very first thing some of us did after the last meeting. Ms. Veneklasen was very prompt & professional in getting us the document. There are 14 sections, and section 9A deals with "Public Comment Guidelines". You will find this a very handy reference. Heck, we should pass out copies at the next meeting.
The City of Port Angeles received your request for public records on 2/10/2016 and will respond within 5 business days by providing one of the following:
1. We will complete the request by providing the requested records,
2. We will provide you with the estimated date of completion of your request,
3. We will provide a partial installment and inform you of the schedule of future installments,
4. We will ask for clarification if your request is unclear,
5. We will direct you to the City’s website to access the records requested, or
6. We may deny the request because no responsive records exist.
For tracking purposes, your reference number is W002571-021016.
UPDATE #2 ON RECORDS REQUEST FROM THE CITY OF PORT ANGELES:
I have received all records requested. Of note is the response to City Attorney Bloor's statement that there had been a vote to continue the practice of prohibiting signs in the council chambers. No vote was taken, "However, there was not a vote on signs, so I have no records to provide you related to that portion of your request." Was Attorney Bloor mistaken about the sign prohibition vote, or did he lie? See e-mail exchange below;
Mr. Frazier. I apologize for the delay in getting back to you. Currently we have a large volume of requests and limited staff to respond.
Attached, please find the most recent Council Rules of Procedure document as requested.
Other records from the January 5, 2016 Council meeting that you requested were: • Memos • Minutes • Agenda • Public Notification
The Council packet (which includes all memos and the agenda) and the minutes from that meeting are attached. However, there was not a vote on signs, so I have no records to provide you related to that portion of your request. As far as public meeting notification, January 5 was a regularly scheduled Council meeting which is noticed on the City’s website here: http://wa-portangeles.civicplus.com/137/City-Council
Will you please confirm that you received and were able to open the noted documents? Please let me know if I have misunderstood your request in any way.
Thank you,
Jennifer Veneklasen City Clerk | Public Records Officer City of Port Angeles 360.417.4634 (p) 321 East Fifth Street | P. O. Box 1150 Port Angeles, WA, 98362 www.cityofpa.us
It also appears according to the Rules of Procedure that reference is made quite clear as to Robert's Rules of Order if there is a question on procedural matters of the council. So, Mr. Bloor may be correct that the council is under no "legal" obligation to follow Robert's Rules of Order, but if council procedure is in question those rules are to be referenced.
CITY COUNCIL RULES OF PROCEDURE As of November 17, 2015
Section 7 - Chair of the Council.
Procedural decisions shall be made by the Chair of the Council, who may request advice on such matters from the City Attorney and may refer to Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised (current Edition).
It appears that the majority of the city council feel that they can run AD HOC and do as they wish when ever the mood strikes them and that the city attorney will provide cover.
It also appears that the councils AD HOC sign prohibiton is a violation of the Open Public Meetings Act. RCW 42.30.040 Conditions to attendance not to be required. A member of the public shall not be required, as a condition to attendance at a meeting of a governing body, to register his or her name and other information, to complete a questionnaire, or otherwise to fulfill any condition precedent to his or her attendance.
Thanks for the latest. Bill Bloor makes my head hurt. I will direct people to check here for your update, but feel free to also post these on the latest topic if you like.
Jennifer is absolutely professional and does not give a whit about the political winds. She will follow the letter and spirit of the law on public records requests.
The request described above includes memos and records, which will trigger a search of employee and council correspondence. These could be time consuming to gather, and Jennifer V. has no control over whether the legal review is conducted promptly. The minutes and other already posted documents should be readily produced, and I am encouraged to learn that Anon 5:50 PM regards her highly. The other requested records will require more time and prior legal review before release, however, and Bill Bloor isn't known for his broad interpretation of, or adherence to, the spirit of open government laws.
There are no deadlines for the "Step Down Now" petitions, but we want to get this wrapped up fairly quickly.
The issues are very clear, and universal for any citizen that cares about preserving what America stands for, what our soldiers have died to protect, and what the council affirms as it recites the Pledge of Allegiance. Freedom of speech, democracy, and our rights.
The "Four" have arrogantly, and repeatedly insulted the people of Port Angeles (and all Americans) with their statements and conduct.
Deputy Mayor Cherie Kidd's actions and behavior at the last meeting was so far beyond what any American expects of the people they elect. It is intolerable.
