Mayor Dan Di Guilio
The Port Angeles City Council has chosen Dan Di Guilio as the next mayor. The vote was 5 to 0 with Di Guilio not voting.
The vote for deputy mayor was a tie between Cherie Kidd and Don Perry. Max Mania and Pat Downie voted for Kidd; Brooke Nelson and Dan Di Guilio voted for Perry. Kidd and Perry each voted for themselves.
The City Council voted 6-0 to postpone the deputy mayor vote until they've appointed the seventh member of the council.
The vote for deputy mayor was a tie between Cherie Kidd and Don Perry. Max Mania and Pat Downie voted for Kidd; Brooke Nelson and Dan Di Guilio voted for Perry. Kidd and Perry each voted for themselves.
The City Council voted 6-0 to postpone the deputy mayor vote until they've appointed the seventh member of the council.
Labels: Mayor Dan Di Guilio
posted by Tom Harper at 8:53 PM
90 Comments:
Great.
The council is divided.. right from the Git-go.
Well done city council Dan was the right choice.....Cherie Kidd for Deputy Mayor? ....Pat Downie you disappoint me. I would expect this from Mania, but not you.
Yes, divided along partisen lines, 3 conservative Republicans, 3 Liberal Democrats. Want to bet they split on picking the Larry Little replacement?
The corrupt old guard (Karen Rogers, Larry Williams, Edna Petersen, etc.) have been grooming Don Perry, hoping to have him as their puppet. I've heard that the ego-boosting power of such attention is fairly high, and it seems that Don is falling for it.
It boils down to this: Cherie Kidd will do her homework and ask tough questions. Don Perry will most certainly NOT ask tough questions. He will go along to get along - and to get himself ahead. This is why we have to hope for Kidd as deputy mayor.
The Watcher.. I completely agree with you. You've stated the situation very accurately.
Oh foo.... Why bother to worry about any of it, after women gain the right to vote at the end of the 1800's they are going to whip everything into shape. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.
What's wrong with Cherie Kidd for Deputy Mayor?
Thank goodness we're spared the horror of "Mayor Edna" or "Deputy Mayor Cody"!
Please also note: I'd pretty much be willing to bet my life that Karen Rogers wrote the statement that Brooke Nelson read nominating Don Perry for deputy mayor. Don, whether willingly or not, is being manipulated by our corrupt former council members. (Needless to say, this does not demonstrate much in the way of leadership on Mr. Perry's part.) Brooke, I think quite willingly, is being "guided" by those same people.
So yes, those people are gone, but their influence lingers on. We need to press this new council to ferret out and eliminate any and all greasy little fingers that Rogers and Williams still have in our municipal pie. This last election offered a chance for a fresh start - but we're not quite there yet.
Oh, the horror indeed! One can imagine the first council meeting with those two luminaries in place:
"I, your beloved Mayor Edna Petersen, hereby proclaim that the Little People shall show their love for me every day for two minutes. I also procalim that a tiara will be presented to me by said Little People as a public display of their love. I further proclaim ..."
"As yer Dep'ty May-or, I ... uh ... pro-cleem ... uh, whatever ... that people buy me a drink any time they see me. That's cuz I have a well-known name an' I'm Dep'ty May-or an' Uncle Dick Pilling said so. Oh, is this mic on? Sorry Uncle Dick ..."
"So yes, those people are gone, but their influence lingers on. We need to press this new council to ferret out and eliminate any and all greasy little fingers that Rogers and Williams still have in our municipal pie. "
Again, you are correct. Rogers and Williams were once constrained to some extent because they held public office, and their actions subjected to public scrutiny and laws. Now they have no such constraints.
I bet Don Perry and Edna Petersen have done more for this town than the commenters that keep dissing them.
To the Annon 2:18,
I think that your attitude is one of the problems in this town. Explain yourself aside from vague, arrogant, and snooty comments.
What exactly HAVE Edna and Don done to deserve such devotion from you?
Neither were chosen by the majority of the people. There is a strong movement to want to do things differently.
There is distrust of the city, the elected, and the status-quo in this town.
Too much as been obscured and hidden from view. Too much has been done opposing the majority of the citizen's desires (fluoride in the water, the Gateway, the Incubator -- and soon Harborworks) and too much has been done with nefarious motives, pocket lining, questionable appointments, slanted bid choices, ridiculous "cost of living" increases, free use of city owned vehicles, outlandish assessments and taxes, and a tax-and-spend mentality that is driving us all to the poor house.
So, the impression IS that Edna and Perry are the two who'd toe the line, which is a line that is killing our town with the kind of "business as usual" attitude that has existed for far too long.
Go out drinking with them. Be their buddies. But, don't tell me that they are such holy and important people. Better than those of us posting. It's nonsense, and you, sir, sound like a fool.
