voters guide, 2011 general election - clallam county

C L A L L A M C O U N T Y

2011North

Olympic Peninsula

VoterGuide

General Election ✭ November 8, 2011

Published as a community service by the News Department

Peninsula Daily news

2 For the election ending november 8, 2011 Voter Guide A public service of the Peninsula Daily news

I N T R O D U C T I O N

Vote before 8 p.m. Nov. 8THIS SPECIAL SECTION of the

Peninsula Daily News, also available at no charge at the county court-

house, libraries and other public places across Clallam County as well as online at www.peninsuladailynews.com, provides voters with information about the Nov. 8 general election.

It profiles the candidates for county-wide and local races in which there is more than one candidate, and also dis-cusses measures on the ballot.

The primary election was held Aug. 16.Compilation of information, including

the question-and-answer segments, was coordinated by PDN Senior Writer Paul Gottlieb.

Candidates’ answers to questionnaires were limited to 75 words per question and were edited for length, grammar and spelling.

Races in which there is only one candi-date are not profiled in this section.

In Clallam County as in all of Wash-ington state, all voting is done by mail.

There is no Election Day precinct poll-ing, although a computerized terminal is

available at the Clallam County Auditor’s Office in the county court-house, 223 E. Fourth St., Port Angeles, during the voting period.

Mail-in ballots were sent to regis-tered voters in the appropriate jurisdic-tions starting Oct. 19.

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

■ Clallam County Courthouse, 223 E. Fourth St., Port Angeles. A drive-up drop box is provided.

■ Sequim Motor Vehicle Licensing Office, 1001 E. Washington St., Suite 5, Sequim.

■ Sequim City Hall, 152 W. Cedar St., Sequim.

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

Important information

Do not place more than one ballot in the official return envelope. And don’t forget to sign the envelope.

Fill in the square next to your choice.And make no identifying marks on

your ballot.Putting more than one ballot in a

return envelope, signifying your choice with an or check mark () instead of completely inking in the square (■■ ) or placing an identifying mark on a ballot will invalidate the ballot or ballots involved.

Election calendar.Here are some significant dates relat-

ing to the general election:■ Oct. 31: Voter registration deadline

for people not currently registered to vote in Washington.

Registration must be done in person at the Auditor’s Office in the county court-house, 223 E. Fourth St., Port Angeles.

■ Nov. 7: Last day for write-in candi-dates to file a Declaration of Candidacy for the Nov. 8 election.

■ Nov. 29: Deadline for County Can-vassing Board to certify the general elec-tion returns.

■ Nov. 30: Last day for county to mail abstract of gen-eral election returns to state.

■ Dec. 8: Final day for secretary of state to certify gen-eral election returns from across the state.

Got questions?

Questions about Clallam County elections can be phoned to the County Auditor’s Office elections division at 360-417-2221 or toll-free at 866-433-8683 Mondays through Fridays.

Voter registration information is avail-able by phoning at 360-417-2221 or toll-free at 866-433-8683 Mondays through Fridays.

Statewide elections information — including a link to the state’s online voters guide — is available from the Secretary of State’s Office in Olympia on the Web site, www.vote.wa.gov.

■ This Voter Guide also is online: http://tinyurl.com/clallamvote

ONLINE . . .

■ Clallam County auditor’s election website: http://tinyurl.com/clallaminfo

ONLINE . . .

Uncontested races in Clallam County on the Nov. 8 ballot. (These candidates are not profiled or ques-tioned in this Voter Guide.)

PORT OF PORT ANGELESCommissioner, District 2James Hallett

HOSPITAL DISTRICT NO. 2(Olympic Medical Center)Commissioner, District 2Gerry Lane

CITY OF PORT ANGELES.Council, Position 7Cherie Kidd(NOTE: Candidate Cody Blevins has withdrawn, although his name appears on the ballot.)

CITY OF FORKSCouncil, Position 4Michael D. Breidenbach

CITY OF SEQUIMCouncil Position 6Ken Hays

PORT ANGELES SCHOOL DISTRICTDirector, Position 3Patti Happe

Director, Position 4Lonnie Linn

CRESCENT SCHOOL DISTRICTDirector, Position 3Trisha Haggerty

Director, Position 4Susan Hopper

Director, Position 5Tracey Grover

SEQUIM SCHOOL DISTRICTDirector, Position 1Sarah Bedinger

Director, District 3John Bridge

CAPE FLATTERY SCHOOL DISTRICTDirector, District 2Gregory Colfax

Director, District 4Ronald R. Baker

Director, District 5Tracey Rascon

QUILLAYUTE VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICTDirector, District 1David L. Dickson

Director, District 3Bill Rohde

Director, District 5Starla Daman

FIRE DISTRICT NO. 1Commissioner 1Gerry Morris

Commissioner 2Chet Hunt

FIRE DISTRICT NO. 2Commissioner 1Tom Martin

FIRE DISTRICT NO. 3Commissioner 2Richard Houts

FIRE DISTRICT NO. 4Commissioner 1Ben Pacheco

Commissioner 2Mary Elizabeth Bower

FIRE DISTRICT NO. 6Commissioner 1Richard Chesmore

PARKS AND RECREATION DISTRICT NO. 1 (SARC)Commissioner, Position 4Gill Goodman

QUILLAYUTE PARKS AND RECREATION DISTRICTCommissioner, Position 1Donald N. Grafstrom

Commissioner, Position 2Laura Huling

Commissioner, Position 4Nedra Reed

Commissioner, Position 5Gordon Gibbs

SUNLAND WATER DISTRICTCommissioner, Position 1Jim Larison

Commissioner, Position 2Petter Putnam

Uncontested: They’re already elected

For the election ending november 8, 2011 3A public service of the Peninsula Daily news Voter Guide

C L A L L A M C O U N T Y

Commissioner, District 1

Linda Barnfather

Residence: Sequim.

Phone: 360-683-2412.

Email: [email protected].

Age: 48.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Washington State University; London, England, cultural exchange studies, University of London; certificate in nonfiction writing, University of Washington.

Occupation: Currently working full time as an executive legislative assistant, state House of Representatives, for Majority Whip, 24th District state Rep. Kevin Van De Wege of Sequim.

Campaign Website: www.lindabarnfather.com.

Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? No.

Why are you running for this position?

Barnfather: I bring more than 30 years of hands-on man-agement to the board and know the importance of budgetary dis-cipline.

I am committed to protecting tax dollars from wasteful spend-ing while maintaining important services to Clallam County resi-dents.

I am an advocate for a com-mon-sense perspective on regula-tory measures and government inefficiencies.

I will continue to make effec-tive, long-term financial planning decisions with well-researched information.

This translates into fiscal responsibility and sound steward ship of your tax dollars.

McEntire: Put simply, I want to keep serving my country in a way that will have the largest, most positive impact possible.

Voters have the opportunity to elect a thoughtful, fair-minded, sensible and experienced leader who will focus on improving our economy.

I have a good track record of doing my utmost to find ways to turn the economic problems fac-ing our county into opportunities and those opportunities into more jobs.

How do you feel about the increase in Border Patrol staffing/activity in Clallam County?

Barnfather: The Border Patrol presence in our area lies in the federal jurisdiction of gov-ernment.

However, I will continue to encourage our federal delegation to persist in asking for Border Patrol transparency and account-ability.

We already have a number of agencies on the Peninsula that

are doing a superb job protecting our borders and citizens, such as the Coast Guard and local Sher-iff ’s Department.

This is a far more prudent use our scarce tax dollars.

McEntire: The Border Patrol is here to protect our country from illegal activity.

Three things that would help our citizens understand the large task before the three U.S. Department of Homeland Secu-rity Department agencies that protect us (Border Patrol, U.S. Coast Guard and Immigration & Customs Enforcement) are:

■ Define the border. How far inland does it go?

■ Establish a visible presence to deter illegal activity.

■ Carefully target enforce-ment activity through good intel-ligence.

How would you address community opposition to the Carlsborg sewer project?

Barnfather: One of the responsibilities of county govern-ment is to provide infrastructure in areas of growth.

I would like to make sure that the county does not go into any general fund debt for a sewer system, nor do I want to see a heavy cost placed on the resi-dents of Carlsborg.

The plan will have to make sense and be equitable for all involved while still addressing the business community’s grow-ing economic needs.

McEntire: County govern-ment has all the legal authority it needs to address wastewater treatment infrastructure needs in Carlsborg without concentrat-ing the cost on a very small num-ber of people.

I refer to RCW 36.94.020.I’m sure a transition plan can

be devised that makes sense for those who live in the urban

growth area and to ensure that no one pays an inordinate and untimely cost to hook up to a col-lection or treatment system.

What’s your opinion of the increased buffer zones required by the state-man-dated update of the Shoreline Master Program?

Barnfather: I would like to see an ongoing, locally developed plan that complements our region’s needs and vision.

We need continued involve-ment in the public process, and integration of public comments to obtain this goal.

It is important to accommo-date future development while protecting our shorelines.

A significant factor in deter-mining fiscally responsible Shore-line Master Plan policy is mini-mizing risk to the county, which could lead to a waste of tax dol-lars in unnecessary litigation.

McEntire: Buffer zones shouldn’t necessarily be increased to create a good bal-ance between building and shore-line protection.

I’ll base my vote on a shore-line master plan update on four principles: don’t fix it if it’s not broken; the updated plan is based on good science; a very modest position is taken regard-ing “no net loss of ecological func-tion,” and just compensation is provided for property owners who suffer a loss of value due to the update.

Are you for or against the proposal by the Wild Olympics Campaign to add 37,000 acres to Olympic National Park? Explain.

Barnfather: There is no formal legislation on the table at this time, and it is a federal issue.

Jim McEntire

Residence: Sequim.

Phone: 360-452-2199.


Age: 61.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, U.S. Coast Guard Academy; master’s degree, public administration, The George Washington Univer-sity; Fellow, Secretary of Defense Strategic Studies Group.

Occupation: Retired U.S. Coast Guard officer, retired federal senior executive.

Campaign website: www.jimmcentire.com.

Have you ever held elec-tive public office, and if so, what? Commissioner, Port of Port Angeles (2008 to pres-ent).

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It will take a very long time — if ever — for this idea to come to fruition.

There must be willing sellers, timber protections in place and a Congress that will ultimately pass the legislation.

In this economy, I don’t see precious tax dollars being used for this purpose anytime soon.

McEntire: As I currently understand the plan, I cannot support it.

I firmly believe it is time to insist on no net loss of our coun-ty’s economic base.

The Wild Olympics plan does not protect Clallam’s economic base.

What are your goals for your term in office?

Barnfather: Clallam County is now facing a significant short-fall in our revenue projections due to a weak economy.

My first goal is to address this shortfall in a fair and rea-sonable manner while maintain-ing the most critical services.

I will foster an equitable working environment that empowers our employees to administer a long-term plan and more efficient government oper-ations to better serve our citi-zens.

McEntire: Understanding that the median Clallam County household has lost 26 percent of

its income over the last eight years, I will vote to keep county taxes level.

I will find every way possible for county government to get behind our economy and push just as hard as we can.

One good way to do that is to review regulations impacting business formation and growth to see if they need to be changed or repealed.

Why should voters choose

you over your opponent?

Barnfather: I know the issues facing our county.

I am not a career politician and have had to meet a payroll more than once in my life.

I understand the challenges facing small businesses, from regulatory issues to cash flow.

I am fiscally responsible and will keep extremist politics out of county government.

And I will not waste your tax dollars on excessive personal travel junkets and wasteful eco-nomic development projects that hurt our overall economy.

McEntire: Balancing prop-erty rights, environmental pro-tection and economic growth will take wisdom, common sense, lis-tening to the public and a steady hand.

