Special Sections - North Olympic Peninsula Voter Guide, 2015 General

North Olympic Peninsula

for the general election ending November 3, 2015

VOTER GUIDE

Clallam County ■■ Jefferson County ■■ Washington state

Published as a public service by the

PENINSULA DAILY NEWS

PENINSULA DAILY NEWSNorth Olympic Peninsula VOTER GUIDE 2 FOR THE ELECTION ENDING NOVEMBER 3, 2015

Introduction

Be sure to voteby 8 p.m. Nov. 3

THIS SPECIAL SECTION of the Peninsula Daily News, also available online at www.

peninsuladailynews.com, provides voters with information about the Nov. 3 general election.

It includes candidate question-naires and biographical profiles for all contested races in Clallam and Jefferson counties.

It also includes information on positions up for election in “About the Job” features and on local and statewide ballot measures.

Races in which candidates are unopposed are not profiled in this section.

Neither are write-in candidates.Also not profiled are races in

which candidates have dropped out past the legal deadline but whose names still appear on the ballot.

They include the Position 7 Port Angeles City Council race between incumbent Cherie Kidd and chal-lenger Dan Bateham, who dropped out.

Ballots were mailed by auditor’s offices in Clallam and Jefferson coun-ties to registered voters Oct. 14.

Voting continues until 8 p.m. Nov. 3.

Senior Staff Writer Paul Gottlieb coordinated compilation of candi-date questionnaires, profiles and position descriptions.

Copy Editors Allison McGee and Emily Hanson and Managing Editor Michael Foster designed this section.

Staff photojournalist Keith Thorpe processed photos.

Candidates’ answers were lim-ited to 75 words per question and were edited for length, grammar and spelling.

For disabled voters, during the voting period, a voting terminal is available at the Clallam County Auditor’s Office in the county court-house, 223 E. Fourth St., Port Ange-les, and at the Jefferson County Auditor’s Office in the county court-house, 1820 Jefferson St., Port Townsend.

Ballots must be postmarked no later than Nov. 3 or dropped off by no later than 8 p.m. Nov. 3 at the following locations:

Clallam County■ Clallam County Court-

house, 223 E. Fourth St., Port Ange-les. A drive-up drop box is provided.

■ Sequim Village Shopping Center, near the J.C. Penney store, 651 W. Washington St.

■ Forks District Court lobby, 502 E. Division St.

Jefferson County■ Jefferson County Court-

house, 1820 Jefferson St., Port Townsend. A drive-up drop box is provided in the parking lot to the rear of the courthouse off Franklin Street.

■ Jefferson County Library, 620 Cedar Ave., Port Hadlock. An outside drop box is mounted in the parking lot.

Election calendarHere are some significant dates

relating to the Nov. 3 election:■ Oct. 14: Ballots were mailed

out to registered voters for the Nov. 3 election.

■ Oct. 16: The North Olympic Peninsula Voter Guide for the gen-eral election was published in the Peninsula Daily News and posted online at peninsuladailynews.com.

■ Oct. 26: Voter registration deadline for people not registered to

vote who want to vote in the Nov. 3 election. Registration must be done in person at the courthouse of the county of residence.

■ Nov. 3: General election ends at 8 p.m.

Have questions?Questions about Clallam

County elections can be phoned to the county Auditor’s Office elections division at 360-417-2217 Mondays through Fridays.

Voter registration information is available by phoning 360-417-2221.

Questions about Jefferson County elections can be phoned to the county Auditor’s Office elections division at 360-385-9117 Mondays through Fridays.

Voter registration information is available by phoning 360-385-9119.

The Secretary of State’s Office in Olympia maintains a website with general voting information at www.vote.wa.gov.

ww HISTORY THEN, HISTORY NOW

1990

1965

1940

Every day, the Peninsula Daily News recollects 25, 50 and 75 years ago with history vignettes in its popular Page A2 feature, “Peninsula Lookback.”

But those were then, and this is now.

The PDN still chronicles North Olympic Peninsula history like it and its predecessor, Port Angeles Evening News, have done for almost a century.

Don’t miss out on current news that will become tomorrow’s history.

Get the PDN delivered to your home or office.It’s as easy as phoning 360-452-4507 or 800-826-7714

■ List of unopposed candidates / Page 36

PENINSULA DAILY NEWS North Olympic Peninsula VOTER GUIDE FOR THE ELECTION ENDING NOVEMBER 3, 2015 3

How would you have han-dled the Opportunity Fund dispute with county Treasurer Selinda Barkhuis?

McEntire: The treasurer asked us to use a budget process that did not fit the facts.

We handled this unprece-dented disagreement appropri-ately, extending olive branches, holding hearings and signing agreements.

All to no avail; the treasurer did not meet us halfway until the last moment.

Fortunately, we can now move forward.

We cannot pick and choose which law or policy to follow; we follow the facts, law and county policy, which we have done.

Ozias: Treasurer Barkhuis raised a valid concern about a county policy, pointing out that non-elected administrators should not be able to move mil-lions of dollars between funds without a public process.

I would have advocated taking one of the two reasonable solu-tions she offered or attempting mediation, as suggested by the prosecuting attorney, as an alter-native.

Insisting upon a legal remedy when given so many options would have been detrimental to Clallam County and its citizens.

Should a salary commis-sion set public officials’ sala-ries, including county com-missioners?

McEntire: That is certainly one option the law provides for, but it does not seem to have wide support among county elected officials or on the board of com-missioners.

An advisory committee is what was recommended by the Charter Review Commission, with the salary-setting authority

retained by the board of commis-sioners, and that is an equally good option.

I am more than happy to fol-low the charter, which assigns that authority to the commission-ers.

Ozias: In 2014, when my opponent advocated for cuts to elected officials’ salaries, his fel-low elected officials raised a cho-rus of concerns.

One called the plan a “slap in the face,” while another worried it would discourage qualified candidates from seeking office.

Public officials’ salaries are a complex subject that should not be politicized.

A nonpartisan salary commis-sion would be a fair and nonpolit-ical way to establish appropriate salaries for elected officials.

Should state forest trust

lands in the county be man-aged by the county?

McEntire: The Board of Com-missioners has been asked by the Charter Review Commission to set up an advisory committee to examine the pros and cons of this question and make recommenda-tions.

We have responded to this request by doing just that.

We should await the recom-mendations of that committee.

But one thing is clear now: I will use my seat on the state Board of Natural Resources to seek a greater financial return on the county’s trust lands.

Ozias: While this concept is appealing on the surface, we need to look more deeply.

Jim McEntire (R)

Residence: Sequim

Phone: 360-775-7357

Email: [email protected]

Campaign website: www.electjimmcentire.com

Age as of Nov. 3, Elec-tion Day: 65

Education: Bachelor’s degree, U.S. Coast Guard Academy; master’s degree, public administration, George Washington University, Wash-ington, D.C.; fellow, Secretary of Defense Strategic Studies Group

Occupation: Clallam County commissioner

Have you ever run for or held public office? Com-missioner, Port of Port Angeles (2008-11); Clallam County commissioner (2012-present)

Mark Ozias (D)

Residence: Sequim

Phone: 360-461-2613


Campaign website: www.markozias.org


Education: Graduate, Cherry Creek High School, Denver, 1989; bachelor’s degree, politics and govern-ment, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, 1993; studied horticulture at South Seattle Community College, 2002-03

Occupation: Executive director, Sequim Food Bank

Have you ever run for or held elective public office? No

Clallam County

County commissioner, District 1

PLEASE TURN TO NEXT PAGE

About the jobCLALLAM COUNTY COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT 1

Partisan or nonpartisan: Partisan

General election boundaries: Countywide

Voters: 47,153 as of Sept. 23

Term: Four years

Meetings: Work session Monday; regular meetings every Tuesday

Compensation: If Jim McEntire is re-elected, he will make $72,800. If Mark Ozias wins, he will make $69,300.

Commissioners also receive a $60 monthly car allowance and a $40 monthly cellphone stipend.

Duties: Approve a general fund budget that in 2015 is $34.4 million and which covers 274 full-time-equivalent positions, set a tax levy, approve county ordinances, approve the hiring of all employees and all terminations, serve on regional and statewide boards, and serve on the county Board of Health, which meets monthly.


If we assume management, we also assume liability.

We’re on the hook if there’s a fire or environmental lawsuit.

This concept would also neces-sitate an entire new layer of bureaucracy within our county government at an unknown cost.

This idea distracts from more potentially useful actions such as organizing leaders from junior taxing districts to put pressure on the DNR [state Department of Natural Resources].

How would you balance the need to protect shorelines from environmental harm with the rights of shoreline property owners to develop

their land?

McEntire: In four ways:■ Don’t make unneeded

changes to the existing shoreline management plan if it still serves its purpose — in other words, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

■ Since “no net loss of ecologi-cal function” is undefined in state law, take a cautious approach in applying that term.

■ Use good science instead of conjecture or a “precautionary approach.”

■ Find ways to compensate property owners for “regulatory takings.”

Ozias: Shoreline land is

tightly regulated because it con-sists of complex ecosystems that cannot be separated from their larger context.

For example, a single neighbor who “armors” a bluff might cause increased erosion for neighboring property owners as well as inter-fere with the source of material that feeds our natural spits.

The shoreline management plan originally came about through a grassroots, citizen-driven effort, and the updated document provides owners with guidance that protects their long-term investment.

Will you serve your full term in office?

McEntire: Yes.

Ozias: Yes.

Why should voters choose you over your opponent?

McEntire: In 2011, I said, “Voters have the opportunity to elect a thoughtful, fair-minded, sensible, responsible leader.”

I have been a constructive, collegial, common-sense conser-vative — and I have served with openness, good humor and dedi-cation to good governance.

My focus has been on the eco-nomic advancement of our county, and I have an excellent record of doing what I promised.

Re-elect me, and that is what Clallam County voters can expect for the next four years.

Ozias: We deserve a county commissioner who prioritizes cit-izen engagement.

Who believes that we make better decisions when the people of Clallam County are consulted, engaged and actively involved in their own governance.

A collaborative leader with a successful record of achieving results.

I am excited about what we will accomplish when we begin planning strategically for our future and working together to achieve it, and I would greatly appreciate your vote.

Clallam County commissioner, District 1/CONTINUED

Clallam County

Port of Port Angeles commissioner, District 3

Should Lincoln Park’s obstructive trees be harvested to allow better flight-path access to William R. Fairchild International Airport?

Beauvais: We have lost over 1,300 feet of runway because of tree obstructions.

Currently, eight trees need to be removed.

I would be greatly saddened if a plane had to make an emer-gency landing but couldn’t make it past the trees.

The port has the option of working with the Federal Avia-tion Administration to deal with the issue or preferably working collaboratively with the city of Port Angeles to restore full use of our crucial runway.

Breidenbach: Lincoln Park is a wonderful community asset.

The park’s history, use and forested areas need to be respected and protected.

Removal of the trees to estab-lish safe air service for the

county also needs to be respected.Tree removal and re-estab-

lishing a new park forest creates a great educational opportunity.

Commercial thinning followed by the planting of new native trees by local schoolchildren would help share our rich history with forests.

How should the port adjust its budget to address the steep falloff in log exports?

Beauvais: Log yard revenue was $1.2 million in 2011; $980,000 in 2012; $1.1 million in 2013; $1.7 million in 2014; and is projected at $1.6 million in 2015.

It is important for the port to

grow and diversify business lines so any one line does not have a large deficit effect during slow times.

I will strongly advocate mar-keting our available facilities and sites and going after more marine trade businesses while growing composite manufactur-ing jobs.

Breidenbach: Having experi-ence at several ports around the state, I am familiar with the port’s business.

Log handling and processing at the Port of Port Angeles is not limited to export only and also includes barging, towing and water rafting of domestic logs.

We will see domestic logs shipped from port facilities to help offset a drop in export reve-nue.

If I am elected, I will focus on building additional revenue streams from other port business.

What kind of development would you like to see at the former KPly mill property?

Beauvais: The port is cur-rently working to complete the environmental cleanup of this property.

The next step is to build a structure appropriate for a tenant.

A marine trades business, either a current tenant looking to expand or a new marine trades business, would be most appropriate for this industrial site.

Breidenbach: I want to help develop expanded dock facilities for additional maintenance and repair, increase marine trade construction and repair, and cre-ate a trade school in conjunction with Peninsula College.

We cannot ignore the need for training and job placement for the increased economic activity that the port’s newly rehabili-tated waterfront will bring.

Our local workforce has a strong work ethic, and improved educational opportunities are key for our successful economic growth.

How would you improve the port’s recently adopted strate-gic plan?

Beauvais: As the only candi-date to attend all port meetings on this topic since April, and hav-ing provided input at an all-day workshop and public forums, I am eager to get to work on the new goals.

In addition, the commission-ers need to be more proactively involved in port decisions rather than delegating authority on major decisions, thereby increasing transparency and accountability.

We must solve the Lincoln Park tree issue and foster better com-munication with stakeholders.

Breidenbach: I would nar-row the strategic plan’s focus by placing environmental cleanup as the first goal to accomplish.

Secondly, increase dock facility improvements and construct a barge-loading dock within the next two years.


Connie Beauvais, Michael Breidenbach

Candidates’ biographies, About the Job outline appear on next page.


Then, generate measurable ideas through additional commu-nity involvement by reaching out to local governments and citizen groups.

Finally, collaborate with Peninsula College to develop marine-trade training and job placement.

The plan must improve eco-nomic growth and facilitate new business development.


Beauvais: Yes.

Breidenbach: Yes.


Beauvais: I have a broad background in community rela-tions, personnel and finance, with experience in private business, school districts and the federal government.

I will use that expertise, as well as my determination to work hard as a port commis-sioner, to wisely manage the public assets under the purview of the port and to market those assets to create job opportunities.

See www.connie4port.com to learn more about me.

Breidenbach: Experience, experience, experience.

I have direct business experience operating with the Port of Port Angeles and other ports.

As a past local port customer, I have insight and relationships with port executive management,

familiarity with field operations and deep respect for the hard-working port employees.

As a lifelong Washington resi-dent and resident of Clallam County since 1976, raising a fam-ily here and serving on the Forks City Council, I am fully invested in our community.

Connie Beauvais

Residence: Joyce

Phone: 360-797-4261; 360-928-9538


Campaign website: www.connie4port.com


Education: Associate degree, business arts, Heald Business College, Sacramento, Calif.

Occupation: State-certi-fied operator and manager of the Crescent Water Associa-tion; owner, along with hus-band Jim, of Alpacas of Cedar Wind, Joyce

Have you ever run for or held public office? I was elected to serve as a District 3 representative on the 2015 Charter Review Commission.

Michael ‘Mike’ Breidenbach

Residence: Forks

Phone: 360-640-0333


Campaign website: www.mikebreidenbach.org


Education: High school, one year of college credits, Washington State University financial courses, University of Southern California export financial courses

Occupation: Retired West Coast senior manager, Ray-onier mill

Have you ever run for or held public office? I have been on the Forks City Council, Position 5, for seven years.

Port of Port Angeles commissioner, District 3/CONTINUED

About the jobPORT OF PORT ANGELES COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT 3

Partisan or nonpartisan: Nonpartisan



Term: Four years

Meetings: Second and fourth Tuesdays

Compensation: Eligible for up to $114 per day for port-related activities for up to 96 days a year, or $10,944 and a salary of $254 a month for a maximum annual monetary compensation of $13,992; medical, dental, vision, long-term disability and life insurance.

Duties: Approve a general fund budget that in 2015 is $7.5 million and covers 44 full-time-equivalent positions, establish policies and long-term strategic plans to guide the district, purchase and dispose of real estate, set rates and levy taxes.

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What should the city do about the backlog of timber harvesting, or arrearage, on Department of Natural Resources land?

Kohout: The city needs to receive answers from the Depart-ment of Natural Resources.

Do we have money coming that is due?

Do we not have enough trees to sustain us?

Either way, we have not been treated fairly, and they need to answer for it.

We need to see complete transparency from DNR to know exactly where we stand.

Preston: Support the state Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Forest Service to meet the goals of the Northwest Forest Plan.

It is complex how we ended up where we are now but not impossible to solve.

In light of recent mill clo-sures, what would you do to spur more businesses in the Forks area?