I simply do not understand how Edna Petersen can keep her store open considering the outlandish prices she has on everything.
Well, maybe she makes so much profit on what she does sell that it treats her well?
There's an idiot born every minute and I suppose enough of them find their way into her store for her to get by.
"I bet Don Perry and Edna Petersen have done more for this town than the commenters that keep dissing them.
2:18 PM, January 07, 2010"
I've known both Edna and Don for years, and worked with them on a number of projects. I did not work on their campaigns, endorse them, nor do I think either are good as councilmembers.
It is official: Jim Cammack of Jim's Pharmacy is writing council members urging them to pick Edna Petersen to replace Larry Little. Expect more "quality candidates" affiliated with the ousted old guard to step forward.
Do these people NEVER learn? Have they NO shame?
In today's PDN (Edited for space):
PORT ANGELES -- The Harbor-Works Development Authority executive director and several consultants will discuss three possible scenarios for redevelopment of the Rayonier mill property during an open house Monday.
.....
The three ideas, which were formally announced at the organization's Dec. 15 meeting, include a variety of possible uses, including industrial, commercial and some open area for public use.
"We are looking forward to presenting the site's conceptual alternatives, providing updates on the due diligence study and listening to the community's ideas."
Lincoln will present the three options, and audience members will have an opportunity to ask questions about the redevelopment ideas of both him and several contracted consultants.
The site at the end of Ennis Street contains pockets of PCBs, dioxin, arsenic and other toxins from a pulp mill, which operated for 68 years before it closed in 1997, putting nearly 400 out of work.
A portion of the site is over the ancient Klallam village of Y'innis.
In addition to the cleanup required of the site, concern has been expressed by developers over the possibility of halting projects upon discovery of the cultural artifacts at the site, Lincoln said.
Harbor-Works will determine whether or not to acquire the mill site by next August.
Central to that decision will be the results of a $380,460 due diligence process. The first of two phases in the due diligence process are complete. The next will run through March 29.
Before residences could be built on the site, the area would have to be cleaned to a higher standard than for industrial use.
Created by the city of Port Angeles in May 2008, Harbor-Works is jointly funded by the city and the Port of Port Angeles. The city and port have loaned Harbor-Works a total of $1.3 million"
Are these people just completely stupid? I'm serious.
A few weeks ago, Lincoln says there is essentially no likelyhood of "industry" or " commercial" development of the site.
Today he says "concern has been expressed by developers over the possibility of halting projects upon discovery of the cultural artifacts at the site."
And " Before residences could be built on the site, the area would have to be cleaned to a higher standard than for industrial use."
The article says: " Harbor-Works will determine whether or not to acquire the mill site by next August."
What POSSIBLE other detriment could be conceived to make that property LESS viable? Why on EARTH are tax payers' monies being spent on this?
Folks here can debate a pay raise for paratransit drivers amounting to a few dollars, as millions are wasted with this craziness?
What is it going to take? This is not far flung Federal policies; this is local government doing plain stupid, wasteful things. SAY SOMETHING!
Watcher -
You and others have the right to offer opposing points of view to Jim Cammack. You write well. Why not give it a go.
Anon at 2:33. Completely, wholeheartedly and heart pounding agreement.
Edna WILL be deputy mayor. All you pukes that have been dissing her are just that - PUKES.
All you little whiny unwashed liberals, crawl back into your crappy little Priuthes and putt back to your crappy little unkept houses! LOL!
According to the "logic" of Larry Williams (see his letter published in Monday's PDN), Betsy Wharton was defeated in the election and can not be considered for the vacant City Council position. The voters have spoken. We wouldn't want any implication of impropriety or backroom deals going on, now would we?
But what Larry says and what Larry does are two different things. Consider the Headrick imbroglio: the voters tossed him out but when a position became vacant on the Council, who filled the post? The defeated and, by Larry's Logic disqualified, Headrick.
Larry's Logic applies only to those defeated candidates who are not part of the in-crowd, the Real Estate/Contractor Cabal. Those defeated candidates are disqualified from returning to the Council should a vacancy occur.
But if you're a defeated candidate and a member in good standing of the in-crowd, the Cabal, then you're "up to speed on the issues" or "the best choice for City Council" or simply "one of us, one of us".
C'mon, Larry. Who do you think you're kidding? By your own "logic" the voters have spoken and Betsy Wharton, Cody Blevins and Edna Petersen were all defeated and therefore should be disqualified from consideration for the vacant Council position.
After all, you're the model for a clean City Council, aren't you?
... one of us, one of us ...
"All you little whiny unwashed liberals, crawl back into your crappy little Priuthes and putt back to your crappy little unkept houses! LOL!"
Rex.. it wasn't even funny the first time. Are you capable of anything original? Interesting?
