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.
Thursday, May 1, 2014
So (In Theory) We're Going from Three or Four Groups to Five Committees? Am I Missing Something?
My friend's computer wouldn't let me post anything other than a headline for some reason, so I'm going to keep this "posting" brief.
This is - in theory - progress of a sort. In theory. Let's not count our chickens until they've voted to merge, if you know what I mean. And, to continue with the poultry metaphors, it will then take a while to see if this new fowl is a goose laying golden eggs, or just another Port Angeles turkey.
But we do need to always remember that there are some well known foxes not just guarding but building this hen house, so temper your enthusiasm with caution, lest you end up a dead duck.
Well, even giving this a headline is too much, in my opinion. This should be filed under "Breaking News - Nothing Has Happened Yet!" I mean, Andrew May may be excited (he's just SO excitable) but as for the rest of us...Wake us when there's some real news.
No kidding. It's funny (and at times tragic) to see how the PDN plays up "big" non-stories like this, yet totally ignores (gee, wonder why) so many stories that A) actually happened, and B) are important to the community.
the "story" is unreadable. Its another of those PDN stories that you can't make heads-or-tails of, and doesn't concern anyone, because most of the town already KNOWS that its all hot air, and more shyster stuff. I use shyster in the slang way: someone who acts in a disreputable, unethical, or unscrupulous way. (Not the off-color, obscene way --based on the etymology-- derived from German's Scheisse (shit), and the image is further enriched by an image of an incontinent old man. Although, the off-color definition does FIT the situation. PA? Depends!)
I'm not sure I understand what all the hoopla is all about.
We're talking about ALL THE SAME PEOPLE, who are currently members of a couple local business associations with different names, contemplating merging together so that ALL THE SAME PEOPLE will continue doing all the great things that have got Port Angeles to where it is now, only now they will call their group a different name.
And, upon looking at the statements put out so far (like the goal of doubling the population of Port Angeles in the next 5 years!), I come away wondering if this "merger" is really a smart thing, even for them. At least, when an independant organization, the PABA tried to be rational and reasonable in what it attempted to accomplish. "Merging" so that they can pursue utter fantasy goals does little to increase the credibility of any of the participants!
So, really, what is the big deal? Unless a lot of current dues-paying group members all quit in disgust (once they see what a laughable effort PAU has turned into), it will be the same people, under a new name, doing much of what they did before: lots of meetings, lots of talk, no results.
Not to mention that a lot of funding for events look to your town having a strong, and influential "chamber of commerce". This is something everyone knows, and understands.
Now, we'd have some other beast?
It's bad enough we have a TERRIBLE leader and woeful excuse for a CoC, but to now make it an odd bird, too? This is so, so, SO INCREDIBLY STUPID. And, if it weren't for needing to work (day time, week day) I would have gone to the meeting that hatched this stupid notion.
PAU...which might as well be called P-U (as in "it stinks") is an overflowing outhouse of stupidity.
I didn't pay for 3 years, but still got the little "plaque" announcing that I was a valued member of the Chamber. Odd. I wondered if they really didn't need small businesses as members, because they (obviously) get their money elsewhere. And, what does the $$ go to anyway? Aside from Russ and his niece, and some fake breasts (for a hired hand)?
Don't forget, Clallam County is the ONLY county in the whole country that elects its director of community development. That's how we ended up with the highly questionable Sheila Wreck Miller. Port Angeles is probably the only coastal community in the country stupid enough to put a Turd Tank on their waterfront. Any time there's an "only in Port Angeles/Clallam County" situation, count on it being THE most backward, and THE least functional or sensible.
Yes that's what they want to do. The blind leading the blind.
To quote Tim Smith from the Port O call site: "For the record, I have publically stated that I will not support an existing nor new private-sector business organization that chooses to continue the current use of public tax moneys to fund administrative director salaries.
It is my hope that a combined organization coming out of the PA United process will realize that depending on such funding sources is counter-productive to its main purpose, that purpose being the support, retention and growth of all its member businesses and industries, not just tourism, not just downtown."
If this is true then all public funds should stop day one when PA Untied comes to fruition.
This will not take effect until 2015 because the individual organizations have to take a vote to accept the new organization. I would urge the membership to vote no!
Considering the history of in-house fighting and the private agenda's I truly believe that we will not see any improvement with this new monster they have created (five boards WTF!)