I have the experience, com-mon sense and passion to do the job.

I will put you first.

County Commissioner, District 1

About the jobMember, Board of Commissioners, Clallam County

Partisan or nonpartisan: Partisan.

Election boundaries: Clallam County.

Voters: 45,659 as of Oct. 3.

Term: Four years.

Meetings: Work session every Monday, regular board meeting every Tuesday.

Compensation: $63,348 a year, $400 a month car allow-ance, county employee benefits.

Commissioner duties:■ Passes a budget that in 2011 is $83.9 million, including

capital projects and a $32.5 million general fund budget for day-to-day operations that includes salaries for 390 full-time-equivalent employees.

ConTinued from preCeding page

Get it 24/7.North Olympic Peninsula news, shopping values, clas-sified advertising, videos, Daily Deals and more from

the Peninsula’s No. 1 website: .

www.peninsuladailynews.com

H O S P I T A L D I S T R I C T No 2

OMC commissioner, District 2, Position 1


LaBrecque: The “system” of health care is complex, and chal-lenges are presented at all levels of society.

The solutions are not simple, but they must begin with the local community.

My clinical, operational and policy experiences in the health care industry offer not just a strong health care background but a perspective that appreci-ates the complexity and chal-lenges we face today and as we meet the future.

Nutter: To utilize my skills and experience to help Olympic Medical Center continue to best meet the needs of our community.

I’ve been able to contribute to many of the medical center suc-cesses over the past few years and want to continue to use my health care, finance and opera-tions background to help make our medical center the best possi-ble for our community.

How would you address the issue of uncompensated care, in which the hospital writes off millions of dollars in unpaid patient bills?

LaBrecque: I have the indus-try knowledge and ability to ana-lyze the challenges and help develop the best solution for OMC.

Some areas for possible con-sideration would include:

■ Engage in support and encouragement of safety-net pro-grams.

■ Does all care need to be in the most expensive setting?

■ How can the community

support more individual respon-sibility for one’s health?

■ Is the current access and availability to primary care suffi-cient?

Nutter: Uncompensated care at OMC is projected to reach $9 million this year, which is not sustainable.

I believe this issue has to be addressed from a legislative per-spective.

Leaving a greater and greater portion of our population without access to health insurance is not acceptable.

I strongly believe in not turn-ing anyone away who needs our help but also believe we need to legislate a sustainable payment system.

During your six-year term, do you foresee the hospital taking on more debt beyond the $8.4 million the district is borrowing to upgrade the emergency room? Explain.

LaBrecque: Taking on debt is not preferential but may be nec-essary.

Why debt would be incurred and how the use of the funds are managed would be key.

Setting expectations for return on investment from pro-grams or capital expenditures must be part of any spending plan, whether funded by debt or operational revenue.

John B. Nutter Jeanne M. LaBrecque

Profiles on next page

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Nutter: No. While OMC has a relatively low debt level com-pared to most other hospitals, I believe debt needs to be limited as much as possible and support one of our stated strategic plan goals of being long-term debt free.

Over the past several years, OMC has done a good job of buy-ing the equipment and facilities needed to make it through the next several years when money is tight.

How would you address the dispute between the hospital and hospital workers in Ser-vice Employees International Union Healthcare 1199NW?

LaBrecque: First, get the facts.

Proffering a solution without facts would be wrong.

It has to be difficult for both the hospital administration as well as the members of SEIU.

Being willing to hear, learn and then make tough decisions would be part of the job.

Nutter: I believe that contin-ued mediation and communica-tions will bring an end to the current dispute.

OMC has a long history of working together with SEIU 1199NW to provide the best care possible for our patients.

I believe a fair contract that is good for both sides will

be agreed upon.Unfortunately, working

through all the complex issues is taking a long time this time.

What is your opinion of the hospital district’s proposed affiliation with Swedish Med-ical Center?

LaBrecque: Again, I do not have all the facts, nor have I been privy to the deliberations and considerations that led to the current Swedish option.

Certainly, an affiliation that will garner buying power would make sense.

Providing key specialty ser-vices on the Peninsula is impor-tant for the health of the commu-nity.

If, though, the agreement is simply a means to direct revenue toward Swedish, then it must be questioned.

Nutter: I think the Swedish affiliation will be a major accom-plishment for our community.

It will provide more high-quality services in our local area while creating financial advan-tages by working together.

Those financial improvements are important for OMC to remain a locally owned and controlled medical center.


LaBrecque: To make and support the best decisions/actions for OMC and our community as we face the health care chal-

lenges of today and the future.

Nutter: My top four goals are completing the Swedish affiliation, expanding our emergency room to meet the needs of our community, working to maintain the highest level of quality care possible, and providing financial leadership to allow OMC to remain a locally owned medical center in these tough economic times.

Why should voters choose you over your opponent?

LaBrecque: My experience in the health care industry has provided me the opportunity to appreciate the perspectives of all constituents who either use or contribute to this complex system.

I am a fast learner and a keen problem solver.

Nutter: ■ Health care skills,

experience and knowledge. I spent nearly 10 years in OMC’s finance area and bring insight to the board.

■ Prior board experience. I’ve been able to build collaborative relationships with staff, administration, and many members of the medical staff.

■ Long-term commitment to our community. I’ve lived here more than 25 years and serve our community daily. I also look forward to using my skills and knowledge to lead our medical center.


John B. Nutter

Residence: Port Angeles.

Phone: 360-808-5469.


Age: 40.

Education: Port Angeles High School, Peninsula College, Western Washington University, master’s degree in business administration.

Occupation: City of Port Angeles police officer.

Campaign website: None.

Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? Yes, my current office of commissioner for Olympic Medical Center.

Jeanne M. LaBrecque


Phone: 360-452-2104.


Age: 63.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, nursing; master’s degree, nursing; master’s degree, health administration; certificate, family nurse practitioner.

Occupation: Retired director health care systems strategy at The Regence Group.



Commissioner, Clallam County Hospital District No. 2 (Olympic Medical Center)

Partisan or nonpartisan: Nonparti-san.

Election boundaries: The cities of Port Angeles and Sequim and including all or parts of the communities of Piedmont

and Freshwater Bay.


Term: Six years.

Compensation: $90 per meeting up to $8,640 annually and eligibility for the same insurance as other hospital employ-ees.

Duties:■ Passes a capital projects budget that

for 2011 is $11 million and a general fund budget for day-to-day expenses that for 2011 is $130 million and covers wages for 909 full-time-equivalent employees.

■ Purchases, builds, leases, maintains and operates hospital district property and facilities.

■ Sets hospital district policies, signs contracts, hires physicians.

About the job


Keep up with the sights and sounds on

the North Olympic Peninsula.

Peninsula SpotlightEvery Friday in



H O S P I T A L D I S T R I C T No 2


Jack Slowriver


Phone: 360-808-4400.


Age: 34.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in history from Smith College, magna cum laude, 2001; master’s degree in social service administration from the University of Chicago, 2006.

Occupation: Health care administration, director of area services, Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest.

Campaign website: www.jackslowriver.com.


John Miles


Phone: 360-928-2501.


Age: 81

Education: Central High School, Memphis, Tenn; Pre-medical studies, Northwestern University Medical School, Evanston, Ill.; doctor of medicine degree, University of Tennessee College of Medicine.

Occupation: Retired physician.


Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? Yes, Board of Commissioners, Olympic Medical Center, 2009-present.


Miles: I understand the issues facing our hospital, our medical community and the con-cerns of Clallam County’s citi-zens regarding local health care.

I believe I have been an effec-tive board member for the past two years.

Many issues that come before the board of commissioners are more effectively resolved with the help of an experienced physi-cian and medical administrator.

My input on critical issues these past two years has resulted in saving large amounts of funds.

Slowriver: My experience and expertise in providing afford-able health care can help lead Olympic Medical Center through the next six years.

With federal health care reform taking effect over the next few years, OMC will need strong and dynamic leadership that understands the challenges of today’s landscape.

As a commissioner, I will bring a mastery of contemporary health care issues and belief that access to health care should be affordable, reliable and of high quality.

How would you address the issue of uncompensated care, in which the hospital writes off millions of dollars in unpaid patient bills?

Miles: If everyone becomes insured under the Health Care Reform Act, this will no longer be a problem.

If not, patients could be encouraged to use their local free clinics for outpatient care.

Patients who qualify could enroll in the Medicaid program.

Slowriver: Bad debt makes up the majority of uncompen-sated care.

It occurs when insurance claims are denied or medical bills aren’t paid.

It is money that is being left on the table of insurance compa-nies.

OMC is not currently meeting fiscal management benchmarks that reduce bad debt.

I would change that. I would work to ensure charity care, the other form of uncompensated care, is preserved for those who need it most.

During your six-year term, do you foresee the hospital taking on more debt beyond the $8.4 million the district is borrowing to upgrade the emergency room? Explain.

Miles: No, because I know of no other urgent need for addi-tional large expenses.

Slowriver: OMC is currently $21 million in debt.

This is fiscally unsustainable for a public hospital that relies on the taxpayers’ support.

As a hospital commissioner, I would not support adding to this mountain of debt for any reason.

Rather than take on more debt, I’d focus on correcting OMC’s declining operating mar-gins so that, in the future, a fis-cally healthy OMC will have the revenue to finance its own capi-tal projects.

How would you address the dispute between the hospital and hospital workers in Ser-

vice Employees International Union Healthcare 1199NW?

Miles: As a commissioner, I have and continue to support and collaboratively work with hospi-tal employees, but settlement agreements have to reflect eco-nomic reality.

Slowriver: A reasonable com-promise must be reached for the good of our community.

OMC needs to offer competi-tive wages and benefits that attract top talent, but it is likely that some sacrifices will need to be made.

As our community’s largest employer and primary health care provider, OMC must reach an agreement that safeguards the financial stability of both the hospital and the hardworking people who deliver care and other essential services.

What is your opinion of the hospital district’s proposed affiliation with Swedish Med-ical Center?

Miles: I believe this proposed affiliation will benefit our hospi-tal, and our citizens require med-ical services.

Swedish Medical Center enjoys a great reputation and will improve referral access.

We would gain access to the best in electronic medical records.

The federal government has proposed adopting accountable care organizations to reduce health care costs.

Being a part of a large organi-zation such as Swedish will help when and if accountable care organizations come to be.

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Slowriver: The proposed affiliation is a strategic and nec-essary move.

It is exciting and one of the first of these kinds of relation-ships between rural and urban health care providers in Wash-ington.

I believe it will result in bet-ter access to specialty care, and better patient care and customer service through a shared elec-tronic medical records system and reduce supply and pharma-ceutical costs through an econ-omy of scale.

I absolutely support the Swedish Medical Center affilia-tion.


Miles: To continue to oversee (as part of the board of commis-sioners) financial stability of our hospital.

To continue with efforts to maintain and increase quality and safety programs.

Slowriver: My goal is to ensure that people get excep-tional health care in Clallam County.

OMC is currently meeting or exceeding standards of patient care.

I would build upon this already strong foundation with increased access to obstetrician/gynecologists, neurologists, drug

and alcohol treatment and enough primary care doctors to meet community demand.

Access to preventative or early treatment relieves the bur-den on the emergency depart-ment and often results in much better patient outcomes.


Miles: In these challenging times facing our medical center, I believe my commitment, back-ground and experience as a phy-sician, medical administrator and as a Clallam County hospi-tal district commissioner will continue to be a valuable asset to Olympic Medical Center and to our community.

Slowriver: I will bring fresh vision and contemporary, on-the-ground expertise to the job as well as a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility.

I am currently a health care administrator for a nonprofit organization that serves thou-sands of uninsured women and men each year.

I will take the job of protect-ing the public’s investment in Olympic Medical Center very seriously and do everything within my power to ensure your tax dollars are not being wasted.