I see only one candidate has applied for consideration to fill Little's seat.
Watcher - get thee down to the city building and fill out the paperwork.
You seem sane and well reasoned. That is in short supply there.
Go. Now.
What is it going to take? This is not far flung Federal policies; this is local government doing plain stupid, wasteful things. SAY SOMETHING!
Say something? Well, I'll tell you what it says on my coffee cup, if Harper allows this comment.
I'M SURROUNDED BY FUCKIN' IDIOTS.
"Watcher - get thee down to the city building and fill out the paperwork.
You seem sane and well reasoned. That is in short supply there.
Go. Now."
I guess county empolyees can serve as city council members, as long as they live in the city.
Go for it!
"Say something? Well, I'll tell you what it says on my coffee cup, if Harper allows this comment.
I'M SURROUNDED BY FUCKIN' IDIOTS."
Don't tell me! Tell Jeff Lincoln and the rest of them.
Watcher.... I wouldn't do what was suggested, sane and intelligent people do not run for political offices and do not do well in committees.
You can be more effective working from the other side of the fence.
PA Friends...Thank you for the kind words. But you'll have to believe me when I tell you that I am already as involved as is humanly possible with City Council business.
Commercial real estate to drive U.S. bank failures
Tue Oct 13, 2009 1:03pm BST
By Elinor Comlay - Analysis
NEW YORK (Reuters) - The next big headache for banks is likely to be commercial real estate and analysts expect big losses and another wave of bank failures to result.
Banks held about $1.7 trillion (1.07 trillion pounds) in commercial real estate loans at the end of September, according to Federal Reserve data, or about 15 percent of their total assets. But to the extent these loans weaken, small banks are likely to be hit the hardest because larger banks are better diversified.
The banks that analysts say could risk big losses include Salt Lake City's Zions Bancorp (ZION.O), Columbus, Georgia- based Synovus Financial (SNV.N) and Dallas-based Comerica (CMA.N).
But it is not just earnings that are at stake -- bank failures could surge in the coming quarters.
"The serenity of the quiet closure of two to three banks per week is soon going to come to an end," said George Ball, chairman of Sanders Morris Harris Group, an investment bank and investment adviser, in Houston.
Banking regulator the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation had 416 banks on its watch list of problem banks at the end of the second quarter and veteran analyst Dick Bove at Rochdale Securities expects another few hundred will fail in the next few quarters.
The FDIC closed Chicago-based Corus Bank on September 11, following losses on commercial real estate and condominium developments in Arizona, California, Florida and Nevada.
At Warren Bank in Michigan -- closed on October 2 by the FDIC -- almost 40 percent of its $395 million in total loans were in commercial real estate..."
Yeah, here in Port Angeles we think THIS is the best time to spend limited public money on highly problematic commercial real estate proposals.
Idiots? I think they should be sued for knowingly wasting public resources.
If the goal really is "economic development", there are plenty of other properties Habor-Works could spend money on, with less problems than that Rayonier site.
Wise people are putting economic development on hold for now and just digging in and holding on.
To anon about the Rayonier site.
Don't you think it is strange that Harborworks seems dead set against making deals with Rayonier that are beneficial to our city? We are in the driver's seat. Rayonier is in the position of wanting to dump a problem.
PA needs to reframe their view.
To Watcher: I am deeply disappointed. BUT I am glad there is some voice of reason being heard there.
BBC - there are some people who enter city councils with a desire to do good for their town. It is good for those types to serve for a while and then hand the reigns over to new, bright idea upstarts (as they were).
TERROR ALERT: You heard it here first...Thus far the only person to apply for the vacant seat on the City Council is...Rick "I'm Stumped" Burton.
You may now begin pondering the absolute horror of such a thing, and encouraging those you know who are better prepared for the job than Mr. Burton to apply.
(And yes, I think we can expect Edna to apply as well, since her cronies are already out solicting votes for her.)
BBC - there are some people who enter city councils with a desire to do good for their town. It is good for those types to serve for a while and then hand the reigns over to new, bright idea upstarts (as they were).
The operative words there are, "with a desire to do good for their town."
But then the desire to control a bigger empire starts to take over.
It never seems to occur to them that a small empire is just fine.
Watcher,
I don't know much about Burton. What's wrong with him?
"You may now begin pondering the absolute horror of such a thing, and encouraging those you know who are better prepared for the job than Mr. Burton to apply.
(And yes, I think we can expect Edna to apply as well, since her cronies are already out solicting votes for her.)"
Ummm.. Let's revisit the original story: "Brooke Nelson and Dan Di Guilio voted for Perry."
So, with Dan Di, Perry and Nelson voting together, you almost are back to square one. Pat or Cherie votes with them, and... Edna is back on the council.