Can ANYONE from PABA, PADA, and the Chamber can tell us exactly what they have actually done in the last several years to bring new business to Port Angeles and any increase in tourism based on their direct efforts.
It's so frustrating that we as a community continue to let such a small group dictate to the rest of the community what we can and cannot do. And when you disagree with anything they say they will publicly rake you over the coals.
The way people are acting like SOMETHING HAS HAPPENED is very weird. "Ooo! We're collaborating! Ooo! We're shrinking down our multiple groups into...multiple committees!"
And that only happens IF the various existing groups vote to do so.
Oh, and the PADA can't be included because of their Main Street program (which is so lame here). Oh, and the Chamber is already making noises about how they're a "name brand" organization.
And on and on it goes. BUT NOTHING HAS HAPPENED YET. This is all proposed. Maybe. If and when.
And even if and when, it's still loser lunatics running things. So who do they think they're fooling with this shuffling of the cards?
Clearly they are taking their cue from Barb. "Happy talk, happy talk, words are more important than ACTIONS. That might mean we'd have to think, sweat, and maybe even actually do something for our money."
I TRIED to be in all three groups, and found it counter to business. No one needs the frustration, or the bullshite that goes with any of them. The problem is, has been, and will always BE the "executive directors". How can both the PADA and the Chamber have such small minded, petty, and angry people haters? One is miserable, painful even, to even try and converse with (if you look up condescending in an illustrated dictionary there is a picture of Russ) and the other is a brainless cheerleader, who seems to only converse in happy talk. (Thank god she doesn't also use baby talk!) The problem with these little kingdom/empire rulers is that there is no way to oust them, because...there is no mechanism to do so because they've feathered their board of directors with people who are "like minded" (meaning also anti-business). And, as is typical of this town, any dissent is met with an overwhelming "straighten up, or get out" response. The CoC leader is the biggest linchpin. If we had a good, visionary leader of the CoC, then they would have some clout to also get good leaders in the other associations (by example, or by using their clout). The fact we have a man who is weak, feble-minded, lazy, but with an abundance of grandiose ego aspirations -- leading our CoC, we are doomed. Nothing can help us until we oust him, and get someone with vision. If we could flush Russ, Barbie, and that idiot Haguewood from the whole mess, we'd probably see this town turn around. (IF we didn't pick from our incestuous current ranks, again.)
Maybe when the city lets the bluff under the cemetery get eroded away, we'll all see Sam Haguewood again. It's all part of the interlocking genius of Port Angeles governance.
Wish I could say that it felt like I was coming back to a bright, new Port Angeles that was, oh, I don't know, somehow United under one brilliant shining star of an organization. But as I came back into town the place looked just as Untied as when I left a couple of days ago...But I'm just oh so happy that Andrew May is so happy. Really.
On the Port O Call website, someone was obviously baiting Tim Smith by mentioning some work done in the 1950s on economic development, and gee, why isn't that being included in your PA Untied efforts?
Tim Smith wrote him back to assure him that this 60 year old stuff was part of what they're doing/referencing now. Not realizing that they original poster was just goading him. And not realizing AT ALL how pathetic and bizarre it is to reference such old work when trying to build the "future" of Port Angeles.
Whoever it is that is or is claiming to be Tim Smith writes really badly, uses punctuation incorrectly, and spells things like "fair well" instead of "farewell." Looks like TIm is another member of the Port Angeles brain(less) trust. Tired old uneducated men trotting out tired old uninformed ideas. This is the Leadership Class in Port Angeles.
Agreed. Could just be Wilson's faking the whole thing in a desperate attempt to draw readers and to try and sell ad space. Any bets on when he'll go broke and disappear?
Arrogant ignorance has a strong foothold here. "It doesn't matter"...(about spelling, grammar, manners) seems to be the battle cry. I hear it's a problem all over, but only in this area do I routinely see craigslist ads that say "for sell"
If you have had any dealings with Tim, you know he is definately NOT the sharpest tool in the shed. Funny thing is, though; he sees himself as some master strategist who infiltrates groups in the area to provide "intel" to his cronies.
I'm familiar with that study. I think what the poster was getting at was the same methods used back then can be used today. The difference is back then they didn't create a monster with multiple committees funded by public money. They did the study for an entire year, put a plan together that was then implemented by the Chamber. Which by the way was self funded and received no monies from the city until the early 1990's. The plan was so successful that it ran for 20+ years.