■ Hospital commissioner duties, pay, other details/5

ABOUT THE JOB . . .ConTinued from preCeding page

C I T Y O F P O R T A N G E L E S

City Council, Position 1

Andrew (Drew) Schwab


Phone: 360-797-1313.


Age: 26.

Education: Bachelor of applied science in applied management from Peninsula College, associate of applied science in business administration with a marketing option from Peninsula College.

Occupation: Owner and operator of the retail store, Anime Kat, in downtown Port Angeles, specializing in Japanese movies and comics.

Campaign website: www.facebook.com/ DrewSchwab.


Brad Collins


Phone: 360-452-9562.


Age: 63.

Education: High school diploma, Fenton High School, Fenton, Mich., 1966; master’s degree, urban planning, University of Washington, 1979; bachelor’s degree, history, with emphasis also in English and political science, Albion College, 1970.

Occupation: Deputy director of capital projects and resource development, Serenity House of Clallam County; retired as city of Port Angeles planning director (state of Washington retirement system).


Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? I am the incumbent City Council member (Position No. 1) on the Port Angeles City Council.


Collins: To complete the work started in my first two years on the City Council, to serve my community with the experience and knowledge that I have gained in 24 years as a city department head and 40 years of professional practice in urban planning, and to improve trans-parency of city decision-making and financial restraints on public expenditures during this eco-nomic recession.

Schwab: I am running for City Council to offer a different point of view. There is no current representation for my generation.

While my campaign focus is not generation-based, a represen-tative City Council should be representative.

I am running for Position 1 because it is a two-year [unex-pired] term instead of a full four-year term.

As a new political face, I feel I should prove myself in two years before seeking four years.

What is your assessment of how the current City Council is doing its job?

Collins: The divisiveness of the previous City Council has been overcome, and public policy-making involves considerably more civility and response to public input.

A variety of opinions from citi-zen groups, every council mem-ber, and city staff comes into play on major policy decisions.

While there remains room for more improvement on spending controls, the current City Council has not made major spending mistakes.

Reining in higher utility rates is a focus of much council discus-sion.

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North Olympic Peninsula 2011 Voter Guide

Published as a public service by the Peninsula Daily news and peninsuladailynews.com

John C. Brewer, Editor and PublisherRex Wilson, Executive Editor and Voter Guide Designer

Paul Gottlieb, Voter Guide Project Editor



Di Guilio: It has always been my position to get involved in my community and not sit on the sidelines.

I have served on boards and committees such as United Way of Clallam County, Pacific County Board of Adjustment, Port Ange-les Downtown Association, Olym-pic Community Action Programs (OlyCAP) and many others.

Serving on the City Council is a great opportunity to serve my community and influence its growth and direction.

Fuller: I have been a lifelong resident of Port Angeles and felt that it was time I started getting more involved with my commu-nity.

I felt that this would give me an opportunity to serve my com-munity while learning more about its inner workings and the people who make that possible.


Di Guilio: The current City Council works well together. Every council member cares about our community.

We often differ on how we should address various issues. This leads to vigorous debates exploring all options.

This is what I believe the community wants from its coun-cil.

Decisions made by the council are compounded by lack of resources and unfunded federal and state mandates.

The balancing act takes energy and commitment from

council members. I’ve made that commitment.

Fuller: I feel that the current City Council is doing a fine job.

I want the opportunity to add to the effort they are making to better the community we live in.

How fair are the city’s util-ity rates, and to what degree would you change them?

Di Guilio: Utility rates are something the council addresses annually.

Each year, we look for every opportunity to hold the line on increases.

We have little discretion over electrical rates set by the Bonn-eville Power Administration.

Other rates are set so that they cover the costs of providing the utility with necessary infra-structure improvements and ade-quate reserves.

I believe our utility rates com-pare favorably to surrounding utilities.

Fuller: It’s not a matter of whether their are fair or not.

We should have received small increases over a set number of years getting us to the current rate.

The idea of one big hit at the end simply comes across as poor planning.

I intend to evaluate the situa-tion and attempt to work out a beneficial rate increase structure for our community with any sur-plus held over for any unex-pected rate increase.

Schwab: The current City Council is doing an adequate job.

However, there is room for improvement.

I would like to see more over-sight of city employees.

I would also like to see better communication with citizens.

I feel better explanations for decisions should be recorded and given with the decisions them-selves.

With explanations, citizens will not only know what the council did but why the council did it.


Collins: City utility rates com-pare with property taxes as an expense of government.

To a large extent, Port Angeles residents are paying less for utili-ties (particularly electrical) than residents in comparable cities and utility service areas.

However, I am concerned that the level of utility rate increases not become greater than those in these comparable areas.

As a result, I will continue to vote to restrain utility expenses where possible.

Schwab: I feel the utility rates are unfair to conservation-minded individuals and individuals with nominal utility usage.

Those who use little to any electricity have a larger percent-age of their utility bill as a base rate. The base rates should be lowered and the usage rate raised to make up the difference.

What would you do to retain current businesses and draw new businesses to the city?

Collins: Managing to keep the cost of government from burden-ing current business expansion and new business development is the most important thing that the City Council can do.

Creating and maintaining a business-friendly local culture through cooperation with private sector partners helps to foster cer-tainty in future city policy-making.

Businesses invest capital and

create jobs where they feel they fit into a community’s long-range plans and can obtain needed pub-lic infrastructure improvements.

Schwab: First, the city needs a comprehensive list of all Port Angeles businesses.

A comprehensive list does not exist.

With the list, we can track the opening and closing rates in town.

Next, we need to reevaluate the business laws in town.

Extraneous laws or laws the city is unable to enforce should be eliminated.

Remaining laws should be clear and concise.

There should be few unneces-sary barriers for new and existing businesses.

How responsibly does the city spend the taxpayers’ money? Explain.

Collins: The City Council approves an annual budget after months of public reviews, and the city administration has an excel-lent record in financial audits and revenue-investment strategies.

The council and administra-tion have developed a new bud-geting process to help direct diminishing revenues (due to the recession) to the highest-priority city programs based on adopted value statements and public sur-vey information.

The proof is in the absence of financial crises and major spend-ing mistakes.

Schwab: The city attempts to spend the taxpayers’ money responsibly.

However, there is always room for improvement.

Last year’s public survey to prioritize city services is a step in the right direction.

I want annual follow-ups to ensure city money is prioritized according to the wishes of the res-idents.

Financial issues brought to the council need to have the return on investment weighed.

Only activities with a high return on investment should be attempted.

What are your goals for

your term in office.

Collins: ■ To live within the limits of

our revenues through the com-pleted new budget process

■ To facilitate the public par-ticipation process and response to citizen input

■ To restrain utility-rate increases that have significant adverse effects on future ratepay-ers and business development

■ To make planned waterfront public improvements that fre-quently bring residents and visi-tors alike into downtown

■ To initiate transportation system changes that route traffic through the community with less congestion and carbon emissions

Schwab: My first goal is cen-tered on business development and growth that will create jobs.

Increasing industry-, retail- and service-oriented businesses will increase the number of avail-able living-wage jobs.

Increased living-wage jobs will generate more revenue for busi-nesses.

Increased business revenue will again create more jobs.

Secondly, my goal is to monitor the city’s financial activities.

All activities should have a high return on investment and be as fiscally responsible as possible.

Why should voters choose you over your opponents?

Collins: Greater experience and more knowledge of how to make decisions on city policies and operations.

I am open-minded and willing to listen to all sides of an issue before acting with a balanced approach to the broadest interests of the community.

Schwab: I am a young busi-ness owner struggling in a diffi-cult economy.

Without fiscal responsibility, I would already be closed.

I understand that things are not perfect in our city.

However, with a focus on busi-ness development and fiscal responsibility, I believe we can increase the quality of life for all of us in the city.

PA City Council, Position 1ConTinued from preCeding page



Dan Di Guilio Noelle Fuller


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Port Angeles City Council, Position 5What would you do to

retain current businesses and draw new businesses to the city?

Di Guilio: I have worked very hard promoting Port Angeles during my term in office.

I have sought advice from business owners asking what the city could do to help their busi-ness.

I believe we should focus on supporting current businesses before reaching out to new busi-nesses.

Promoting new businesses is good, but should not come at the expense of existing businesses.

The Buxton Study should be a valuable tool for helping existing businesses and attracting busi-nesses.

Fuller: I think we need to keep on the path of our choose-local group and continue to pro-mote ourselves as a positive tour-ist environment.

We need to start focusing our energy on promoting our commu-nity to the world as an eco-friendly environment that has something for everyone.


Di Guilio: This is an area where the council often has vig-orous debates.

Depending on one’s point of view, you could argue either side.

However, every vote I have made regarding expenditures was made after a through review of the issues and after consider-ing if it was it in the best long-term interest of the citizens of Port Angeles.

If reelected, I will continue to use my experience and best judgement regarding spending taxpayer money.

Fuller: Council members have attempted to come to mid-dle ground on how and where they spend the city’s money, keeping the budget in mind.

However, it’s been questioned if we need one more consultant from some other city planning our community’s infrastructure.

We must start looking to our local community and using our home based resources.

We need to choose to spend our dollars locally so that they stay local dollars for the better-ment of everyone.


Di Guilio: I would like to see significant progress toward the development of our waterfront along Railroad Avenue and a stronger and healthier business community.

I also would like to identify new opportunities for the city

and other local governments to work together cooperatively.

Fuller: I want to learn as much as I can about how the city works and provide a fresh look at how we might change it for the better.

I also plan to work harder to listen to what the community is upset about.

The people who are affected by our decisions should have the loudest voice in my world.


Di Guilio: I have more than 30 years experience running multimillion-dollar organizations.

I bring a broad range of expe-riences to the council.

I come to council meetings prepared after studying the issues.

I’m not afraid to speak up if I disagree with other council mem-bers’ positions.

Be they popular or unpopular, I always have the interests of our citizens and our community in mind when casting votes.

I ask for your vote.

Fuller: I bring a fresh, youth-ful outlook to matters at hand.

I have chosen to make a life here and support the local econ-omy, making me just as affected by the decisions of city govern-ment as any of my fellow voters and community members.

I need to do more to affect the greater good and prosperity of our city.

I feel I can really bring some-thing to the table and offer Port Angeles residents a change.

Noelle Fuller


Phone: 360-417-8978.


Age: 26.

Education: I graduated from Port Angeles High School in 2003. I have attended some college at Peninsula College but haven’t obtained a degree as of yet.

Occupation: I have owned my own store in Port Angeles for the last four years called Twisted.

We sell an assortment of Goth and punk clothing and multimedia home-goods and novelties. We cater mainly to the 12- to 25-year-old crowd.



Dan Di Guilio


Phone: 360-457-0925.


Age: 62.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Western Washington State University.

Occupation: Retired general manager of Clallam Transit System.

Campaign website: www.reelectdiguilio.com.

Have you ever held elective office, and if so, what? Yes. I’m completing my first four-year term as a Port Angeles City Council member.

During 2010 and 2011, I have had the pleasure of serving as mayor of our city.

About the jobMember, Port Angeles City Council

Partisan or nonpartisan: Nonpartisan.

Election boundaries: City of Port Angeles.


Term: Position 1, two-year unexpired term; Positions 5 and 6, four-year terms.

Meetings: First and third Tuesdays of the month.

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

Council duties:■ Passes an annual operating budget that in 2011 is

$88.7 million, including $53.5 million for utilities and $20 mil-lion for day-to-day expenses.

The budget includes an additional $29 million for utility infrastructure and $6.8 million for street and park projects.

The budget includes salaries for 258 full-time-equivalent employees.

