The following is a first-hand report from last night's Port Angeles City Council meeting. Thank you to the original poster, and to the second poster who also documented this...this...Well, this.
Tonight was a red letter day at the Port Angeles city council. You'll be able to see the way the council, lead by Cherie Kidd, overtly tried every thing they could do to shut out the public.
First, signs were put up telling the public THEIR signs would not be allowed in the council chambers. No prior notice. No discussion. No public consultation.
Then, Cherie did everything she could to interrupt and disrupt what speakers tried to say. "Your time is up," she told the first speaker after a minute. The speaker replied: "I'm timing my comments, and I still have 2 minutes." She did this with every speaker, obviously intentionally harassing them.
Then Cherie cut off public comment after a half an hour, although there was a long list of people signed up to speak. People who took time out of their lives to come and speak to their elected representatives at the advertised time. No prior notice. No discussion. No public consultation about the changes. Only weeks after the council expanded the public comment time, because "we really want to hear from you." Only if you say things they want to hear!
But, even though Cherie cut off the public, most all stayed because she said " There is an opportunity later in the meeting."
Cherie cut off the first speaker at the second round of "Public Comment," and adjourned the meeting unilaterally, without a vote.
The place went wild.
Cherie and Gase left, The public wouldn't leave room or the podium. Collins left his seat, but stayed to hear the speakers.
Lee took over, and invited anyone who wanted to speak, to continue.
Everyone who wanted to speak, did. Sissi Bruch, Mike Merideth, Lee Wetham and most of Staff stayed to listen to the public. To their credit.
One person spoke, saying what happening tonight was "intolerable" and served to prove the four have to be removed from office. Absolutely.
It will be interesting to see how the PDN spins what happened tonight.
Cherie could not have done more to justify all efforts to have her (and her cronies) removed from office. No one, regardless of their political persuasion, can defend what she/they did tonight.
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In other news sure to shock no one...Scott Nagel has not met his fundraising goal for the Lincoln Theater...And has lowered his fundraising goal for the Lincoln Theater...AND now says it's not worth the price they agreed to pay for it anyway, so no, really, it's all good...No, really...AND he now is trying to raise $1,000 a day by the end of the month...To purchase the Lincoln Theater...For a lower price...He hopes...
Thanks for the update, CK, and thanks to the OPs.
ReplyDeleteThis is really something. Cherie is one of those windbag politicians who like to bloviate about how much they just love, love, love serving the public. But this shows Cherie Kidd for what she really is: A fragile, clueless ego-maniac.
She may be imperious, but obviously she's not impervious. Let's keep up the pressure. When she acts like this, even her fellow Fluoride Four members will pull away from her. Hence the sad spectacle of Cherie storming out of council chambers with only her pudgy lapdog Dan Gase trotting along behind.
Just a guess here.... Before the meeting, Ms. Kidd probably consulted with the city attorney to refresh her memory on the powers of Mayors and Deputy Mayors. Based upon that conversation, she firmly believed she had the legal right to limit public comments, prohibit people from holding signs inside council chambers, and do everything she felt appropriate in order to exercise mayoral authority and conduct city business.
ReplyDeleteBTW - did Bill Bloor attend last night's council meeting? If so, what did he do after Deputy Mayor Kidd ordered the microphones silenced and adjourned the meeting?
he sat there like a bump on the ass of a frog. Never said a darn thing, and just looked as he always looks -- dazed.
Deletehttps://www.facebook.com/eulalia666/videos/pcb.10105386999706435/10105386987450995/?type=3&theater
DeleteThe link above takes you to a video of Cherie Kidd losing it and taking her gavel and going home as she shuts down public comment. It's pretty amazing, even if the audio is up and down. YOU NEED TO SEE THIS. And THANK YOU for sharing it!
DeleteCherie Kidd has lost her mind. She can no longer function - at all.
For someone who is SO concerned about appearing to be a "nice" person and humble public servant, Cherie Kidd sure seems Hell-bent on destroying her own reputation. After these stunts, whatever little shreds of credibility she may have had left are gone.
ReplyDeleteWe've all poked fun at Cherie's lack of mental capacity for years, but now, it really does seem relevant to ask if she's gone crazy. These are the self-destructive actions of a demented person.
It was hard to watch. It was just hard to watch Cherie be so blindingly arrogantly stupid, thinking that by being so overtly and obviously rude to the assembled public, that it would help anything.
ReplyDeleteSomeone stood up and said that they didn't like the idea of changing the form of government for Port Angeles, but after seeing how Cherie treated the public, she signed the petitions.
