"This topic is getting a bit worn CK, what else ya got?"
Well, I've got a full-time life to live, and a part-time blog to manage. I do the best I can to keep this forum just plain up, as well as up to date and pertinent, but, like I said, this is a part-time endeavor on my part. It's meant to serve as a community forum, which is to say, it's wide open to suggestions and information.
So let me turn that question around: What else have you got, readers? Hundreds of you come here day in and day out - what's on your minds?
Anyone actually excited about the City Council races? Anyone got any heretofore undisclosed nuggets of information about the conniptions at the Courthouse? Anyone have thoughts on the Port's loss of Westport as a tenant, and the attendant tax hit the move will cause?
Anyone with anything is welcome to start the discussion.
How about forensic doxing based on language patterns or topics which instill rants?
ReplyDeleteI would like to talk about how to get Mr. Ozias into McEntire's current seat. I'm afraid the name recognition and power of incumbency will win over the apathetic voters who don't actually put any thought into their vote. I'd love to see a listing of all public agency boards of commissioners or elected officials and how many years each has been seated in their positions. Positions often go uncontested and these so called "leaders" fall in to a state of apathy, collecting their salaries and benefits, no longer caring about the issues and constituents that voted them in, in the first place. They nap their way through the meetings and behave like entitled brats. Don't they serve at our pleasure?
ReplyDeleteBasically, you're looking for anything that fits the "gee ain't it awful living in Port Angeles" narrative. I know this may come as a shock, that in spite of the problems that exist here(and anyone who lives here and has a brain knows that), there are actually people who love this place and are thriving. I know that is hard for some of you to grasp and digest . . . . Just a little Monday morning balance statement to start the day.
ReplyDeleteThere are indeed individuals who love it here and may personally be thriving but that makes it all the more frustrating to see those we should be able to count on, sell us short and drive our town into the gutter.That's why we need to find solutions and discuss here what we as individuals can do to better our situation, starting with voting these apathetic, entitled idiots out of office.
DeleteYeah, I don't think anybody thinks that every person in Port Angeles is in the dumps. Even in ratty towns like Port Angeles (and anyone who lives here and has a brain knows that) the Good Ole Boys sit in their relative splendor. I know that it is hard for some of you to grasp and digest...
DeleteWhat some seem to find equally hard to grasp and digest is why this town can't find it's way out of the hole it has been in for so long, despite the many millions spent to try and solve the problems. Not only has it not solved the problems, but it has made the fundamental problems worse than they were before.
Start watching city council meetings in Port Angeles. Every time a problem gets near solution Cherie Kidd or Brad Collins invoke some goofy reason to kick the can down the road. This allows the passion to dissipate and problems never get solved. These two are there for the status quo. They will let nothing get to a conclusion if they can figure a way to keep putting off a decision. Take fluoride for instance. A couple weeks ago there was a motion and a second to eliminate fluoride in the city water. Before it could come to a vote Brad Collins suggested putting off the decision until next year. Remember, Brad Collins has been on the public dole his entire career. He likes things the way they are. His masters got him APPOINTED to city council and now he keeps his masters wishes in force and shuts down any hope of change. Will the lady who accused him of harassment please press her claims so we can be rid of this dinosaur.
DeleteYes, indeed. What's the deal with them -- I mean aside from the OBVIOUS ones.
DeleteAt the most recent meeting the group (meaning our city council) was so unsure of doing anything without some input from the city staff. They could hardly manage to pass (without a lot of hand-holding) a measure to allow PAPA to have some ability to contact WAVE on the cities behalf. Then once they'd done this -- with hand wringing and asking questions repeatedly that have already been answered -- they congratulated themselves on "growing up" (which I could only assume meant growing a very, very teeny set of immature testicles). Talk about a council that has no idea who they are, why they are there, or how in the hell they're supposed to represent the people.
DeleteAnd, then for Cherie to go on to gush "thank you, we needed this we just didn't know how to get public access". Like she even tried. Hey, Cherie, how's that grant you said you'd find for a bridge suicide barrier? You posture well when it comes to getting ink -- but your all talk, no action. Never any action.
I swear if that old woman starts blathering one more time about how the people of Port Angeles should thank her -- I'm going to lose it.
Get that old hag a ball gag. Seriously, who in the hell does she think she is? She isn't giving us anything. She isn't doing us any favors. She's a small-minded, dimwit, at best. So, tell me WHY has she been in office so long?
Really folks, you get the representatives you elect. Good 'enuf, I suppose?