Horizon Bank first U.S. bank failure of 2010
Fri, Jan 8 2010
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. regulators closed Horizon Bank of Bellingham, Washington, on Friday, kicking off what has been forecast as a peak year for small bank failures.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp said Horizon Bank had approximately $1.3 billion in total assets and $1.1 billion in total deposits as September 30.
Friday's bank failure is expected to cost the FDIC's insurance fund a total of $539.1 million.
.......
All good, and getting better.
In my village the elders are fond of this saying: "He is headman who is having more than two goats." The simple solution to this misfortune is for the elders of this village to be seeking the esteemed Sir or Madam who is having more than two goats. Thus all problems is being solved and all peoples being rejoicing and such.
Wishing you much good lucks,
Gitanjali Attawalahai
I bank at Well's Fargo, they are too big to fail, ha ha ha ha
*turns off sarcasm*
"... kicking off what has been forecast as a peak year for small bank failures."
Yeah, from those postings, it looks like this IS a great time to be proposing commercial development of the Rayonier site. The banks will be falling all over themselves to finance projects at that site. No risks there!
Will Jeff Lincoln be including these issues in his viability assessments, I wonder?
Sarcasm? Where!
The only thing wrong with Rick Burton is that he is practically illiterate...Has no education to speak of...Has no record of civic involvement...And he's plainly just an angry, angry guy.
During the primary campaign, Rick was a rich source of quotes. When asked a question about the Port Angeles Senior Center, he answered that he "didn't know what that was." Another question he answered with the simple: "I'm stumped." And let's not forget his best: "All that ecology stuff is a bunch of bunk."
There's more - MUCH more - but I think you get the idea. He's the kind of angry redneck who would be a disaster on the Council.
As for Edna getting back on the Council...It isn't going to happen. At BEST, she would have three votes from the current six - if even that many. She's lost the election, and is likely to stay lost for a long time.
The creed of all politicians:
IF YOU CAN’T DAZZLE THEM WITH BRILLIANCE – BAFFLE THEM WITH BULLSHIT
I don't think that Wells Fargo will fail cuz they are too good at stealing and cooking the books. :-)
The only thing wrong with Rick Burton is that he is practically illiterate...Has no education to speak of...Has no record of civic involvement...And he's plainly just an angry, angry guy.
I sure wouldn't sell him short on your points, if you recall history well it's often folks like that that have brought out good social change and made society better.
They usually show up when the smug and powerful get too big for their pants/skirts.
Once again The Watcher has it pegged. I can't see Edna making it back onto the Council despite her inevitable application for appointment.
I would suggest a vote on Edna going something like this:
Don Perry - Yes. He's clearly in league with the Cabal. I understand official Don Perry puppets are being sold at Necessities and Temptations.
Cherie Kidd - No.
Dan Di Guilio - No. He ran against her in the previous election. He's not voting for her.
Max Mania - No. Like Mayor Di Guilio, he ran against her and won.
Brooke Nelson - Yes. Another Cabal member.
Pat Downie - The wild card. He seems generally progressive, but weak. Could go either way. If he votes yes it splits the Council evenly.
A pro-Edna email campaign is being waged by the Cabal to members of the City Council. I suggest everyone take a moment to send an anti-Edna email to all members of the Council. Fight fire with fire and keep Edna un-elected!
"Dan Di Guilio - No. He ran against her in the previous election. He's not voting for her."
This I'm not sure about. I can more easily see him voting with the "Cabal", than against it. He voted for Don Perry, who is probably most linked to the "Cabal" of any on the council, with Nelson a close second.
Dan Di has got to cast some votes I can see to let me know otherwise. I can't think of any "progressive" things he's done while on council.
This comment is a response to the Daily News Sunday Rant of the week " Homeless dont' I would love to meet you face to face so I could talk to you in person.
It seems that in the opinion of the ranter the homeless are not in need of more meals but instead in need of garbage bags to clean our parking lots and sandwich vouchers. This is because they appeared to be getting high while the rest of us were getting an education.
First off let me apologized for the tone these comments are going to take because I can tell you right now any attempt on my part to be civil about this rant will be futile. Second of all I'd like to know what exactly it is the idiot who sent this rant knows about the homeless,Other then they are uneducated and appear to have been getting high. How does one appear to be getting high? What does that even mean? Does it mean pretend to get high? or does it mean I'm a stupid narrow minded idiot with a stick up my ass and its my opinion that you homeless people all look stoned?
The garbage bags are a great idea! How ever after spending their entire homeless day looking for a place to eat, sleep , wash themselves , their children , their clothing, find available bathrooms, phones and a place to keep warm I doubt they have much free time to pick up garbage. The garbage bags will make nifty ponchos tho while they are standing around outside in the pouring rain.