Let's remember, it was only a few months ago that Cherie was on the campaign trail, telling everyone how she was all about "democracy". How she wanted to hear from everyone.
But, not last night.
Her true colors could not have been clearer.
Help dump the four.
Flush the Fluoride Four - but get Cherie Kidd out the door FIRST.
DeleteI'm not one for typing in all caps, but....
ReplyDeleteWHAT AN EMBARRASSMENT. SHE MUST GO!
The town has enough problems without Cherie Kidd getting her little girl ego involved. She's worse for this town than Karen Rogers, and that's really saying something. At least Rogers knew she was screwing things up and screwing people over. Cherie Kidd still seems to operate under the delusion that she's helping people, that she's the adult in the room. Wrong!
SHE'S GOT TO GO.
You mean to tell me that the Lincoln Theatre is STILL FOR SALE?
ReplyDeleteLike any of you peeps is actually going to do something other than huff and puff and get your drawers in a twist.
ReplyDeleteHide and watch troll, hide and watch.
DeleteOh, yeah. People are more motivated than ever.
DeleteThe next council meeting will REALLY be interesting.
Plan accordingly.
Some observations on this last City Council meeting...
ReplyDeletePat Downie wasn't there (physically) because he has pneumonia. Which is to say, Pat is very old, very sick, and very frail. Which is to say, it doesn't look like he'll be Mayor for long. If he dies or has to resign, then the City has no Mayor, and there would be an even split between the remaining members of the Fluoride Four, and the more sensible members of the Council. Even more pitched battles would follow.
Voting as a block, the Fluoride Four approved giving the EDC money, shilling for the dysfunctional status quo.
Per City code and/or State law, is the Mayor (or acting Mayor) allowed to unilaterally adjourn the meeting? In other words, did Cherie Kidd break any rules with her tantrum?
"City Manager Dan McKeen did not return calls for comment Wednesday."
And, from everything she is quoted as saying, it sure doesn't look like Cherie thinks she did anything wrong. Given the lack of an apology, or even a hint of remorse, expect a doubling-down on dumb by her, and possibly the other members of the Fluoride Four.
And watch the video posted above. It will define Cherie's "public service" forever.
When you watch the video posted above, you will hear my comment after Cherie unilaterally adjourned the meeting: "No vote?"
DeleteBut even more outrageous is the PDN report of an ebent that has never happened before, in Port Angeles counciol chambers. Certainly never in all the time I've been here, and involved with the City.
We expected the PDN to support the status quo. They always have.
Unlike the past, the entire meeting was video recorded. The PDN will learn that their skewing of reality will become obvious to an increasing number of people, and the PDN will lose more credibility, and patronage.
Downie was chicken-shit. That is why he phoned in his appearance at the last council meeting. He actually thought Kidd could manage the mess they created. Now as we all know the fit has hit the shan and there is no managing it except to step down.
DeleteThe entire meeting was VOID. The Mayor was present, and could not have delegated ANY powers unless by majority vote at the start of the meeting. Wasn't done. Two don't rule. This meeting, and every action taken, completely, totally, VOID as a matter of law.
DeleteWhy was Cherie wearing red to this last meeting?
ReplyDeleteSo the blood wouldn't show when she cut her own throat in public.
She is done. There is no way for her to recover from this. It was the most out of order, disrespectful thing I have ever witnessed, and I was here during the Karen Rogers era.
The comments in the PDN are interesting regarding the fact that she can't just announce the meeting is over. If the Council has adopted Roberts Rules as their governing parliamentary procedure then there needs to be a motion to adjourn, a second, and a vote. So if that is the case then technically the meeting is still in session. Of course expecting any public governing board around here to be familiar with and properly use Roberts Rules is a joke. But their incompetencies as elected officials really shine when under pressure don't they?
ReplyDeleteIf Council never adopted it, this is not a valid complaint. My HOA did not adopt Roberts when it formed, because too few owners are familiar with it. A common sense decision, because one or two knowledgeable members can totally control an organization with it. IIRC if no vote is pending, a motion to adjourn only needs a second, a majority vote, and a declaration from the chair, all of which she likely would have gotten, so it's moot anyway.
DeleteThat's why I said *if* the Council uses Roberts Rules. It's not a complaint, just pointing out that under pressure they completely fell apart as a governing body and lost control which is what parliamentary procedure is supposed to prevent. Not surprising though given the personalities involved. There's little professionalism there.