Kohout: Seeing firsthand that serving tourism can really boost or hurt the local economy,

I believe we need to invest more in the services of our tourists.

Currently, there are not enough accommodations to sup-port the influx, and they are turned away or leaving unhappy, sometimes even angry.

These are people who will very likely never visit again.

We need to harness this in a positive way and use it to save our community.

Preston: Continue to reach out by identifying its customers.

Providing a more attractive image.

Encouraging investment in modern facilities to cater to those audiences.

We have the housing capacity and land base to accommodate many more residents.

There is plenty of local oppor-tunity for honest, hardworking building-trades folks.

Work with the schools to pro-vide those skills to students that encourage independence and business risk-taking.

Forks’ day is yet to come. I strongly believe it will.

How would you expand recreational opportunities for residents and visitors?

Kohout: I would like to expand our current parks and trails to include more hands-on learning for our children to go out on field trips or family out-ings.

A much-needed addition: a dog park.

We should also look at how the park space is utilized.

We could potentially bring in revenue with a cyclist camp, gift shop or concessions.

We would have more presence in our beloved park.

Maybe it would impact drug behavior, too?

Preston: We have a bountiful geography already that is used just about to its capacity in the summer months.

There are many other times in which there are remarkable things to do.

We can improve on expanding the times when people plan to visit and explore.

How? By embracing entrepre-neurial spirit and identifying those great ideas and supporting those ideas through financing, collaboration and mentorship.

How should the city pay for increasing government costs in light of flat government revenues?

Kohout: No one likes new taxes, so the logical answer would be, what can we do to reduce our spending?

If we work on our budget and have a goal of even a 5 percent reduction, I believe we can reach fiscal responsibility.

Preston: Work on anything we can do to support the DNR and Forest Service to meet the goals of the Northwest Forest Plan.

Work with the Timber Action Committee and the Wild Olym-pics Campaign to meet their objectives.

Clallam County

Forks City Council, Position 5

PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 8

Christina ‘Stina’ Kohout

Residence: Forks

Phone: 360-477-1116


Campaign website: None


Education: Henley High School, Klamath Falls, Ore.; Oregon Institute of Technol-ogy, anthropology, 1999-2000; Community College of the Air Force, electronic systems; cur-rently enrolled in Peninsula College, major in education, minor in political science

Occupation: Student

Have you ever run for or held public office? No

Jon Preston

Residence: Forks

Phone: 360-640-4493




Education: Lots of college classes, but no formal degree

Occupation: Currently the owner and steward of the Frederick and Mary Rose-mond arboretum (www.onrc.washington.edu/RosmondFund)


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Given limited state fund-ing, how should the city fund badly needed repairs to streets?

Merideth: The city can start by thinking ahead.

Repaving a road knowing it’s going to be dug up a short time later is a waste of taxpayer dol-lars.

The city needs to continue to seek out matching state and fed-eral dollars while keeping up with maintenance of our current streets.

Being inviting to new busi-nesses to increase the tax base, not taxes.

Also, by giving up lower-prior-ity city programs to readjust the budget.

Smith: Most towns in Amer-ica used to have a six-year “pave-ment preservation” cycle to reseal some streets on an annual basis.

Money was budgeted each year for planned pavement treat-ment to maximize their useful cycle.

Roads are not pretty, not sexy and easy to be ignored.

They are necessary for a vital economy.

We must turn around this short-sighted economic approach.

However, with limited funds, the best we can do now is to tri-age.

Do you support or oppose fluoridation of city water?

Merideth: I oppose fluorida-tion of our city water.

This program forces everyone who pays for water to have fluo-ride without a choice.

It’s unethical for the city to make a medical-treatment deci-sion when individual citizens can get fluoride in other forms and often do so without knowing it.

Water needs to be as safe and natural as possible without all the unnecessary expense and chemical byproducts.

Finish the contract, then stop fluoridation.

Smith: I oppose the fiat deci-sion made by the council in direc-tion opposition to the will of citi-zens (who were overwhelmingly against fluoride).

Ten years ago, people signed petitions to get a ballot vote. The council did not listen.

Fluoridation is one example of how this City Council has been derelict in its duty to represent the people.

The result: overwhelming debt and a city that is barely able to maintain basic services. This needs to change.

With the city facing immi-

nent budget shortfalls, what would you rank as city gov-ernment’s lowest-priority pro-gram?

Merideth: Programs that need to be cut are the ones that benefit the few and not the many.

Our tax dollars have to sup-port the programs that provide the highest dollar value to as many citizens as possible.

One program I don’t see the usefulness in is the citywide Internet that was installed on every other street corner.

Many people can’t even get a signal to access it.

Smith: For a town of this size, we are overpaying for our gov-ernment clerical workers, manag-ers and administrators.

Given that the median wage [of the citizens] is $41,000 a year, I think we need to downsize our government salaries to be more in line with the private sector.

We need to look at the gener-ous benefits and pensions and find a way to lower those costs.

We cannot keep balancing the budget with rate hikes and fees.

Did you favor or oppose the ban on fireworks?

Merideth: I oppose the ban on fireworks.

It’s just one more way govern-ment is controlling our lives.

It’s once a year on the same day every year.

Everyone knows that on July Fourth, there will be fireworks.

It’s not a surprise.Unfortunately, there are those

who are reckless, and law enforcement is often stretched thin as it is.

Citizens need to educate their neighbors when they are being unsafe.

We don’t need an outright ban.

Michael Merideth

Residence: Port Angeles

Phone: 360-461-7363




Education: Port Angeles High School graduate; associ-ate of applied science degree, fisheries technology, Penin-sula College; associate of arts degree, general studies, Pen-insula College

Occupation: Truck driver at Bruch & Bruch Construc-tion Inc., Port Angeles


Marolee Smith


Phone: 360-417-0386


Campaign website: www.maroleesmith.com


Education: Alameda High School, Alameda, Calif.; Mer-ritt College, Peralta Commu-nity College District, Oakland, Calif.

Occupation: Writer, author, researcher


City Council Position 7

unopposedDan Bateham, who

filed as a candidate for Port Angeles City Coun-cil Position 7, dropped out of the race after the deadline, so his name still appears on the ballot.

Incumbent Cherie Kidd also filed for the position and remains on the ballot.

Because Bateham is no longer running for this position, candidate profiles and question-naires for Kidd and Bateham do not appear in this voter guide.

Clallam County

Port Angeles City Council, Position 5



This controversy is a negative for the long-term objectives of increasing rev-enue for Forks to grow and prosper.

Getting the timber reve-nue stream back to where it should be is vital to increasing the base.


Kohout: Yes.

Preston: Yes.


Kohout: I will not stop working until Forks is once again thriving and success-ful.

After that, we need to rethink how Forks is viewed globally and put it back on the map.

I have a lot of workable

ideas and know this community can come together.

I chose Forks because of its beauty, solitude and promise.

I want Forks to choose me because of my dedica-tion, integrity and perse-verance.

Preston: Forks might need a rocket scientist, and I love dogs.

I like cats, too, but I’m allergic to some of them.

I am terminally cheerful and not prone to resentment because somebody disagrees with me.

I will speak my mind and then let the chips fall where they may.

I value my indepen-dence and humility.

I also value friendship, kindness and the anony-mous gift.

Life is short, so go for it.

Forks City Council, Position 5

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

About the jobFORKS CITY COUNCIL


General election boundaries: City of Forks


Term: Four years

Meetings: Second and fourth Mondays

Compensation: No compensation

Duties: Pass a general fund budget that for 2015 is $1.8 million and funds 28 full-time-equivalent positions; adopt all ordinances; approve all contracts; serve on city, county, regional and state boards, commissions and subcommittees; serve in a quasi-judiciary role in deciding on conditional use permits and land use appeals; and levy taxes.

Port Angeles City Council, Position 5/CONTINUED

Smith: I think things were getting out of hand.

The laws on the books were not being enforced, so people were getting too crazy.

Something had to hap-pen because common sense wasn’t working.


Merideth: Yes.

Smith: Yes.


Merideth: I went to school here, I work here, I own a home here and my children are growing up here.

The success and livabil-ity of this city is important to me.

My wish is to see us strong, vibrant and full of increasing growth.

I will do all that I can to make good decisions and move forward into the future.

Smith: My opponent is a great guy.

He’s young. He is busy with family and a full-time job.

He was raised here, and all his experience is limited

to Port Angeles.All these are fine rea-

sons to elect him.However, I have a

wide range of experiences, a broad perspective and the depth that comes

from maturity.I am self-employed,

and my children are grown.

Most importantly, I have the time to devote to this fully.

About the jobPORT ANGELES CITY COUNCIL

POSITION 5


General election boundaries: Citywide


Term: Four years

Meetings: Regular meetings first and third Tuesdays; work sessions fourth Tuesdays

Compensation: The mayor, elected by the City Council, receives $650 per month; the deputy mayor, also elected by the council, receives $600 a month; all other council members receive $550 a month.

Duties: Pass a general fund budget that for 2015 is $20 million; hire a city manager who is responsible for supervising a workforce of 240 full-time equivalent positions; adopt all ordinances, approve all contracts and serve on city, county, regional and state boards, commissions and subcommittees; and levy taxes.

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How will you address the lack of adequate parking at Albert Haller playfield?

Janisse: The overall issue is the interpretation of the 2001 city code.

The state Department of Ecol-ogy has OK’d the additional parking at the Albert Haller playfields at the water reclama-tion site.

It is now up to the city and outside organizations such as Sequim Family Advocates to sit down and discuss a way to resolve this issue.

It may take actual changes to the city code or a change in the way it is interpreted.

Leonard-Ray: I encourage city staff and Sequim Family Advocates to work together on a plan to make current parking safer and to provide more park-ing at the playfield.

Parking at Carrie Blake Park and the Water Reuse Demonstra-tion Site is clearly a problem at times and in more areas than at the playfield.

Without a road through Car-rie Blake Park, it is difficult to travel from the playfield lot in search of parking along Blake Avenue.

What is your position on creating a metropolitan park district (MPD) that would oversee more facilities than the Sequim Aquatic Recre-ation Center (SARC)?

Janisse: The voters have spo-ken on this issue.

All six Sequim precincts voted against the proposed park dis-trict.

The city’s plan is the exact same proposal.

At stake are the taxes of the proposed park taxing district, not just taxes from city residents.

I would be against any pro-

posed park district that included a property tax.

I would support interagency agreements that would keep SARC in business without put-ting more pressure on the tax base.

Leonard-Ray: I support a broad-based metropolitan park district that would oversee facili-ties including SARC.

Sequim’s parks attract many users who do not live in the city, and an MPD would bring in much-needed funds to enhance and maintain the parks.

Our aquatic center would have funding to continue opera-tion.

With an MPD, the city would be less likely to allow the cre-ation of recreation areas without adequate parking.

An MPD is a win for Sequim.

Is the city’s relationship with the county good, or can it be improved?

Janisse: The city and county do have a good working relation-ship.

One example is the current Carlsborg sewer partnership.

This deal has benefited both Sequim and Clallam County.

By using Sequim’s plants, the county saved on building costs they didn’t have, and the city gained the increased user fees but spread out the costs of opera-tions, which saves everyone money.

However, both the city and county should continue to look for ways to increase coopera-tion.

Leonard-Ray: I cannot cite examples of the relationship between the city and the county being either good or bad.

However, I have read state-ments in the city’s proposed com-prehensive plan that suggest the relationship could be improved.

Brandon Janisse

Residence: Sequim

Phone: 208-206-2341


Campaign website: www.janisseforsequim.com


Education: Sequim High School graduate, 2003; associ-ate of arts degree, criminal justice, Peninsula College, 2009; bachelor’s degree, politi-cal science, Kaplan Univer-sity, Chicago

Occupation: Retail associate

Have you ever run for or held public office? I ran for Sequim City Council in 2013 and the Clallam County Charter Review Commission in 2014.

Pam Leonard-Ray

Residence: Sequim

Phone: 360-912-3421




Education: Mead High School, Spokane, class of 1977; bachelor’s degree, ele-mentary education, Washing-ton State University, 1982; master’s degree, education-clinical counseling, The Cita-del, Charleston, S.C., 1993; doctoral-level coursework, educational leadership, Clem-son University, Clemson, S.C., 2007-10

Occupation: Nonprofit executive director of Dunge-ness Valley Health & Well-ness Clinic, Sequim; volunteer coordinator, city of Sequim, which is a volunteer position


Clallam County

Sequim City Council, Position 1


About the jobSEQUIM CITY COUNCIL


General election boundaries: Citywide


Term: Four years


Compensation: Newly elected council members will receive $250 per month, up from $150 per month.

Duties: Pass a general fund budget that for 2015 is $8.4 million; hire a city manager who is responsible for supervising a workforce of 76 full-time-equivalent positions; adopt all ordinances, approve all contracts and serve on city, county, regional and state boards, commissions and subcommittees; and levy taxes.



Lorenzen: I believe we should make parking space happen.

Without it, we have an unfin-ished product.

The city was very fortunate to have Sequim Family Advocates construct the playing fields.

The city should finish it with appropriate parking facilities.

Miller: Will have to work with all parties involved to find a way to make more parking, for sure.

These fields are important to the citizens and youth of Sequim.

Choices include whether to find some property close to purchase in some way or change some of the rules that go with the environ-mental impact of a parking lot.

What is your position on creating a metropolitan park district that would oversee more facilities than the Sequim Aquatic Recreation Center?

Lorenzen: I am for such a district.

Miller: I’m not in favor of cre-

ating a park district that is going to add more taxes to the residents of the city and county.

There is a way that doesn’t include piggybacking other things that the city would want to put into a park district.

They have already started with almost twice as much tax, and there is not even enough in that amount to bring SARC up to par.

Is the city’s relationship with the county good, or can it be improved?

Lorenzen: I think it is fine. I would classify the relation-

ship as harmonious and workable.

Miller: Every relationship can be improved.

Taking $20 million out of the economy for the new City Hall is not a good way to start.

What is your position on the city’s proposed stormwater master plan?

Lorenzen: I think it is the responsible, proactive thing to do.

Miller: We haven’t had a need for it for the last 100 years.

Why do we need it now?That will put another tax on

the citizens of Sequim and maybe the county for no good reason.


Lorenzen: Yes.

Miller: Yes.


Lorenzen: I have a proven track record as a Sequim City Council member.

I was part of many positive, constructive changes in the city.

I’m not afraid to speak up, but I don’t speak just to hear myself talk.

I’m honest and sincere in my actions.

I’m independent, but I play well with others.

Miller: I will work hand-in-hand with my fellow council mem-bers and the county commission-ers to make Sequim and Clallam County a safe place to move to and raise a family and will keep it affordable.

Susan Lorenzen

Residence: Sequim

Phone: 360-477-2677




Education: Associate degree, weather technology, Community College of the Air Force, Montgomery, Ala.; bachelor’s degree, geography, and master’s degree, applied physical geography with emphasis on weather and cli-mate, both from California State University, Sacramento, Calif.

Occupation: Independent distributor with AdvoCare

Have you ever run for or held public office? Yes. I was on the Sequim City Council from January 2008 to December 2011.

I did not run again because my husband died in June 2011 and I wanted to focus on raising my then-13-year-old son.

John Miller

Residence: Sequim

Phone: 707-849-3127




Education: Piner High School, Santa Rosa, Calif., class of 1973

Occupation: Retired from Safeway Inc.

Have you ever run for or held public office? I ran for the Sequim City Council in 2011.

Clallam County

Sequim City Council,

Position 2

Sequim City Council, Position 1/CONTINUED

The city and the county seem to not share the same vision for growth and development.

I hope that the city and county can come together on an MPD.

What is your position on the city’s proposed stormwa-ter master plan?

Janisse: Implementation and

cost will be factors here.A few questions would need to

be looked at, such as: Where does the runoff from rainwater ulti-mately end up?

It would be prudent for one to take a close look at the cost-ben-efit of the current and proposed plan.

We need to use the runoff as a

resource and look for ways to make sure that the city comes out on top when it comes to cost.

Leonard-Ray: It is difficult to accept the need for a costly plan to control stormwater with only 16 inches of precipitation a year.


