Today's PDN will also tell you about the ever-expanding plans for the convention and, oh yeah, arts center downtown. Why the scammers, er, that is, the planners behind it have "listened to the community" and are just growing all sorts of things off of one dead woman's bequest. They're gonna have 300 - no, make that 500! - seats and a place for the PAFAC (R.I.P. PAFAC) and the tribe and the Feiro and everything! (Well, everything but parking, that is...) It'll be great, it totally won't be a scam, it totally won't compete with the supposedly upgraded Lincoln, it totally will be good for the PAFAC, it will be totally sold out for every show - always - and, jeepers, did we mention it'll be great?
Again, no real voices of reason required or questions allowed. After all, this is the PDN we're talking about. It's really just pre-smeared toilet paper.
Meanwhile, back in the real world...
Hey, how about that previously mentioned "revitalized" Lincoln, and the dashing young entrepreneur behind it who is also - wow! - running for City Council? Is he a go-getter, or what? Well, if you look into things, you might focus in on the "what" - as in, "what is he up to?"
If you Google "Jake Oppelt Port Angeles LLC" you get a lot of hits. (Sidebar: For searches related to that search term, Google suggests "port angeles city council candidates" first, and then second, "port angeles shooting." I am not making this up. Try it yourself.) Taken all together, these hits raise a lot of questions...Ones that you can rest assured the PDN will never, ever ask.
Link #1: For the J. Oppelt Development & General Contracting, LLC. Filed on 10/28/2016. Governor of this LLC is just Jake, and the address listed is 303 W. 9th St. This LLC is active.
https://www.sos.wa.gov/corps/search_detail.aspx?ubi=604055307
Link #2: For the J. Kangella, LLC. Filed on 6/1/2010. Governors are Jake, Angela Oppelt, and Justin Tognoni. The address is the same as above. This LLC is also active.
https://www.sos.wa.gov/corps/search_detail.aspx?ubi=603018329
Link #3: This takes you to the primary voter's guide. Jake lists NOTHING for education, and NOTHING for community service. In his statement, he namechecks the J. Oppelt Development & General Construction, LLC (which is different than the "Contracting" name listed above); the OOT Properties, LLC (which "focuses on downtown development") and the JAM Properties, LLC.
https://weiapplets.sos.wa.gov/MyVoteOLVR/OnlineVotersGuide/GetCandidateStatement?candidateId=49045&electionId=66
Link #4: For the OOT Properties, LLC. This was filed on 5/22/2015, and expired on 5/31/2017. This lists an address of 603 E. 88h S., Suite C. The governors are, again, Jake, Angela and Justin Tognoni.
https://www.wacompanygo.com/Oot-Properties-Llc-603509000/#.WZBqo-lK2M8
Link #5: For something called Liquid General Contracting, LLC. This was filed on 9/13/2010, and expired on 9/30/2013. Jake is the sole governor listed.
https://www.wacompanygo.com/Liquid-General-Contracting-Llc-603047950/#.WZBsjelK2M8
Link #6: or the memorably named DLDNJ, LLC. this one was filed on 8/1/2012. The governors are Jake, Hayley Croxford, and Nicole Johnson. The address listed is 303 W. 9th St.
https://www.bizapedia.com/wa/dldnj-llc.html
Link #7: More info on the above LLC, only this time with the listed address being 120 W. 1st St.
http://vasos.lookupbook.net/dldnj-llc-port-angeles-wa
Link #8: For JAM Properties of PA, LLC. This one was filed on 4/22/16, and apparently expired on 4/30/2017. Once again, Jake is the sole governor listed, and the address of record is the 9th St. one.
https://www.wa-registry.com/603611248-jam-properties-of-pa-llc
And finally, link #9: This one (you gotta scroll down) shows Jake to be a "Licensed Construction Contractor" - license #LIQUIP*931BP. For this one, Jake lists an address of 272 N. Ridgeview, as well as a phone number.
http://port-angeles-wa.online-licenses.com/construction-contractor
So, what's it all mean? I don't know, but it all raises a lot of questions that voters might want to have answered. Maybe there's nothing weird or suspicious about all these LLCs, and their shifting names and addresses. (Maybe Jake just likes filing out paperwork?) Maybe there are no red flags among his known cohorts. Maybe Jake is just sloppy and forgetful with all these registrations. (And maybe there are voters who think those are good qualities in a candidate.) Maybe there are no inherent conflicts of interest between any of these LLCs and Jake serving on the City Council. And, of course, maybe there are even more LLCs out there, waiting to be discovered with a more thorough search.
