Clint Didier Speaks at FourC Forum

Clint Didier discussed U.N. Agenda 21 at a meeting of Concerned Citizens of Clallam County in Sequim yesterday.  About 200 people attended.

Wild Olympics Discussion at PABA meeting

The guest speaker at this Tuesday's Port Angeles Business Association meeting will be Carol Johnson, executive director of the North Olympic Timber Action Committee.  She will be presenting the timber industry's alternative to the Wild Olympics campaign.

The Wild Olympics campaign aims to add 38,000 acres to Olympic National Park, which would be achieved through voluntary sales by willing landowners.

Last June Carol Johnson told the Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce that the loss of these 38,000 acres would eliminate between 112 and 226 jobs, and cause local governments to lose up to $4 million in tax revenue.

Debate Between Linda Barnfather and Jim McEntire

Port of Port Angeles commissioner Jim McEntire and Linda Barnfather, former legislative assistant to state Rep. Kevin Van De Wege, held a debate in Sequim earlier this week.  They're both running for the Clallam County commission seat currently held by Steve Tharinger, who is not seeking re-election.  McEntire said:


“Now is not a good time to raise taxes.  We need to watch the cost of living in the county very closely now.”

Linda Barnfather cited her experience in farming and property management,and said she favored a balanced approach between boosting the economy and protecting the environment.  She said she would consider a tax increase “when things are at the critical level.”  She also said:

“I care deeply for all of you and where I live.”

Meeting to Discuss the ICLEI

According to a letter in yesterday's PDN, there will be a meeting next Monday, 9/26 at 6 p.m. at the Sequim Boys and Girls Club. This meeting will be a discussion of whether the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) actually consists of local governments throughout the world working together to promote biodiversity and environmental sustainability — as the group's website states — or whether it's a horrifying stealth plan to have jackbooted U.N. thugs come storming into American citizens' homes to steal their property rights and destroy their freedom.

Should be an interesting meeting.

8,000 Attend Sprint Boat Races

Port Angeles' first sprint boat racing event attracted 8,000 spectators yesterday.  Dan Morrison, co-owner of the track, said:

“We have counted 8,000 right now and we are only halfway through the races.  People are still coming in.” 

Elwha Dam Removal

This is a video of yesterday's beginning of the demolition of the Glines Canyon dam.

Here is a slide show.

And here is a link to this weekend's dam removal activities. 

Contract Awarded for Lincoln Park Redevelopment

Port of Port Angeles commissioners have selected Hough, Beck and Baird Inc. of Seattle to develop a master plan for redeveloping Lincoln Park. The plan includes cutting down the fir trees in Lincoln Park, probably within the next two to three years.

The contract will cost $145,513. The FAA, which requires that the trees be cut down, has awarded the Port a grant of $138,237. The Port will pay the remaining $7,276.

Sprint Boat Racer to Speak at PABA meeting

Tuesday morning's guest speaker before the Port Angeles Business Association will be Randy Alderson of Wicked Racing. Wicked Racing is one of the teams that will be competing at Port Angeles' first sprint boat race this coming Saturday.

Expanding the Port Angeles Utility Advisory Committee

Another position might be added to the 5-member Utility Advisory Committee. Nippon has a permanent seat on the committee, which could give the impression of unfairness.

City Councilman Max Mania brought up the fairness issue. He said “for a lot of people, perception is reality.” He also said adding a new position would increase public input regarding utility rates.

The City Council will discuss this at their September 20th meeting.

Unplugging the Valley Creek Culvert

There's a buildup of sediment in a culvert at Valley Creek which could cause flooding during the upcoming rainy season. The Port Angeles City Council voted 5-2 to authorize Kent Myers to hire a contractor to remove the blockage.

The expected cost is between $35,000 and $100,000. Max Mania and Cherie Kidd voted No because contract bids have not been received. Glenn Cutler told the Council that because of the flood risk, the city didn't have time to wait until the September 20th meeting to bring bids to the Council.

Border Patrol Agent Requests Transfer

U.S. Border Patrol agent Christian Sanchez has reportedly asked to be transferred back to the American-Mexican border.

Sanchez' attorney said Sanchez is afraid of reprisals because of his earlier statement that "there's nothing to do" for BP agents on the Olympic Peninsula. Here's a link to CNN's coverage of the story.

Border Patrol Makes Arrest in Front of P.A. Farmers Market

Hung Han, a Korean citizen and Sequim resident, was arrested by the Border Patrol around 2:30 p.m. on Saturday in front of the Port Angeles Farmers Market. He was in the process of helping his parents pack up their produce stand at Gateway Center. He was transferred to the I.C.E. detention center in Tacoma.

A farmers market vendor who witnessed the entire event said:

“I was shocked to see productive members of society arrested.”

Tinfoil Hat-Wearers Unload on Clallam County Commissioners

I usually try to keep my personal opinions out of this blog, but this is beyond absurd.

For three years Clallam County has been a member of the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI). ICLEI is a worldwide association of more than 1,200 local governments that are “committed to sustainable development.” Here is the organization's website.

The local "Black Helicopters!" brigade descended on the Clallam County Commissioners earlier this week, asking that Clallam County cut ties to the ICLEI. Quick, before a gang of jackbooted United Nations thugs comes storming into YOUR home and steals your property rights.

[sigh]