Get home delivery.Call 360-452-4507 or 800-826-7714




Clallam County

Sequim City Council, Position 7


Pratt: Look for the completion of a parks master plan and work with Sequim Family Advocates and other stakeholders for parking to serve the needs of all.

With the completion of a parks master plan, we will work with SFA and other stakeholders to develop parking that will serve the needs of all.

I will seek improved signage for optimum safety of usage and flow, and will encourage circulation of written parking options among playfield users.

What is your position on creating a metropolitan park district that would oversee more facilities than the Sequim Aquatic Recreation Center?

Pratt: I strongly support a broadly focused metropolitan park district to address the parks and recreation needs of the greater Sequim Valley.

Is the city’s relationship with the county good, or can it

be improved?

Pratt: Generally, we have a good relationship.

However, improvement is needed on respecting the city’s zon-ing in the urban growth area.

The UGA is where our borders meet.

It is land earmarked for future growth.

The county has been approving growth in this area with no consid-eration for Sequim’s zoning.

That independent approach seriously impacts our ability to economically provide necessary infrastructure when growth occurs.

What is your position on the city’s proposed stormwater mas-ter plan?

Pratt: Having a stormwater

master plan in place is a practical endeavor.

It provides both the “big picture” and prioritized projects for handling stormwater when oppor-tunities and money become avail-able.

To that end, the plan must be in place in order to apply for federal and state grants for stormwater abatement.


Pratt: Yes.


Pratt: I believe my record of the past four years indicates that I have no personal agenda in seek-ing this office.

As a City Council member, I have contributed to Sequim’s lead-ership, vitality and vision.

Transparency and accountabil-ity are essential to me, and I am pleased they are the qualities of the governance of Sequim.

I am proud of the direction Sequim is taking and want to con-tinue this work for another four years.

Candace Pratt

Residence: Sequim

Phone: 360-582-0114



Age as of Nov. 3, Election Day: 77

Education: Bachelor’s degree, education, Tufts University, Medford, Mass., 1960

Occupation: Retired in 1997 by closing my bookkeeping service

Have you ever run for or held public office? Served on Sequim City Council, 2012-16

Even if the rainfall increases during the winter months and there are more storm events, I doubt we need all elements of this plan.

We are not likely to cap-ture enough water to balance the plan’s cost.


Janisse: Yes.

Leonard-Ray: Yes.

Why should voters choose you over your oppo-nent?

Janisse: I offer an inde-pendent voice for the council.

I offer the leadership and skills that would benefit the city and the constituents it serves.

I would foster relationships with other council members, city management, NGOs [non-governmental organizations] and the community.

These partnerships often

result in win-win situations and a foundation for future success.

I am certain that my team-focused, positive atti-tude and emphasis on quanti-fiable results would be a wel-come addition to the city of Sequim.

Leonard-Ray: I have the time, energy and commit-ment to represent the people of Sequim and their concerns.

As a city of Sequim

volunteer, I have had the opportunity to build relation-ships that will serve me well even when I oppose pro-posals.

Having these relationships in place before taking office is my greatest strength as a candidate.

Through my volunteer role and through attending City Council and commission/board meetings, I have come to understand city govern-ment.

Sequim City Council, Position 1/CONTINUED

Get it 24/7.North Olympic Peninsula news,

shopping values, classifi ed and more from the

Peninsula’s No. 1 website:

www.peninsuladailynews.

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NO RESPONSECandidate James Rus-

sell did not respond to this questionnaire.


Should the school district run the same high school con-struction bond as it did in February or consider other options?

Erickson: Because the people in the district voted a strong “no” to the bond issue, a construction bond should be proposed instead.

There are critical infrastruc-ture problems at the high school: plumbing (students have almost no working water fountains available to them!), refurbish heating system (too hot and too loud), fix the leaking roof, replace worn carpets and broken tiles, and do cosmetic work in the classrooms like painting and replacing worn desktops.

Jones: No. We can have a wonderful school replacement plan, but if it is not acceptable to the voters, it won’t serve our stu-dents or community.

We must come up with a com-promise plan to address the needs of the students and the needs of the taxpayers.

Moreover, we must come up with a sustainable facility plan for not just the next few years but the next few decades, as all our school buildings are crumbling.

How should the school dis-trict address the 32 percent graduation rate at Lincoln High School?

Erickson: Congratulations to teachers and students at Lincoln High School.

Those students likely would not have graduated from high school at all.

How to increase that number?Attract and retain teachers

trained to work with at-risk stu-dents.

Conduct frequent in-services

on teaching to all learning styles and needs of students at risk.

Address the daily needs of stu-dents such as nutrition, child care, flexible class hours and home environment, and establish a liai-son and support with the parents.

Jones: By following the exam-ples of other national alternative schools that have higher gradua-tion rates.

We need to adjust the school program to meet these at-risk students’ individual needs.

Being flexible with class times, matching students with involved adult mentors, helping provide for some of their basic material needs and providing mental health and chemical dependency counseling and ser-vices to those who need it are just some examples.

How will you engage the community to improve public

schools in the district?

Erickson: Frequent publicity is key. PDN, you do a great job on publicity.

There is so much going on at every school in our district that is interesting and engaging. The district monthly newsletter should continue.

Invite the entire community to “Back to School Night” and show off your school and stu-dents.

More publicity for senior sto-rytellers and readers with stu-dents at risk.

Avoid approaching the com-munity only when money is needed.

Jones: I think the community is engaged in our schools, but more can be done.

I will engage Port Angeles in viewing our schools as magnets

to draw in the professionals and businesses that we need to thrive through meaningful, informative opportunities.

Most importantly, I will help encourage a dialogue between the

school district and the community through transparent meetings and forums so that the best ideas from community members are heard.

Clallam County

Port Angeles School District,

Position 3Gene (Eugene) Kenneth Erickson


Phone: 360-457-5392


Campaign website: www.geneericksonpaschoolboard.weebly.com


Education: Port Angeles High School, class of 1967; Pen-insula Community College, two-year degree-program, prepara-tion for Western Washington University, 1969; WWU, history, political science, 1971; WWU, graduate studies, history, 1973-75; WWU, teaching certificate, 1991-93, K-8 elementary and history endorsement grades 4-12, special education endorse-ment training (all but law class and student teaching), recertifi-cation process, 60 credits, most at graduate school level, with focus on history and special education, particularly for stu-dents at risk.

Occupation: Retired sub-stitute teacher for Port Ange-les School District


Joshua Jones


Phone: 360-797-1844




Education: Kelso High School, Kelso, class of 1994; bachelor’s degree, University of Puget Sound, 1998; medical school, University of Washing-ton, 2002

Occupation: Medical director, Peninsula Behavioral Health, Port Angeles


About the jobPORT ANGELES SCHOOL BOARD


General election boundaries: Includes areas west of Agnew, the city of Port Angeles, the Lake Sutherland area


Term: Four years


Compensation: Eligible for $50 a meeting up to $4,800 a year.

Duties: Approve a general fund budget for 2015-16 that includes $45 million for the general fund; hire a superintendent, who hires all school district employees (the district has 430 full-time equivalent employees); approve polices and procedures for students and employees; and levy taxes



What are your three overall education priorities that, in a perfect world, you would accomplish during your time in office?

Erickson: I would love to see smaller class sizes K-12, later start time for high school stu-dents, attracting and retaining highly trained teachers with para-educator support in the classroom.

Studies strongly suggest that students are likelier to succeed in smaller classrooms.

High school students do better starting school later (adolescents are chronically sleep deprived because of their brain’s develop-mental stage), and for most stu-dents, being taught in their learning style is essential.

Jones: ■ Balance local educa-tional needs and outside man-dates.

■ Replace the high school as part of a sustainable facilities plan that makes sense to taxpay-ers.

■ Make mandatory testing

less intrusive on teaching.


Erickson: Yes

Jones: Yes.


Erickson: As a Washington state certified teacher, for 13 years, I have taught in every Port Angeles school.

I know many of the students and have substituted for numer-ous teachers.

I’ve met most of the principals of these schools and worked with many of them in the past.

The needs of the students, teachers and administrators are clear, and as a School Board member, I would be committed to creating a positive and safe envi-ronment for all.

Jones: I believe in service to country and community.

My wife and I have two kids

in the Port Angeles elementary schools, so I have a personal investment in making sure our schools live up to the promise of greatness I know they can achieve.

I have a youthful exuberance I give to this community as a phy-sician, and I want to give more of it in service to our schools.


Linn: The voters rejected the February bond.

Running the same bond would be a waste of time and money.

The new board of directors will have to come up with a new plan.

The need has not gone away.We must have a building

replacement plan.

Marti: If it didn’t pass once, it won’t pass again.

One of the things that needs to remain are the shops.

The shop teachers love the large, very well-equipped areas they work in.

The cost of moving all the heavy equipment would be huge.

How should the school dis-trict address the 32 percent graduation rate at Lincoln High School?

Linn: A cohort rating for alternative schools is the poorest way I know of to evaluate a pro-gram.

A much better approach would be to evaluate how many students successfully completed the program, received their diplo-mas and went on to lead a pro-ductive life.

Lincoln High School has helped hundreds of young people be successful.

Marti: Lincoln should be proud of the 32 percent rate.

The graduates should be more proud of themselves than kids who had normal lives.

These are children whose par-ents and society have let down.

Most come with horror stories.They are the ones we could

save.Most students who do not

graduate still have positive expe-riences at Lincoln.

How will you engage the community to improve public schools in the district?

Linn: Port Angeles does a good job of listening to the com-munity.

We receive valuable input from our many advisory commit-tees, parent-teacher organiza-tions, parent-teacher associations, civic groups, parents, students and the business community.

What I would like to extend is our relationships with the local mental health community, our local drug and alcohol counselors, and our local homeless groups.

Marti: Demand more account-ability from the parents of chil-dren who are acting out or who are not attending or not working at school.


Linn: ■ Make sure every stu-dent feels safe at school and at home.

Clallam County

Port Angeles School District,

Position 4


Port Angeles School District, Position 3/CONTINUED

Lonnie L. Linn


Phone: 360-477-7435




Education: High school

Occupation: Construction estimator and sales

Have you ever run for or held public office? Cur-rently in second term on the Port Angeles School Board

Rick Marti


Phone: 360-457-9098




Education: Bachelor’s degree, music education, Colo-rado State University, 1966

Occupation: I retired from the building supply trade. I substitute teach in Port Angeles.


peninsuladailynews.com



Henson: No. Rerunning the same bond will generate the exact same response, whereas a revision of the bond may be received better.

Shotthafer: I value the 58 percent of [school district] sur-vey respondents who replied that the bond was “too much money” and “taxes are too high.”

Formerly, timber provided almost all local school funding.

The district should pressure our county representatives to claim owed [Department of Natural Resources] timber trust lands funds from uncut timber, poten-tially $65 million to $85 million for service districts, specifically schools.

For essential renovation assis-tance, the district meets criteria for the Washington’s School Con-struction Assistance Program, perhaps even for the capital investments fund.

How should the school dis-

trict address the 32 percent graduation rate at Lincoln High School?

Henson: I would have a meet-ing with the parents, students and teachers to determine why they believe the graduation rate is so low.

Next, I would devise a plan of action based on their responses.

Shotthafer: Students lose interest without a reason to attend.

After optional kindergarten, Germany’s schools are compul-sory through grade 9.

After fourth grade, according to their interests, abilities and par-ents’ wishes, students have options.

Grades 5-9 provide two differ-ent vocational options and apprenticeships, or one school provides both academic and voca-tional options.

Capturing students’ atten-tion by providing them with practical skill abilities before they lose interest would avoid wasting students’ time and tax-payers’ dollars and would incen-tivize graduation.

How will you engage the community to improve public

schools in the district?

Henson: I think we should increase the number of commu-nity programs that our school students are involved in.

Shotthafer: Our community needs to believe school district representatives value residents’ input, not just when seeking bond and levy funds.

When talking to parents, they express positive views about spe-cific school administrators.

However, parents thought that those with the most control are not receptive to individuals’ needs and concerns.

I will invite the public to con-tact me about all concerns.

By consistently using a micro-phone at board meetings, school district representatives would demonstrate respect for the pub-lic’s attendance.


Clallam County

Port Angeles School District, Position 5

Jerusha Henson


Phone: 360-477-6134


Campaign website: www.jerushahenson.com


Education: Studied psy-chology for two years, Western State Colorado University, 2001-03; currently enrolled in the addiction studies program at Peninsula College

Occupation: Former national park ranger


Susan Shotthafer


Phone: 360-452-4393


Campaign website: www.susanshotthafer.com


Education: Bachelor’s degree, political science and social science; certificate, international relations; mas-ter’s degree, education, Cali-fornia State University; teach-ing credentials: social science, English, Spanish and English as a Second Language (ESL)

Occupation: I have worked as a substitute teacher, K-12, for the past 11 years in the Port Angeles and Sequim school districts.

Have you ever run for or held public office? Last fall, I was a candidate for the Clallam County Charter Review Commission.


■ Eliminate the opportunity gap and make sure all kids have an even playing field.

■ Deliver the very best edu-cational programs for all kids.

Marti: ■ To make our schools more perfect, I would strengthen our ties to the world community.

■ Start bilingual education in the early grades so we graduate fluent students as every other developed country does.

■ Raise student awareness of world geography.


Linn: Yes.

Marti: Yes.


Linn: I have been doing this

job for eight years.I take great pride in the

accomplishments of our district.Many educational roadblocks

are headed our way, Core 24, Smarter Balanced Testing, Com-mon Core, just to name a few.

I feel I am better prepared to deal with these roadblocks than my opponent.

Marti: I have more hands-on experience working with children and teachers.




What are the educational strengths and weaknesses in the district?

Henrikson: The district offers a variety of programs that allow multiple paths into college and career readiness.

Teachers are excellent, care for their students and have cre-ated a positive school culture for students and families.

Weaknesses: Facilities are drastically below standard at all sites and lack building safety.

I want my three children to engage in high-quality education when they go to school.

Students and educators need to have the tools to accomplish this.

Jeffers: Our district’s strengths lie within the dedica-

tion and commitment of our quality staff, our [Career and Technical Education] and extra-curricular opportunities and our community involvement.

The district lost sight of the 2010 strategic plan, losing vision and dominant focus on desired outcomes.

We lack consistent monitoring of progress and innovative approaches to target focus areas.

Additionally, teachers have not been adequately prepared or equipped with resources neces-sary prior to being required to

teach the new standards.

Should the school district have run the same bond in the Nov. 3 general election as the measure that failed in February?

Henrikson: No. Due to infla-tion, the materials cost more now than in the prior election, and the facilities continue to decline.

The bond should have been for more.

It is difficult for educators to do their jobs effectively and for students to learn to their poten-tial when they spend their days in sub-par conditions that include a variety of safety issues.

Our maintenance department is excellent; however, they can only do patchwork maintenance so much.


Clallam County

Sequim School District, Position 1

Henson: ■ I would like to raise the graduation rate for all students.

■ I would like to see a new high school built.

■ I would like to see an end to bullying.

Shotthafer: Through increased expectations, without additional spending, I hope to:

■ Raise graduation rates: We can motivate students by expanding their knowledge of vocational opportunities and pro-moting many more vocational scholarships.

■ Consistently applied dress code: Producing more serious attitudes, this will elevate stu-dents’ focus, performance, the school culture and employment preparation.

■ Restrict media entertain-ment: Excluding teacher-initiated instructional use, this will increase students’ focus and enhance per-formance and the academic envi-ronment, producing better-pre-pared students for the future.


Henson: Yes.

Shotthafer: Yes.


Henson: I am a parent to one current school student and one future school student, and I would like to see them and their peers receive the best edu-

cation possible.

Shotthafer: My background and classroom experience provide wider perspectives and aware-ness unavailable to individuals without classroom familiarity.

Common-sense guides and our community affirm my strong desire for expanded focus on stu-dents’ knowledge and acquisition of practical skills.

I want to help students gain genuine pride and self-worth by providing services ordinary peo-ple need and value.

With more awareness that school provides attainable life-time skills to support themselves and gain independence, gradua-tion becomes worthwhile for stu-dents.