Please note how Haguewood is saying there will need to be paid staff in this new super arrangement. Please refer back to all the discussions of the outsize power and influence of staff members at the city of Port Angeles. Locally, we must be very, very wary of staff.
If the people who pay dues to any of these groups are smart, they will use the only real power they have, and quit in protest over this totally stupid idea.
Each of the members that currently belong to the PABA, Chamber of Commerce, and PADA should get smart, and tell their boards they will quit being dues payinmg members immediately, if the Board votes to merge with PAU.
Yes, I know most PADA members have no choice. The City makes them be part of PADA, whether they want to, or not. But, they can still find creative ways to express their disgust with this idiocy.
Some people seem to be getting excited because if these groups merge, there's the rumor that they won't be asking the city for ANY money to operate.
If they merge.
If that's true.
But even if that's all true, don't get too excited, folks. City staff will still find ways to waste whatever money is "saved" and then some. The spending never stops, it just shifts around a bit while growing more and more.
With the proposed committee structure, everyone will have more deniability than ever before. "Oh, but committee #2 was supposed to take the lead on that." It's a shell game, and not a very clever one at that.
The Francis Street Park is a little known gem. Wait no it's not. It's a huge waste of money. If you've never heard of it I understand. Typical for PA. :)
Notable family names in the Clallam County Jail this morning...
Bonnie Jean Pittis (44) is still sitting there on a DUI (alcohol) charge.
Sean Earl Gormley (26) is in on two counts of driving while license suspended. Anyone who knows the Gormley family (especially Willis Gormley) knows they are crazy.
Thanks to the County for putting the jail roster online.
Amazing that you have so little compassion for others. Who knows what demons control them? Yet, you have no compunction making the trajedies of their poor lives more public than they already are.
Must be nice to be perfect, and to sit in judgement of others.
These types of posts are on a case by case basis from my perspective. Given that this is public information, and given the public nature of the families involved, well, I let this one through. Willis Gormley especially is well known for his belligerent and threatening ways. And yes, it seems the whole family may be troubled.
No to belabour the point, or series to comments, but it isn't like the Blevin family is without issues! Lonnie? The Dad? Susan?
Personally, I think the posts have nothing to do with helping Port Angeles move forward. Exposing politicians, government employees, and civic leaders is all fair, as they help form the policies and actions that have gotten us into the troubles we have. People need to know who is creating these problems we all are paying for.
But the sons and daughters of prominent families, who themselves are not involved in policy making, are another matter. I don't see how making their misery any more public helps Port Angeles be a better place.
I'd like to 2nd the motion that Susan Blevins is a modern day Gladys Cravets who doesn't realize that when she makes posts about other people's tragedies . . . she is saying more about herself than the intended individuals. Abner, Abner come here - look at the what the neighbors are doing. Its one thing to go to the Jail Roster and see who's there, its quite another matter to advertise it to the world. Susan, have any of your immediate family members been in a situation that could have reflected poorly on them or you? Where is your compassion?
I think the point that's been made here before is that these "connected people" often don't face the same consequences that we mere mortals do. If you or I had embezzled $40,000 from our workplace, you can bet we'd be charged with something. But people like Amber (Pittis) Mozinga just slide right by, no charges, no consequences. It's part of the rotten fabric that Port Angeles is made out of.
Well, alright then...Maybe I made a poor call in letting the offending post through. If so, I do apologize. Hopefully the original poster will realize the error as well. This blog is an ongoing work in progress, so again, please forgive the occasional (I hope) lapses in judgment.
While I understand the perspective of the posters who found the jail posting offensive, and maybe even agree with them, I would urge you to continue to err on the side of providing too much information, rather than too little. If this forum sometimes goes a little too far, that is, in my opinion, still more desirable and useful than one that is moderated with a heavy hand.
Thanks for the blog. I moved here in January of this year and every single person I have met and have told this to has had the exact same question, "Where do you work?" I thought that's kinda odd, no where did you move from, how do you like the place, welcome to PA but, where do I work. Telling question now that I have been here a few months. If it's true that there are a handful of people keeping this beautiful area down in the dumps, they have to be held accountable or publicly shamed at the minimum. ONP is a World Heritage Site, they should marketing Port Angeles all over the world to take advantage of this, Anyway, thanks and I sure am glad I found this site and the Port O Call paper.
Hey Steve - welcome aboard. Thanks for the kind words.