■ Elects a mayor and deputy mayor from the council.■ Adopts all ordinances, approves all contracts and serves

on boards, commissions and subcommittees.





Don Perry


Phone: 360-457-1043.

Email:[email protected].

Age: 66.

Education: Three years of college before joining the Air Force. Associate’s degree in auto mechanics.

Occupation: Owner- operator of Heritage Tours of Port Angeles; semiretired after 35 years in the insurance industry.


Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? Yes, I’m currently serving on the City Council as deputy mayor.

Sissi Bruch


Phone: 360-452-1376.


Age: 51.

Education: Bachelor’s in psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1982; master’s in landscape architecture, Louisiana State University, 1988; Ph.D. in geography/urban planning, Michigan State University, 2006.

Occupation: Senior planner, Lower Elwha Klallam tribe.

Campaign website: www.votesissi.com.

Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? I have never run for an elected public office.


Bruch: I am running for City Council because I love this city and because I believe my experi-ence as a city planner, designer and project manager will be of use to Port Angeles through these tough economic times.

I worked in construction and development and understand the effects of policy on growth and economics.

I am committed to listening to the voters and using my exper-tise to help Port Angeles become a prosperous and thriving com-munity.

Perry: I have held this office for the last four years.

There are many things that I have been involved with that I would like to follow through on.

Those include but are not lim-ited to the waterfront prome-nade, combined sewer overflow and the Lauridsen Bridge proj-ect.

I feel that I bring common sense to the council and a work-ing man’s point of view.


Bruch: The current City Council has made many improve-ments, which should be acknowl-edged.

However, the most common complaint I hear from voters is that too often the city makes decisions with little input from the public.

Examples are Harbor-Works, raising utility rates and voting to close the swimming pool.

I would like to see greater fis-cal discipline, a renewed focus on supporting local businesses and a clearer vision for an economic revival for Port Angeles.

Perry: I think the council is doing a very good job with the economy being what it is and what we have to work with.

At this time, we have a very diverse council.

I believe that this is good for the city. We have discussions from all points of view.

This way, I think we make the decisions that are best for the majority of the citizens, and all points of view are discussed.


Bruch: Port Angeles utility

rates rely too heavily on fixed monthly base charges.

A typical utility bill for a home owner in Port Angeles includes $97.20 a month in base rates, taxes and fees for just being hooked up to city services.

High utility rates hurt busi-ness profits and discourage new residents from locating inside the city limit.

Our current and future utility issues need long-term, fiscally responsible solutions that serve our community without compro-mising our future.

Perry: We have some of the loosest utility rates compared to cities our size and the Clallam Public Utility District.

Hydropower is the least expen-sive of the alternatives, but we are always looking for ways to save.

As for water and wastewater, we have not increased our rates in several years.

Utilities are not out of control, and we have had no extravagant spending.

What would you do to retain current businesses and draw new businesses to the city?

Bruch: Many of our busi-nesses are struggling.

Rather than investing millions of dollars in outside consultants and contractors, the city should invest this money in our commu-nity.

This creates local jobs and increases revenues for both busi-ness and the city.

The city has already invested in many new planning studies that will improve and attract new businesses to our city.

We need to ensure these rec-ommendations are carried out and not ignored.

One candidate for Position 7PORT ANGELES CITY COUNCIL

candidate Cody Blevins has dropped out of the race, but his name remains on the general election ballot. Ballots were printed before he withdrew Sept. 26.

Blevins, 30, was running against incumbent Cherie Kidd, 65, for the Position 7 Port Angeles City Council seat in the Nov. 8 general election.

Blevins dropped out for personal reasons, he said.

Kidd, who effectively has no opponent for re-election, vowed to campaign until Election Day and has continued attending election forums.

Peninsula Daily News

Kidd

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Perry: We have an excellent economic development director and staff that are working very hard to promote new business and retain current businesses.

We are trying to make regula-tions that assist in promoting both.

We are always looking for bet-ter ways to help the business peo-ple of Port Angeles. The waterfront promenade is a good example.

I am a member of the [Port Angeles Business Association], [Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce] and the [Port Angeles Downtown Association] and carefully listen to what they have to say.


Bruch: The city does not have a great record regarding the stewardship of taxpayers’ money.

For example, the city of Port Angeles lost $570,000 in its failed investment in the Harbor-Works project.

Imagine what our community could have done with $570,000 invested in local jobs.

In addition, shortsighted solu-tions, such as the failing landfill wall that will now cost taxpayers more money to fix, are just not good investments for our com-munity.

Perry: Very responsibly.We constantly have open pub-

lic forums asking for public input.We have an extensive budget-

ing process, and the council is very involved.

This is not true in most cities.We try as best we can to

spend our tax dollars wisely.


Bruch: To represent my fel-low citizens of Port Angeles in an honest, transparent and effective manner.

Although diverse, we all share hopes for the economic health of our city, wise ecological steward-ship from our city staff and both fiscal responsibility and integrity in our elected representatives.

With guidance from public input, scientific data and sound business practices, it is my goal to help the city make these hopes a reality.

Perry: I would like to con-tinue working toward a better Port Angeles, continue using common sense in the decision-making for the city and look for more and better ways to help with our economic development.


Bruch: I do not agree with Don’s voting record.

Harbor-Works, raising utility rates and voting to close the pool needed alternatives and increased public input.

I have 20 years of experience and expertise in planning, devel-opment and city management and currently serve on the city’s Planning Commission. I under-stand issues facing the city.

It would be an honor to con-tribute my professional knowl-edge toward making Port Ange-les economically sound, environ-mentally healthy and culturally rich and diverse.

Perry: It takes awhile to learn the do’s and don’t’s of pub-lic office.

We are in some challenging times with the economy being what it is, and I believe that I have the experience and knowledge necessary to face these challenges.

I have been a productive member of this community for 26 years and would like to see this city grow and prosper.

I will do all I can to help.

■ Port Angeles City Council duties, pay, other details/9

ABOUT THE JOB . . .

PA City Council, Position 6


C I T Y O F S E Q U I M

City Council, Position 1Why are you running for

this position?

Duncan: I am running for this office because I believe Sequim needs to focus on attract-ing and retaining businesses that can provide living-wage jobs.

I also want to be a voice for people in Sequim who are under-represented. Specifically, I would like to help young families and the disadvantaged.

Erischsen: To serve the inter-ests of all the citizens and tax-payers in Sequim.


Duncan: I think the current council is getting things done and deserves credit for its accom-plishments.

I would like to provide a fresh perspective, help bring some additional ideas to the table and continue and complete the proj-ects they have put in motion.

Erischsen: The City Council, with the able assistance of the current city manager and staff, has accomplished most of the things that it was elected to do.

Do you favor or oppose the recently approved downtown plan? Explain.

Duncan: I favor the down-town plan.

I think it’s important for Sequim to have a vision for its future, and I would like to see input from as many residents as possible to make sure it repre-sents their interests.

I feel, however, that attracting businesses to downtown Sequim is a critical component that is not being given the attention it needs.

Erik Erichsen

Residence: Sequim.

Phone: 360-683-3875.


Age: 70.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry, University of Arkansas; master’s degree in health physics, University of Arkansas.

Occupation: Retired in 2002 as a manager with the U.S. Department of Energy with more than 30 years of federal service.


Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? I am currently serving on the Sequim City Council.

Pete Duncan

Residence: Sequim.

Phone: 206-355-9123.


Age: 42.

Education: Port Angeles High School; bachelor’s degree in economics, Seattle University.

Occupation: Wireless technology consultant.



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Without businesses to fill downtown commercial space, the plan will not have the desired impact.

Erischsen: No, the recently approved downtown plan will change the character of Sequim and is in opposition to Sequim’s vision of being and remaining a “friendly, rural small town.”

With high-rise (four-story buildings) and crowded, high-den-sity housing units, Sequim will become like so many other big-city downtowns with all the over-crowding, traffic congestion and crime.

What would you do to relieve traffic congestion on Washington Street?

Duncan: Sequim definitely needs to take the pressure off Washington Street.

I would like to collaborate with city planners and citizens to find the best alternative routes.

Erischsen: Traffic congestion is one of the things the “approved” downtown plan was supposed to solve.

It did not.In the recent survey, Sequim

citizens indicated that traffic con-gestion is one of the most impor-tant things that require attention.

For one thing, we will need more east-west and north-south through-streets.

We have an excellent city man-ager and public works director.

The City Council should ask them to suggest some possible solutions.

To what degree should the city help fund the Boys & Girls Club? Explain.

Duncan: Parents need sup-port so they can work, and chil-dren need a positive place to go after school.

In this economy, many families have no other realistic options, and not addressing their needs is

detrimental to Sequim as a whole.

Erischsen: Sequim citizens pay taxes to the city of Sequim so they can receive services and infrastructure from the city (such as crime prevention, water, sewer, garbage pickup, traffic control, emergency services, etc.).

These taxes are not collected so that the City Council can give it to the charitable organizations of “their” choice.

Giving to charities is an indi-vidual choice and responsibility.

Which charities an individual donates to is personal and private.


Duncan: ■ Provide a voice for young

families and the disadvantaged.■ Help Sequim attract and

retain businesses that provide liv-ing wage jobs.

■ Work with the existing coun-cil members to continue moving things forward.

Erischsen: My goal is to serve the interests of all the citizens and taxpayers of Sequim to the best of my ability, showing no favoritism for any special-interest group.


Duncan: I have a different perspective and will bring new ideas to the council.

I will work to find commonali-ties with other council members and get things accomplished.

Erischsen: In the past (almost) four years on the City Council, I have done my best to meet the goal stated above.

It is up to the voters to decide if I have done this and if it has been what they expected from me.

It is the voters’ decision.

Sequim City Council, Position 1

■ Sequim City Council duties, pay, other details/13

ABOUT THE JOB . . .ConTinued from preCeding page


City Council, Position 2Why are you running for

this position?

Dubois: I am honored to serve my community and want to continue my work.

Four years ago, I ran on a promise of fiscal responsibility and manageable growth — and I’ve delivered.

I’ve also worked to ensure a balanced budget with strong reserve policies.

We have made some changes to ensure more reasonable den-sity and height restrictions.

I want to ensure more land use and transportation improve-ments to make Sequim a great place to live.

Miller: My interest began when I attended my first council meeting and realized my street might never be fixed.

The survey shows the current City Council has lost touch with the people of Sequim.

I want to return focus to things important to local busi-nesses and residents: police, water/sewer, citizen input, more accountability and wiser spend-ing of tax dollars on real needs, not studies.


Dubois: We’ve done well con-sidering our challenging eco-nomic climate.

This council delivered on its promise to maintain a small-town atmosphere, lowering hous-ing densities and height restric-tions to earlier levels.

This is more in keeping with a city our size.

We also started collecting impact fees to ensure new devel-opment pays for resulting traffic increases.

We established a voter-approved transportation benefit

district to help pay for additional street projects and effectively managed funds during a down economy.

Miller: The current council is raising the budget every year while businesses and residents tighten their belts.

The roads remain in disrepair while they commission a pave-

ment-management study.Money is routed from savings

for future water and sewer repair needs, and the police have an ever-increasing workload while the council fixates on a new City Hall.

They need to solicit and address people’s priorities.

John Miller

Residence: Sequim.

Phone: 707-849-3127.


Age: 56.

Education: High school.

Occupation: Retired from Safeway Stores Inc. after 34½ years

Campaign website: None

Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? No

Laura J. Dubois

Residence: Sequim.

Phone: 360-477-4884.


Age: 63.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, University of New Hampshire.

Occupation: Retired budget analyst, Sacramento Municipal Utility District.

Campaign website: www.duboisinsequim.com.

Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? I have served four years on Sequim City Council, including two years as mayor.

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Dubois: As a member of the City Council, I voted for the plan.