Robin Henrikson

Residence: Sequim

Phone: 360-461-4422


Campaign website: www.facebook.com/RobinHenrikson323


Education: Ph.D., educa-tion, October 2012; master’s degree in educational leader-ship, 2006; principal certifica-tion, Seattle Pacific Univer-sity School of Education, Seat-tle; bachelor’s degree, special education, K-12 teaching cer-tification, elementary educa-tion K-8 Teaching Certifica-tion, 2000, Western Washing-ton University, Bellingham

Occupation: Assistant professor of education, Seattle Pacific University School of Education


Heather Jeffers

Residence: Sequim

Phone: 360-461-3725


Campaign website: www.electheatherjeffers.org


Education: Master of social work, University of Washington, 2000; bachelor’s degree, social welfare, UW, 1999; geriatric mental health certificate, UW, 2003; licensed nursing home administrator, state of Washington, 2012

Occupation: Executive director, Life Care Center of Port Townsend

Have you ever run for or held public office? Appointed School Board direc-tor for District 1 in August 2014; candidate for Olympic Medical Center hospital com-missioner, 2013

Sequim School District Position 1

About the Job outline appears on next page.


Jeffers: Data showed that the amount of the bond was not the reason for its failure, but rather it was the lack of voter turnout and awareness of need.

There are differences of opinion as to when the bond campaign would be most successful.

However, the community spoke loud and clear that they wanted to keep the momentum and run the same bond in November.

It’s the board’s responsibility to represent its constituents, which we did.


Henrikson: I love opportuni-ties to engage the community in educational conversation.

Discussing educational issues is what I do daily.

I think we need to engage more of our community in a way that will invite them to become part-ners in our schools.

Our entire community is impacted either directly or indi-rectly by the success of our stu-dents and teachers.

When our community has a positive educational outlook and supports our schools, the entire city benefits.

Jeffers: I engage with my com-munity through my work (staff, residents, families, volunteer

groups, business partners, ven-dors, etc.), via social media and by routinely attending meetings and networking events for the Sequim and Jefferson County chambers of commerce, Peninsula Young Pro-fessionals Network, Sequim Sun-rise Rotary and various school events.

As a board member, I bring all concerns received before the board for discussion and ensure follow-up to each individual.

Every interaction as an oppor-tunity for engagement.


Henrikson: ■ I would have people realize that School Board members don’t accomplish anything alone; the board as a whole accomplishes things together.

A district can have the best stra-tegic plan written, but without the ability to implement it with com-mitment, it is virtually useless.

■ Rebuild trust and confidence between educators and the School Board so that implementing qual-ity programs is a partnership.

■ Build strong community support of our schools.

Jeffers: ■ I want a 100 per-cent graduation rate, with all chil-

dren graduating career- and col-lege-ready.

■ I want all teachers to receive the professional development and resources they need in advance so they feel prepared and armed with the tools they need to tackle new standards and mandates.

■ I want all of our schools to be equally successful so that our district is the reason families choose to live in Sequim.


Henrikson: Yes.

Jeffers: Yes.


Henrikson: While my vast and diverse educational back-ground is a bonus, they should vote for me because I’ve spent over 10 years building trust in the educational and greater commu-nity as a teacher (just ask former students), instructional coach, assistant professor and, most importantly, a mother of three children in school.

With any decision I would make as a board member, the com-munity would be assured that I would weigh every issue carefully, completely and collaboratively.

Jeffers: My experience in

operations, facilities management, budget forecasting and strategic planning are needed skills and bring added value to the board.

My social-work experience working with at-risk youth and their families lends a different perspective, along with innova-

tive ideas for approaches to address student failures.

During this last year, I have proven to be a change-agent for the board’s new direction and focus and can offer consistency during transition with a new board.

Sequim School District, Position 1/CONTINUED

About the jobSEQUIM SCHOOL BOARD


Election boundaries: Boundaries include the city of Sequim, all or parts of the communities of Agnew, Bell Hill, Blue Mountain, Blyn, Carlsborg, Diamond Point, Dungeness, Happy Valley, Jamestown, Robin Hill and SunLand in Clallam County, and Gardiner in Jefferson County. Boundaries include residents in the Port Angeles ZIP code.

Voters: 21,961 in Clallam County, 286 in Jefferson County, as of Sept. 23

Term: Four years

Meetings: First and third Mondays

Compensation: Eligible for $50 a day for attending School Board meetings and performing other services on behalf of the school district, not to exceed $4,800 annually.

Duties: Approve a general fund budget for 2015-16 that includes $29.8 million for the general fund; hire a superintendent, who hires all school district employees (the district has 303 full-time-equivalent positions); approve polices and procedures for students and employees; and levy taxes.


Stoffer: The greatest strength in the district continues to be the teachers, administrators and staff who dedicate themselves to the success of our students and our schools.

In addition, volunteers, parent organizations and community support emphasize the impor-tance of our schools in fostering a strong and vibrant community.

Unfortunately, the antiquated facilities still pose our greatest hurdle to creating learning envi-ronments that support modern technology and the needs of 21st

century students.

Wright: Some of the strengths within the district are the ability to foresee the need for change and increase student readiness for graduation and college, cou-pled with the experiences and drive of our dedicated teachers.

All these strengths lend well

to educating well-rounded stu-dents who are prepared.

Our weakness has been the district functioning without a current strategic plan.

The strengths within our dis-trict are weakened without the vision and direction of a plan.

Clallam County



Jim Stoffer, Charla Wright

Candidates’ biographies appear on the next page.



Stoffer: Yes. Remember, 57.59 percent of voters supported the bond.

We simply did not obtain the 60 percent supermajority required by law to pass it.

The needs haven’t changed, and inflation continues to raise the expected costs of the neces-sary improvements.

Continued community educa-tion on the poor physical condi-tion of our public schools and the need to modernize our facilities will gain the support necessary to convince the 60 percent supermajority of the voters.

Wright: I support the current bond because of the need for improvement and expansion.

We all want what is best for our children, and our equipment and classrooms are in disrepair and need upgrading.

The School Board has worked hard at refining the bond as pre-sented, but we need to demon-strate we will not give up.

Our school district is the core of our community, and the bond must pass to be competitive and attract growth.


Stoffer: I will continue to meet voters and non-voters on a daily basis, taking every opportu-nity to talk one-on-one about their concerns, about the growth of our community and our stu-

dent population, and about the needs of students coming of age in our technology era.

Treating each person with respect, listening to their opin-ions and talking about the facts regarding taxes and public schools ensures that I reach vot-ers outside of the traditional pub-lic forum events.

Wright: The benefit of a small town is the community involve-ment.

As business owners, commu-nity members and parents, we should be integrating ownership of our community into the school environment.

If students and community members are collaborating on educational projects that cross disciplines, learning is magnified, everyone feels like a part of the greater picture and ownership and responsibility are felt by everyone.


Stoffer: ■ Focus on measur-able and achievable improvement in graduation rates that place students in a position to continue with higher education or progress into specialized-skills training.

■ Hold our state representa-tives responsible to financially support the voter-approved man-dates to limit classroom size.

■ Improve existing facilities and build new buildings to sup-port our growing number of stu-dents.

Wright: First, overall educa-

tional priority is a current strate-gic plan.

Without the “road map,” our efforts are not utilized to capac-ity.

Second, give priority to parent resources and assistance.

The core curriculum rolled out caused many parents and stu-dents to struggle and fail at math.

With first-hand experience, noticing lack of parental resources was obvious.

Last would be to provide stu-dents with updated science tech-nology, since Sequim’s equipment is antiquated and soon will be obsolete.


Stoffer: Yes.

Wright: Yes.


Stoffer: Board member visi-bility in the community is criti-cal.

I have served as a volunteer and advocate for the Sequim School District since 2002.

I have demonstrated an abil-ity to make difficult decisions and a talent for working through complicated projects with multi-ple deadlines.

If elected, I have a unique per-spective with my volunteer work and executive background in the Coast Guard to analyze and understand decisions that will come before the board.

Wright: I am the best choice for School Board because my

first-hand experience as a parent of two middle school-age chil-dren, teacher, manager and advo-cate provides me with ability to have insight.

My attributes can be used to look into what children need,

how and what teachers need to be successful and demonstrate my abilities to maintain budgets, focus on leadership in manage-ment and use best practices in classrooms to achieve improved testing scores.

Jim Stoffer

Residence: Sequim

Phone: 360-775-9356


Campaign website: www.facebook.com/jim.stoffer


Education: High School diploma, 1979, Nampa High School, Nampa, Idaho; bache-lor’s degree, 1993, political sci-ence, Columbia College, Columbia, Mo.

Occupation: Retired, U.S. Coast Guard


Charla Wright

Residence: Sequim

Phone: 760-696-5154


Campaign website: www.wrightchoiceforkids.net


Education: Bachelor’s degree, liberal studies, 2003, California State University, San Marcos, Calif.; master’s degree, curriculum design and instruction, 2010, University of Phoenix; multiple-subject teaching credential, 2003, California State University

Occupation: Director of social services, Avamere Olym-pic Rehabilitation of Sequim


Sequim School District, Position 3/CONTINUED

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Payne: ■ Strengths: teachers, partnership with community (sharing of facilities), strong record of fiscal responsibility and great options for [Career and Technical Education], college-bound and other students to earn a high school diploma.

■ Weaknesses: Education hasn’t changed much since I went to school. There is a need to think outside the box and engage technology and 21st-century learning such as online classes.

The board also should be more vocal on local, state and federal issues that impact the district.

Short: The primary strength of our school district is the dedication and educational excellence of our teachers, staff and administration.

Backed by parents and the com-munity, our students are offered great opportunities to excel.

However, there is always room for improvement.

Beyond repairing and rebuilding our district’s crumbling infrastruc-ture, we need to work on improving our student outcomes and gradua-tion rates by identifying and assist-ing struggling students.


Payne: There is no doubt dis-trict facilities are in need of an upgrade.

I wish the board would have delayed proposing a new bond until the new School Board was sworn in.

As it is, the new board had to live with the bond as proposed.

Our students deserve better than what they currently have. Our future depends on it.

A community-approved bond is a reasonable tax burden that, once

passed, will support our communi-ties and county.

Short: Absolutely. The costs of labor and supplies is increasing while our facilities are continu-ing to deteriorate.

The February bond failed a supermajority by less than 3 per-cent, and with larger electorate participation in November, it will hopefully pass.

Our district, our students, our community cannot afford for this bond to fail.


Payne: I am actively involved in our community through Rotary, both Port Angeles and Sequim chambers of commerce, and non-profit boards I sit on.

I have talked to parents, stu-dents, teachers and administrators to build a knowledge base of what I can do to provide the type of educa-tion our communities need and students should demand.

Short: As a mother of children in the district and as a small-busi-ness owner, I speak daily with par-ents, teachers and community members.

I discuss issues, correct misin-formation and inform via conver-sations and social media.

Personal connections, approach-ability and transparency can transform a “ruling body” into a communitywide effort to improve our school district.

It is imperative that the com-munity be informed and become involved in our school district in order for our students to succeed.

What are your three overall education priorities that, in a perfect world, you would accom-plish during your time in office?

Payne: ■ Improve the infra-structure so our students have the

facilities to excel in education and our teachers have the facilities to help our students excel.

■ Really think outside the box on 21st-century education meth-ods, not the same old way it has always been done.

■ Develop a curriculum that ensures our students are prepared for college or work after graduation.

Short: I believe the top three issues facing the district are improving student outcomes, addressing the crumbling infra-structure of our facilities and incorporating advanced technology into the curriculum.

The safety of our students out-weighs any other concerns.

Therefore, I believe improve-ment of our facilities is of utmost importance.

Technological improvements can be built in and planned for with modernized facilities, and students are better suited to learn and teachers to teach in safe and comfortable environments.


Payne: Yes.

Short: Yes.


Payne: I have business management and legal experi-ence to enhance the skill-set of the board, and my children have and currently attend Sequim schools.

Therefore, I have a direct con-nection to the schools and under-stand the issues facing the dis-trict today.

Short: As a mother and a small-business owner, I have the unique ability to support and inform both members of the school and non-school community.

As a mother, I’m concerned

about the quality of our children’s education and the condition of the school facilities while understand-ing how committed and challenged our educators are in teaching in

overcrowded and under-resourced classrooms.

As a business owner, I’m invested in continued economic growth driven by an educated workforce.

Clallam County


William Payne

Residence: Sequim

Phone: 360-912-4044


Campaign website: www.williampayne.org


Education: High school diploma; bachelor’s degree in occupational education and master’s degree in business administration, Wayland Baptist University, Plainview, Texas; law degree, University of Wyoming

Occupation: Attorney

Have you ever run for or held elective public office? Yes, I ran for Clallam County Superior Court judge in 2012 and Clallam County prosecuting attorney in 2014.

Heather Short

Residence: Port Angeles (within the Sequim School District)

Phone: 360-417-2612


Campaign website: www.facebook.com/electheathershort


Education: Bachelor’s degree, 2001, master’s degree, 2002, Murray State Univer-sity, Murray, Ky.; doctorate of veterinary medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Ala.

Occupation: Veterinarian



Clallam County

Park and Recreation District 1 (Sequim Aquatic Recreation Center)

What is your position on creating a metropolitan park district that would consist of more facilities than the Sequim Aquatic Recreation Center?

Goodman: Great idea, but my job first is to ensure SARC stays open.

My job as commissioner is to choose the option (e.g., YMCA partnership, another SARC levy attempt, possibly a broad-based metropolitan park district, etc.) that gives SARC the best chance of success in its attempt to cover the financial shortfall and stay open for the long term.

Jeffers: I would vote in favor of an MPD that would include all city parks, high school tennis courts and the aquatic recreation center.

This vote would come with expectations of improvements to current parks and the hope for construction of new public tennis courts at Carrie Blake Park.

With SARC’s growing defi-cit, from what source or sources would you derive the funding to keep the facility open?

Goodman: Any source that is not illegal, immoral or fattening.

Jeffers: I’d increase dues by 40 percent, eliminate discounts and exemptions, and implement initiation fees, card fees and late fees.

These fees are common in all for-profit gyms.

In addition, try selling naming rights to the building and mak-ing some exploratory calls to 24-Hour Fitness, LA Fitness and Gold’s Gym to see if there is any interest in obtaining a location on the Olympic Peninsula.

Longer-term funding is possi-ble by expanded participation in an MPD.

How would you address the failing ventilation, heating and air conditioning system at SARC?

Goodman: Ensure proper preventative and/or corrective maintenance continues to be employed.

Jeffers: I would suggest investigating a business-equity loan through a bank, a credit repayment plan through the company that is contracted for the work, a February bond measure just for repairs or closing the pool and adding covered tennis courts in its place, funded with a possible expanded MPD.

I would also explore the possi-bility of state or federal grant

money set aside for health, well-ness and exercise.

What would you do to increase SARC membership?

Goodman: Worry first about the most immediate concern: keeping SARC open.

First things first.

Jeffers: With over 3,000 members, I’m not convinced increased membership is the answer.

However, this could be done with some targeted marketing, sign-up specials and corporate sponsorships.

Special events would also gen-erate new interest and bring in additional funding.

About the jobCLALLAM COUNTY PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT 1

(SARC)


General election boundaries: The city of Sequim, all or parts of the communities of Agnew, Bell Hill, Blue Mountain, Blyn, Carlsborg, Diamond Point, Dungeness, Happy Valley, Jamestown, Robin Hill and SunLand in Clallam County. Boundaries include residents in the Port Angeles ZIP code.

Same precincts as Sequim School District except for one precinct in Jefferson County.

Voters: 21,961 as of Sept. 23 (same as Sequim School District in Clallam County)

Term: Four years

Meetings: Second Wednesdays

Compensation: None

Duties: Pass an annual budget that in 2015 is $1.2 million and covers wages for 74 employees, all but two of whom are part time; hire an executive director; set policies and rates for the Sequim Aquatic Recreation Center and issue general obligation bonds; and levy taxes.

Gill Goodman

Residence: Sequim

Phone: 360-683-5346




Education: Bachelor’s degree, engineering, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, Conn., 1963; master’s degree, electrical engineering, U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, Calif., 1969

Occupation: Retired Coast Guard captain

Have you ever run for or held public office? SARC commissioner, 2010-present

William Jeffers

Residence: Sequim

Phone: 360-670-6961




Education: Bachelor’s degree in marketing and human resource management

Occupation: Retired banker




Park and Recreation District 1/CONTINUED

Clallam County

Sequim School District, Proposition 1

BY CHRIS MCDANIELPENINSULA DAILY NEWS

SEQUIM — Students need updated buildings, says a propo-nent of the $49.3 million con-struction bond proposed by the Sequim School District.