As for trespassing on all of those nearby private parking lots unless it is clearly marked no trespassing a parking lot is generally considered by those of us in the know to be a public place to park your car and or walk through. How on earth a homeless person walking through a parking lot can bother you is beyond me. I suspect if you are spending allot of time bothered by this your problem is to much time on your hands. maybe you should fill some of that time up by volunteering at our local homeless shelters or making sandwiches for the Salvation Army lunch program.
Both Dan and Don need to pay attention to the results of the last election. This was a sweep for those with new, progressive visions (except for Brooke). Sticking with the old guard is clearly NOT the way to get themselves or the city ahead. It's time to try NEW IDEAS.
With that in mind, the Council needs good people to apply for the vacancy, so they have someone other than Rick "Me Caveman" Burton to appoint.
You guyth keep thaying progrethive...that is tho refrething and thexy!
"Theve said...
You guyth keep thaying progrethive...that is tho refrething and thexy!"
Oh, aren't you the clever, witty one?!
As has been said before, this wasn't funny the first time it was posted, and now only goes to show how un-original and lacking you are. Really.
"Both Dan and Don need to pay attention to the results of the last election. This was a sweep for those with new, progressive visions (except for Brooke). Sticking with the old guard is clearly NOT the way to get themselves or the city ahead. It's time to try NEW IDEAS."
This is a re-visiting of the same problem that has prevented Port Angeles from movinhg forward, for years now. "The Old Guard" care only for their own personal advancement, most often to the detriment of the city. What incentives do they have to change that, now?
To all those that assume or preport to know....that the cabal is promoting Edna or Edna herself wanting to apply for the position....I quess it should be obvious why you sign-in with a made up tag line or anonymous, I wouldn't want my real name on the ridiculous drool you espouse....but....I quess we will see if you know even a shred of the truth or just in love with blogging endlessly with fictional rantings with no real truth or factual content. You seem to know that she is trying to get the appointment to the council...I suggest it is just your hate getting in the way.
But please continue blogging away....it is the only thing you seem capable of doing.
This is in response to the watcher,
you don't know anything about me, so I think that I'll clear somethings up for you.
1. As far as the senior center is concerned I said that I didn't know anything about it, which I didn't, what was I supposed to do make up something, to look good? Bye the way I went down that very same day and toured the facility.
2. As far as the ecology comment, ya I said it, because that's how I feel, to certain aspects of the subject, what's wrong with that, not used to someone telling the truth?
3.Did I blow some of those forums, ya probably,I was very nervous, does that make me illiterate,dumb, and a redneck? I think not.The problem is you don't want someone on the council who will tell it like it is, and work for all people in P.A. I have nothing to gain by being on the council. I'm not a business owner,real estate agent or associated to anyone so called married to the council. The only thing I have to gain is the trust and respect of the people of P.A. (Oh bye the way thanks for the attention that you have given me).
Andrew, go back to smoking the bowl. But thanks for admitting that the cabal exists and that it is promoting Edna behind the scenes.
Rick, "B-Y" no e. Unless you're saying 'bye!
"Andrew, go back to smoking the bowl. But thanks for admitting that the cabal exists and that it is promoting Edna behind the scenes."
Of course, you're assuming that really was Andrew. Or Rick.
Knowing Andrew, who writes professionally, do you think he would have made those mistakes? And, notice both posters used "real names", and both were less than literate?
Either Andrew was REALLY stoned (and he sure can usually function very well stoned), or ..
"Progressive" = Socialism
So therefore, actually REGRESSIVE.
We need BUSINESSMEN in elected office. People who have worked for a living, paid taxes and signed a paycheck.
We need LESS lawyers, and trust fund babies that never worked a day in their lives.
if anywhere in the WORLD I would least expect to find 'trust fund babies' is Port Angeles.
So, tell me, why is it that Forks has a strong mayor government, but we still have the weak mayor government?
if anywhere in the WORLD I would least expect to find 'trust fund babies' is Port Angeles.
So, tell me, why is it that Forks has a strong mayor government, but we still have the weak mayor government?
Rex sez:
"Progressive" = Socialism
So therefore, actually REGRESSIVE.
Don't you guys EVER get tired of spouting these old cliche's? Can you think for yourselves for one second of a given day?
Man o man, it gets SO embarrassing reading this stuff.
Glad I don't know your real name; I would really have lost any respect I had for you.
Rick: You didn't tell us the "truth" about ecological issues - you told us your OPINION. There's a big, big difference.
Linda: Which current City Council members are lawyers, and which ones are trust fund babies?
"So, tell me, why is it that Forks has a strong mayor government, but we still have the weak mayor government?"
I'd like to know the answer to that one myself.
What we have is someone with huge powers that we didn't elect, drawing extra money from the coffers and occasionally throwing a hissy fit and leaving with his golden parachute and a generous consultation fee.