You've ben getting that question because A) There are very, very few jobs in Port Angeles, and B) Locals understand that there's currently no reason to move to Port Angeles unless it's for a job.
And, doesn't matter where you are FROM...you aren't from HERE. And, for most, there is only "there" and "here". I've met many people who have rarely been to Seattle, never been to Victoria B.C., and have no idea that there is an outside world, except what they see on television. You'll forever be an outsider here. (I say this, from two decades of experience).
I would guess that the percentage of Port Angeles residents who have ever been to Victoria is in the low single digits. This is indeed a very isolated, clannish area, and the long-time locals are often (not always, but often) hostile or suspicious of outsiders. Perhaps this impulse springs at least in part from some sort of knowledge that they've made such a botch of things here that there really is no reason for outsiders to want to settle here. Our mills, our ways, new blood need not apply.
My friend's computer wouldn't let me post anything other than a headline for some reason, so I'm going to keep this "posting" brief.
ReplyDeleteThis is - in theory - progress of a sort. In theory. Let's not count our chickens until they've voted to merge, if you know what I mean. And, to continue with the poultry metaphors, it will then take a while to see if this new fowl is a goose laying golden eggs, or just another Port Angeles turkey.
But we do need to always remember that there are some well known foxes not just guarding but building this hen house, so temper your enthusiasm with caution, lest you end up a dead duck.
I'll be home later - see you all then.
Well, even giving this a headline is too much, in my opinion. This should be filed under "Breaking News - Nothing Has Happened Yet!" I mean, Andrew May may be excited (he's just SO excitable) but as for the rest of us...Wake us when there's some real news.
DeleteNo kidding. It's funny (and at times tragic) to see how the PDN plays up "big" non-stories like this, yet totally ignores (gee, wonder why) so many stories that A) actually happened, and B) are important to the community.
DeleteWhen I just checked the PDN website a minute ago, there were NO comments on the stopry about this idea of a merger.
DeleteI suspect this is because no one cares about the PDN, and no one believes the merger will happen, and if it does, nothing will change.
the "story" is unreadable. Its another of those PDN stories that you can't make heads-or-tails of, and doesn't concern anyone, because most of the town already KNOWS that its all hot air, and more shyster stuff. I use shyster in the slang way: someone who acts in a disreputable, unethical, or unscrupulous way. (Not the off-color, obscene way --based on the etymology-- derived from German's Scheisse (shit), and the image is further enriched by an image of an incontinent old man. Although, the off-color definition does FIT the situation. PA? Depends!)
DeleteI'm not sure I understand what all the hoopla is all about.
ReplyDeleteWe're talking about ALL THE SAME PEOPLE, who are currently members of a couple local business associations with different names, contemplating merging together so that ALL THE SAME PEOPLE will continue doing all the great things that have got Port Angeles to where it is now, only now they will call their group a different name.
And, upon looking at the statements put out so far (like the goal of doubling the population of Port Angeles in the next 5 years!), I come away wondering if this "merger" is really a smart thing, even for them. At least, when an independant organization, the PABA tried to be rational and reasonable in what it attempted to accomplish. "Merging" so that they can pursue utter fantasy goals does little to increase the credibility of any of the participants!
So, really, what is the big deal? Unless a lot of current dues-paying group members all quit in disgust (once they see what a laughable effort PAU has turned into), it will be the same people, under a new name, doing much of what they did before: lots of meetings, lots of talk, no results.
Who cares.
Not to mention that a lot of funding for events look to your town having a strong, and influential "chamber of commerce". This is something everyone knows, and understands.
DeleteNow, we'd have some other beast?
It's bad enough we have a TERRIBLE leader and woeful excuse for a CoC, but to now make it an odd bird, too? This is so, so, SO INCREDIBLY STUPID. And, if it weren't for needing to work (day time, week day) I would have gone to the meeting that hatched this stupid notion.
PAU...which might as well be called P-U (as in "it stinks") is an overflowing outhouse of stupidity.
I didn't pay for 3 years, but still got the little "plaque" announcing that I was a valued member of the Chamber. Odd. I wondered if they really didn't need small businesses as members, because they (obviously) get their money elsewhere. And, what does the $$ go to anyway? Aside from Russ and his niece, and some fake breasts (for a hired hand)?