Residents can’t afford it, says an opponent.

The bond measure on the Nov. 3 general election ballot needs a 60 percent supermajority for passage.

If approved, the bond would fund renovations and expansion of Greywolf Elementary School, construction of a new school to replace Helen Haller Elemen-tary, renovations of Helen Haller to house fifth-graders, renova-tions and expansion of Sequim High School, the demolition of the Sequim Community School building and upgrades to the dis-trict kitchen and maintenance facility.

The bond would fund a new science wing of six laboratory classrooms at Sequim High and add band, orchestra and choir rooms to the performing arts wing.

The current science class-rooms were built in 1967 or are housed in portable buildings that are deteriorating, the district said, adding that of its 29 porta-ble classrooms, more than half are more than 20 years old.

According to the district, the

estimated property tax rate to repay the 20-year bond would be 61 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value.

Combined with a levy already in place to fund educational pro-grams and operations — $1.58 per $1,000 assessed valuation — the total district tax rate in 2016 would be $2.19 per $1,000 of assessed value.

Two previous attempts to pass a construction bond failed.

Voters defeated a $154 million measure by a 56 percent to 44 percent margin in April 2014.

A $49.2 million bond last Feb-ruary also failed by a 57.59 per-cent to 42.89 percent margin, short of the required 60 percent supermajority.

Pros

According to Brandino Gibson, vice chairman of Citizens for Sequim Schools, reasons to vote for the bond include:

■ An increase in campus security.

■ Access to cutting-edge tech-nology.

■ A more efficient district kitchen, which serves all 2,800 students in the district.

Gibson said moving Helen Haller students to a newly con-structed facility would allow the district to discontinue the use of portable classrooms and bring students under one roof.

“We are continually putting kids in temporary buildings,” he said.

“How can they be safe in those environments? It is important for our kids to be in safe, equitable, adequate environments for them to learn properly.”

And “this isn’t just about a new building,” Gibson said.

“This about offering our cur-rent kids and future children an educational equality that is very much needed. Our buildings are outdated and old.”

It would be difficult to reno-vate the existing buildings to incorporate modern technologies,

he said.“They can’t be updated to

meet current needs and technolo-gies. We need to have current facilities that can meet those technological needs.”

Cons

According to Bryan Carter, a Sequim resident and former small-business owner opposed to the measure, reasons to vote against the bond include:

■ It would increase property taxes.

■ There is the extra cost of retrofitting existing buildings on

top of new construction.■ Costs would increase to pay

additional staffers at expanded facilities.

Local residents on fixed incomes “just can’t afford” the tax hike, Carter said.

“Why don’t they retrofit all the buildings they’ve got already? There is no practicality. They are saying they can’t be fixed [and] we need a new school,” he said.

“It is mind-boggling, the amount of waste.”

Portable buildings haven’t affected students detrimentally in the past, Carter said.

“Why now do they all of a sud-den need a brand-new building to be smart? It is the teachers that can teach. It doesn’t matter where they are,” he said.

“If they can teach, they can teach, even under a haystack. They don’t need a brand-new building to teach.”

The cost to provide salaries for additional teachers and staff members at the expanded facili-ties will add up over time, Carter said.

“How are they going to pay for them? How can they justify [that]? Are they then going to go for another bond?” he said.

________Sequim-Dungeness Valley Editor Chris

McDaniel can be reached at 360-681-2390, ext. 5052, or at [email protected].

Proposition 1

The Board of Sequim School District No. 323 adopted Resolution No. 06-2014/2015 concerning capital improvements to district facilities. This proposition authorizes the district to renovate Greywolf Elementary School to increase its capacity, repurpose Haller Elementary, construct a new elementary school, expand the capacity of Sequim High School, improve school safety and security, and make other capital improvements, and authorizes the district to issue $49,300,000 of general obligation bonds maturing within a maximum term of 20 years and levy annual excess property taxes to repay the bonds, as provided in Resolution No. 06-2014/2015.

Should this proposition be:

Approved

Rejected

Roll out some new programs like racquetball and basketball tournaments, after-hours rentals and a swim-event invitational.

These are just a few ideas.


Goodman: Yes.

Jeffers: Yes.


Goodman: I’m sure my oppo-nent would do a great job once he got up to the learning curve.

But in this critical time for SARC’s future, one would hope

voters choose a candidate who fully understands SARC’s history, problems and financial situation; knows the key SARC employees and outside players; is knowl-edgeable concerning options for short- and long-term solution; etc.

Time is not on SARC’s side.A new commissioner who

needs extensive on-the-job train-ing is not the best choice.

Jeffers: I want a fourth-quar-ter, end-of-game chance to save SARC.

Some big ideas are needed quickly.

I would push for keeping the building at full operation, solicit

large corporate donations, sell six-month and annual passes, and listen to the people of Sequim.

The building needs cash flow long term without the help of bond measures or taxing the public.

Those tax dollars need to go to our schools.


Clallam County Fire District No. 1

Proposition 1: Property tax levy

BY ROB OLLIKAINEN AND PAUL GOTTLIEBPENINSULA DAILY NEWS

FORKS — A proposed opera-tions and maintenance levy lid lift for West End Clallam County Fire District No. 1 would end the department’s all-volunteer status by funding a full-time paid chief position.

If voters approve the levy, property taxes would increase by 34 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation, or $51 per year for the owner of a $150,000 home.

The fire district would have a total tax rate of 75 cents per $1,000 valuation — still the lowest tax rate of any fire district in the county, District No. 1 officials said.

“We’ve been an all-volunteer fire department forever,” fire dis-trict Commissioner David Burt said.

He said volunteer Chief Bill Paul already has a full-time job and spends another 40 hours running the department.

Departments nationwide are

changing from all-volunteer to having paid positions, Burt added.

District revenue

District officials said in a mailing to voters that inflation has eroded the district’s buying power and the department can’t afford new equipment.

Property tax revenue has been “relatively static” while state tim-ber harvests revenue has decreased in the past 10 years, officials said.

Revenue from property taxes and timber sales averaged a com-bined $168,200 between 1994 and 2003 compared to $138,200 for the decade ending in 2013, officials said.

In addition, safety require-ments are getting more strin-gent.

“We have to change our tires every 10 years in order to stay legal,” Burt said.

The fire district also has seen a decrease in firefighters because

of retirements and people leaving the area, officials said.

The Forks and Beaver sta-tions had 38 firefighters in 2000, 37 in both 2005 and 2010 and 21

volunteers this year.Meanwhile, call volumes have

climbed from 79 in 2000 to 124 in 2014.

The full-time paid chief would

provide day-to-day management for the department, handle administrative duties, manage the budget, supervise and train volunteers, perform routine maintenance, check certifications, engage the public and recruit firefighters, according to the dis-trict mailing.

The position will improve response times during the day when many volunteers are unavailable, officials said.

With stations in Forks and Beaver, Clallam County Fire Dis-trict No. 1 covers a large swath of land from just south of the Jef-ferson County line to Grouse Glen Road in the remote Sol Duc Valley.

Its volunteers also respond to calls beyond the district boundar-ies when requested by partner agencies through mutual aid agreements.

Clallam County Fire District No. 1 has 2,654 registered voters, including 17 who live in Jefferson County.

Proposition 1

The Board of Clallam County Fire Protection District No. 1 adopted Resolution No. 2015-051, concerning a proposition to fund District operations.

This proposition authorizes the district to establish a regular property tax levy of $.75 per $1,000.00 of assessed valuation for collection in 2016 and authorizes annual increases of up to 3 percent for each of the five succeeding years to fund a paid fire chief position and to maintain or increase staffing and service levels.

The maximum allowable levy in 2020 shall serve as the base for subsequent levy limitations as provided in Chapter 84.55 RCW.

Should this proposition be approved or rejected?

Approved

Rejected

Clallam County

Charter Review Commission: Proposed amendments

BY ROB OLLIKAINEN


PORT ANGELES — Longtime Clallam County voters may have a sense of deja vu as they ponder proposed charter amendments this year.

The two substantive changes to the county “constitution” as proposed by the Charter Review Commission — electing commis-sioners by district and making

the community development director an appointed position — failed in two past elections.

Six other proposed changes to the county charter are relatively minor.

“People must be moderately content with our form of local gov-ernment because it is very rare that we come up with a major change,” said Norma Turner, who has served on several past charter

review commissions and chaired the 2015 commission.

County commissioners

The three county commission-ers are elected by voters county-wide in general elections.

That would change if proposed charter amendment No. 1 — “Elections for board of commis-sions” — is approved by a simple majority this November.

“Each district nominates its candidates for county commis-sioner, but then voters outside the district, by a 2:1 margin, choose the candidate to represent the district,” reads the pro state-ment that was submitted to County Auditor Shoona Riggs.

“Electing county commissioners by district in the general election offers government closest to the people. Fairness dictates that the

voters in a district should be able to choose their own commissioner.”

Members of the charter review commission who opposed the measure — Nola Judd, Ron Bell, Mike Doherty and Turner — argue in the con statement that commissioners should have a countywide perspective and make decisions in the best inter-est of the entire county.



“This part of the current Home Rule Charter is not broken and does not to be fixed,” the con statement reads.

Clallam County citizens rejected the vote-by-district concept for electing commis-sioners in 1983 and again in 2003, Turner said.

Clallam is one of seven counties in the state to operate under a home-rule charter, a type of county constitution.

Fifteen citizens, five from each commissioner district, were elected last November to develop and propose charter amendments for

voters to consider.Clallam County voters

rejected a charter amend-ment to make the county’s Department of Community Development director an elected position in 1983.

Clallam became the only county in the nation with an elected DCD director when voters approved the same measure in 2002.

A measure to have com-missioners appoint a DCD director failed in 2007.

This year, voters will be asked to consider the same proposal as charter amend-ment 6, “Department of Community Development director.”

“Land use decisions should not be politicized,” the pro statement reads.

“Forcing this position to

be elected mandates a political spin [to] every decision made and trans-parency and appearance of fairness in decision making is significantly compro-mised. Having an elected DCD has led to actions being filed against the county incurring thousands of dollars in costs to county taxpayers.”

Authors of the con state-ment — Judd, Bell, Sue Forde and Rod Fleck — argue that “government closest to the people is usually most respon-sive to their needs.”

An elected DCD director, “must account to you for their actions, and await your decision on election night,” they said.

Charter review, proposed amendments/CONTINUED

Amendment 1

The Clallam County Charter Review Commission proposes an amendment to the Clallam County Home Rule Charter concerning elections of Commissioners to the Board of County Commissioners. This amendment would require each commissioner to be nominated and elected solely by the voters of his or her represented district, replacing the provision that allows each commissioner to be elected at large, i.e., by a countywide majority, during the general election.

Should this amendment be:

Approved

Rejected

Amendment 2

The Clallam County Charter Review Commission proposes an amendment to the Clallam County Home Rule Charter, concerning the frequency the County reviews its Home Rule Charter.

This amendment would require Clallam County to review its Home Rule Charter, by electing commissioners to serve on a Charter Review Commission, every five (5) years instead of every eight (8) years.


Approved

Rejected

Amendment 3

The Clallam County Charter Review Commission proposes an amendment to the Clallam County Home Rule Charter, concerning the Board of Commissioners’ participation in transmitting citizen initiatives. This amendment would require qualified initiatives to be proposed directly to the voters without prior consideration, adoption, or rejection by the Board of County Commissioners.


Approved

Rejected

Amendment 4

The Clallam County Charter Review Commission proposes an amendment to the Clallam County Home Rule Charter, concerning the Board of Commissioners’ participation in transmitting citizen referenda. This amendment would require qualified referenda to be proposed directly to the voters without prior consideration, adoption, or rejection by the Board of County Commissioners.


Approved

Rejected

Amendment 5

The Clallam County Charter Review Commission proposes an amendment to the Clallam County Home Rule Charter, concerning the time period to gather signatures for citizen initiatives.

This amendment would increase the time for gathering signatures for initiatives from ninety (90) days to one hundred and twenty (120) days.


Approved

Rejected

Amendment 6

The Clallam County Charter Review Commission proposes an amendment to the Clallam County Home Rule Charter, concerning the Director of the Department of Community Development (DCD). This amendment would require the DCD Director to become an office appointed by the Board of County Commissioners instead of an office elected by the voting public at large.


Approved

Rejected

Amendment 7

The Clallam County Charter Review Commission proposes an amendment to the Clallam County Home Rule Charter, concerning the interpretation of the Clallam County Home Rule Charter.

This amendment would require charter interpretations to afford Clallam County those powers conferred to charter counties under state law and this home rule charter.


Approved

Rejected

Amendment 8

The Clallam County Charter Review Commission proposes an amendment to the Clallam County Home Rule Charter, concerning the Charter Review Commission Members’ one-year term of office.

This amendment would cause the commissioners’ one-year term to begin on the first day of January, instead of beginning on the day of their election.


Approved

Rejected



Clallam/Jefferson County

Fire District No. 3, Position 1

How would you address budgetary issues surrounding increased calls for service and static staffing levels?

Gawley: By carefully balanc-ing the needs of the community with the resources we have avail-able.

Not having enough people to serve the community is obviously unacceptable, but hiring beyond our needs is wasteful and irre-sponsible.

We plan to grow with the community and will fund this by carefully prioritizing our expenditures and by prudent management of existing reve-nues.

Ryan: A fire district-depart-ment is a business.

Proper finance management is an important aspect of any busi-ness.

About the jobCLALLAM FIRE DISTRICT NO. 3

COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 1


Election boundaries: East of Deer Park Road near Port Angeles to Gardiner in Jefferson County

Voters: 23,639 in Clallam County, 342 in Jefferson County, as of Sept. 23

Term: Six-year short and full term

Meetings: First and third Tuesdays

Compensation: Eligible for $114 per day for each day or portion of a day in performance of district duties up to $10,944, or 96 days.

Duties: Approve a budget that in 2015 includes $10.4 million for the general fund (the fire district has 42 full-time-equivalent positions) and levy taxes.

G. Michael Gawley

Residence: Sequim

Phone: 360-809-0322


Campaign website: www.GawleyForDistrict3.com


Education: High school graduate; forestry, Pennsylva-nia State University, 1962; psychology, Oklahoma City University, mid-’60s; commu-nications and computer sci-ence, University of Hawaii and various community col-leges on Oahu, late ’80s and ’90s

Occupation: I retired from the Federal Aviation Administration in 2005 after 32 years of service.

Have you ever run for or held public office? I was appointed to the position of fire commissioner for Clallam County Fire District No. 3 in February 2014, and I continue to serve in that role today.

Sean Ryan


Phone: 360-912-0224


Campaign website: www.electseanryan.com


Education: High school

Occupation: Owner, America’s Elite damage resto-ration service and repair

Have you ever run for or held public office? Yes. I ran for fire commissioner.

Here is a brief summary of the six other proposed charter amendments that will appear on your ballot:

■ Amendment No. 2: “Fre-quency of charter review.”

If approved, a Charter Review Commission would be elected every five years rather than every eight years to review the Home Rule Charter.

■ Amendment No. 3: “Trans-mission of initiatives to voters.”

This amendment would send qualified initiatives directly to the voters without prior consider-ation, adoption or rejection by the Board of County Commis-sioners.

■ Amendment No. 4: “Trans-mission of referenda to voters.”

This amendment would send qualified referenda directly to the voters without prior consider-ation, adoption or rejection by the Board of County Commis-sioners.

■ Amendment No. 5: “Signa-ture gathering for initiatives.”

This amendment would increase the time for gathering signatures for initiatives from 90 days to 120 days.

■ Amendment No. 7: “Home rule charter interpretation.”

This amendment would require charter interpretations to afford Clallam County those

powers conferred to charter coun-ties under state law and Clallam County’s Home Rule Charter.

■ Amendment No. 8: “Charter review commissioners’ elected term.”

This amendment would cause the commissioners’ one-year term to begin Jan. 1 rather than the day of their election.