Personally I think the council should have learned their lesson after Madsen and done away with the position, no offense to the current guy.
Linda said...
"We need BUSINESSMEN in elected office. People who have worked for a living, paid taxes and signed a paycheck.
We need LESS lawyers, and trust fund babies that never worked a day in their lives."
Oh, yes! Because look at the state of the worlds' financial companies over the last couple years. Those financial professionals used SUCH good judgement.
We need that kind of management for the publics' affairs. Absolutely, Linda.
"We need LESS lawyers, and trust fund babies that never worked a day in their lives."
That Max Mania sure looks like a lawyer to me. And if Pat Downie ain't a trust fund baby ...
And the crypt door cre-e-e-aks open, to reveal the latest applicant for the vacant seat on the City Council. It's Glenn Wiggins! Wow! Back to the future? No thanks, Glenn. (But maybe you can get a part in a TWILIGHT sequel as an elder vampire?)
Also applying: Local musician and pilot Thom Davis. If he can fly a plane, maybe he can actually help pilot our city? It's something to think about...
Also getting ready to apply: Dick Piling's favorite handpuppet, Cody Blevins. Cody's been hanging around City Hall, trying to look like he's grown-up and plugged-in. (I think his new beard is also meant to make him look older, wiser...)
But Cody...It's tough to believe you've the voice of youth and independence when you keep hanging around Brooke Nelson and Larry Williams - certified members of the old guard cabal.
Stay tuned for further updates...
To the people seeming to think Brooke Nelson will walk in lock step with anyone you have a serious misunderstanding and underestimation of this woman. I trust her when she says that she will look at each issue and think about what is best for her town without regard to political affiliation. She came up with some pretty good ideas for compromise for the park at the end of the airport runway, she has lived here her whole life but seems to have a broader perspective than some of the more closed minded individuals that populate our town and, above all, she is a good woman with a good head on her shoulders - no nonsense. A commodity in seemingly short supply.
So before you get on your high horse and slinging arrows how about this: Wait to see what the woman does. I think you might be better for it.
Andrew May,
Posting with your name (if it is so) - it is too bad that did not hem in your own bad behavior. Are you elevated or at their level when you behave as they do? I understand your frustration or anger, but really! Maybe you should tell them what you know about Edna that makes her great. I have met her, there are things you could talk about. Why do you suppose people do not like her? You know her. Why not help her fix her image before she gives running another shot.
As for anon posts or pseudos - I too wish people would pick a name so I could at least address them directly. But real names? Would that be wise given that we live in a small town where maybe there are a few unbalanced people lurking about? Feel free though.
Rick, I understand your being angry, but I think you may misunderstand people's feeling on your positions. When you say "All that ecology stuff is a bunch of bunk." what is the impression you give people? At the very least you sound woefully unprepared. People want to elect someone who knows the issues. Not Mr. Glib Uninformed guy. If you think it is bunk - tell them why. Otherwise they will assume what they want about you.
I find that things like Rayonier and business of the port (etc) are a lot more complicated than most know. I appreciate people (regardless of their politics) who have a firm understanding of the issues we face. If you do not at least have that, why in the world would we want you on the council?
It is simple as that. Clean up your act, dig in and understand the issues facing us, come up with some ideas and then speak to us with the strength of conviction.
Anon At 12:34 "So, tell me, why is it that Forks has a strong mayor government, but we still have the weak mayor government?"
I think (but I am not sure) that since Forks is smaller than we are they do not need both a mayor and a city manager.
But the weak mayor thing made me laugh.
Of all the candidates in the last City Council elections only two were unable to articulate a reason for running: Cody Blevins and Edna Petersen.
Cody couldn't because he's simply inarticulate. "Um ... er ... ah ..."
Edna couldn't because she has a massive sense of entitlement. Elections are a trifling formality! The Little People will simply do as they are told, fall in line and show their love to Empress Edna. (And if the Little People fail her, there's always her cronies on the Council to slide her in through the back door!)
But aside from single handedly chasing the farmers Market out of downtown and turning a once vibrant, bustling business area into a virtual ghost town, and painting the downtown area a horrible baby poop brown (which shows every splatter of sea gull shite very nicely) ... what exactly has she done to deserve serious consideration for the City Council?
Shouldn't "Larry's Logic" apply in the case of Cody Blevin's application for the City Council vacancy?
Afterall, the voters "dispatched" Blevins with the same alacrity as Betsy Wharton. Shouldn't the voice of the voters be respected?
The Cabal needs to be a little consistent here.
"... what exactly has she done to deserve serious consideration for the City Council?"
Edna associates with the "right" people. What other qualifications does she need?