It is a 20-year plan to keep our downtown core economically strong and an attractive place to shop, work in and enjoy.

The short-, mid- and long-term goals address issues and ideas from citizen and business input to improve parking, traffic flow and to keep the small-town feel.

This is a first step in building a comprehensive plan for how Sequim will grow.

Miller: The downtown plan received little or no input from the businesses it will most affect.

It is expensive, erodes prop-erty rights, and is mostly focused on a new City Hall and police station.

Chasing every new urban planning idea on the web is not good for Sequim.

Plans and innovation must benefit, not burden, small busi-nesses with more regulations and taxes and be in the best interest of all Sequim stakeholders.


Dubois: New developer impact fees raise important non-taxpayer revenues to pay for growth-related improvements.

We also generate new reve-nues from all people who use our streets to shop in Sequim — including out-of-towners — for transportation improvements.

With these revenues, we could create another cross-town street south of Washington to relieve congestion.

We should also consider an opportunity for a cross-town route south of U.S. Highway 101.

Miller: I first would change the direction of the stop signs on Prairie Street so just like Spruce Street, you can drive from Sequim Avenue to Seventh

without stopping.This of course will not com-

pletely solve the problem, but it is a start.


Dubois: The Boys & Girls Club is an important community service.

However, we are limited in our ability to freely fund commu-nity groups.

The city must fund the club from the same budget we use to help other vital groups, such as the senior center, free health clinic and other health and edu-cation organizations.

All these groups are impor-tant to our community, and we must balance our fund support to address multiple community needs.

Miller: Having an active, well-funded Boys & Girls Club helps build character, provides needed outlets for energies and reduces mischief.

Sequim police can confirm this.

Sequim should double its sup-port, but I suggest asking the residents, via their water bill mailings, for their opinions, as residents should decide.


Dubois: My goal is to con-tinue my work toward maintain-

ing our friendly, small-town atmosphere while supporting our economic vitality.

I will also continue my efforts to improve our streets and ensure safety for all citizens.

Finally, I will work to continue keeping our budget balanced even while facing this prolonged economic downturn.

Miller: I want to lower taxes, fees and the city budget while maintaining roads and other infrastructure.

I want to strengthen our police and lessen the burden on small businesses and residents.

Let’s get back to the basics of city government and not focus on

grandiose, model-city plans that we can’t afford and aren’t Sequim.


Dubois: I bring four years of experience on the council and another 17 years of budgeting experience to make government work effectively and within its resources.

My efforts include voter-approved transportation funds and developer-paid impact fees, which will help improve our streets.

My training and experience in budgeting, legislative issues and

land use will help keep our city government working efficiently and effectively for all of us.

Finally, I am committed to serving the citizens of Sequim.

Miller: I will trust the wis-dom of the people and will keep their priorities and not my own.

I realize that I work for the residents and not the other way around.

My opponent has had four years in office and fights for a new theater and City Hall by spinning the results of the sur-vey to further the council’s agenda.

I will put the concerns of our residents and businesses first.

Member, Sequim City Council

Partisan or nonpartisan: Nonparti-san.

Primary election boundaries: City of Sequim.


Term: Four years.

Meetings: Second and fourth Mondays of the month.

Compensation: The mayor, appointed by the City Council, receives $250 a month.

All other City Council members receive $150 a month.

They also are paid $20 for up to four City Council-related meetings a month up to four meeting.

Duties of the council:■ Passes a budget that for 2011 is $20

million, including a $7.8 million general-fund budget for day-to-day operations that includes salaries for 72 full-time-equivalent employees and $4 million for capital projects.

■ Adopts an annual budget, adopts all ordinances, approves all contracts and serves on boards, commissions and subcommittees.

Sequim City Council, Position 2

About the jobConTinued from preCeding page

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Candace Pratt

Residence: Sequim.

Phone: 360-582-0114.


Age: 72.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Tufts University.

Occupation: Retired teacher; retired my bookkeeping service in 1997.



Eric J. Miller

Residence: Sequim.

Phone: 360-683-6924.


Age: 56.

Education: Federal Aviation Administration mechanic ratings, air frame and power plant; associate’s degree in applied sciences drafting from Green River Community College.

Occupation: Former airline mechanic, retired due to industrial injury.




Miller: Sequim needs to focus on fixing up streets and other things than just the downtown area.

I see a lot of folks talking the Growth Management Act.

With the economy being unstable or headed for another downturn, just get down to work-ing with what we have and get away from hiring more people and no more golden parachutes and start dealing with the mess that was left behind at the plan-ning department.

Pratt: I understand how gov-ernment works and how city gov-ernment works for the common good.

I want to serve the Sequim community.


Miller: I think there is room to do better.

Pratt: I like the direction the current council is leading the city.

The city manager and depart-ment heads are professional and experienced and are presenting well-constructed plans for the future for the council to deliber-ate on.


Miller: I need more informa-tion on that.

Pratt: I like the idea that we have an idea of what downtown could look like in 20 years. I like a forward-thinking approach.


Miller: I would really need to speak with traffic people and see what options can be taken.

Pratt: Congestion has been relieved considerably by the U.S. Highway 101 Bypass.

We no longer have semi-trucks clogging our main streets.

I would like to see right-turn lanes at major intersections.

Using flashing yellow left-turn signals should to be researched to see if they can be installed without too big a price tag.


Miller: I know there has been a lot of talk about this.

I’m not really sure what Sequim is doing.

With the economic times not

doing so well, it may be time to look for private funding or find other solutions.

Pratt: The city’s job is to pro-vide a safe, healthy environment for families to raise their chil-dren.

Municipal law restricts how taxpayer money is given to non-profits.

The Boys & Girls Club board of directors is vested with keep-ing it running.

The club determines the pro-gram and activities offered.

It is a great after-school day-care choice for working parents.

The city should help, not hin-der, those efforts.


Miller: I would like to see Sequim in better condition —streets and its bottom line, too.

Pratt: I want to encourage our citizens to become more active in helping our city grow deliberately, including our service groups, our cultural organiza-tions and our business commu-nity.


Miller: I have been around the North Olympic Peninsula since our family moved here back in the mid 1960s.

I don’t believe in strip malls and “building pollution.”

One must choose wisely when comes to Sequim’s future, as it is your future also.

Pratt: I strongly believe the voters should know who the can-didate is and what she or he believes. I have made myself available to public scrutiny.

■ Sequim City Council duties, pay, other details/13

ABOUT THE JOB . . .

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Buonpane: I am running for this office for several reasons, one being to try and help keep taxes low.

I am also very concerned about the latest attempt by Wild Olympics to take over a large area of forested land for preser-vation purposes.

There is already quite enough national park property set aside.

Weissenfels: I feel that I have the ability to help people come to consensus.

I think the council needs a slightly toward-the-liberal female view to balance the mostly con-servative male perspectives that make up the current council.

I want to give back to the city that has been my home for so long and the place where I hope to spend the rest of my life.

What is your assessment of how the current City

Council is doing its job?

Buonpane: I believe that the current City Council is doing a fine job.

Weissenfels: I think they’re doing a fine job.

They are a group of concerned people who want the best for Forks within the parameters of the budget and the law.

I would be honored to work with them.

How do you feel about the increase in Border Patrol staffing/activity in Forks?

Buonpane: I believe those officers have a difficult job to do.

I just hope respect and dignity continue to be honored on both sides.

Weissenfels: I am ambiva-lent.

While I support secure bor-ders, I can’t help but think the sudden increase from four to 36

officers is excessive, and I have some concerns regarding the somewhat fuzzy attitude toward constitutional rights.

With the final “Twilight” movie out soon, what would you do to generate business activity in the post-“Twilight” era?

Buonpane: I would like to help encourage tourism in Forks (post-”Twilight”), by promoting the following events: car races at the airport, Rainfest, the Fourth of July, the Rainforest Run Bike Rally, etc.

Weissenfels: First of all, I don’t think that “post-Twilight” is all that imminent.

After all, Mayberry still pulls people in many years after the end of Andy Griffith’s show.

Furthermore, so many of the people who have come for the “Twilight” experience will return and recommend Forks to their friends because of the friendli-ness and beauty of the area.


Buonpane: It seems as though the city members are doing a good job considering the present tough economic chal-lenges.

Weissenfels: Given the size of our city and the tax base we have, I think the taxpayers’ money has been very well spent over the years.

Our government certainly isn’t top-heavy.

I’m proud of how our town looks with its wide streets, side-walks, new school and decorative touches.

I hope that we can continue to improve with an expanded sewer

system and a renovated animal shelter, for example.


Buonpane: I would work hard to help prevent the Wild Olympics land grab.

Also, with my construction experience, I believe that I could help the city of Forks on its

upcoming construction projects, especially the Russell Road project.

Weissenfels: I don’t have any particular agenda.

I just want to help things move along in a positive direc-tion, avoid conflict and continue to progress in a responsible, sus-tainable way.

C I T Y O F F O R K S


Juanita Weissenfels

Residence: Forks.

Phone: 360-374-5844.


Age: 65.

Occupation: Retired from 31 years of full-time teaching. My first year was in Oak Harbor, then I taught 30 years in Forks.



Giancarlo Buonpane

Residence: Forks.

Phone: 360-374-4212.


Age: 55.

Education: Forks High School.

Occupation: Self-employed as J&D Enterprises. I started my business 25 years ago. I own and operate several heavy equipment machines.


Have you ever held elective public office? No

About the jobMember, Forks City Council


Election boundaries: City of Forks.


Term: Four years.

Meetings: Second and fourth Mondays of the month.

Compensation: None.

Duties: Passes a budget that in 2011 is $4.5 million and includes a general fund budget for day-to-day expenses of $1.6 million and a capital projects budget of $800,000. The budget includes salaries for 30 full-time-equivalent employees.

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Baxter: With the knowledge acquired during my first term, I am well prepared to continue serving our community as an active member of a well-balanced School Board.

My 15 years working in edu-cational institutions and 30 years in private-sector retail sales, all here in Port Angeles, provides valuable perspectives and experi-ences in collaboration with fellow board members, district staff and community members.

I would appreciate building on this foundation and continue to serve our community.

Wheeler: I feel that I can bring a different perspective to our schools through my experi-ence and background with a fresh set of eyes and ears.

What would you do to address declining enrollment?

Baxter: Many factors in declining enrolment are not gov-erned by school boards.

However, it is critically impor-

tant to have-quality public edu-cation in place to help attract young families looking to relocate to our community, and I support collaboration among all local agencies in pursuit of this com-mon economic objective.

Equally important is the retention of students in our schools.

I firmly support programs and initiatives aimed at retaining students through to graduation and beyond.

Wheeler: ■ Form relationships with our

local home-school projects, pri-vate schools and parents about what the district has to offer.

■ Educate parents, grandpar-ents and students about why education is an important part of their future in order to gain employment.

It’s about creating partner-ships to keep the students in school.

What can be done to improve math and science instruction so that student scores improve on the Wash-

ington Assessment of Student Learning test?

Baxter: Math and science scores continue to be a challenge in many schools nationwide.

I’m focused on several areas that have demonstrated success:

■ Unified and demonstrated successful curriculums

■ Sharing of best practices within the district

■ Strategic incorporation of additional resources

Also critical is the work con-ducted at the state level in stabi-lizing the tests, ensuring align-ment with federal, state and local curriculums and graduation requirements, with a conscien-tious focus on student success.

Wheeler: Evaluate our cur-rent instruction system to make sure it is aligned in grades K-12.

Students can’t be successful without proper instruction.

The assessment is one part of what a student needs to complete in order to graduate.

There are many more require-ments in order for students to graduate high school.

Visit the state Office of Public Instruction at www.k12.wa.us.

How would you address uncertain state funding for the 2012-2013 school year?