The Charter Review Commis-sion will reconvene Oct. 20 to finalize ballot language for pro-posed charter amendments that will appear on the 2016 ballot.

________Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be

reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5072, or at [email protected].

Charter review, proposed amendments/CONTINUED



Fire District No. 3, Position 1/CONTINUED

How would you fund neces-sary improvements to storm-water facilities and the marina at the port’s public boatyard?

Talley: Stormwater improve-ments are critical to maintaining the port’s permit and keeping the boatyard open and providing jobs.

I would fund these projects before using existing revenue for noncritical capital projects.

All potential revenue sources should be considered: raising rates, raising taxes, tightening overhead, selling unoptimized port property and reducing ser-vices, along with low-interest loans, bonds and additional grants.

All of these options come with pros and cons, and public input is critical.

Tucker: We instituted envi-ronmental user fees proactively to pay for the stormwater system that we have today and to cover its maintenance.

I am studying new, more cost-effective technologies like biofil-tration (an industrial-strength rain garden) to address future needs.

Marina improvements are paid for by funds that are set aside each year.

The Boat Haven reserve fund presently has $688,000 after

recently finishing upgrades at commercial and the C and D docks.

Should boatyard rates be increased, decreased or remain the same?

Talley: When additional reve-nue is needed, rate increases must always be considered.

It’s important, however, to not lose valuable customers and harm local businesses in the pro-cess.

The port also depends on the revenue stream from boatyard businesses to fund the rest of its countywide operations.

All potential sources of reve-nue should be examined with respect to impacts on boatyard businesses and jobs, and rate changes should only occur after considering public input.

Tucker: The issue of boatyard rates is complex.

On the one hand, we want to keep rates low to encourage com-mercial fishing boats and recre-ational boats to come to Port Townsend.

On the other hand, we have to ensure that rates are sufficient to cover the costs of operation and maintenance.

So, the way forward involves monitoring the economic and competitive environments and doing our best to chart a course that strikes the best balance.

Suggest one idea to add to the port’s strategic plan.

Talley: As the plan is being rewritten, I would add broad input from a strategic advisory commit-tee that is comprised of citizens from all three port districts.

The committee would include the many diverse stakeholders, including those who directly use the port’s boating and airport facilities, and those community members who are less directly impacted.

The public should help guide policy and ensure a triple bottom line, and the process should be transparent and inclusive.

Tucker: Being a member of the committee that initially developed it, I spent a year get-ting my ideas into the original strategic plan.

While the existing plan con-tinues to serve us well, I would like to see the port look strategi-cally at developing and diversify-ing port resources to help grow the agricultural and energy sec-tors of Jefferson County.


Jefferson County

Port of Port Townsend, District 1

Diana Wendy Talley, Steve Tucker

About the Job outline, candidates’ biographies appear on next page.

Being a business owner, I understand these kinds of challenges, and I plan to use my experience in proper budgeting and expenditure-control to help the commissioners and chiefs deal with our pres-ent budget and increased call-volume.

With it being harder for people to commit their time, what would you do to increase the number of fire depart-ment volunteers?

Gawley: Recruiting and retaining good volunteers continues to be challenging for departments around the country.

As a volunteer myself for the past eight years, I feel it is important to care-

fully screen potential can-didates beforehand to ensure we are bringing dedicated individuals into the fold.

I would rather have 20 dedicated individuals than 50 who show up infre-quently.

I value quality over quantity and encourage volunteer feedback, which will help in our recruit-ment strategy.

Ryan: To encourage new volunteer recruitment, I would look at expanding the Explorer program as well as look into offering volunteers potential health benefits and career advancement opportunities through training.

What would be your

biggest accomplishment after six years in office?

Gawley: I do not like to think in terms of single accomplishments.

Rather, after six more years in office, I would like to look back on a solid, well-managed, well-trained and well-equipped depart-ment staffed with dedi-cated individuals who truly care for the well-being of the community.

We have that now, and with my help, we will con-tinue to have that in the future.

Ryan: If elected com-missioner, my goal is to help make sure our com-munity’s needs are truly met and to help make sure their money is being spent

wisely to support their needs.

What, if anything, would you change about how the district is run?

Gawley: Right now, the public is protected by an efficient and responsive department, and I see no reason to make major changes to a system that works so well.

We will continue to refine our process and adjust to changing situa-tions and emerging tech-nologies, but our core mis-sion remains the same, and our community response will continue to be excel-lent.

Ryan: I would change the culture in relation to

the budget and curb the free-spending attitude.


Gawley: Yes

Ryan: Yes


Gawley: I am an expe-rienced commissioner with a full understanding and knowledge of the needs of this community.

I pride myself in mak-ing decisions that are thoughtful, deliberate and thorough.

It is my vision to move this department into the future by carefully plan-

ning its growth alongside the needs of the commu-nity.

Simply adding more personnel to the payroll is short-sighted, very expen-sive and unneeded at this time.

We are in great shape.

Ryan: I’m sure my opponent is a quality per-son.

I hold utmost respect for him, but what I can bring is many years of successful business experience, seven years of volunteer firefight-ing and an understanding of our community needs and resources to meet those needs.

Our community needs to know what their money pays for and how it works for them.


Diana Wendy Talley

Residence: Port Townsend

Phone: 360-379-8285


Campaign website: http://dianatalley.wordpress.com


Education: Shorecrest High School, Seattle, Class of 1969; associate degree, Seattle Community College, 1978; studied science one year, Uni-versity of Washington, 1978-1979

Occupation: Owner, Taku Marine in the Boat Haven for 23 years; 37 years as a ship-wright


Steve Tucker


Phone: 360-385-0447


Campaign website: re-electstevetucker.com


Education: Bachelor’s degree, biology, Boise State University, 1976

Occupation: We retired 11 years ago when we sold Auto Works, the business we had built.

Have you ever run for or held public office? I am the incumbent District 1 port commissioner.

Running for port commis-sioner in the last election was the first time I had ever run for office.

These are growth areas for our community, and the port can play a role in supporting them.

What would you do to spur economic growth beyond the Port Townsend city limit?

Talley: A marine trades incu-bator could be created in the Quilcene community to assist businesses with job creation and expansion.

In addition, a maritime job-training program for youth, mod-eled on the successful program at the Port Townsend Aero Museum, would be invaluable for Quilcene youth who seek local employment.

The port could partner with local agencies and nonprofits to promote these programs.

Tucker: We just signed a 25-year lease with Coast Seafood Inc., the largest employer in Quilcene, and we are supporting a wastewater system for Quil-cene’s commercial district.

Our new infrastructure at the airport will attract new commer-cial activities.

I envision the industrial park by the airport becoming a regional agricultural hub.

We can support our growing agricultural sector by doing what we did in the maritime sector and develop the infrastructure to allow them to flourish.


Talley: Yes.

Tucker: Yes.

Why should voters choose

you over your opponent?

Talley: Twenty-three years ago, I started my own business in the Boat Haven, and the mari-time community helped me at every step.

I love this place. Being in the trenches, as it

were, has given me the day-to-day understanding of how the port could be so much better with some simple, practical, business-like changes.

The county needs a robust maritime industry to con-tinue providing economic devel-opment.

I will make that happen.

Tucker: The maritime sector is already well-represented on the commission.

I bring balance to the commis-sion by representing all of the taxpayers.

I strongly support the mari-time industry but bring a broader perspective that takes into account the entire commu-nity.

I take pride in connecting the port with different groups and organizations throughout the county.

I’m not afraid to take principled stands when it is in the best interest of the port and the community.

Port of Port Townsend, District 1/CONTINUED

About the jobPORT OF PORT TOWNSEND

COMMISSIONER




Term: Four years

Meetings: Workshop second Wednesdays, regular meeting second and fourth Wednesdays

Compensation: Eligible for up to $114 per day for port-related activities for up to 96 days a year, or $10,944 and a salary of $254 a month for a maximum annual monetary compensation of $13,992; medical, dental, vision, long-term disability and life insurance

Duties: Approve a general fund budget that in 2015 is $3.1 million and covers 27 full-time-equivalent positions; establish policies and long-term strategic plans to guide the district; purchases and disposes of real estate and set rates; and levy taxes.


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What experience qualifies you for this position?

Kolff: I have a master’s in public health and a medical doc-tor degree.

As medical director of a non-profit community health center for 17 years, I developed new, affordable healthcare clinics for mostly low-income folks in King, Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom counties.

Sea Mar now has 50 medical, mental health and dental clinics in 11 counties.

I have grant-writing, manage-ment, strategic planning and leadership experience as presi-dent of Jefferson Land Trust and the ReCyclery, and as a City Council member.

What should be the roles of the hospital CEO and the hos-pital commissioners in setting goals and policies?

Kolff: Hospital commissioners set goals and policies for Jeffer-son Healthcare (JHC).

The CEO must help develop a strategic plan that should be used to evaluate the CEO’s per-formance.

Commissioners must address the problem that 33 percent of physicians at JHC would proba-bly not recommend working there.

Research confirms you cannot enhance patient experience, improve population health and

reduce costs without improving the work life of health care pro-viders and staff.

The management culture must change at the top.

How much should the hos-pital work with other health care providers in the commu-nity?

Kolff: The federal government will soon begin to pay for manag-ing the health of communities rather than reimburse for ser-vices.

This will encourage JHC to partner with different health care and wellness providers to keep our residents healthy and out of the hospital.

Prevention and management of chronic diseases like diabetes require a communitywide effort of better nutrition, exercise and prevention of childhood obesity.

Partnerships with the YMCA, public health, mental health and others are essential.

What service should the hospital provide that it does not provide now?

Kolff: Mental health and drug-abuse care, dental care, more affordable primary medical care services and chronic disease prevention were identified as health priorities more than a year ago, and yet JHC has not developed the federally required community health improvement plans to address them.

Thousands of our neighbors cannot get or afford the care

they need.More financial relief for needy

families is essential, since pov-erty and poor health often go hand-in-hand.


Kolff: Yes.


Kolff: We have a health care cri-sis in this country and our county.

I have public health training, medical experience and proven leadership skills.

I have successfully addressed issues like access to affordable

care, provider job satisfaction and strategic planning.

I have worked in a setting where everyone gets care, regard-less of their ability to pay.

I will fight for a statewide, single-payer health care system.

The current board refuses to do that.

It’s time for change.

NO RESPONSE

Candidate Chuck Russell did not respond to this questionnaire.

Jefferson County

Hospital District 2 commissioner, Position 2

Kees Kolff


Phone: 206-295-2275


Campaign website: www.keeskolffmd.com


Education: Bachelor’s degree, Allegheny College, Meadville, Pa., 1967; medical doctor degree and master’s degree in public health, Harvard University, Boston, 1971; pediatric residency, Children’s Hospital, Seattle, 1971-73; Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholar Fellowship, University of Washington, 1976-78; board-certified pediatrician

Occupation: Retired medical director and practicing physi-cian offering pediatric and family health care, Sea Mar Com-munity Health Centers, Seattle

Have you ever run for or held public office? Port Townsend City Council, 2002-06; mayor 2002-04

About the job

EAST JEFFERSON COUNTY HOSPITAL

DISTRICT 2(JEFFERSON

HEALTHCARE HOSPITAL)


General election boundaries: All of Jefferson County except West End precincts 600 and 601


Term: Six years

Meetings: First and third Wednesdays

Compensation: $90 a day for meetings and commissioner-related duties, not to exceed $8,640 a year; health insurance

Duties: Pass a budget that in 2015 is $80 million and supports 480 full-time-equivalent employees; hire a CEO; lease existing hospital and other health care facilities and equipment and contract for health care services; and levy taxes.

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What experience qualifies you for this position?

Dressler: Five years as hospi-tal commissioner, three years as board secretary, one year as board chair.

I have spent over 30 years caring for and about the residents of East Jefferson County.

I am compassionate, knowl-edgeable, experienced and have already contributed to major improvements at the hospital during the past five years.

Thirty-four years living in East Jefferson County; 26 years as a registered nurse at Jefferson Healthcare Birth Cen-ter; director of family business, 15 years.

Stafford: I worked in the information technology depart-ment at Jefferson Healthcare for five years.

During this time, I worked closely with the directors of nearly every department and all the members of the strategic leadership team to create solu-tions for the data and informa-tion needs of the hospital.

In this role, I came to under-stand not only the way that the many individual departments work but also how information is shared throughout the organiza-tion.

What should be the roles of the hospital CEO and the hospital commissioners in setting goals and policies?

Dressler: The board provides global direction to the CEO, with the expectation that the CEO and the administrative team will produce draft plans for the board to review, modify and approve.

Governance policies are set by the board.

Stafford: The hospital com-missioners should set clear, mea-surable goals and policies for the hospital district.

The CEO’s role is to execute those goals and policies and be held accountable for the achievement of those measurable goals.

How much should the hos-pital work with other health care providers in the commu-nity?

Dressler: A strength of Jefferson Healthcare is that the hospital district already works with many health care providers in the community and is open to work with others whenever a suitable opportunity occurs.

A recent example is Jefferson Healthcare in partnership with Jefferson Mental Health Services have together employed a psychia-trist.

Stafford: The hospital should engage and partner with all other health care providers in the community, along with agen-cies such as Jefferson County Public Health and Jefferson Mental Health Services, as much as possible.

What service should the hospital provide that it does not provide now?

Dressler: We have already partnered with Jefferson Mental Health Services, and I expect to see more comprehensive mental health services being offered in the near future.

I would like Jefferson Healthcare to provide part-time neurology and dermatology ser-

vices as well as a gynecologist in the Women’s Health Center.

Veterans services would be of benefit to members of our com-munity.

Stafford: The major health care service gaps in our commu-nity are mental health services, chemical dependency services and dental care.

The hospital needs to work closely with its strategic partners within the community to address these gaps.


Dressler: Yes.

Stafford: Yes.


Dressler: During the five years since I was elected to the board, huge improve-ments have been implemented, especially in the quality and safety of patient care, financial stability, new services, better nutrition and locally sourced foods.

I have a vast knowledge of the health care industry acquired over 40 years, with experience in both clinical health care and business arenas.

Just as important, I have the time and energy to continue to devote to the hospital district’s needs.

Stafford: I will use my expe-rience and knowledge to help the commission make the best possi-ble decisions.

I will bring fresh eyes and an open mind to addressing all the health care challenges currently facing our community.

Jefferson County

Hospital District 2 commissioner, Position 4

Mari Dressler

Residence: Port Townsend (4 miles southwest of the city)

Phone: 360-385-6180


Campaign website: www.maridresslerrn.com


Education: Parkstone Grammar School for Girls, Poole, Dorset, England, 1957-64; Bournemouth College of Technology (now Bourne-mouth University), England, 1964-66; Salisbury and East Dorset School of Nursing, England, 1966-69, state-regis-tered nurse; Southampton University Hospitals School of Midwifery, England 1970-72, state-certified midwife

Occupation: Registered nurse (current license, active retired)

Have you ever held or run for public office? I am currently Jefferson Health-care hospital commissioner, Position 4.

Paul Stafford


Phone: 360-302-1293


Campaign website: www.votepaulstafford.com


Education: Port Townsend High School, class of 1985; attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, N.Y., 1985-87

Occupation: Owner, Wil-liam James Bookseller, Port Townsend



Given limited state fund-ing, how should the city fund badly needed repairs to streets?

Rice: The transportation improvement project currently in effect in Port Townsend is designed to maximize the avail-able state funding for road repair.

However, many of our residen-tial roads are exempt from these funding options.

We must ensure that everyone with an interest in Port Townsend is helping pave the way, especially those who only dwell here seasonally.

I propose finding methods to tax these “snowbirds” so that we might ensure everyone helps our city preserve its infrastructure.

Smith: The city should develop a matrix to determine which repairs are seen as most pressing by the public and weigh that with staff input.

I believe a public that is hav-ing its needs met is more likely to allow city government to stretch beyond the traditional methods that haven’t kept pace with current demand for develop-ment.

New revenue streams must be identified, and existing sources must be utilized and leveraged.

What would you do to stim-ulate development of afford-able housing for renters and buyers?

Rice: As part of the council, I will help create a public develop-ment authority to focus on in-city housing solutions.

This PDA will bring housing providers like Habitat, public housing authority, OlyCAP and others together to discuss practi-cal and achievable solutions.