>>I think (but I am not sure) that since Forks is smaller than we are they do not need both a mayor and a city manager.<<
That is bass-ackwards. Usually the larger towns/cities have a strong mayor (meaning the mayor is more than a figurehead, while the decisions are made by the "professional" city manager -- hired by the city, meaning unelected representatives).
Most larger towns and cities have both a mayor and a city manager, and they work together, with the city manager taking his marching orders FROM the city council. So, the elected officials actually do something aside from make minor decisions.The city manager makes all the real decisions. (This is why the Gateway could move ahead. This is why the water could have additives. And, so on.)
In a strong mayor government the elected mayor has the capacity to influence the city, and the city decisions.
Forks has a strong mayor government. The Port Angeles has a weak mayor government. Hence, the Port Angeles mayor could not fire anyone....under any condition or circumstances.
Get it? Our city government is run by people within the city, and who influence the city.
Has anyone "officially" applied for the open seat, besides Burton?
Gee, I thought it was because Edna WANTS it, and Edna gets what she wants -- by hook or crook.
She is dismissive and rude -- upon first impressions and meeting. She has quite the hard crust (crusty old broad, as a friend described her). Maybe she's all warm and gooey under that crust, but maybe some of us don't want to stick around that long to find out.
Unpleasant women, who are still tough in middle aged, have taken a lifetime to develop that persona. I for one, do not care to encourage that style of person in government.
I've already told you, Glenn Wiggins and Thom Davis have applied for the vacant seat. Please read all the relevant posts before asking questions that have already been answered.
Stay tuned for an official application from young Cody Blevins - IF Uncle Dick Piling decides that's the thing to do.
As always, stay tuned for further updates...
Thom Davis would make an excellent addition to the City Council. Let's hope his application gets the serious consideration that it deserves.
Wiggins is a relic. Perhaps the cabal is getting desperate, dusting off a variety of Dead-End Kids in hopes of slipping one in unnoticed.
Cody Blevins: "Aw, but Uncle Dick I wanna apply for that seat on th' council!"
Uncle Dick Piling: "Not now, boy. You gotta study up an' run agin that Cherie Kidd. Now shut up an' get me a box of see-gars an' go to the cleaners an' get my white suit pressed. I got a repoo-tation to uphold as a political boss."
Anon 4:30. well you do not have to cop an attitude. I merely guessed. Here is actually a better description http://en.allexperts.com/e/m/ma/mayor-council_government.htm Since we were both not completely correct.
Now that I have read up on it, yes, I do get it.
VACANCY UPDATE: Two more applicants for the vacant City Council seat have come forward. (Or backward, depending on your perspective.)
John C. Matthews is one. Like Glenn Wiggins, he's a Republican Precinct Committee Officer. This means a relationship with Dick Piling, which means you should be worried. (And so should Cody Blevins...Has Uncle Dick dropped him?)
Sheryl Outcalt is the other. She seems to have absolutely no public involvement/record, so I can only guess she's a lightweight selection-wise.
Thom Davis (pilot, business owner, musician and teacher with governmental and tribal experience) is looking better and better.
Stay tuned for more...
Watcher, do you really think Port Angeles is capable of not fighting itself on every turn?
This has been going on for years now. Even just filling this council seat vacancy has turned into a big deal.
Is it possible for this town to ever do anything positive? Is it doomed to constant in-fighting, forever?
My first time here - I am shocked at the negativity. Instead of complaining about others - get involved, learn everything about an issue (not just what you want to know) and start participating. Really easy to throw out spitballs from behind a screen. No wonder our community has such a tough time - stop it! Get positive, get motivated, get involved. No lazy-boy chair coaches.
As I stated elsewhere, this is a tremendous opportunity for Port Angeles. If the Council actually appoints someone with skills, experience and a focus on the future, this could be a truly transformative Council. The addition of someone like Thom Davis would push this Council and this town forward, upward and onward. The addition of someone like Glenn Wiggins would tie us to the past, and, at best, be a drag on progress.
So, get out there and write letters to the editor. E-mail Council members. Or, better yet, go to the Council meetings next week and demand that they choose someone who is vested in the FUTURE, not the past. This is a window of opportunity for Port Angeles. Do your part, and we can clear out the deadwood and Cabal holdouts who have blocked growth and progress for too long.
" Really easy to throw out spitballs from behind a screen. No wonder our community has such a tough time - stop it! Get positive, get motivated, get involved. No lazy-boy chair coaches."
As has been said before, what makes you think that a large number of the folks that post here ARE NOT heavily involved? If you read enough, you will see that the base information is coming from personal involvement and experience in the issues. There are folks here who are in city and county government.
Sure, there are always trolls and others that are just trying to be funny. But most of the "content" is based in fact.
Yes. This is potentially a pivotal time for Port Angeles, but I'm not holding my breath.