DeleteDon't forget, Clallam County is the ONLY county in the whole country that elects its director of community development. That's how we ended up with the highly questionable Sheila Wreck Miller. Port Angeles is probably the only coastal community in the country stupid enough to put a Turd Tank on their waterfront. Any time there's an "only in Port Angeles/Clallam County" situation, count on it being THE most backward, and THE least functional or sensible.
DeleteNo so much lots of talk, but lots of talking AT YOU, and a forced purchase of a really bad meal.
DeleteNot blind leading blind. It's the stupid leading the stupid.
DeleteYes that's what they want to do.
ReplyDeleteThe blind leading the blind.
To quote Tim Smith from the Port O call site:
"For the record, I have publically stated that I will not support an existing nor new private-sector business organization that chooses to continue the current use of public tax moneys to fund administrative director salaries.
It is my hope that a combined organization coming out of the PA United process will realize that depending on such funding sources is counter-productive to its main purpose, that purpose being the support, retention and growth of all its member businesses and industries, not just tourism, not just downtown."
If this is true then all public funds should stop day one when PA Untied comes to fruition.
This will not take effect until 2015 because the individual organizations have to take a vote to accept the new organization. I would urge the membership to vote no!
Considering the history of in-house fighting and the private agenda's I truly believe that we will not see any improvement with this new monster they have created (five boards WTF!)
Can ANYONE from PABA, PADA, and the Chamber can tell us exactly what they have actually done in the last several years to bring new business to Port Angeles and any increase in tourism based on their direct efforts.
It's so frustrating that we as a community continue to let such a small group dictate to the rest of the community what we can and cannot do. And when you disagree with anything they say they will publicly rake you over the coals.
The way people are acting like SOMETHING HAS HAPPENED is very weird. "Ooo! We're collaborating! Ooo! We're shrinking down our multiple groups into...multiple committees!"
ReplyDeleteAnd that only happens IF the various existing groups vote to do so.
Oh, and the PADA can't be included because of their Main Street program (which is so lame here). Oh, and the Chamber is already making noises about how they're a "name brand" organization.
And on and on it goes. BUT NOTHING HAS HAPPENED YET. This is all proposed. Maybe. If and when.
And even if and when, it's still loser lunatics running things. So who do they think they're fooling with this shuffling of the cards?
Clearly they are taking their cue from Barb. "Happy talk, happy talk, words are more important than ACTIONS. That might mean we'd have to think, sweat, and maybe even actually do something for our money."
DeleteI TRIED to be in all three groups, and found it counter to business. No one needs the frustration, or the bullshite that goes with any of them. The problem is, has been, and will always BE the "executive directors". How can both the PADA and the Chamber have such small minded, petty, and angry people haters? One is miserable, painful even, to even try and converse with (if you look up condescending in an illustrated dictionary there is a picture of Russ) and the other is a brainless cheerleader, who seems to only converse in happy talk. (Thank god she doesn't also use baby talk!)
ReplyDeleteThe problem with these little kingdom/empire rulers is that there is no way to oust them, because...there is no mechanism to do so because they've feathered their board of directors with people who are "like minded" (meaning also anti-business). And, as is typical of this town, any dissent is met with an overwhelming "straighten up, or get out" response.
The CoC leader is the biggest linchpin. If we had a good, visionary leader of the CoC, then they would have some clout to also get good leaders in the other associations (by example, or by using their clout). The fact we have a man who is weak, feble-minded, lazy, but with an abundance of grandiose ego aspirations -- leading our CoC, we are doomed. Nothing can help us until we oust him, and get someone with vision.
If we could flush Russ, Barbie, and that idiot Haguewood from the whole mess, we'd probably see this town turn around. (IF we didn't pick from our incestuous current ranks, again.)
If Sam Haguewood can see what his son Jim has turned into he would put him over his knee.
DeleteMaybe when the city lets the bluff under the cemetery get eroded away, we'll all see Sam Haguewood again. It's all part of the interlocking genius of Port Angeles governance.
DeleteWish I could say that it felt like I was coming back to a bright, new Port Angeles that was, oh, I don't know, somehow United under one brilliant shining star of an organization. But as I came back into town the place looked just as Untied as when I left a couple of days ago...But I'm just oh so happy that Andrew May is so happy. Really.
ReplyDeleteNo, really.
You mean you didn't notice that the air was cleaner and the water sweeter under the exciting new (proposed) regime? ;)
DeleteOn the Port O Call website, someone was obviously baiting Tim Smith by mentioning some work done in the 1950s on economic development, and gee, why isn't that being included in your PA Untied efforts?