Baxter: It is crucial to stay informed on federal and/or state funding that may be targeted, at any time, for cuts or elimination.

The school district retains good financial heath and is con-servative when building yearly budgets to develop an agile posi-tion should we incur additional cuts in 2012-2013.

I will continue to support this proven strategy with the empha-sis on protecting our system’s

ability to deliver a high-quality education to all students.

Wheeler: By communicating with my state and federal legisla-

tors about the lack of funding and how that affects my local school district with dollars and resources.

P O R T A N G E L E S S C H O O L D I S T R I C T

Director, Position 5

Arlene Wheeler


Phone: 360-460-5842.


Age: 48.

Education: Medical assistant/health care assistance, one-year certificate; associate’s degree, office technology with a medical option, bachelor’s degree, liberal arts.

Occupation: Planning and development director, Lower Elwha Klallam tribe.



Steven J. Baxter


Phone: 360-461-6192.


Age: 55.

Education: High school diploma, Port Angeles High School, 1974.

Occupation: Administrator; director of information technology services, Peninsula College.

Campaign website: sbaxter4schoolboard.wordpress.com.

Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? Port Angeles School Board member, Position 5.Why should voters choose

you over your opponent?

Buonpane: I believe I can draw from my 25-plus years of running my own business suc-cessfully.

With that experience, knowl-edge and common sense, I can help the City Council with road maintenance, environmental projects and bridge-building proj-ects.

In many ways, I can relate to

the people who are illegal immi-grants.

I came to America in 1969 from Italy.

It was difficult to adjust to a different culture and language.

Weissenfels: I know Giancarlo from many years ago, but unfortunately we’ve not maintained contact.

I guess that choosing me over him would offer some new per-spective to the council and bal-ance it out a little better.


Forks City Council, Position 1

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To what degree should sports be cut to address bud-get issues?

Baxter: Cuts to any program must undergo the same rigorous examination of the effect on stu-dent achievement.

It’s well proven that partici-pation in sports, music/arts and co-curricular and extracurricular clubs and other programs pro-vides the path to higher student achievement and stronger engagement in the educational process.

Cuts to any non-core aca-demic program will result in lower test scores, higher dropout rates and reduced engagement by students across the board and must be preserved whenever possible.

Wheeler: Sports keeps stu-dents connected to the school and community.

Sports could also keep the students out of trouble.

This is an area in which tough decisions need to be made when dealing with budget cuts, and we will have to cross that bridge when we get there.


Baxter: ■ Press forward on the need

to renovate/rebuild many of our schools in order to provide qual-ity instructional facilities required to deliver today’s teach-ing and learning strategies and methods.

■ Continue to pressure the state to adequately fund educa-tion, as defined in the Washing-ton state Constitution, and stop balancing the state budget on the backs of students.

■ Promote growth and enhancement of educational opportunities through collabora-tion with community members and agencies.

Wheeler: ■ Build trust and be a voice

for all students and their families.■ Having two-way communi-

cations and letting voters know that I can be their voice of con-cern at the table.

■ To bring all cultures into our schools – more diversity.


Baxter: ■ The knowledge acquired

and community-focused perfor-mance during my first term as a School Board director.

■ Fifteen years of experience working in education — years as an employee of the Port Ange-les School District.

■ Fifteen years of demon-strated expertise in the integra-tion of technology in education.

■ Ten years of demonstrated expertise in designing educa-tional facilities, classrooms and systems.

■ More than 30 years of suc-cessful management of complex projection-based budgets.

Wheeler: I have the experi-ence as a parent (three daugh-ters graduated from Port Ange-les High School), and as a grand-parent, and I have been an active community member with our youth.

I support youth overall.It’s important for them to

develop leadership skills, respect other cultures and most impor-tantly receive a good education.

Our current education system needs new ideas and skill-sets that can give students opportu-nities during these challenging times.

PA School District director, Position 5

About the jobDirector, Port Angeles School District


Election boundaries: The city of Port Angeles and all or parts of the communities of Black Diamond, Bayview, Deer Park, Dry Creek, Elwha, Freshwater Bay, Mount Angeles and Mount Pleasant.


Term: Four years.

Meetings: Second and fourth Monday of the month.

Compensation: None.

Duties:■ Passes a budget that for the 2011-2012 school year

includes $39 million for general-fund, day-to-day expenses and $823,000 for capital projects.

The district has a staff of 242 teachers, 148 classified per-sonnel and 13 administrators, including principals.

■ Approves all individual and union contracts and con-tracts with vendors.

■ Approves school policies for students.


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(and all our schools!)



Johnson: I’ve made important contributions to Sequim schools, and I want to continue to do so.

To be effective, the board must act as a team.

In my career as an engineering manager at Ford Motor Co., I developed strong team-building and analytical skills that have contributed to the fine-working board we currently have.

As a senior citizen, I reflect the concerns and issues of a major Sequim demographic that would otherwise be unrepresented.

Rosales: I have been in train-ing for this position for the past six years serving as PTA presi-dent for Greywolf Elementary School, Sequim Middle School PTA vice president and numerous boards and associations such as the Boys & Girls Club that keep me in contact with children.

As a senior and a parent of two children in the school district, I feel I bring a unique perspective and some fresh ideas to help improve our children’s education.

What would you do to address declining enrollment?

Johnson: Sequim schools have an excellent record of addressing our declining enrollment.

We use state demographic sta-tistics to augment our own stu-dent counts to project upcoming enrollment.

This is the basis for the finan-cial planning for the next years, particularly how we plan the num-ber and distribution of teachers.

We make a practice of being conservative in our estimates and have not been caught short in recent years.

Fortunately, our enrollment declines have been mild.

Rosales: Once again, all five of

our schools did not reach certain expectations of their AYP (annual yearly progress).

What is disturbing is that both of our elementary schools did not reach their reading levels.

To help stop the declining num-bers, we must bring these num-bers up so that parents stop home-schooling their children.

We must improve the educa-tion that we are providing so that students stay in our district.

Should there be merit pay for teachers? Explain.

Johnson: Recruiting, training and retaining high-quality teach-ers is the most important factor affecting student outcomes. Merit pay for teachers would only be of value if it were to ensure higher quality in our teaching staff.

Unfortunately, there are no reliable techniques to obtain objec-tive, meaningful assessments of teacher performance in terms of student outcomes.

Until we have such methods, it would be counterproductive and expensive to experiment with merit pay.

Who assesses the merit?

Rosales: Absolutely, for those who show excelling marks on their evaluations.

Unfortunately, we are living in a time that both private industry and school districts are not rewarding but are cutting.

We need to look for other ways to reward teachers, such as extra days off, waiving fees for their children, helping their children get scholarships to colleges, or private donations.

How can the district keep its head above water finan-cially?

Johnson: The district has kept its head above the waters in these difficult financial times.

Unlike other districts in the state and the nation, we have avoided layoffs and serious cut-backs in programs.

This is because we have main-tained a conservative, long-term approach to fiscal planning.

We hired a highly skilled superintendent and finance man-ager and gave them the directions and support in achieving stability in rough seas.

District audits have be fault-free.

Rosales: By looking for public-private partnerships.

Some districts have brought in a half-million dollars in school bus advertising.

We are not using this opportu-nity.

Ford Motor Co. has given away almost $5 million in its “Drive One 4 Ur School” program. There are many of these financial assis-tance programs available, and I believe it should be a responsibil-ity of the board to find these.

I am willing to take on this responsibility personally.

How would you address uncertain state funding for the 2012-2013 school year?

Johnson: We will maintain our close scrutiny of what is hap-pening in Olympia and lobby as we can on behalf of our schoolchil-dren.

But most importantly, we will continue the sound, long-range planning methods that have served the citizens of the Sequim School District so well to date.

Rosales: We need to work with the state Legislature on stabiliz-ing funding.

We need to know what we have and what we don’t have.

There are some cuts that can be made to our budget.

I do not believe that throwing money at the problem or raising

taxes is the answer.We must find other solutions

by including all of the stakehold-ers — seniors, teachers, parents and business owners.


Johnson: I intend to continue

the improvements in student out-comes that the district has been achieving by working with my fel-low board members and the superintendent in seeking and implementing the most effective methods of teacher training and instructional delivery.

S E Q U I M S C H O O L D I S T R I C T

Director at large, Position 5

Stephen T. Rosales

Residence: Sequim.

Phone: 360-461-6038.

Age: 55.

Education: El Paso Community College; University of Texas at El Paso, Texas.

Occupation: Volunteer interim director of Sequim Food Bank; retired chief of staff, Texas Lt. Gov. Bob Bullock.

Campaign Website: None.


Walter Johnson

Residence: Sequim.

Phone: 360-477-7775.


Age: 82.

Education: Master’s degree, engineering mechanics, University of Michigan.

Occupation: Retired engineer.


Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? School Board member, Southfield (Mich.) Public Schools, 24 years; Sequim School Board, Position 5.

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Deol: I believe some of the most important public offices are held at the community level.

SARC currently has a rich pro-gram for seniors, and I believe it is important to maintain and build upon this program.

However, I believe SARC can better serve the needs of working adults, families and children by offering a larger variety of pro-grams.

I want to be an advocate for young families and help increase resources for this underserved group.

Richardson: To improve the community use of SARC’s under-utilized resources, such as operat-ing hours and leased use of the pool for things like scuba classes.

Would you expect SARC membership fees to keep increasing during your term in office? Explain.

Deol: In these financially diffi-cult times, it is not feasible to keep increasing membership fees.

However, revenue needs to be generated to cover the increasing cost of utilities and other operat-ing costs.

I believe one option is to increase programs/classes/events, not just for members but also for non-members.

By offering classes across a wide spectrum of ages, ranging from preschoolers to seniors, SARC can efficiently generate much-needed revenue.

Richardson: Yes, fees will increase until SARC markets itself better.

Fees are a representation of memberships.

Last year, SARC lost $60,000, and this year, by its own account, will lose $100,000.

SARC must compete with the other facilities in the community by offering 24-hour service and revised programs.

Assess the performance of the present board. How well is

it serving the needs of SARC members?

Deol: The SARC board is com-prised of volunteers who value the SARC community and work meticulously to keep it a happy and healthy place.

I will work to bring the state’s testing methods into better align-ment with the needs of the society into which our graduates will move.

Rosales: Reading is the key. If you can’t read, you can’t be edu-cated.

While the rest of the country and state are making drastic cuts in education, I believe that we can be that shining star that adds to the education of our children by going to a full-day kindergarten.

People will point to us and say, look what was accomplished by this small community when they came together — businesses, schools, parents — by putting children first.


Johnson: I was on the board of

a larger district in Michigan and have served Sequim for six years.

I’ve learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t in mak-ing boards effective.

I’m a thoughtful person who listens carefully and respectfully to what others have to say.

I don’t have a lot to say at board meetings, but when I speak, it is to move us toward consensus on the most appropriate decisions.

Rosales: I salute my oppo-nent for his service to school boards for 33 years.

I have the ear of the commu-nity, as there are not many peo-ple that I have not touched by my various activities: Boys & Girls’ Club, food bank, First Teacher and others.

I have worked with the full spectrum of socioeconomic levels in our community — especially when it comes to the children.

I believe I can represent all of the stakeholders.

About the jobDirector, Sequim School Board


Election boundaries: City of Sequim and all or parts of the communities Agnew, Bell Hill, Blue Mountain, Blyn, Carlsborg, Diamond Point, Dungeness, Happy Valley, James-town, Robin Hill and SunLand in Clallam County and Gar-diner in Jefferson County.


Term: Four years.

Meetings: First and third Monday of the month.

Compensation: None.