Brad isn't quite ENOUGH of a slobbering, sweating misogynist to get in trouble in court.
Delete(The key words: NOT QUITE ENOUGH)
Sure. He's condescending. He is arrogant. He carries himself like his shit not only doesn't stink but is still firmly packed in neat bundles in his ample, ample colon (probably fossilized by now). He is the poster child for constipation.
(Constipated in body, in life, and in thought.)
Unfortunately, he just isn't quite creepy enough to prove him to be a perv -- since the bar is so high around these parts. Clallam County must be a refuge for these pervy types. A misogynist's wet dream.
Brad is at that fine cusp of "slap him silly" and avoid getting near him at all costs. Not quite a masher-guy who will back you into a corner and grind his teeny-peeny against your hip, but creepy enough that speaking to him is something most women are loathe to do.
(After all, it's a way to conserve water. Speak to him for any amount of time and you need a searing hot shower to peel away the slime.)
Women do eye rolls in his presence. We all give each other that knowing look "pervert alert". These eye rolls are AUDIBLE.
The consensus: he's unpleasant, he sweats in your general direction, he leans over in your direction, and can't NOT talk to a woman without staring intently at the woman's tits.
("Hello!! My eyes are up here, dummy!")
It makes me wish someone would invent a bra-secured laser pointing device that could be activated and blind these crusty old creepers. I don't think men realize how obvious it is when they stand there talking, chin down, head tilted, goofy look on their smug little faces.
("Get over it, dude. Look in a mirror, Brad, your tits are as big as mine.")
Personally: My only real recourse is to focus on the well-formed concept that Brad must have his biggest butt plug in when he sits in on those city council meetings.
(Gay sex Port Angeles!!)
He really does seem like a man is in dire need of a really good, dominatrix to make him strip down, crawl around, and have him lick her high-heeled boots. Maybe, poke him in the eye a few times. It would do him, and every woman in the community, a world of good.
Unfortunately, I doubt PA has anyone of this stature, and even if there were someone of this quality, he'd be too cheap to spend the dough.
(But, a girl can dream, can't she?)
I recognize this excellent writing...
DeleteSomehow I don't think it's Mr. Collins doing the recognizing.....
DeleteTypical Port Angeles perspective, sadly. "Tell us what's important."
ReplyDeleteThat's how we keep winding up with elected officials who feel free to tell us what's important, rather than listening to the people they're supposed to represent. Too many of those people are followers, not enough are leaders, even in the privacy of their own homes and heads. SO they do as they're told, and take what they get.
Sad.
The Peninsula Area Public Access channel will be up and running on Wave Cable by January 1st. Anyone with the inclination to produce your own program or programs should get in on the ground floor. PAPA will offer training and equipment which will teach anyone to become a producer of local television programming. PAPA will cover local high school sports, local government meetings including the city council, county commission, EDC, Port of Port Angeles and any public body that spends tax money. Let the city council know you support public access and PAPA for taking the lead and bringing this important development forward. Contact PAPA and give them ideas for what type programming you would like to see.
ReplyDeleteYou want to hear about what we want out of PABA. Okay, GET DALE WILSON OUT OF PABA.
DeleteGiven that PABA stands for the Port Angeles Business Association, I'm not sure what the hell this obvious troll is trying to say, other than OBVIOUSLY using this thread to try to cast negatives on Dale Wilson.
DeleteOr, they just want the PABA to be exclusive. You know, by invitation only? They only want to hear from people they already agree with? Is that what the PABA Board is saying?
As so many times before, I will challenge this dope to name ANYONE who has done more for Port Angeles than Dale Wilson.
Flat out. No bullshit. Come up with a name. We have been here before. Enough of the cheap, anonymous crap. If you got the name of ANYONE who has done more for Port Angeles, cough up the name. We ALL will like to know.
If not.. well. We all can see you for who you are. Just a pathetic jerk trying to keep the status quo. Just a pathetic jerk who has NOTHING to offer. Just a pathetic jerk that uses these forums to try to undermine the hard work of people who are actually doing real things to help make changes.
What are YOU doing? Besides the useless crap you post?
We're waiting to hear.
Actually I think this troll means PAPA instead of PABA. I will certainly step aside if you will step up. Bring your energy and angst to the side of doing something positive instead of spewing vitriol on those working for a better future. Whatever beef you have with me I urge you to contact me and we can possibly work it out. Otherwise, I'll consider you a malcontent with self esteem issues.