Never before has a sitting council member been brought up on Ethics Violations. And, her response? Is she sorry for bringing this kind of public embarrassment to the City of Port Angeles? No!
We expect to get thousands of signatures.
Then we will see how much Kidd, Gase, Collins and Downie really care about Port Angeles.
If the above Anon has not been able to find a petition already, there is one at the south entrance of Country Aire, on the bulletin board. The petition may be to change to second class city. Either way, it has my blessing. If it takes the disposal of the baby with the bath water to make a necessary change, so be it!
Lying to a police officer is a crime called "Obstruction of Justice." Why do they keep saying the found no criminal activity. Lying to police is a crime in Washington. Mr. Bloor, grow some gonads and do your job.
If we hop aboard the logic train for a minute, we realize none of these Twatwaffles , collectively or individually, have EVER done anything “For the Good of Port Angeles”… They sure as hell ain’t gonna step down for it.
A more effective resolution might be to hold bake sales and car washes to bribe these shitbirds to resign. Come On… These are small time nobodys who think they are clever. We can buy any of them fore like 12 dollars apiece.
If it had not been the fluoride issue, the activists would have found something else to shriek about and use that as the wedge to further the true political agenda here-that is, stack the council with Democrats in some way other than an election.
If you're happy with having public servants who insult you and abuse their authority, then you can just sit back and do nothing but gripe about the boogieman under your bed.
You won't be alone.
Fortunately, there are people who do care about the town, it's children and it's future. Not just political party affiliation.
PA city council Port Angeles Dan Gase statement regarding fluoride last summer: Aug 9, 2015 "Dan Gase said they would vote to stop fluoridating city water if that's what water users say they want in the survey, which will be conducted by mail on a still-undesignated date in November"
It would be good if the public had a code of ethics to adhere to as well. As a retired public official (different agency), it was disheartening to conduct public hearings and have to endure yelling, spitting, name-calling, uninformed allegations, misrepresentations of facts, etc. It probably feels good, in a 1960's kind of way, to wave a placard and demonstrate your views rather than politely, logically, persuasively argue your case.
It really helped me decide to retirement so that I could concentrate on being something other than a target or sounding board for the rude.
The public hearings setting also illustrated to me the gnat-length attention span of the vocal public. There's a local environmental group who completely missed a very significant public hearing recently held that was of great concern but they did not show up as they had earlier shown up. I guess they figured the placards and previous rudeness sufficed and it was time to move on to bigger and better things.
I, too, have been in government and sat through many years of public hearings.
What you are not acknowledging is the years of being polite, the mountains of documentation, and the logical reasoning that has been uniformly and routinely ignored by the civilian city government in Port Angeles.
After many years of being polite and reasonable, and seeing it get you no where, the public has every right to do what is needed to get their elected representatives' attention.
In fact, according to the founders of this very country, we each have an obligation to do so.
It occurred to me that even if they ban signs at the meetings, how about having some t-shirts made?
ReplyDeleteSince the recall petition has done so poorly, I'd recommend you not order too many t-shirts. Maybe a couple hundred at most.
DeleteMore than that and you'll only "lose your shirt".
Oh, I guess you'll lose it anyway since most people will only accept one if you're handing them out for free, like the signs!
I'm going to guess that the idea of making t-shirts did not include the element of making a profit on them.
DeleteRecall petition? There was a petition that just voiced "no confidence" and asked the four to step down didn't do poorly, but with all the other petitions, and the amount of confusion going around it is very time-involved.
DeleteAnd, with the attitudes expressed by the four -- clearly was going to be a useless exercise.
Recalls, although not difficult to begin, would involve a battle from the city and would probably be hung up for years. Longer than some of the bozos have left in their terms.
Anon 10:53 is being way too clever for the rest of us in their comments.
DeleteThey are saying that most people in Port Angeles support what the council is doing, and opposition is "a couple hundred at most".
Yeah, people should support support the anti-American activities of the Four. What red-blooded American would stand up for free speech?
BTW, Anon 10:53, I don't know that there ever was a "recall petition". Shows how in touch with reality you are.
The "Step Down Now" effort is just getting going.
DeleteWith all the council four have said recently, it will be pretty easy to get people to sign. What American wouldn't sign a petition to gid rid of elected officials who ignore and then want to silence the public?
We haven't even started the door-to-door effort, yet.
But, you will see the new signs up tomorrow, and from now on. First things first, dontcha know.