Duties:■ Passes a budget that for the 2011-2012 school year

includes $24.8 million for general-fund, day-to-day expenses and $1.1 million for capital projects. The district has a staff of 160 teachers and 98 classified personnel.

■ Approves all individual and union contracts and con-tracts with vendors.

■ Approves school policies for students.

Sequim School District, director at large, Pos. 5ConTinued from preCeding page

P A R K S & R E C R E A T I O N D I S T R I C T No 1

SARC commissioner, Position 5

Jan Richardson

Residence: Sequim.

Phone: 360-683-2607.


Age: 71.

Education: Three years of college in business administration.

Occupation: Retired owner-operator of a construction company in California.

Campaign web site: None.


Sonu Deol

Residence: Sequim.

Phone: 313-618-9061.


Age: 38.

Education: Master’s degree in public health, Emory University, Atlanta, 2001.

Occupation: Homemaker.



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Black: I am passionate about SARC.

I normally use the facility five times a week.

A great many times, the build-ing looks like a morgue.

I have seen the apparent leth-argy of the board majority regarding the dearth of users and its impact on SARC’s finances.

I strongly believe I have the skills and determination to help alter the downward financial trend by initiating programs and activities for all age groups.

Griffith: I have a longtime and deep commitment to SARC.

SARC is a very fine facility and the envy of many.

However, we face many chal-lenges.

We must balance the down-turn in the economy with our desires to continue meet the needs of the community and pro-vide excellent fitness and recre-ational opportunities for the resi-dents of the Sequim-Dungeness area.

My background and knowl-edge position me to help set the course to meet our challenges.

Would you expect SARC membership fees to keep increasing during your term in office? Explain.

Black: I strongly oppose any user fee increase.

The general admission for adults was increased from $6.50 in 2007 to $10 in 2009 – a mon-strous 54 percent increase — with significant increases for other age groups.

This has led to the exclusion of many individuals and espe-cially families.

Rather than attempting to address the issue of user decrease, the board chose an ill-conceived easy way to balance its budget.

This has proved to be self-defeating.

Griffith: SARC is entirely supported only by those who use the facility.

The current SARC board has worked hard to minimize increases in fees over the past several years.

With expenses rising, it seems inevitable that serious consider-ation must be given to raising at least some fees this year.

Serious consideration must and will also be given to other further cost-savings and new, revenue-producing strategies.

Assess the performance of the present board. How well is it serving the needs of SARC members?

Black: SARC is a good facility but grossly underutilized.

It is definitely not fulfilling its potential, and it is not adhering to its mission statement of serving the needs of all the community.

It has shown a progressive user decrease in recent years and a corresponding decrease in income to the point of deficit rev-enue.

This is fiscal irresponsibility, and there seem to be no problem-solving ideas forthcoming from the board.

Griffith: SARC is a commu-nity-owned asset, not owned by the city or the county.

I believe the current board has been successful in serving the SARC members, but I think there is always room for improve-ment.

It is important to continually reassess whether SARC is meet-ing the needs of the community.

Richardson: The question is not about the remaining mem-bers, but how to raise revenue by attracting new members.

There is no lack of ideas to service the needs of the commu-nity, just a lack on the board’s part to initiate proposed pro-grams, such as discounts to first-responders and family nights when the whole family can enjoy SARC at lowered fees.


Deol: ■ To improve and maximize

resources at the SARC to satisfy the needs of its patrons.

■ To emphasize relationship-building and collaboration within the greater SARC community.

■ Increase programs offered to the community.

Richardson: I’ve been an active member of SARC for six years, and the answer is simple: Keep SARC from going broke.

SARC is a great community asset.

But it needs to move forward by implementing features that will draw both younger and older people through the doors.

Memberships pay the operat-ing cost.

Without new and returning memberships, fees will increase until the doors close.

It should be clear that SARC’s board can’t continue to lose money.


Deol: I bring my public health expertise and experience in work-ing at the community level to the board.

As a mother of three young kids, I understand challenges that parents face every day.

The SARC board currently does not have a voice for young families, and I truly believe that with your support, I can be the perfect addition to the board.

Richardson: First I belong to SARC and use it almost daily.

I have knowledge of both usage and maintenance of SARC’s equipment as well as the board’s inter-workings.


About the jobCommissioner, Sequim Aquatic Recreation Center (Clallam County Parks & Recreation District No. 1)


Election boundaries: City of Sequim and all or parts of the communities Agnew, Bell Hill, Blue Mountain, Blyn, Carlsborg, Diamond Point, Dungeness, Happy Valley, James-town, Robin Hill and SunLand.


Meetings: First two Wednesdays of the month. The first meeting is held solely to set the agenda for the second meet-ing.

Term: Four years.

Compensation: None.

Duties:■ Passes a budget that for 2011 is $1 million.■ Sets membership rates.■ Sets aquatic center polices and regulations.


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P A R K S & R E C R E A T I O N No 1


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Bill Black (write-in)Melinda E. Griffith




Drath: It is an excellent opportunity to use my education, training and experience to serve the citizens of our community.

I already work closely with the fire department, so I know most if not all the issues that this dedicated group faces.

I am committed to helping the other commissioners and the chief keep the department run-ning as smoothly as possible and in being a good steward of every-one’s tax dollars in this difficult economic environment.

Wright: To help the commu-nity with a very important ser-vice.

Most people don’t think much about it until they have a fire or medical emergency.

I feel my emergency medical experience can help the fire department.

How will you address the issue of boundary annexa-tion?

Drath: The district has been working on this issue for well over a year.

Hopefully it will be coming to a settlement soon.

The line has been identified, signatures gathered and paper-work submitted to the county.

I fully expect this issue to be done by the time my term would start.

But if it isn’t, I would support whatever needs to be done to get the people in these outlying areas the fire protection they deserve.

Wright: To follow through with the annexation to cover all citizens in our historic jurisdic-tional boundary.

We have always responded to

these areas, and I have relatives and friends who reside at San Juan Vista, Pysht and Hoko-Ozette Road.

With district property valu-ations stagnant, how would you fund a new ambulance and purchase other needed apparatus?

Drath: Careful management of the funds we do have.

Comprehensive planning of what is needed in the future and not putting all our eggs in one basket.

We need to continue looking outside the box and find addi-tional sources of funds that we can utilize.

The department is lucky to have a capable grant writer who has been very successful in get-ting grants funded.

Grants are being submitted this year for an ambulance, radio repeater, etc.

Wright: ■ Through grants and fund-

raisers■ Prioritize spending.■ Save money for important

purchases.

Users can purchase several kinds of passes, including monthly, six-month and yearly passes or pay daily admission.

The present board has per-formed well serving the needs of the community, keeping the doors open, maintaining pro-gramming — even lowering some fees, hiring a new director and setting in motion several community-based committees to assist in planning to meet future challenges.


Black: In addition to admin-istrative and operational changes, I propose that SARC initiate an aquatics family-fun night; provide after-school activi-ties in the gym; provide orga-nized exercise programs for seniors, especially those living in retirement and assisted living facilities; open the gym for teen recreation on Saturday nights; establish a youth/parent circuit exercise program to promote family bonding, and establish a working relationship with the Boys & Girls Club.

All these are doable at reduced rates.

Griffith: My goal will remain to oversee the financial viability and long-term survival of SARC while maintaining SARC as a key piece in the fabric of the community.

I love it that SARC can do so much for so many whether it’s recreational racquetball, volley-ball, swimming, working out for health and fitness, teaching young-sters to swim or providing com-petitive opportunities for youth.

I want to see it all, and more, continue.


Black: Last July, I was asked by the board to chair a citizens ad-hoc committee to improve efficiency and increase competi-tiveness while addressing the needs of the community.

We published 27 ideas, 22 of

which would incur no or minimal operating costs.

It was this effort that induced me to run for the board. My friends know me to be dedicated, persistent and tenacious in

whatever I undertake.These traits I will bring to the

board.

Griffith: My opponent is a very fine, thoughtful person who has contributed to SARC. How-ever, he served before and stepped down.

My commitment has been continuous.


Melinda E. Griffith

Residence: Sequim.

Phone: 360-683-3315.


Age: 70.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, history, San Francisco State College, San Francisco, Calif.; bachelor’s degree, physical therapy, University of California School of Medicine, San Francisco, Calif.; physical therapy certificate, University of California School of Medicine.

Occupation: Staff physical therapist for Olympic Medical Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Sequim.


Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? I have served as a commissioner on Clallam County Parks & Recreation District No. 1 (SARC) board. I was a member of the board that planned and built the Sequim Aquatic Recreation Center.

Bill Black (registered write-in

candidate)

Residence: Sequim.

Phone: 360-681-4422.


Age: 75.

Education: Degrees in aerospace engineering and space technology.

Occupation: Retired aerospace and nuclear engineer at General Dynamic and GA Technologies.


Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? Yes, SARC commissioner, 2000-2007.


■ SARC commissioner duties, pay, other details/20

ABOUT THE JOB . . .

F I R E D I S T R I C T No 5

Fire commissioner, Position 1

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Bill Drath Roy “Spider” Wright


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■ Work with members of the fire department to ensure that they have what they need to respond to fires, disasters and medical emergencies.

How will you ensure that the fire district is prepared for a natural disaster?

Drath: I am and will be directly involved.

I am co-captain, with the fire chief, of the local Red Cross team that responds to fires and other emergencies.

I am a Map Your Neighbor-hood instructor and just recently received training for teaching the public about earthquakes and tsunamis.

I am also a member of Clal-lam County Amateur Radio Emergency Services which pro-vides backup communication using ham radios. “When all else fails.”

Wright: ■ Study the existing disaster

plan.■ Have coordination and nec-

essary resources.■ Work on communication in

the community.■ Work with other agencies to

coordinate response.■ Work with the community

so it knows the plan and make sure it has some of its own resources.


Drath: My No. 1 goal is to ensure that everything is done to keep the department personnel

as safe as possible.I would like to see the excel-

lent training that they now receive continue.

I would like to see the policies and procedures reviewed and changed if need be.

My ultimate goal would be to increase the number of personnel and public participation in the commissioners’ meetings.

Wright: ■ Complete annexation.■ Ensure the best services for

our community.■ Have the proper equipment.■ Emergency preparedness

for everyone.■ Financial responsibility.


Drath: I feel as though I bring a great deal of experience, education and training to this position.

I have dedicated my life to public service both in my career and in the volunteer work I do in the community.

I live in the community and am dedicated to staying here and making it the best place to live for all those who live here. I have attended almost every District 5 commissioners’ meeting in the past two years.

Wright: I do not know my opponent’s views, but I will do my best to serve our community.

I have lived in Sekiu for 37 years and worked as a volunteer EMT/advanced-life-support tech-nician and CPR instructor for five years.

Fire District No. 5 commissioner, Position 1

Roy ‘Spider’ Wright

Residence: Sekiu.

Phone: 360-963-2882.


Age: 57.

Education: 12th grade.

Occupation: Carpenter.



Bill Drath

Residence: Clallam Bay.

Phone: 360-963-2913.


Age: 50.

Education: Yelm High School, class of 1979; bach-elor’s degree, Western Wash-ington University, 1986; park ranger law enforcement academy, 1986; continuing training from state, county and other sources both paid and unpaid. Examples include management, super-vising, working with volun-teers, ecosystems, safety and liability, computers, wild-land firefighting.

Occupation: 22 years as a park ranger for Washington State Parks.




About the job

Commissioner, District No. 5

Partisan or nonparti-san: Nonpartisan.

Election boundaries: Clallam Bay, Hoko and Sekiu.

Voters: 535 as of Oct. 3.

Term: Six years.

Meetings: Fourth Fri-day of the month.

Compensation: $104 per meeting and eligibility for the same benefits as firefighters.