DeleteNah, they probably mean the morning PABA meetings...trolls can't expect to keep these things straight.
DeleteMaybe a little closer to election time it'd be nice if there were some candidate forums where we could all ask questions and get responses from whomever wants to answer... or whomever pretends to be the candidate. Whatever.
ReplyDeleteForums that I've been invited to do, so far:
DeleteSeptember 30th 6-8:30 pm Elwha Klallam Heritage Center
(League of Women Voters)
October 5th PA Chamber 1pm Red Lion
October 7th Noon Rotary Noon Bushwacker
October 23 Morning Rotary 7am OMC's Season's Cafe
Meanwhile, my most recent blog post about life in PA and the whole fluoride nonsense that I've been researching about. (My post is way too long, but hey, sorry.)
Deletehttp://maroleesmith.com/2015/09/01/trust-us-were-experts-more-on-the-fluoride-saga/
Hey Marolee - Thanks for the information.
DeletePeople: Turn out at these events, and ask questions.
I think we've covered the problems with this town. What about some solutions? What can we do to make things better?
ReplyDeleteHere we've covered problems.
DeleteIn City Hall, and in the Courthouse, problems just get covered up.
And that's the problem.
So you're saying we shouldn't try to find solutions to the problems?
DeleteWho are you looking to find solutions to the problems? Kidd? Collins? They ARE problems.
DeleteI didn't ask what THEY can do to solve our problems, I asked what WE can do.
DeleteThere will always be a Kidd or Collins or Rogers or Madsen or Cutler or whichever other city member is fucking over this city. Always. Sorry to disappoint everyone.
I don't want to give up just because of that. I want to start thinking of practical solutions WE THE PEOPLE can do to stop this downward spiral this town has been caught in for decades. I want to do something. I just have no idea where to start.
"...this downward spiral this town has been caught in for decades."
DeleteIt's a death spiral. There's no pulling out of it. Port Angeles is dying. Accept it, and move on.
Start by going to city council meetings anony 3:08 Start by hanging out with other people who want to do something. Start by figuring out which candidate isn't full of shit to fill one (or two) slots on the city council (and oust one of the major problems). Figure out who the BAD actors are on the city staff. I'm with you..let's get this done.
DeleteAs someone peripherally interested in submitting an application to your city, what should I make of the good/bad polarity I keep reading about? If the bad is so hopelessly bad, why should folks like me come in from the outside to try to make things better? Should PA be left to its (apparently) insular self? Or is there a good side worth fighting for?
ReplyDeleteThere is opportunity in Port Angeles. Could provide better feedback if you mention to what department of "the city" you are thinking of applying
DeleteThe only good side to Port Angeles IS the outside - as in, looking at PA from the outside. Once you're inside, you'll be lost in darkness.
DeleteIf you decide to come to Port Angeles, you'll undoubtedly come because of the natural beauty of the area, not because the place is well run.
DeleteMy advice would be to not live inside the city limits; too many taxes and outlandish utility bills. Also, keep a lifeline to the outside world. Keep a small apartment or cabin or getaway place elsewhere so that you can escape to it on the weekends.
Don't ever expect to be accepted by the inbred long-time locals, no matter how long you live in the community or how much you contribute to it.
Well. The best advice I can think of is " Be forewarned" and.. "Don't invest in Port Angeles".
DeleteYou are not the first person who thought they could make things better here. Believe me!
There are plenty of people who came here thinking they could help make the area better, bought a house, and are now "stuck" here.
Do your research first. Honestly look at what efforts have been tried here, year after year, and think through if what you think you can do is really feasible.
You'll see many millions of dollars have been spent by Federal, State and private entities in attempts to address problems here. And still, the sidewalks are empty. Do you have those kinds of resources to throw away?
As the proposal for "Light up the Lincoln" shows, there are people here with stars in their eyes, and who think good intentions alone are enough to overcome obstacles. Years of such "happy talk" still leave a community labeled as "distressed". Hundreds of jobs go un-filled.
Be forewarned. Protect your interests. Invest only that which you are prepared to lose.
Well as you can no doubt gather from this blog, the city is a bit dysfunctional. Not just politically but the attitude of its residents. There will be times when you feel like you're perpetually beating your head against a wall.
DeleteBut, no, it's not all bad here. I'm assuming from "your city" that you're outside the area. The city is surrounded by some beautiful area. The people are generally nice. Traffic's light, although drivers can be nuts. The town has been stagnate, even shrinking in some areas, for so long that there is room for growth.