OK, so Anon 10:53 is clearly taunting the comment but still makes a point. The petition, or overall effort to oust the 4, has not gotten the kind of support (rapidly growing numbers) that are hoped for and the effort does show signs of stalling.
DeleteThe challenge seems to be whether or not the very cleaver (maybe too cleaver), vocal minority is successfully motivating the (still) silent, overwhelming majority of the community.
I'm beginning to wonder if the majority is being driven away by the continuing no fluoride rant or else by the "draconian" attitudes/personalized attacks, as much as by they are by the ridiculous reactions coming from Kidd.
Clever. Yes, a great many people would probably like to take a cleaver to several Council members, but that doesn't change the fact that the word you were looking for was clever.
Delete@ Anon 9:13
DeleteNo, Anon 10:53 makes no point what so ever! All they are TRYING to do, like you (maybe the same person?), is create the impression that people are less pissed off at the council than they were a week ago. Based upon what? Nothing.
In fact, unlike a week ago, professional signs are now out on the streets. In less than a week, the Deputy Mayor, for the first time in the history of the City will be "tried" in public for Ethics Violations , specifically complaining about how the public was treated at the last council meeting!
I know MJ is now legal, but really. Are you trying so hard to diffuse the public's anger as to be blinded to all that is going on? Or, are you just one of "them", trying to save your own skin?
That sign says it all!
ReplyDeleteWhen are these council people going to understand it is their actions that are causing all the problems?
For the good of the town, step down.
As if any of them are in there for the good of the town. Kidd and Downie are there because they need to have their little egos stroked constantly. Collins and Gase are just after whatever graft they can get. Public service is not their motivation.
DeleteAgreed, but the comment is "for the good of the town". The town is only going to move forward when they remove themselves from being the problem.
DeleteNo one seriously thinks people are just going to fold up their tents and go home because some on the council told them to shut up and go away?!If anything, the council majority is doing everything they can to keep the turmoil going, and to throw gasoline on the fire!
And a video (of the City Council meeting in question) is also worth quite a lot. It's up to nearly 600 views at this point. Share the link!
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKOKjLqhBsM
Do you suppose anyone from the PDN has seen these signs? Do you think they'll ever be mentioned in stories on this community outrage? Does reflecting reality ever enter into their coverage?
ReplyDeletePDN is in possession of said photos.
DeleteAny other requests for public Information before I e-mail this Public Records Request to the City Clerk?
ReplyDeleteDear Ms. Veneklasen,
I am making a Public Records Request in accordance with RCW 42.56 Public Records Act.
I am requesting a copy of the Port Angeles City Council “Rules of Procedure” in accordance with RCW 42.56.040 DUTY TO PUBLISH PROCEDURES, (1) (a) Rules of Procedure.
I also request a copy of any memos, records, meeting minutes, agendas and public notification, time and place for the January 5th, 2016 Port Angeles City Council Meeting and the vote on “sign prohibition” in City Council Chambers, including each council members recorded vote for or against the “sign prohibition”.
Please notify me by phone or e-mail when the requested records are ready and the cost of copies.
If possible, you may e-mail the records in MS WORD or PDF format if you prefer.
Sincerely,
Needless to say, please keep us in the loop with what you hear back from the City, and when. Will they delay, or, is it possible that City staff smell disaster looming for the Fluoride Four, and will thus be a little more responsive to the public?
DeletePrediction: The City will stall and stonewall about fulfilling this records request, and may take three to six months or longer to produce the requested documents. When the records finally appear, they will be full of redactions of allegedly "privileged" or "exempt from disclosure" material.
DeleteSad to say, the City has a reputation for being well practiced in the use of every device imaginable to skirt the intent of open government laws.
I will post here as soon as I receive any response with a copy if possible.
DeleteThe council rules were adopted 11/17/2015, 9 pages currently. Getting a copy was the very first thing some of us did after the last meeting. Ms. Veneklasen was very prompt & professional in getting us the document.
DeleteThere are 14 sections, and section 9A deals with "Public Comment Guidelines". You will find this a very handy reference.
Heck, we should pass out copies at the next meeting.
don't think, for a minute, that the staff aren't sick of the b.s. with the council four.