Maybe...Maybe someone ought to ask Jake about all this. Of course, we all know Jake is reluctant to put himself into situations where he might be expected to answer direct questions, so maybe, just maybe, that's a red flag in and of itself. Maybe...Who knows?
Oh, and then there's this: Jake registered his campaign with the PDC on 4/21/2017. In his official statement for the voters guide, Jake (as mentioned above) cites JAM Properties, LLC - the registration for which seems to have expired on 4/30/2017. So, depending on when he filed his candidate's statement, he may have lied in said statement. Maybe. And that may be against the law. Maybe.
Hey, I honestly don't know. But I do know I doubt that good ol' Ohole Jake is going to honestly answer to any of this, unless seriously pressed to do so.
Anyway, have at it, folks. Please share any thoughts you have or information you uncover.
I guess you are new to this stuff.
ReplyDeleteIt's common for a business registration to expire. Mainly because the SecState sends no notice or reminder, and does not consider it a big deal, cause you just submit your annual report late and pay a little fee. You would be surprised how often it happens, and to whom. Affected businesses keep right on doing business, no biggie.
It's common to become a licensed GC. Pay several hundred in fees, get a bond and liability insurance, file a form or two. It can save you a ton of money and is smart if you're doing a total building rehab like the Lincoln or Maurice's. It's also required if you flip homes or other properties, but it's not proof of intention.
It's common for business owners, the "entrepreneur" type especially (read "wheeler-dealer"), to have a business reg for each property or venture. Makes them less vulnerable to lawsuits, if nothing else. It create legal ways to structure the taxes and other liabilities advantageously. And other stuff. Just bidness.
Does any of this mean O-hole aint no a-hole? No. This is on a tiny scale the same thing that giant multinationals have teams of people supervising. It's all legal, and if it's not, it's so hard to trace that few bother. I guess you can concoct a scandal out of it if you want, but this chicanery is over most people's heads, so they won't listen unless they're already so inclined.
I'm not trying to concoct anything. Please read the end of the piece again: "Hey, I honestly don't know. But I do know I doubt that good ol' Ohole Jake is going to honestly answer to any of this, unless seriously pressed to do so."
DeleteAll I'm doing is showing that this is a City Council candidate with a whole lot of backstory, of the kind that raises a whole lot of questions. (Conflict of interest being a particularly rich topic to delve into.)
I'm also trying to point out that it is extremely, fantastically, depressingly unlikely that the PDN (or KONP) will ask anything about any of this. (Which is a scandal of its own.)
And, finally, I'm trying to make the point that this sort of "target rich" background, coupled with Ohole's demonstrated avoidance of answering ANY sort of questions, raises concerns not just about his background, but about his truthfulness and character.
That's all.
But that's a lot.
You may be right, though, that this concept has too many moving parts and pieces for most people to get their heads around. We'll see, won't we?
Sadly, I doubt many people will care. Just look at all the issues Mr. Wilson has brought to the public's attention, and what has come of it.
DeletePeople just stay home and watch Netflix.
CK, every business has multiple structures for different purposes, to include/exclude different partners, to limit liability, obtain appropriate or specific licenses, etc.
DeleteThere really isn't anything unusual here.
Again, I'm going to have to push back against this "there isn't anything unusual here" notion. I have known a lot of people who owed and operated various types of businesses over the years, and I've never known anyone with all sorts of multiple LLCs, with very different names, filed at different times, different addresses, etc.
DeleteNow, in fairness, and as stated previously, I don't know that Ohole is "up" to something. Maybe he's just sloppy, or paperwork crazy, or...? But with the potential for conflicts of interest if he were to be elected, these are things that should be looked into more.
Transparency and accuracy and all that. Right?
at least there are ways to put pressure on Ohole, which we won't have with French. He is up to something, sure. He's up to more ego stroking.
DeleteBut, his opponent, is the one you have to really worry about. When he said "I'm for the people" he means HIS PEOPLE. Not YOU people.
5:27 Bullshit...it is NOT "common" for a business registration to expire. Any business that allows it to expire should not be in business.
DeleteThat is a Port Angeles excuse if I have ever seen one. What a lazy, "whatever" "good enough" town attitude.
Disgusting.
Only in Port Angeles is the lowest level of competence awarded and rewarded, excused, and encouraged.
You O-Hole apologists make me sick. This is highly unusual for a legitimate business person. Legitimate businesses publicly explain themselves, what they are about and what they do. The pattern here reeks of silent partners undisclosed to the state (a crime in itself), conflicts, tax issues, and possible sham entities for which a report may have been filed but no actual transactions behind the report. I won't spill the beans on how to hold the governing person(s) personally liable, but it's very easy if you have a claim against the entity.