Duties:■ Pass a day-to-day gen-

eral fund budget that for 2011 is $189,000 and includes the salary for the fire chief, the only salaried employee.

There is no capital proj-ects budget.

The district has 22 vol-unteers, each of whom receives a stiped for each call.

The district serves 2,200 year-round residents, including 900 inmates at Clallam Bay Corrections Center, for which the dis-trict provides fire protec-tion and emergency medi-cal services.

www.peninsuladailynews.com

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By Mike BakerThe assoCiaTed press

OLYMPIA — Voters statewide overwhelmingly approved expanded background checks and training for long-term care work-ers in 2008.

Now they’re being asked to do it again in the middle of a budget crisis.

The Legislature has for three years delayed the implementa-tion of Initiative 1029 because of budget cuts.

But advocates for the measure contend that the problems in the system are only getting worse and that the cost to fix the issues is minimal.

“There is some cost to the state, but the voters have already made it clear that it’s a priority,” said Sandeep Kaushik, a spokes-man for the new iteration, I-1163.

“We’re confident that the vot-ers are again going to say that this needs to happen.”

Gov. Chris Gregoire is among those who oppose the initiative because the new spending would have to be offset by cuts else-where, spokesman Cory Curtis said.

The state is looking to cut $2 billion to fill a budget shortfall, and Gregoire has called lawmak-ers back for a special session starting at the end of November.

Lawmakers have been explor-ing additional reductions in teacher salaries, releasing state prisoners early and eliminating virtually all substance abuse ser-vices.

The care workers measure would cost about $18 million over the next two years, according to a state analysis.

State law requires that long-term care workers receive crimi-nal background checks, but those checks look for convictions only in Washington.

Workers who have lived in the state less than three years undergo an FBI fingerprint check.

The new plan would require all new workers to undergo fed-eral background checks starting in 2012. Lawmakers had pushed implementation until 2014.

If the initiative passes, the Legislature wouldn’t be able to delay it again without a two-thirds majority.

The measure would also begin requiring more training, includ-ing 75 hours of basic training for long-term care workers, instead of the currently required 35 hours.

S T A T E O F W A S H I N G T O N

Statewide initiatives, resolutionsInitiative 1125:

Eyman plan puts road tolls on LegislatureBy Mike BakerThe assoCiaTed press

OLYMPIA — Initiative pro-moter Tim Eyman has spent years quarreling with state law-makers, trying to curb their power to raise revenue.

This year, he wants to ensure they don’t give those same pow-ers away.

Eyman’s latest ballot proposal would force legislators to vote on tolls for transportation projects instead of allowing a commission to set the rates. He said “unelected bureaucrats” should not have the ability to create driving fees.

“As critical as I am of the Leg-islature, at least they are accountable,” Eyman said. “We can vote them out of office if we don’t like what they do.”

State officials have been increasingly looking at tolling as a way to fund major transporta-tion projects, such as the state Highway 520 floating bridge in Seattle, Seattle’s Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement and the Columbia River bridge connect-ing Vancouver, Wash., and Port-land, Ore.

Gas tax revenue is plateau-ing, and much of it is already destined for projects in the works.

Democratic leaders believe Eyman’s plan, Initiative 1125, would make tolling as a trans-portation funding source much more costly, if not impossible.

State Treasurer Jim McIntire said the state wants to finance projects using bonds backed by the tolls.

But he warned that investors won’t be interested in betting on

a process that could be marred by politics — and that would drive up the costs of borrowing. He said it would essentially force the state to find other revenue sources.

“We’d have to find gas taxes to back the bonds,” McIntire said.

Bonds backed only by tolls are more expensive than those backed by gas taxes.

For the 520 bridge replace-ment, the state is looking at pro-viding 10 percent of the financ-ing with toll-backed bonds at a rate of 7.3 percent.

That’s three percentage points higher than triple-backed bonds, which are supported first by tolls, then by gas taxes, then by a general pledge of the state.

Eyman said the state should focus on issuing triple-backed bonds to keep costs down.

Opponents of the initiative say tolls are fair because they charge users instead of pulling resources from general tax dollars.

Doug MacDonald, the former state transportation secretary, said voters on the east side of the state should be concerned if the initiative passes because it could force a broad gas tax

increase instead of revenue col-lections targeted at users.

The Association of Washing-ton Business, Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire and Republican Attorney General Rob McKenna are among those who have come out against the initiative, and Microsoft has provided financial support to defeat the measure.

Eyman’s plan contains other provisions that would alter the state’s tolling plans:

■ It would ban the use of tiered tolling rates for different parts of the day, which essen-tially would eliminate a state program that adjusts costs for High Occupancy Toll lanes to ensure they continue to flow even when other lanes are con-gested.

■ And it would prohibit the tolling of one road to pay for another.

His plan also includes a major provision that would halt light rail from running across the Interstate 90 floating bridge east of Seattle.

Eyman’s initiative campaign is largely funded by Bellevue developer Kemper Freeman, who has battled against light rail pro-posals for years.

Initiative Measure No. 1125 concerns state expenditures on transportation.

This measure would prohibit the use of motor vehicle fund revenue and vehicle toll revenue for non-transportation purposes, and require that road and bridge tolls be set by the legislature and be project-specific.

Should this measure be enacted into law?[ ] Yes.[ ] No

Initiative 1163: Standards for caregivers

Initiative Measure No. 1163 concerns long-term care workers and services for elderly and disabled people.

This measure would reinstate background checks, training, and other requirements for long-term care workers and providers, if amended in 2011; and address financial accountability and administrative expenses of the long-term in-home care program.

Should this measure be enacted into law?

[ ] Yes.[ ] No


The assoCiaTed press

OLYMPIA — Voters in the state have been asked to approve a constitutional amendment that would require the Legislature to store extra cash in years when there is extraordinary revenue growth.

The resolution on the ballot in November — Senate Joint Reso-lution 8206 — is designed to pro-vide more budget stability, so that spending doesn’t increase too much during economic growth or face steep cuts when revenues decline.

Lawmakers passed the mea-sure by a wide margin with sup-port from Democratic and Repub-lican leadership along with State Treasurer James McIntire.

Sen. Joe Zarelli, R-Ridgefield, said the measure represents a lesson learned of the past decade. He said the state would be in far better shape if the rules had been in place in years past, when reve-nues were on the rise before the recession triggered a decline.

Extraordinary revenue growth is defined under the initiative as growth that is one-third greater than the average over the past decade.

The Legislature would have to set aside three-quarters of the extraordinary revenue, unless employment growth grew by less than one percent per year over the previous budget cycle.

The Legislature can withdraw the money in a year in which employment growth is projected to be less than 1 percent, or if the account has grown to exceed 10 percent of revenues for the year, or during a state of emergency in response to a catastrophic event.

Otherwise, lawmakers need a three-fifths majority to withdraw money.

A small group of Democratic lawmakers have opposed the bud-get resolution on the ballot, say-ing it will leave people paying for taxes and getting nothing but a bigger savings account. They also point out that the state already

saves money in a rainy day fund.■ In another resolution —

SJR 8205 — before voters, law-makers seek to fix conflicting voter residency requirements in the state constitution. The mea-sure passed the Legislature unanimously and has drawn no formal opposition.

I-1183: Another try at liquor privatization

By Mike BakerThe assoCiaTed press

OLYMPIA — A year after fail-ing to get voter support to priva-tize state liquor sales, Costco Wholesale Corp. and its allies are returning to the ballot for a sec-ond opinion.

This year’s plan attempts to assuage the concerns that voters raised in 2010, providing a boost in revenues for state and local governments while largely pro-hibiting small convenience stores from participating.

It doubles penalties for retail-ers who sell liquor to minors, and supporters believe that consum-ers will start seeing lower liquor prices.

“It’s a win-win-win,” said Joe Gilliam, president of the North-west Grocers Association.

“The state of Washington gets revenue for essential services. The private sector picks up a new product line that helps serve the customer. And the customer gets more convenience and a better shopping experience.”

But opponents point to a potential loophole in the limits, warning that vague wording could mean that minimarts around that state will qualify for liquor licenses.

The measure, Initiative 1183, says the liquor control board shall not deny a retail license to proper businesses if “there is no retail spirits license holder in the trade area.”

It does not specifically define what a trade area is, leaving that to the liquor board or the courts to ultimately decide.

Opponents have created their own definition — one mile in urban areas and five miles in rural areas — to estimate that it could allow some 1,000 retail out-lets to get exemptions.

“This loophole is big enough to drive a liquor truck through, and that’s what they’re going to do,” said Alex Fryer, a spokesman for the opposition group Protect Our Communities.

Gilliam said he expects the exemptions will be much more

narrow, arguing that trade areas for some stores reach 40 miles.

Washington is one of about 18 states that have broad control over the distribution of liquor.

A smaller number of states, including Washington, also main-tain control over liquor sales, such as through state-run liquor stores or contractors.

Because of that, Costco and other major retailers wcannot sell liquor on their own.

Opponents of the bill, includ-ing Gov. Chris Gregoire, have largely cited the public safety concerns as a reason to vote no.

They say private stores are less likely to catch and prevent minors from buying liquor and that the expansion of liquor out-lets will simply lead to more con-sumption — and the societal costs that accompany alcohol abuse.

The number of outlets quali-fied to sell liquor would quadru-ple under the plan, according to state estimates.

Last year’s proposal got sup-port of only 47 percent of voters despite more than $4 million of campaign contributions from Costco.

The Issaquah-based company has contributed even more this time around, and both sides have raised millions of dollars, with a coalition of wholesalers providing

much of the cash for the opposi-tion.

The initiative has substantial financial impli-cations for both businesses and the state.

The plan would bring in tens of millions of dollars each year to state gov-ernment and a nearly equal number for local governments.

The state would also gain a one-time benefit of about $28 mil-lion for selling the state liquor distribution center.

It’s not clear if consumers will see a benefit at the point of sale.

The state’s initial projections assume that businesses will sell at a markup of at least 25 per-cent on top of the 10 percent in fees paid by distributors and 17 percent paid by retailers.

The total of 52 percent is about how much the state already marks up liquor products for sale.

Supporters of the initiative believe competition will drive down how much businesses mark up the liquor. They also believe prices will be aided by allowing companies to bypass wholesalers, who have long served as interme-diaries.

But that issue also has com-plications.

A provision of the measure requires the new liquor license fee for distributors to reach at least $150 million by March 2013. If not, distributors would have to cover the difference.

The state estimates that fees will come in about $60 million short of that, which could further drive up the costs for businesses that rely on distributors and give an advantage to those who do not.

The distributors have lined up in stiff opposition to the idea, arguing that they provide insula-tion between alcohol producers and sellers.

Initiative Measure No. 1183 concerns liquor: beer, wine, and spirits (hard liquor).

This measure would close state liquor stores and sell their assets; license pri-vate parties to sell and dis-tribute spirits; set license fees based on sales; regu-late licensees; and change regulation of wine distribu-tion.

Should this measure be enacted into law?

[ ] Yes.[ ] No

Senate Joint Resolution 8205

The Legislature has proposed a constitutional amendment on repealing article VI, section 1A, of the Washington Constitution.

This amendment would remove an inoperative provision from the state constitution regarding the length of time a voter must reside in Washington to vote for president and vice president.

Should this constitutional amendment be:

[ ] Approved.[ ] Rejected

Senate Joint Resolution 8206

The Legislature has proposed a constitutional amendment on the budget stabilization account maintained in the state treasury.

This amendment would require the legislature to transfer additional moneys to the budget stabilization account in each fiscal biennium in which the state has received “extraordinary revenue growth,” as defined, with certain limitations.

Should this constitutional amendment be:

[ ] Approved.[ ] Rejected

■ More on statewide measures: http://tinyurl.com/pdn2011

ONLINE . . .

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