DeleteUPDATE ON RECORDS REQUEST:
DeleteDear Requestor:
The City of Port Angeles received your request for public records on 2/10/2016 and will respond within 5 business days by providing one of the following:
1. We will complete the request by providing the requested records,
2. We will provide you with the estimated date of completion of your request,
3. We will provide a partial installment and inform you of the schedule of future installments,
4. We will ask for clarification if your request is unclear,
5. We will direct you to the City’s website to access the records requested, or
6. We may deny the request because no responsive records exist.
For tracking purposes, your reference number is W002571-021016.
City of Port Angeles
Thanks for the update! I'm gonna guess your next notice will not be Number One from the list above, but...You never know.
DeleteUPDATE #2 ON RECORDS REQUEST FROM THE CITY OF PORT ANGELES:
DeleteI have received all records requested. Of note is the response to City Attorney Bloor's statement that there had been a vote to continue the practice of prohibiting signs in the council chambers. No vote was taken, "However, there was not a vote on signs, so I have no records to provide you related to that portion of your request." Was Attorney Bloor mistaken about the sign prohibition vote, or did he lie? See e-mail exchange below;
Mr. Frazier.
I apologize for the delay in getting back to you. Currently we have a large volume of requests and limited staff to respond.
Attached, please find the most recent Council Rules of Procedure document as requested.
Other records from the January 5, 2016 Council meeting that you requested were:
• Memos
• Minutes
• Agenda
• Public Notification
The Council packet (which includes all memos and the agenda) and the minutes from that meeting are attached. However, there was not a vote on signs, so I have no records to provide you related to that portion of your request. As far as public meeting notification, January 5 was a regularly scheduled Council meeting which is noticed on the City’s website here: http://wa-portangeles.civicplus.com/137/City-Council
Will you please confirm that you received and were able to open the noted documents? Please let me know if I have misunderstood your request in any way.
Thank you,
Jennifer Veneklasen
City Clerk | Public Records Officer
City of Port Angeles
360.417.4634 (p)
321 East Fifth Street | P. O. Box 1150
Port Angeles, WA, 98362
www.cityofpa.us
It also appears according to the Rules of Procedure that reference is made quite clear as to Robert's Rules of Order if there is a question on procedural matters of the council. So, Mr. Bloor may be correct that the council is under no "legal" obligation to follow Robert's Rules of Order, but if council procedure is in question those rules are to be referenced.
CITY COUNCIL
RULES OF PROCEDURE
As of November 17, 2015
Section 7 - Chair of the Council.
Procedural decisions shall be made by the Chair of the Council, who may request advice on such
matters from the City Attorney and may refer to Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised (current
Edition).
It appears that the majority of the city council feel that they can run AD HOC and do as they wish when ever the mood strikes them and that the city attorney will provide cover.
It also appears that the councils AD HOC sign prohibiton is a violation of the Open Public Meetings Act.
RCW 42.30.040
Conditions to attendance not to be required.
A member of the public shall not be required, as a condition to attendance at a meeting of a governing body, to register his or her name and other information, to complete a questionnaire, or otherwise to fulfill any condition precedent to his or her attendance.
Thanks for the latest. Bill Bloor makes my head hurt. I will direct people to check here for your update, but feel free to also post these on the latest topic if you like.
DeleteJennifer is absolutely professional and does not give a whit about the political winds. She will follow the letter and spirit of the law on public records requests.
ReplyDeleteThe request described above includes memos and records, which will trigger a search of employee and council correspondence. These could be time consuming to gather, and Jennifer V. has no control over whether the legal review is conducted promptly.
DeleteThe minutes and other already posted documents should be readily produced, and I am encouraged to learn that Anon 5:50 PM regards her highly. The other requested records will require more time and prior legal review before release, however, and Bill Bloor isn't known for his broad interpretation of, or adherence to, the spirit of open government laws.
What are the petition numbers? And what is the deadline to get the required signatures?
ReplyDeleteThere are no deadlines for the "Step Down Now" petitions, but we want to get this wrapped up fairly quickly.
DeleteThe issues are very clear, and universal for any citizen that cares about preserving what America stands for, what our soldiers have died to protect, and what the council affirms as it recites the Pledge of Allegiance. Freedom of speech, democracy, and our rights.
The "Four" have arrogantly, and repeatedly insulted the people of Port Angeles (and all Americans) with their statements and conduct.
Deputy Mayor Cherie Kidd's actions and behavior at the last meeting was so far beyond what any American expects of the people they elect. It is intolerable.
Never before has a sitting council member been brought up on Ethics Violations. And, her response? Is she sorry for bringing this kind of public embarrassment to the City of Port Angeles? No!