DeleteOnce a charter is "expired", the entity is NOT legal to conduct business in this state. Oh sure, you can reinstate and make it retroactive with the Secretary of State, but whether the state sends the business a reminder or not is NOT the state's problem, it's solely the fault of the business that decides not to keep house. Reinstatement obviously does occur, but if left expired the SOS can dissolve the entity, which also revokes the business license and any other accounts. It isn't just a matter of the cost to reinstate, there are always legal issues behind it.
Whatever his undisclosed activities may be, that just adds to prior posts which deconstructed his mental profile. And it's not at all upstanding.
The real problem is CK's prior thread about lack of education, both on the part of the citizens, and the criminals themselves. When the perps see huge apathy and a general lack of push-back to their scams, it's an open door to abuse the community for all it's worth. Toss in a big fake smile and the village idiots are hooked. Not just on druges.
The place is pissant and always will be. But that's OK, they gotta be somewhere, eh?
Meanwhile, per the seat-up for this piece...
ReplyDelete"Today's PDN will tell you all about the latest nut with a gun in Port Angeles..."
And like clockwork, we've got yet ANOTHER gun incident in good ol' PA, as detailed in today's PDN:
"A Port Angeles woman was jailed over the weekend after officers said she shot through a door toward her former roommate."
Such a wonderful, healthy and functional community...
I'm really curious about the reasoning and basis the City is using to proceed with this 500 seat convention center. Other than the usual "wouldn't it be great.." boosterisms, most sober financial professionals require evidence that the investment in the business is sound and viable, and commission site specific studies to provide to investors to assure them there is a reasonable expectation of success.
ReplyDeletePart of the usual and normal studies would be an analysis of the demographics of the region, with a focus on the interest of the regional population to support whatever is proposed. Another would be market saturation. Are there any other existing similar enterprises that will be vying for the same patrons.
Here we bring the two topics of the thread back together. Mr. O-hole has a group of un-named/secret partners who have been working to create a performing arts venue only a few blocks away from the 500 seat venue the City is proposing. Literally across the street from the Elks building, with it's long established meeting and performance venue. Only a block or two from the newly constructed Lower Elwha Sklallam Heritage Center (which sits vacant most of the year). In a community that can't support the Port Angeles Fine Arts center.
Investigations? Studies? Evaluations before proceeding? In Port Angeles?
You've hit the nail on the head.
DeleteIn public, you say, "Let's put on a show!"
In private, they'll say, "Don't show them the books!"
This is another one of those "Decade Deals."
DeleteThe powers that be, those in the " Buyers Club" are setting up a deal designed to fail so good ole boys can make buck on it when it becomes "second-hand." The template for this is the Skills Center building. Set up to hide the Business Incubation Project skim...those people are still in charge folks....Hi Karen.
You do understand the City is not proposing this, don't you? Private foundation, private money. Not real sure how the City could even stop it, if they jump through all the hoops.
DeleteIt is NOT all private money. Someof it comes in the form of grants and tax breaks.
DeleteAnd the city is a willing co-conspirator, by adjusting the tax value, by allowing permits on sketchy specs, by not requiring parking to go with it, by compromising the rules, by subsidizing in various ways, by taxing the events, etc. etc. The city is effectively as much a partner as anyone involved in this malarkey. Just like each real estate scam before it. And specifically Bloor is the one person at the city who could do some due diligence for the long-term good of the public but never does. Whatever the end game for the crooks, the fix is always in.
At least the PDN does a good job on gun incident stories....and 20 mph moped chases, and, uh, ok that’s about it. Seriously their guns and stupidity stories read as some of their best work. And gives us unemployed something to read on a Monday morning besides want adds for service occupations at minimum wage...
ReplyDeleteSo here's something I saw today. There's a facebook group called Sequim Criminal Watch which was I was to understand simply to report suspicious activity or incidents. For example when there's some door to door scam going on. But today there was a post from someone (who isn't listed as an admin) saying that it is a private group and that what goes on in there is supposed to stay there and there will be no sharing of posts or screenshots or taking outside this group so it will be a safe place. I thought that smelled suspicious as you would think if there was a scam going on or something that the greater public should be aware of, why should it be kept secret? She went on to say if you share or do screenshots that you will be removed from the group. I'm going to just lurk and watch for a while and see if anything comes up that warrants reporting the group.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to Madam's new crime watch.
DeleteSoon Sequim will be "Their Town" too.
These folks like to pretend there's privacy on the internet. Truth is they got 700 members, so by definition they got no secrets, and this naif should get real.
DeleteMadam Adam knows how well that works. He got busted by someone's screen shots out of his secret group.