And, bottom line, we can definitely use some fresh blood to jumpstart that growth. We're getting more of that now, so I'm hoping we're getting some momentum towards change. I'd say apply, see what happens.
If it's calling, you should follow your instincts and come to Port Angeles. The good/bad polarity exists underneath a very civil public culture. We need newcomers in love with the place and the dream to make a home here and "try to make things better," as you put it. P.A. should not be left to its provincial and insular self.
ReplyDeleteNo kidding...get inside and like a cancer....rot the stinking mess.
DeleteThanks all, you are nudging me back toward submitting the application. It's the Planning Manager position in the Community and Economic Development department.
ReplyDeleteMy wife has a home-based business, but may have some opportunities in Seattle as well. Sometimes she feels a bit isolated; should I worry about that in Port Angeles? We live in a vibrant community in the Rockies. We don't always fit in, but there's a lot of energy and a "can-do" spirit here.
If you have education - you will be ostracized. If you have modern sensibilities or ideas - you will be ostracized. If you are at all concerned, genuinely concerned, about protecting the environment - you will be ostracized. If you are honest and in favor of governmental transparency and/or accountability - you will be ostracized.
DeleteBut if you're willing to go along to get along, and turn a blind eye to illegal and unethical acts, as well as a tremendous amount of graft and theft, you might - might - be allowed to keep your head down and do your job.
Might.
But you still will be isolated. Port Angeles is a long way - in every way - from civilization of any kind, from culture of any kind.
You're in a "vibrant community"? And you're wife feels isolated?
DeleteUnless you can endure stagnation on every level, look elsewhere. Honestly.
Isolation is definitely a problem here. We are about two hours from Seattle, longer if you happen to get stuck behind someone going 40 in a 55 the whole way.
DeleteI wouldn't really call Port Angeles either "vibrant" or a "community" or say it has a lot of energy. There tends to be a core group of people who are active in the community, but they do it badly. Unfortunately they tend to get "big fish, small pond" syndrome.
On the other hand, like I said, I honestly believe there is pent-up demand for change. It's been brewing for awhile but hasn't had the momentum or right people to really take hold. I'm seeing better signs of change than I have for awhile. Whether change takes, or grows big enough to happen in spite of the city council remains to be seen. There is a chance though.
Port Angeles isn't the worst town I've lived in, but it's definitely not the best. It has a lot of promise, and could be a lot better than it is, if all the ducks line up in a row.
Could the job opening that interests you be in the Clallam County government rather that the City of Port Angeles? The County seat is Port Angeles, and the city hall is right across the street from the county court housed. If it's a county position you're considering, then I'm sure people who post here will offer even more relevant advice.
DeleteGood luck,
But you can hang out with us other misfits.
DeleteYou could always live in Sequim and commute to PA. The County has its own issues in the way they treat employees - cutting hours, furlough days, etc - you'll find several comments here to that nature. As far as feeling isolated though - it's a easy day trip to Seattle, but I know I enjoy coming back here at teh end of the day and getting away from those crowds.
DeleteIf you move here, I guarantee you will regret it. I speak from experience. Save yourself, and your family, the grief and disappointment.
DeleteI think it is interesting the authorities call this last storm "historic".
ReplyDeleteWe have a "historic" drought, and suddenly, a crazy storm "usually seen in November", in August.
I'm sure there are those who will look to the storm in predictably simplistic fashion. It brought water to the area. But should we be taking comfort in these "historic" spasms the weather is exhibiting? Just because rain fell, that is all that matters?
Our should we be taking note as a physician would of a patient's symptoms?
Likely, McEntire will point to the Saturday storm to support his views that there are no water problems in the county, and most specifically the Dungeness watershed. Another view would suggest this recent storm, and the increasingly unpredictable weather patterns validate calls for concern about the region's water supplies and availability.
How many times do you need to be on the brink of running out, before we realize have a reliable and dependable supply is a good idea? Already, records show summer rains decreasing. Snowpack diminishing. Late summer flows have reached extremes more times than not or the last 15 years. Do we literally have to run out of water, before people like Jim McEntire can see the obvious? What good business sense is displayed by ignoring such a significant vulnerability?
What HAPPENED to the Port Angeles Blog...Harper's. Not updated since August 9th? People post...but I can't follow their rants. Meanwhile...really? What happened? Bueller? Anyone?
ReplyDeleteSleepy Tom Harper is busy maintaining the low, low standards for any and all activities in Port Angeles. Nothing to see, know nothing, do nothing. Zzzzz...
Delete