After we reach consensus on our best courses of action, we will utilize the extensive resources of the PDA’s stakeholders to distill this will into direct action.

Smith: It’s possible to miti-gate infrastructure costs through subsidies, payment plans and sliding-scale options.

Payment plans would have the added benefit of providing the city with a known revenue stream, and differing arrange-ments could be made depending on applicant category of home-owner or developer.

A community housing trust would be an effective way to cir-cumnavigate the rent-control ban in Washington — as “landlord,” the trust sets affordable rents.

How would you guarantee that the comprehensive plan update is as comprehensive as it should be?

Rice: The comprehensive planning process usually includes predictive land use, transporta-tion and housing, so if we’re cov-ering those topics, we’re “offi-cially” comprehensive.

At a recent Planning Commis-sion meeting, Commissioner Jack Range pointed out that the only goal of the comprehensive plan that has yet to become truly actionable is preserving and cre-ating affordable housing.

I can guarantee that this facet of the plan will be addressed in detail during my term.

Smith: City staff must con-tinue to work with and adapt the new online public input process, as it is important that constituents are able to effec-tively communicate with their elected officials.

I would like to see more town hall meetings organized by city staff, hopefully to reach a broader demographic.

In order to be comprehensive, it is necessary to get input from as many sectors of the population as possible.

How should the city coordi-nate economic development with the port, hospital district and school district?

Rice: These districts should not exist in separate vacuums.

We should be attending each other’s meetings and staying briefed on each district’s activi-ties.

How to coordinate is easily answered once all of the stake-holders are in tune with a single purpose.

Our hospital, port and schools are essential to the continued existence of Port Townsend.

In specific, the city should do everything in its power to ensure the school district’s capital proj-ects are funded next year.

Smith: The long-term success of Port Townsend is intrinsically tied to the success of its schools.

Economic development of the port and hospital district would also be successes for the city.

Jefferson County

Port Townsend City Council, Position 6




Paul S. Rice


Phone: 206-595-5441


Campaign website: www.facebook.com/groups/RiceforCityCouncil


Education: High school, University Preparatory Acad-emy, Seattle; bachelor’s degree, Emerson College, Bos-ton, 2001-05

Occupation: Production assistant for Workin’ Man Creative, Rock Fish Group, visual design and creative services

Have you ever run for or held elected public office? No

Amy Smith


Phone: 360-550-0978


Campaign website: amyforcitycouncil.nationbuilder.com


Education: High school diploma, Tonasket High School, Tonasket; studied business administration, Pen-insula College; studied culi-nary arts, Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, Port-land, Ore.; Clemente Courses through Bard College, Annan-dale-on-Hudson, N.Y.; certified youth mental health first-aid provider through the National Council for Behavioral Health

Occupation: Nonprofit administration, executive director, the Boiler Room, Port Townsend


EXITED RACE

Tobi McEnerney filed for the Port Townsend City Council Position 4 seat held by Robert Gray, who also filed for the position.

McEnerney dropped out of the race after the withdrawal deadline.


Port Townsend City Council, Position 6/CONTINUED

About the jobPORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL

POSITION 6


Election boundaries: City of Port Townsend


Term: Four years

Meetings: First and third Mondays of the month; work session on the second Mondays

Compensation: The mayor, appointed by council members, receives $750 a month. Other council members receive $500 a month.

Council duties: Pass a general fund budget that for 2015 is $7.2 million; hire a city manager who is responsible for supervising a work force of 100 full-time-equivalent positions; adopt all ordinances, approve all contracts and serve on city, county, regional and state boards, commissions and subcommittees; and levy taxes.

The city should assist in com-municating the issues behind each need, such as building maintenance and facilities improvements.

Economic development in these sectors could create more living-wage jobs, which would attract more young families.


Rice: Yes.

Smith: Yes.


Rice: Unlike my opponent, I have attended nearly every City Council meeting, Planning Com-mission meeting and county Board of Commissioners meeting

for the past seven months, work-ing hard to be as preparedas possible to work at the utmost of my ability.

I’ve been out in the neighbor-hoods, talking to my constituents and making myself available to anyone who has questions about city government.

I’m ready to learn even more and to serve you well.

Smith: My continued commit-ment to Port Townsend can be seen in my job and extensive vol-unteer work.

I have lived and worked in Port Townsend for 15 years, renting a home, going to college, getting married and building a community.

I am confident in my ability to create positive change while respecting and maintaining Port Townsend’s unique culture and impressive heritage.

I would be honored to create this change from a seat on City Council.

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Jefferson County


Given limited state funding, how should the city fund badly needed repairs to streets?

Faber: By seeking state and federal grants and by focusing on repairs that will serve to benefit the largest number of people.

We should also prioritize proj-ects that will serve our future

transportation needs.Lastly, the city should consider

shifting funds to expand public and nonmotorized transportation to decrease unnecessary wear and tear on our city streets and decrease our carbon footprint when and where possible.

Keena: Funds for large street-improvement projects are some-times received from the state as grants.

They don’t usually fund the entire project and sometimes come with strings attached.

Regular street maintenance and repairs should be funded by the city. When priorities get shuf-

fled, sometimes these funds aren’t used effectively.

Having said all that, I don’t feel that the conditions of local streets should elicit panic but instead a need to set aside future funds for repairs.

What would you do to stimulate development of affordable housing for renters and buyers?

Faber: There is no “silver bullet” for affordable housing, but the city has tools at its dis-posal.

We should look at slackening zoning restrictions for accessory

dwelling units, look at ways to sup-port water and sewer connections for affordable housing development to decrease development costs, and consider pursuing market-based solutions to turn current vacation rentals into long-term rentals.

Additionally, by improving liv-ing-wage jobs, we can make cur-rent real estate more affordable for locals.

Keena: I am not sure there is too much more the city can do.

Either by design, by climactic change or by nature itself, more people are moving here.

peninsuladailynews.com


David Faber, Travis Keena

Candidates’ biographies appear on next page.


In a bidding war, those with the most money always win.

Attempts to create high-den-sity housing areas have not materialized on their own.

Better wages and more hous-ing options would help.

More large “McMansions” will not.

How would you guarantee that the comprehensive plan update is as comprehensive as it should be?

Faber: The city has done a good job of engaging locals to ensure our community is as involved in the comprehensive planning process as is possible.

This engagement must con-tinue up through the final stages of the comprehensive plan to make sure all have a chance to speak their minds.

We also have to recognize the ways in which our various priori-ties are interrelated, such as resiliency, affordable housing, jobs, environmental stewardship and transportation.

Keena: Public input, public input, public input, follow-through.

How should the city coordi-nate economic development with the port, hospital district

and school district?

Faber: The port, hospital dis-trict and school district are some of our largest and most impor-tant local employers.

When possible, the city should assist their efforts at improving services, infrastructure and other aspects of economic development where practical to do so.

The city should also serve to facilitate the already fantastic interconnectivity of our major employers to ensure that their efforts have the broadest possible success.

Keena: The hospital, the school district and the greater marine trades are some of the biggest employers in the county.

Jobs are the basis for all eco-nomic activity.

The hospital, however, should focus on patient care, and the school district should focus on teaching our future.

The port, on the other hand, is an economic and industrial hub.

Marine trades using past and future technologies should see Port Townsend as their home and be encouraged.


Faber: Yes.

Keena: Yes.


Faber: I am a highly edu-cated local with years of experi-ence interacting with govern-ment officials.

I am skilled at negotiating mutually agreeable solutions to complex and difficult problems.

I am the vice president of the Boiler Room board of directors, the vice president of the Jeffer-son County Bar Association, a director of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, a mem-ber of the Port Townsend Rotary Club and am endorsed by Pro-gressive Majority Washington.

Keena: I pledge to give all issues an open mind and am willing to see more than one per-spectives.

I want more “outside-the-box” thinking from the council, and I hope you do, too.

My experience at the port should help me know the right time to ask the right questions.

I will do my best, and that is all I can offer.

Port Townsend City Council, Position 7/CONTINUED

David J. Faber


Phone: 360-821-9374




Education: High school diploma, Port Townsend High School, 2001; bachelor’s degree, The Evergreen State College, Olympia, 2007; law degree, Seattle University School of Law, 2012; Legum Magister (LL.M), or Master of Laws, University of Washing-ton School of Law, 2013

Occupation: Attorney, Faber Feinson PLLC, Port Townsend


Travis Keena


Phone: No response




Education: Port Townsend High School, Run-ning Start program; associate degree from Peninsula Col-lege

Occupation: Mainte-nance, Port of Port Townsend


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Apeland: There’s a good core of teachers and para-educators on staff.

Student achievement needs to increase.

Davis: Strengths are staff, the backbone of our school, our big-gest strength; we have a lot of really great kids in our district who want to learn; and parents/community who get involved and communicate with staff.

Our finance department also knows how to stretch those dol-lars, and in this time of unfunded state mandates, that’s a great thing to be able to do.

I don’t think our district has a lot of educational weaknesses.


Apeland: Through communi-cation at public meetings such as School Board meetings, levy com-mittee meetings, community functions and the Quilcene School District Web page (www.quilcene.wednet.edu).

Communicate with the com-munity to ensure the public has a clear understanding of the needs of the school, the successes of students and faculty, and clear short- and long-term goals.

Davis: Keep the lines of com-munication open.

Have an open-door policy.Invite groups/organizations

into the school.Communication is the key.


Apeland: ■ Improve student achievement.

■ Adopt fiscally sound bud-gets and manage finances responsibly.

■ Working together with board members and staff to fairly negotiate contracts.

Davis: ■ On the state level, higher pay for teachers and sup-port staff.

■ In my own district, our school is getting old.

I would like to see a newer school facility or a dramatic over-haul of our existing structures (some).

Because hey, let’s face it, if the buildings fall down,

where is the education going to take place?

■ Continue to support McCleary. Make the state follow through with fully funding edu-cation.

If the School Board decides to run a replacement levy in February, how would you con-vince the increasingly older population to approve it?

Apeland: By being an advocate of our school district and by pro-viding a clear understanding of what the needs of students, faculty and building maintenance are.

Also, to ensure a safe environ-ment for our students and com-munity, our buildings must be kept in good repair and have nec-essary improvements throughout the years.

Davis: I don’t know how much convincing I would have to do.

We have a huge amount of support for our school, for our kids.

There is longevity in our com-munity.

Many generations have gone through this school and have great-grandkids attending now.

Jefferson County

Quilcene School District, Position 1


EXITED RACE

Kathy Lawley filed for the Quillayute Valley School Board position representing District 5 held by Mike Reaves, who also filed for the position.

Lawley dropped out of the race after the with-drawal deadline.

Mark L. Apeland

Residence: Quilcene

Phone: Unlisted




Education: High school diploma, Bremerton Christian High School, Bremerton

Occupation: Patrol ser-geant, Jefferson County Sher-iff ’s Office


Shona Davis

Residence: Quilcene

Phone: 360-774-1705




Education: Some college (Peninsula College)

Occupation: Part-time deli server; office manager for my husband’s business, Davis Masonry

Have you ever run for or held public office? I am currently the incumbent for the position I’m running for.

Quilcene School District, Position 1




Kuehl: Quilcene’s status as a small, rural district gives it both strength in its vibrant sense of community and weakness in its ability to provide wider pro-grams.

Like all things, however, strengths and weaknesses are a matter of context, and Quilcene has an excellent track record of addressing problems.

We need to work together to solve problems in the best way possible, using our strengths to address our weaknesses.


Kuehl: I led the effort to establish Quilcene’s first commu-nity-driven 10-year strategic plan, and I am a strong propo-nent of working with the commu-nity to meet the needs of our stu-dents.

I enjoy reaching out to people and discussing concerns and options, and find we have better ideas and solutions when we put our heads together in service to the school.

What are your three overall educational priorities that, in a perfect world, you would accomplish during your time in office?

Kuehl: The school should lead, not only in preparing every student for life, but also as the center of a vibrant community.

I would like to keep the district accountable to the students, parents and the public.

The board works as a team, so my individual goal is to be effective on the team and to help implement what makes sense in the changing circum-stances that the district will inevitably face.

If the School Board decides to run a replacement levy in February, how would you convince the increasingly older population to approve it?

Kuehl: Our children are our future.

We need to invest in their education, but the board needs to be scrupulous with public money.

We must recognize the need and convey it clearly so the public can make an informed decision.


Kuehl: Yes.


Kuehl: I am eager to contribute my extensive experi-ence with education and the com-munity for the ongoing develop-ment of the Quilcene School District.

Quilcene School District,

Position 1/CONTINUED

NO RESPONSE

Candidate Bonnie Hitt did not respond to this questionnaire.

Jefferson County

Quilcene School District,

Position 3

Viviann Kuehl

Residence: Quilcene

Phone: 360-765-4321



Age as of Nov. 3, Elec-tion Day: No response

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Western Washing-ton University; master’s degree, City University; Washington state teaching certificate

Occupation: Preschool teacher, writer

Have you ever run for or held public office? Quilcene School Board member, 1992-2003

About the jobQUILCENE SCHOOL BOARD


General election boundaries: Quilcene and areas of Coyle and Crocker Lake


Term: Four years

Meetings: Third Wednesdays

Compensation: Eligible for $50 a day for attending School Board meetings and performing other services on behalf of the school district, not to exceed $4,800 annually

Duties: Approve a general fund budget of $5.5 million for 2015-16, including 48 full-time equivalent employees; hire a superintendent, who hires all school district employees; approve polices and procedures for students and employees; and levy taxes.

The community, all ages, they just love our kids.


Apeland: Yes.

Davis: Yes.


Apeland: That’s up to the voters to decide.

Davis: Here’s where you should ask “In a perfect world . . . ?”

Because in a perfect world, voters wouldn’t have to choose.

We’d both be there, but it doesn’t work that way.

The past 13-plus years on the School Board has given me patience to listen before acting (or reacting), boldness to speak out and up when needed and the experience needed to continue to do a good job.

Keep up with the sights and sounds on the North Olympic Peninsula.

Peninsula SpotlightEvery Friday in



Jefferson County

Port Ludlow Fire District No. 3, Position 3

How would you address budgetary issues surrounding increased calls for service and static staffing levels?

Gregory: International Asso-ciation of Firefighters Local 3811 controls the budget and the oper-ation of the district, not the com-missioners.

The 2015 collective bargaining agreement is 65 pages long.

Taxpayers in Port Ludlow’s master planned resort paid $1.9 million to the district this year.

The commissioners need to refocus on their constituents.

Helmonds: The increase is not enough to be of concern.

If we maintain our current levels of staffing, we can handle more than our current level of calls for service.

Our recent maintenance-and-operations levy, which was over-whelmingly approved by our vot-ers, has allowed us to maintain our staffing and continue to sup-ply our firefighters and paramed-ics with the necessary equipment and training to continue the ser-vice levels our residents have asked for.

With it being harder for people to commit their time, what would you do to increase the number of fire department volunteers?

Gregory: I would encourage participation with forums and demonstrations.

Helmonds: The challenges of finding and keeping volunteers is a concern for most fire agencies throughout the state.

Our resident training program has been essential for us to maintain sufficient staffing levels at our two manned stations.

We advertise for volunteers on an ongoing basis.

Our staff attends regional

meetings and seminars on volun-teer recruiting and retention.

What would be your biggest accomplishment after six years in office?

Gregory: Significantly reduc-ing the tax liability of the dis-trict.

Helmonds: Certainly, keeping the district in solid financial standing and maintaining our level of services to our commu-nity members is what we are tasked to do and what I believe we have done.

As commissioners, our pri-mary responsibilities are finance and policy.

This is where I have focused most of my energies as part of the finance committee through-out the past five-plus years.

What, if anything, would you change about how the dis-trict is run?

Gregory: Focus on all costs, particularly employee benefits.

Helmonds: I believe the board should approach the concept of reserves to include more long-term planning for future expenses that our district will face over the next five to 10 years.


Gregory: Yes.

Helmonds: Yes.


Gregory: I am a fiscal conser-vative.

Helmonds: I have nearly six years of service with our fire district and have a considerable knowledge of our financial workings, staffing needs and operational services.