As the first post on this thread pointed out, the council is divided.
Will the majority be swayed by letters and such? Will Karen do as she did for her mayorship bid, and call out her troops? How many of the council members are all PABA members?
I hope things will change, politically. But even that only goes so far. The economics for the country are not good.
"The council is divided." ONE VOTE does not a divided Council make, folks. And, with a good pick for the vacant seat, there are lots of possibilities for good, solid, forward-thinking 4-3 or even 5-2 votes.
Would that mean the Council was still "divided"? Yes, technically. But so what? So long as we're seeing movement towards open government, so long as we're seeing progress on building a local identity and bolstering our local economy, who cares if not every single Council member votes "Yes" every single time?
Saying the "council is divided" and walking away is a cop out. If YOU make your voice heard, this Council will listen. Or at least a majority of it will. But if all you do is say nothing will change, and then you don't get involved, well then, that's a self-fulfilling prophecy isn't it?
Let Karen Rogers rally her sad, little troops. Outnumber them. Drown them out with better ideas. Show them to be the self-serving devils they are. Karen (and The Cabal) were 100% behind Edna, Cody and Harry Bell - and they all LOST. Remember that.
the ONLY power that The Cabal has is the power YOU give it.
Anyone interested in making communication easier by choosing any sort of name?
Anon 8:02 AM Does complaining and voicing a negative thought translate into not being involved? There is no shortage of problems and not a lot to cheer about. You do the math.
Watcher (thank you for picking a name). Can you find another word for cabal? It runs a close second to "Cronies" in being irritating and I KNOW your vocabulary stretches well beyond that word. PLEASE! I am begging.
As far as letter writing to the editor of PDN goes... Their sloppiness and bad reporting drive me nutso. I write to them plenty. The editor is asleep at the wheel and their reporters... Where to begin?
I think I might start attending the council meetings regularly. Maybe I will start blogging on it. I could link thru this blog if Harper is up for it. I will give it some thought.
"And, with a good pick for the vacant seat, there are lots of possibilities for good, solid, forward-thinking 4-3 or even 5-2 votes."
And you think that after all these years, after all the behind-the-scenes dealings, the croni-isms, the manipulation, intimidations and more, that those folks are just going to walk away?
I'm looking forward to being wrong. I'm looking forward to this community finally joining the modern world. I'm still not holding my breath, though.
I think the word "cabal" describes this group perfectly. "Cronies" and "cronyism" also perfectly describe them and theirs. They work behind the scenes, in the shadows, promoting one of their hangers-on into various positions. We could also call them "dead-enders" or the "Dead End Kids". I certainly hope The Watcher will not cease to use these accurate terms of description.
No, they aren't going to just walk away. But they can be driven from the temple.
Remember: Three out of four "establishment" candidates LOST the last election. And the only reason Brooke won was the accident.
Keep the pressure on, and we can exorcise these demons from our body politic.
"I think I might start attending the council meetings regularly."
And the county meetings? Planning commissions of both? You don't want to be getting only the city's "party line", do you?
"And the only reason Brooke won was the accident."
Brooke didn't win, Betsy lost.
I've heard the excuses. Betsy stopped campaigning out of respect for the accident, which is honorable. But it is redicilous to think that Betsy would have gotten more votes if only she had campaigned more.
She was the incumbant, with her name and picture in the paper virtually daily for the 4 years prior to the election. If people were not going to recognize her name on the ballot after all that, she was not a good council member, anyways.
But the fact is that she pissed off too many of her former supporters. And, the right wingers were never going to vote for her, no matter what. Betsy thought she could build bridges by supporting the old council in virtually every vote. All she did was lose enough of her core supporters to lose the election.
I supported her in her first bid, but did nothing for her in this last election.
The new council members would do well to recognize and learn from Betsy, if they're thinking of moderating their campaign promises.
I agree that Betsy, in many ways, lost the election on her own. I know full well that she disappointed many of her own supporters. BUT - without the freakish X-Factor of the accident...I don't know that she couldn't have won it. It's certainly possible. (Also remember that Brooke spent more on her campaign than anyone else - even more than Edna.)
And I also agree that the new Council members would do well to remember Betsy's example. Going along just to get along means you'll soon be moving on - to oblivion.
And finally, for the record, I will most likely keep using The Cabal, with occasional uses of Karen's Kult and Larry Williams' Whiners.
Problem was...Betsy never cleaned up her woman-of-the-woods (Earth Mama?) look. She never changed her style to LOOK conservative.
So, even though she looked like one of the hippy-dip style, she voted like a matron. It almost seemed like she was trying to be everything to everyone, and certainly NOT true to her campaign promises.
Here we thought we were voting in some down-to-earth feminist, and we got a sheep in wolfs clothing.
She lost because who needs that!
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