Thanks for all the work and background info, CK. It won't make a whit of difference, but thanks.
ReplyDeleteOhole is LLC and corporation crazy. He is also not going to disclose where/how he might have any conflicts of interest.
ReplyDeleteBut, meanwhile, Mike French doesn't give a shit about the voters, is blinded to his form of "science/religion" when it comes to fluoride. And, like a good fascist won't allow ANY other point of view. Not something we want on the council. And, in his campaign he says "I'm easy going. I can get along" says a man who get unbelievably upset on facebook -- to the point of the Revitalize minions removing posts. Frenchy is neither a team player, nor easy going. He's a hot head, an arrogant "my opinion" dictator. A bizness man who took over an already existing business, and (so far) hasn't screwed it up.
So, lets just say, out of the two, I'd rather vote for O-hole. At least we know he's an asshole, and isn't trying to present otherwise. Of the two, I'll go for someone who will lose interest in an hour or two, and have to squirm in the council meetings.
French is a cancer. He will push staff agenda, and set back this town by 30 years. HE IS A GOOD OLD BOY.
gets very angry, very easily and flies off the handle. In short, he's (probably) not the better candidate because the last thing we need is a hissy-fitting hot-head on the council
You mean besides Gavelin' Gertie Cherie Kidd?
Deletethen cast a vote to overturn city government. this is the first time in history we can get a "do over" in a city election. it's magic, think about it. we have all bad choices, they get elected but, at the same election Eloise's petition is passed and they have to do a do over.
Deletea great chance for all of us to push back against the arrogance of the city.
Mike French hasn't screwed up an existing business? The First Street Haven wasn't ALWAYS a shithole.
Delete@ 5:05 Who are we to cast a ballot for? How are we to overturn city government, with these candidates?
DeleteWrite-in campaign? Draft someone? Who?
The answer is right before your citizen noses. Vote to revert back to second-class legal city classification (based solely on population) that PA was decades ago. An elected real mayor with real power to stop the council when needed, a real CEO of the city rather than a bureaucrat, and who must follow citizen petitions if & when made.
DeleteIt's really not that big a deal. PA used to be this, and the projects were not always today's grant-whoring, skimming, crook-led useless scams that PA has become (CRTC anyone? $16M missing from Gateway, anyone?)
The current power opposes re-classifing the city structure because it literally gives a voice to citizens to stop the madness.
No kidding. Dump the current form of government because they can't be trusted with our money, and the current crop of candidates just cannot be trusted
DeleteFWIW, if the city does get reclassified, then you can elect a whole new mayor and council, in a special election just to fill the new vacancies. The current incumbents do not magically become the new Chapter 35 positions. Those who win the November and get sworn in in January, will be there only until the special election can be held, assuming it is not done in December by the current crowd of misfits. And that my friends is mandatory by law.
DeleteIf it looks like an Ohole, if it walks like an Ohole, if it quacks like an Ohole . . . . it must be an Ohole. 8 out of 10 sane people agree - avoid Oholes at all cost. Twisted and manipulative people are toxic.
ReplyDeleteYou do know that Jake will win and carry the business perspective to city hall. This is part of the ongoing efforts within the county to replace well intentioned local individuals with businesss leaders.
ReplyDeleteVote for Eloise's petition and we get a "do-over" election.
DeleteHorsehockey! OHole has no business perspective. Nor do any of the fools in office except for Mike and Lee, the latter of whom apparently asked too many questions.
DeleteA scam perspective, yes, and that's just what is needed in PA. More of the same scamming, only on steroids. What a bunch of damned fools, thinking that more grants and scams is somehow better than attracting real, honest business. Or do they really think OHole is bringing in outside but silent money? Good lord.
You may be right, but I just have to laugh out loud at the reference to "business leaders".
DeleteBusiness leaders, in this town? The owners of business enterprises in this community may think they are some form of "leader", but the years of history and our collective experience tells the truth.
As Leonard said:
" Everybody knows that the dice are loaded
Everybody rolls with their fingers crossed
Everybody knows the war is over
Everybody knows the good guys lost
Everybody knows the fight was fixed
The poor stay poor, the rich get rich
That's how it goes
Everybody knows
Everybody knows that the boat is leaking
Everybody knows that the captain lied
Everybody got this broken feeling
Like their father or their dog just died
Everybody talking to their pockets
Everybody wants a box of chocolates
And a long-stem rose
Everybody knows.... "
Please comments are welcome, but extended recitations of song lyrics...Not so welcome. Please.
DeleteJake should buy the haggens store
ReplyDeleteYou may be on to something there...
Delete