DeleteThe joke of that line of thought -- "oh we didn't formally adopt it, we just use it" -- is totally b.s.
DeleteIf it is used, and regularly used, then it is the de-facto procedural guideline.
You can't say it works for some days, and not on others.
In fact, the Municipal Research and Services Center of Washington (the guiding body for local government) recommends Roberts. And they outline procedures which conform to Roberts Rules aka "Parliamentary Procedure".
So, I call bullshit on your post Feb 5 8:38
http://mrsc.org/Home/Explore-Topics/Governance/Legislative-Organization,-Meetings-and-Process/Parliamentary-Procedure.aspx
Council meeting video is up:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKOKjLqhBsM
Cherie cuts the first public comment period short and pounds the gavel like it was going out of style:
https://youtu.be/xKOKjLqhBsM?t=29m55s
Reconvening, Lee Whetham tries to pin down Downie on whether there was a council vote to limit comments:
https://youtu.be/xKOKjLqhBsM?t=33m44s
The very first commenter in the second public comment period equates the Fluoride Four with the Four Horseman, Cherie bangs the gavel a lot and the adjourns the meeting:
https://youtu.be/xKOKjLqhBsM?t=2h25s
It's a GREAT video. Rob Flood was doing a great job at the start of the second public comment section - too great, and that's why Gavel Gertie had to start whacking away with her gavel. "Out of order!"
DeleteThen, as she continues to lose it, the camera pans, and the look of disgust on Michael Meredith's face as he looks at Cherie is priceless. Idiotic arrogance personified, she thinks she's in control. But she can't even control herself, yet alone an unruly populace.
I don't see any way for her to recover from this. Video of this will circulate forever.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKOKjLqhBsM
And, you can see how Cherie antagonized at every opportunity. She clearly was trying piss off SOMEONE, so she could bang her gavel, shriek about civility, and shut down public comment. Right from the first speaker, who was talking about anchovies on pizza.
DeleteShe had a plan, from the onset.
Well, we got one now, too.
Kidd is a buffoon. Recall or euthanize her, please.
DeleteMeredith was covering his ear...she was making him deaf. Wonder if he can file a disability claim, or sue her for damages?
ReplyDeleteresponse to February 3, 2016 at 6:20 PM
ReplyDeleteYes, I filed an ethics complaint against Ms. Kidd today, 2/4/2016. Details are available at maroleesmith.com
Perhaps some other people who witnessed the debacle on Tuesday night would like to file some similar ethics complaint?
Thank you, Marolee! This will doubtlessly make Cherie soil her often-mentioned "(fill-in-the-blank-with-the-metal-of-your-choice") panties. You can read the whole complaint (which is wonderful) at Marolee's website - there's the address just below here.
DeleteAgain, thanks to Marolee.
Marolee Smith submitted an ethics complaint against Cherie, thank you Marolee!
ReplyDeletehttp://maroleesmith.com/2016/02/04/kidd-you-not/
Thank you, Mimi! Fabulous!
DeleteThe PDN has deleted all comments and closed commenting for that article. How convenient. I wonder who at the City pulled rank and made that happen?
ReplyDeleteI was going to point this out, too. They also say not to post any more comments on that topic, that it's "closed."
DeleteYeah, right!
The ability to make comments has now been disabled on that article.
DeleteThe PDN does NOT serve the interests of the people of this community.
It's time for a boycott of the PDN, and telling the businesses that advertise in that embarrassment that they are doing themselves more harm than good by the association.
Cleaning up the city council and reining in the PDN go hand in hand.
I agree. Anybody that still subscribes to the PDN would do well to cancel it, citing specifically this ridiculous situation.
DeleteIn their follow-up article on all this today, the PDN has disabled the commenting function. They also reference the fact there's a video of the meeting on YouTube, but don't provide the address or link to the video. They just tell people to go search for it, if they've interested. Obviously the PDN isn't interested in serving the community it's located in.
DeleteWhat does the PDN think they are accomplishing by these ham-handed tactics? Who do they think they're protecting? It's bizarre and pathetic. Then again, they do employ people like Paul Gottlieb, so...
DeleteI'm not computer savvy. Maybe somebody knows how to link this video to Cheries name, so anytime someone searches her name on Google, this video will come up. Or, the real special parts, at least.
ReplyDeleteYou can google bomb someone by repeatedly googling their name and when possible answers come up click on the video. Of course the video has to be uploaded on google and you have to be patient enough to scroll through it.
DeleteThe video of the Council meeting on YouTube had 60 hits when I watched it. I just checked it, and it's up to just shy of 300 hits now. Spread that link!
Deletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKOKjLqhBsM
I attended the Tuesday City Council meeting. While I have virtually zero confidence in the Council's ability to lead and believe Cherie is an embarrassment to our community, the tone and tenor of the anti fluoride group was rude, crude and disrespectful. If this group believes they are going to effect substantive change to our city governance with the behavior and tactics I witnessed at the last two council meetings - they are delusional. There will be pushback by the larger community to the bullying and intimidation tactics - this issue is headed nowhere if the current strategy continues. There are many who would support the anti fluoride campaign, but not with torches and pitchforks.
ReplyDeletePlease define "intimidation" for us, as relates to this situation. Also please explain how signs and lapel pins are equivalent to "torches and pitchforks."
DeleteThank you.
@ Anon 10:34
DeleteI, too, attended the council meetings. Given we now have the video of the meeting to "fact check" with, please point out where you see "rude, crude and disrespectful" behavior by the audience, at the last meeting.
You can point out all this "bullying and intimidation" by noting the time in the video it occurs.
I await your revelations. Then we will have something specific to talk about, instead of the parroted rhetoric of the "fluoride four" and their supporters.
If I have to explain it to you . . . its an indication you don't get it and wouldn't get it anyway, even if I pointed it out. We'll see how this plays out with the larger community. Jim McEntire's bullying and intimidation tactics didn't play out so well, if you recall. Most people have a low tolerance for this kind of behavior, even though they may agree with the issue at hand.
DeleteOkay then, assuming that Anonymous 12:42 PM is the OP, then they have utterly failed to answer some really simple questions, and in fact, quickly dodged said questions in the most cowardly and obvious fashion. ("Oh, you just wouldn't understand." Uh huh. Sounds real convincing.)
DeleteSo, unless the OP wants to take another try at answering the questions posed, any further comments from them are not necessary - given that we actually DO understand quite well, thank you.
Cherie Kidd's time in city hall is almost up. Either by recall or resignation, she will be out before the year is over. It doesn't seem like Pat Downie will make it to the end of the year either. That means there will be at least two seats on the council that the council will have to fill sometime in the near future. We need to be thinking along those lines, and have strong, dependable candidates ready to apply when those seats come up. Marolee, are you up for it? Anyone else people can think of to recruit? We need to be ahead of that curve.
ReplyDeleteI am up for the challenge. Although, there may be better candidates than me. I will completely support the BEST CHOICES for our city government.
DeleteEulalia, a woman I very much admire -- a eloquent speaker, with youth on her side, intelligent and thoughtful -- has also expressed interest.
There are a few others, that I have spoken with, who have expressed an interest, and would be up for the job. And, some who are on-the-fence, but considering throwing "hats in the ring" when the time comes.
I agree.
We need to be thinking along the lines of finding many candidates to fill any seats that become vacant. We need good choices, and representatives who take their job seriously.
The next regularly scheduled council election filing period is a short 15 months away.
(Unless things are in upheaval before then, that is.)
This is a wonderful moment to be a part of Port Angeles, when the citizens get involved, and interested.
I agree with the OP. It seems incredibly likely that Gavel Gertie will flame out one way or another, and that Pat's health will also take him out of the game before much longer. So...It would then be time for City Council appointments. Which, frankly, would be a bit of a tricky thing, being that losing one of the Fluoride Four would leave the Council evenly split.
DeleteLadies and gentlemen, start your engines!
Anony Feb 4, 10:34pm
ReplyDeleteI realize that you must be buying into the pro-v.s-against fluoride issue, but this is a much greater issue. I think the sounds you heard, at the last few council meetings, were the people fed up with the dysfunction.
For the record, this "larger community" doesn't push back. It sits back.
Port Angeles residents have had about enough. They have been used and abused for a long long time and everything has its tipping point. This may be ours. Indeed, there may be one or two or more council seats up for grabs before the year is over even without changing the form of government. We need to start now vetting potential candidates so there are ample alert candidates ready to step up when someone steps down. I've started seeing yellow and black signs all over town suggesting the FF step down. This is a given, they must step down to avoid ripping the town apart. Even if they do rip the town apart and a new government is formed the problems that got us here remain--too much debt and too few workers to pay it. The replacement council members need to be fully aware of what they are getting into and be able to formulate a plan for how to get out of it. Let the nominations begin. Here's two: Marolee Smith and, and, and, shit.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget the city attorney propping it all up. A fresh start would have to be thorough.
Delete