ReplyDeleteTim Smith wrote him back to assure him that this 60 year old stuff was part of what they're doing/referencing now. Not realizing that they original poster was just goading him. And not realizing AT ALL how pathetic and bizarre it is to reference such old work when trying to build the "future" of Port Angeles.
Clueless.
Now, it looks more like oldtimer Smith ended up setting up the other poor dude..
DeleteActually sorta funny to read latest entry.
Hope they continue. lol
Whoever it is that is or is claiming to be Tim Smith writes really badly, uses punctuation incorrectly, and spells things like "fair well" instead of "farewell." Looks like TIm is another member of the Port Angeles brain(less) trust. Tired old uneducated men trotting out tired old uninformed ideas. This is the Leadership Class in Port Angeles.
DeleteAgreed.
DeleteCould just be Wilson's faking the whole thing in a desperate attempt to draw readers and to try and sell ad space.
Any bets on when he'll go broke and disappear?
Arrogant ignorance has a strong foothold here. "It doesn't matter"...(about spelling, grammar, manners) seems to be the battle cry. I hear it's a problem all over, but only in this area do I routinely see craigslist ads that say "for sell"
DeleteAnon 6:55AM
DeleteWho knows who it really is writing this in POC.
It could all be a hoax considering the source.
In reference to "journey" you are incorrect with the use of "farewell".
In reference to a "journey" the correct form would be "fare well".
"Fair well" is technically an error.
However, in this case the use of "fair", if considered as an adverb, could also be a very clever form of sarcasm.
If you have had any dealings with Tim, you know he is definately NOT the sharpest tool in the shed. Funny thing is, though; he sees himself as some master strategist who infiltrates groups in the area to provide "intel" to his cronies.
DeleteReally! He uses the word "intel" ! LOL!
I'm familiar with that study. I think what the poster was getting at was the same methods used back then can be used today. The difference is back then they didn't create a monster with multiple committees funded by public money. They did the study for an entire year, put a plan together that was then implemented by the Chamber. Which by the way was self funded and received no monies from the city until the early 1990's. The plan was so successful that it ran for 20+ years.
DeleteAnonymous 8:30 AM: I have my doubts about it being an intentionally "clever form of sarcasm," no matter the source. Just a guess.
DeletePlease note how Haguewood is saying there will need to be paid staff in this new super arrangement. Please refer back to all the discussions of the outsize power and influence of staff members at the city of Port Angeles. Locally, we must be very, very wary of staff.
ReplyDeleteIf the people who pay dues to any of these groups are smart, they will use the only real power they have, and quit in protest over this totally stupid idea.
DeleteHow can they quit an organization that doesn't exist yet? Not joining in the first place, that's the smart move.
DeleteEach of the members that currently belong to the PABA, Chamber of Commerce, and PADA should get smart, and tell their boards they will quit being dues payinmg members immediately, if the Board votes to merge with PAU.
DeleteYes, I know most PADA members have no choice. The City makes them be part of PADA, whether they want to, or not. But, they can still find creative ways to express their disgust with this idiocy.
It is such a stupid idea.Let me count the ways.
This city has a bad STAFF infection.
ReplyDeleteSome people seem to be getting excited because if these groups merge, there's the rumor that they won't be asking the city for ANY money to operate.
ReplyDeleteIf they merge.
If that's true.
But even if that's all true, don't get too excited, folks. City staff will still find ways to waste whatever money is "saved" and then some. The spending never stops, it just shifts around a bit while growing more and more.
Maybe so, but then again City staff, County, Port, whoever, might find a local/region Battering Ram at the front door, ready to go to real war!
DeleteYou saw the quote in the PDN today saying staff would still need to be paid. By whom? Who is "staff"?
DeleteRemember the $50,000 paid to the Chamber by the City just this last month, for "consulting services"?
And on, and on, and on.
With the proposed committee structure, everyone will have more deniability than ever before. "Oh, but committee #2 was supposed to take the lead on that." It's a shell game, and not a very clever one at that.
ReplyDeleteThe Francis Street Park is a little known gem. Wait no it's not. It's a huge waste of money. If you've never heard of it I understand. Typical for PA. :)
ReplyDeleteNotable family names in the Clallam County Jail this morning...
ReplyDeleteBonnie Jean Pittis (44) is still sitting there on a DUI (alcohol) charge.