Ron Gregory

Residence: Port Ludlow

Phone: 360-344-2058




Education: Bachelor’s degree, University of Califor-nia, Berkeley, 1965

Occupation: Retired as a pharmaceutical representa-tive in 1992


Ronald Helmonds

Residence: Port Ludlow

Phone: 360-531-2072




Education: West Valley College, Saratoga, Calif.; San Diego State University, San Diego, Calif.

Occupation: Last 12 years as a Realtor and prop-erty manager in Jefferson County

Have you ever run for or held public office? Port Ludlow fire commissioner for the past 5½ years

About the jobPORT LUDLOW FIRE DISTRICT 3


General election boundaries: Port Ludlow, including Port Ludlow Master Planned resort; Shine, Bridgehaven, Paradise Bay, Mats Mats Bay, Olele Point


Term: Six years

Meetings: Second Tuesdays

Compensation: Eligible for $114 per day for each day or portion of a day in performance of district duties up to $10,944, or 96 days

Duties: Approve a budget that in 2015 includes $2.4 million for the general and emergency medical services funds and 14 full-time-equivalent positions and seven volunteer firefighter-EMTs; and levy taxes.





Law as it presently exists

Washington law charges a sales tax on most retail sales made in the state. Generally, a retail sale is the sale of goods or services, but there are certain exceptions defined by law. There are also certain goods and ser-vices that are exempt from the retail sales tax, such as most gro-ceries, over the counter and pre-scription drugs, and newspapers. The state retail sales tax is cur-rently 6.5% of the selling price on each retail sale. This rate does not include local sales taxes that may also be charged by cities, counties and other taxing juris-dictions.

Another state law provides that most fees charged by the government are allowed only if they are approved by more than half of the members of each house of the Legislature.

The Washington state consti-tution states that no bill may become law unless it receives a yes vote by more than half of the members of each house of the legislature. The Washington state Supreme Court has explained that this voting requirement can-

not be changed by a regular law. This means that neither the Leg-islature, nor the people through the initiative process, can pass a law that requires more votes in order for certain types of bills to pass. The only way to increase the number of votes needed for a bill to become a law is to amend the constitution.

The constitution can only be amended if two-thirds of the members of each house of the legislature vote to propose the amendment. The amendment must then be approved by a majority of the voters at the next general election.

Effect of proposed measure

This measure would cut the state retail sales tax from 6.5% to 5.5% on April 15, 2016, unless the Legislature first proposes a specific amendment to the state constitution. The proposed amendment must require that for any tax increase, either the voters approve the increase or two-thirds of the members of each house of the Legislature approve the increase. It must also require the Legislature to set the amount of any fee increases.

If the Legislature proposes the constitutional amendment before April 15, 2016, then the state retail sales tax would stay at 6.5%.

If the Legislature does not propose the constitutional amendment and the state retail sales tax is reduced to 5.5%, that would cut the amount of taxes that individuals and businesses pay for goods and services. It would also lower the state’s reve-nue for government services.

The measure would also define “raises taxes” and “major-ity legislative approval for fee increases” as those phrases are used in state law.

— SOURCE: Secretary of State’s website

Initiative Measure No. 1366

Initiative Measure No. 1366 concerns state taxes and fees. This measure would decrease the sales tax rate unless the legislature refers to voters a constitutional amendment requiring two-thirds legislative approval or voter approval to raise taxes, and legislative approval for fee increases.

Should this measure be enacted into law?

Yes

No

Washington state

Initiative 1366: Concerns state taxes and fees

Argument forFive times the voters have approved initia-

tives requiring either a two-thirds vote of the Legislature or majority vote of the people to raise taxes. Five times. In 2012, 64% of voters approved it. Voters clearly want tax increases to be an absolute last resort.

Nonetheless, Olympia won’t listen to the people unless we pass I-1366. Recent history shows why.

With I-960, tax increases were a last resort and Olympia balanced its budgets without rais-ing taxes. In 2010, they suspended I-960 and increased taxes a whopping $6.7 billion, a huge betrayal of the public trust. KING 5’s poll: 68% thought it was the wrong thing to do. This year’s Legislature, without the two-thirds requirement in effect, increased taxes a jaw-dropping $17.5 billion. Passing I-1366 sends a clear message: we need protection from Olym-pia’s insatiable tax appetite.

We need an economic climate where families feel confident, employers expand and job growth is positive. I-1366’s protections provide a stable future, giving families and employers the cer-tainty they need to prosper.

Olympia faces another big deficit because unsustainable spending has once again out-stripped revenue.

We simply can’t afford to have it all. When voters pass I-1366, Olympia will be prodded to reform government, prioritize spending and re-evaluate existing programs. If voters reject I-1366, Olympia will resort to job-killing, family-budget-busting tax increases. Hold Olympia accountable for your tax dollars — vote yes.

Argument prepared by Erma Turner, retired hair-dresser, businesswoman, our favorite supporter, Cle Elum; Darryl Ehlers, farmer, husband, father, poet, gathered 1255 signatures, Lynden; Jack Fagan, retired policeman, retired navy, grandfather, bowler, fisher-man, hunter; Jerry Klingele, retired small-business owner, active in community, Yakima; Brad Carlson, family small-business owner, Evergreen Memorial Gar-dens, Vancouver; Suzie Burke, businesswoman, Fre-mont’s biggest small-business advocate, Seattle.

Argument againstTim Eyman’s I-1366 forces lawmakers to either

change our Constitution — allowing a handful of ideological legislators to dictate the agenda for all of our state — or face $8 billion in unnecessary cuts to essential services over six years. It’s a false choice that takes Washington backward.

Washington has the most regressive tax sys-tem in the nation, unfairly harming middle and lower income households, startups and small businesses.

Under 1366, as few as 17 ideological legisla-tors from either party, out of 147 total, can block reforms that could make state government work better for us all.

By holding lawmakers — and taxpayers — hostage to a constitutional change, 1366 would force deep, unnecessary cuts to K-12 schools, higher education, public safety and health care.

Our kids would lose from rolling back bipar-tisan gains in school funding with increased class sizes, out-of-date textbooks and technology, and fewer good teachers.

I-1366 is so flawed it will likely be found unconstitutional, wasting millions in legal fees that could be better spent on law enforcement, health care and other basics.

Let’s reject the politics of hostage taking, and protect our constitutional tradition of passing legislation by majority vote, by saying no to 1366.

Washington State Democrats; retired Repub-lican Secretaries of State Sam Reed, Ralph Munro; Washington Education Association; Washington State Labor Council; League of Education Voters; Washington Council of Fire Fighters; Washington Conservation Voters; NAMI of Washington; League of Women Voters.

Argument prepared by Ann Murphy, president, League of Women Voters of Washington; Kelly Fox, president, Washington Council of Fire Fighters; Sam Reed, retired secretary of state; Kim Mead, Washing-ton Education Association president and middle school teacher; Andrew Villeneuve; Bellevue College business student; Tami O’Marro, Spokane registered nurse





Washington state

Initiative 1401: Concerns trafficking of animal species near extinction

Law as it presently exists

An international treaty called the “Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species” identifies many species of animals and plants that are at risk of extinction worldwide. Among the species this treaty addresses are species of elephant, rhinoceros, tiger, lion, leopard, cheetah, pango-lin (also called a spiny anteater), marine turtle, shark and ray. The United States agreed to this treaty in the 1970s. Federal law makes it illegal to sell, import or trade in endangered species listed by the treaty, or in parts or products made from animals that are listed as endangered (with some excep-tions). Washington state law does not prohibit the purchase, sale, trade or distribution of parts or products made from endangered species of elephant, rhinoceros, tiger, lion, leopard, cheetah, pango-lin, marine turtle, shark or ray.

Effect of proposed measure

If adopted, this measure would prohibit any person in Washington from selling, buying, trading, or distributing parts of certain endangered animal species, or products containing or made from those animals. Specifically, the measure would apply to parts or products made from elephants, rhinoceroses, tigers, lions, leopards, cheetahs, pangolins, marine tur-tles, sharks and rays. But it would apply only to species of those ani-mals that are listed in either Appendix I or II of the “Conven-tion on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna,” or listed as critically endangered, endangered or vulner-able in the lists of endangered spe-cies compiled by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, which is an international conser-vation organization.

The measure also includes five exceptions when it would not apply. These exceptions include: (1) sale or trade of antique items if

the endangered animal makes up less than 15% of the item; (2) ani-mal parts or products distributed for educational, scientific or museum purposes; (3) when items are distributed under a will, estate or trust after death of the owner; (4) musical instruments if the endangered animal part makes up less than 15% of the instrument; and (5) where trade in the item is allowed by federal permit or law.

A violation of the law could be a state crime. The violations would be either a gross misdemeanor or a class-C felony, depending on the market value of the illegal animal parts or products. If a person is convicted for violating the measure, the person would also be ordered to pay a criminal wildlife penalty of $2,000 or $4,000. The measure would also modify the power of state law enforcement officers to include authority to seize and dis-pose of illegal parts and products from the endangered species that are covered by the measure.

— SOURCE: Secretary of State’s website

Argument forInitiative 1401 will help save endangered

wild elephants, rhinos, lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, pangolins, marine turtles, sharks and rays — all at risk of disappearing from Earth forever.

The scale of the poaching crisis is immense. In one recent case, poachers poisoned a water-ing hole with cyanide, killing 300 elephants at once. Every fifteen minutes, on average, poach-ers kill another elephant for black-market ivory — sometimes even sawing off the animal’s tusks while it’s still alive. By penalizing those who traffic in these and other illegal animal prod-ucts, I-1401 will help put an end to such cruelty and save these iconic animals from extinction.

The United States is the world’s second-larg-est market for products from endangered spe-cies, and the Ports of Seattle/Tacoma are major entry points. Since 2010, there have been more than 50 seizures of elephant products entering Washington state alone. I-1401 will give state authorities new tools to choke off this illegal trade before these endangered animals are driven to extinction.

I-1401, written in close consultation with leading wildlife scientists and law enforcement experts, is supported by many respected organi-zations including the Humane Society of the United States, Sierra Club, National Wildlife Federation, Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle Aquar-ium, and Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium.

By voting “yes” on I-1401, we can do our part to help save endangered animals from extinction.

Argument prepared by Sam Wasser, director, UW Center for Conservation Biology; Jennifer Hillman, director, outreach & engagement, Humane Society of the United States; Guy Palmer, senior director, global animal health, WSU; Fred Koontz, Ph.D, vice president of field conservation, Woodland Park Zoo; Margie Van Cleve, chair, Washington chapter of the Sierra Club

Argument againstWe all love elephants. This initiative doesn’t

protect them. Proponents provide no evidence this ban will stop trafficking or poaching in other countries. Poaching and trafficking in poached ivory is already a felony under international and federal laws and has been for decades.

Poaching has increased because of demand in Asian markets not because of the purchase and sale of ivory from before the ban on importation into the United States.

This initiative targets legally purchased, legally crafted, legally owned ivory. It targets antiques.

In section 3(2)(a) of the initiative an antique is exempt only if it is more than 100 years old, is less than 15% ivory and you have all the paperwork to prove it. If this passes you could be charged with a felony and fined $14,000 for selling your grandmother’s elephant ivory neck-lace for $250. Chess sets, jewelry, figurines, poker chips, buttons and beads, anything more than 15% ivory would become worthless. All your investment would be gone

If you legally “own” something but cannot sell it or give it away do you have anything left of value?

All this initiative would let you do is donate it to a museum or pass it through a will to heirs who couldn’t sell it or give it away either.

Most people who have family heirlooms or collections are not billionaires. Property owned legally should continue to be legal.

Argument prepared by Stuart Halsan, Legal Ivory Rights Coalition, former senator, Democrat, Centralia; Casey Kelley, president, Pautzke Bait Co., collector, Wenatchee; Mark Pidgeon, president, Washingtonians for Wildlife Conservation, Kent; Pete Lange, scrim-shaw artist, Seattle; Tim Regan, owner Star Center Antique Mall, Snohomish; Dean Takko, representative, Democrat, chair of House Local Government Commit-tee, Longview

Initiative Measure No. 1401

Initiative Measure No. 1401 concerns trafficking of animal species threatened with extinction. This measure would make selling, purchasing, trading, or distributing certain animal species threatened with extinction, and products containing such species, a gross misdemeanor or class-C felony, with exemptions for certain types of transfers.

Should this measure be enacted into law?

Yes

No

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The following offices and can-didates are unopposed on the Nov. 3 ballot.

Unless facing write-in candi-dates (who must file to declare their write-in candidacy by Oct. 16), these candidates are automatically elected.

Clallam CountyHospital District 1

(Forks Community Hospital)

Commissioner, District 3Donald Lawley

(Patty Birch filed as a write-in candidate but has dropped out of the race.)

Hospital District 2(Olympic Medical Center)

Commissioner, District 2J. Thomas OblakCommissioner, District 3Jim CammackCommissioner at largeJim Leskinovitch

City of Forks

City Council, Position 1Juanita Weissenfels

City Council, Position 4Kevin Hinchen

City of Port Angeles

City Council, Position 6Sissi BruchCity Council, Position 7Cherie Kidd

(Dan Bateham is on the ballot but has dropped out of the race.)

City of Sequim

City Council, Position 6Ken Hays

Crescent School District

Director, Position 3Trisha HaggertyDirector, Position 4Susan Hopper

Cape Flattery School District

Director, District 2Gregory ColfaxDirector, District 4Donald R. BakerDirector, District 5Tracey Rascon

Fire District No. 2 (unincorporated Port Angeles

area)

Commissioner 2David R. Whitney

Fire District No. 4 (Joyce area)

Commissioner 4Donna Kay Buck

Fire District No. 5 (Clallam Bay-Sekiu area)

Commissioner 2Glen McDaniel

Fire District No. 6 (West End)

Commissioner 1Scott HortonCommissioner 3Tom Rosmond

Parks and Recreation District No. 1 (Sequim Aquatic Recre-

ation Center)

Commissioner, Position 3Melinda Griffith

Clallam and Jefferson counties

Quillayute Valley School District

Director, District 1Val James GilesDirector, District 3Bill RohdeDirector, District 5Mike Reaves

(Kathy Lawley is on the ballot but has dropped out of the race.)

Fire District No. 1

Commissioner 4

James Lew McGillCommissioner 5Lowell P. McQuoid

Jefferson CountyCity of Port Townsend

City Council, Position 4Robert Gray

(Tobi McEnerney is on the ballot but has dropped out of the race.)

Queets/Clearwater School District

Director at large, Position 3David A. AtkinsonDirector at large, Position 4Rowland G. Mason

Brinnon School District

Director at large, Position 2Ron StephensDirector at large, Position 3Joe BaischDirector at large, Position 4Bill Barnet

Quilcene School District

Director at large, Position 4Gena D. Lont

Chimacum School District

Director, District 3Maggie EjdeDirector, District 4

Robert Bunker

Port Townsend School District 50

Director, District 3Nathanael L. O’HaraDirector, District 4Laura TuckerDirector, District 5Keith White

Chimacum/Cape George Fire District No. 1 (East Jefferson

Fire-Rescue)

Commissioner, Position 2Rich Stapf Jr.

Quilcene Fire District No. 2

Commissioner, Position 2Melody M. Bacchus

Brinnon Fire District No. 4

Commissioner, Position 2Ken McEdwards

Discovery Bay Fire District No. 5

Commissioner, Position 2Ford Kessler

Brinnon Water District 2

Commissioner, Position 3Wayne Schlaefli

Unopposed candidates in Nov. 3 election

Washington state

Advisory votesAdvisory Vote No. 10

The legislature imposed, without a vote of the people, oil spill response and administration taxes to apply to crude oil or petroleum products transported by railroad, costing $17,000,000, for government spending.

This tax increase should be:

Repealed

Maintained

Advisory Vote No. 11

The legislature imposed, without a vote of the people, the marijuana excise tax on medical marijuana sales, costing an amount that cannot currently be estimated, for government spending.


Repealed

Maintained


The legislature imposed, without a vote of the people, additional taxes on motor vehicle and special fuels costing an estimated $3,707,000,000 in the first ten years, for government spending.


Repealed

Maintained


The legislature increased business and occupation tax revenues and excluded certain software manufacturers from a retail sales tax exemption, without a vote of the people, costing $1,449,000,000 for government spending.


Repealed

Maintained

Documents

Special Sections - North Olympic Peninsula Voter Guide, 2015 General