We expect to get thousands of signatures.
Then we will see how much Kidd, Gase, Collins and Downie really care about Port Angeles.
I've heard the petition isn't going very well. That's why I asked about the numbers. And where can someone sign it?
DeleteIf the above Anon has not been able to find a petition already, there is one at the south entrance of Country Aire, on the bulletin board. The petition may be to change to second class city. Either way, it has my blessing. If it takes the disposal of the baby with the bath water to make a necessary change, so be it!
DeleteLying to a police officer is a crime called "Obstruction of Justice." Why do they keep saying the found no criminal activity. Lying to police is a crime in Washington. Mr. Bloor, grow some gonads and do your job.
ReplyDeleteCute Signs. Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteIf we hop aboard the logic train for a minute, we realize none of these Twatwaffles , collectively or individually, have EVER done anything “For the Good of Port Angeles”… They sure as hell ain’t gonna step down for it.
A more effective resolution might be to hold bake sales and car washes to bribe these shitbirds to resign. Come On… These are small time nobodys who think they are clever. We can buy any of them fore like 12 dollars apiece.
Good point! Council members - name your prices! How much do you all think you're worth?
DeleteYes, there are a lot of people who think Cherie Kidd has no morality or ethics. Same with Brad Collins, Pat Downie and Dan Gase.
DeleteAnd with the "Step Down Now" Campaign, they get to resolve this very question.
They now state it is a "small vocal group" who are causing all the upset in town. Easy to disprove.
So, when more people sign petitions for their removal, than voted to put them into office, what do they have left to say?
Really folks. This is about as easy as it gets. If you really want things to change in Port Angeles, grow some, and pitch in!
If it had not been the fluoride issue, the activists would have found something else to shriek about and use that as the wedge to further the true political agenda here-that is, stack the council with Democrats in some way other than an election.
ReplyDeletetwit
DeleteDemocrats? WTF? Our council is non-partisan. That doesn't mean they don't like to party, means they don't declare such things.
DeleteAnon 10:17
DeleteIf you're happy with having public servants who insult you and abuse their authority, then you can just sit back and do nothing but gripe about the boogieman under your bed.
You won't be alone.
Fortunately, there are people who do care about the town, it's children and it's future. Not just political party affiliation.
PA city council Port Angeles Dan Gase statement regarding fluoride last summer: Aug 9, 2015 "Dan Gase said they would vote to stop fluoridating city water if that's what water users say they want in the survey, which will be conducted by mail on a still-undesignated date in November"
ReplyDeleteWTF! http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20150809/NEWS/308099986W
Link not working?
DeleteTry this link:
Deletehttp://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20150809/NEWS/308099986
link works...take the W off the end.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20150809/NEWS/308099986
Gase did say he would vote against fluoride if that was the will of the people. "I really think we have to follow the will of the people." A liar!!
ReplyDeleteAw, come on now, he was only half-lying! LOL
DeleteHad the results been evenly split or in favor of toxic waste, they WOULD HAVE followed the people!
It would be good if the public had a code of ethics to adhere to as well. As a retired public official (different agency), it was disheartening to conduct public hearings and have to endure yelling, spitting, name-calling, uninformed allegations, misrepresentations of facts, etc. It probably feels good, in a 1960's kind of way, to wave a placard and demonstrate your views rather than politely, logically, persuasively argue your case.
ReplyDeleteIt really helped me decide to retirement so that I could concentrate on being something other than a target or sounding board for the rude.
The public hearings setting also illustrated to me the gnat-length attention span of the vocal public. There's a local environmental group who completely missed a very significant public hearing recently held that was of great concern but they did not show up as they had earlier shown up. I guess they figured the placards and previous rudeness sufficed and it was time to move on to bigger and better things.
Oh, come off it!
DeleteI, too, have been in government and sat through many years of public hearings.
What you are not acknowledging is the years of being polite, the mountains of documentation, and the logical reasoning that has been uniformly and routinely ignored by the civilian city government in Port Angeles.
After many years of being polite and reasonable, and seeing it get you no where, the public has every right to do what is needed to get their elected representatives' attention.
In fact, according to the founders of this very country, we each have an obligation to do so.
With all due respect, 11:20AM, sounds like you "stepped down" instead of aggravated the situation?
DeleteMost of the signs are out, and should be appearing around town. Maybe pictures tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteand now some are disappearing...thieves!
ReplyDelete