Sean Earl Gormley (26) is in on two counts of driving while license suspended. Anyone who knows the Gormley family (especially Willis Gormley) knows they are crazy.
Thanks to the County for putting the jail roster online.
Amazing that you have so little compassion for others. Who knows what demons control them? Yet, you have no compunction making the trajedies of their poor lives more public than they already are.
DeleteMust be nice to be perfect, and to sit in judgement of others.
These types of posts are on a case by case basis from my perspective. Given that this is public information, and given the public nature of the families involved, well, I let this one through. Willis Gormley especially is well known for his belligerent and threatening ways. And yes, it seems the whole family may be troubled.
DeleteNo to belabour the point, or series to comments, but it isn't like the Blevin family is without issues! Lonnie? The Dad? Susan?
DeletePersonally, I think the posts have nothing to do with helping Port Angeles move forward. Exposing politicians, government employees, and civic leaders is all fair, as they help form the policies and actions that have gotten us into the troubles we have. People need to know who is creating these problems we all are paying for.
But the sons and daughters of prominent families, who themselves are not involved in policy making, are another matter. I don't see how making their misery any more public helps Port Angeles be a better place.
I'd like to 2nd the motion that Susan Blevins is a modern day Gladys Cravets who doesn't realize that when she makes posts about other people's tragedies . . . she is saying more about herself than the intended individuals. Abner, Abner come here - look at the what the neighbors are doing. Its one thing to go to the Jail Roster and see who's there, its quite another matter to advertise it to the world. Susan, have any of your immediate family members been in a situation that could have reflected poorly on them or you? Where is your compassion?
DeleteI think the point that's been made here before is that these "connected people" often don't face the same consequences that we mere mortals do. If you or I had embezzled $40,000 from our workplace, you can bet we'd be charged with something. But people like Amber (Pittis) Mozinga just slide right by, no charges, no consequences. It's part of the rotten fabric that Port Angeles is made out of.
DeleteWell, alright then...Maybe I made a poor call in letting the offending post through. If so, I do apologize. Hopefully the original poster will realize the error as well. This blog is an ongoing work in progress, so again, please forgive the occasional (I hope) lapses in judgment.
DeleteWhile I understand the perspective of the posters who found the jail posting offensive, and maybe even agree with them, I would urge you to continue to err on the side of providing too much information, rather than too little. If this forum sometimes goes a little too far, that is, in my opinion, still more desirable and useful than one that is moderated with a heavy hand.
DeleteJust my two cents worth.
I agree with Anon 9:15AM, especially if the LAW BREAKERS are just regular citizens, let's not ridicule them here.
DeleteMessage received.
DeleteThanks for the blog. I moved here in January of this year and every single person I have met and have told this to has had the exact same question, "Where do you work?" I thought that's kinda odd, no where did you move from, how do you like the place, welcome to PA but, where do I work. Telling question now that I have been here a few months. If it's true that there are a handful of people keeping this beautiful area down in the dumps, they have to be held accountable or publicly shamed at the minimum. ONP is a World Heritage Site, they should marketing Port Angeles all over the world to take advantage of this, Anyway, thanks and I sure am glad I found this site and the Port O Call paper.
ReplyDeleteHey Steve - welcome aboard. Thanks for the kind words.
DeleteYou've ben getting that question because A) There are very, very few jobs in Port Angeles, and B) Locals understand that there's currently no reason to move to Port Angeles unless it's for a job.
You might also have been hearing that question because people are wondering if you "took" a job from their halfwit cousin, sibling, etc.
DeleteOops! I should have BEEN more careful in that reply. Must have been suffering from Early Morning Fingeritis.
DeleteAnd, doesn't matter where you are FROM...you aren't from HERE. And, for most, there is only "there" and "here". I've met many people who have rarely been to Seattle, never been to Victoria B.C., and have no idea that there is an outside world, except what they see on television.
DeleteYou'll forever be an outsider here. (I say this, from two decades of experience).
I would guess that the percentage of Port Angeles residents who have ever been to Victoria is in the low single digits. This is indeed a very isolated, clannish area, and the long-time locals are often (not always, but often) hostile or suspicious of outsiders. Perhaps this impulse springs at least in part from some sort of knowledge that they've made such a botch of things here that there really is no reason for outsiders to want to settle here. Our mills, our ways, new blood need not apply.
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