voters guide, 2011 general election - jefferson county

J E F F E R S O N 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 East Jefferson 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. Nei-ther are write-in candidates.

In Jefferson County as in all of Wash-

ington state, all vot-ing is done by mail.

There is no Elec-tion Day precinct polling, although a computerized termi-nal is available at the Jefferson County Auditor’s Office in the county court-house, 1820 Jeffer-son St., Port Townsend, during the voting period.

Mail-in ballots were sent to registered voters in the appropriate jurisdictions 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:

■ Jefferson County Courthouse, 1820 Jefferson St., Port Townsend. A drive-up drop box is provided.

■ Jefferson County Library, 620 Cedar Ave., Port Hadlock.

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 oval next to your choice. And make no identifying marks on your ballot.

Frequently asked questions and answers about all-mail voting can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/allmailvoting.

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: Dead-line for County Can-vassing Board to certify the general election returns.

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

Got questions?

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

Voter registration information is avail-able by phoning 360-385-9119.

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/jeffcovote

ONLINE . . .

■ Jefferson County auditor’s election website: http://tinyurl.com/jeffcoinfo

ONLINE . . .

Uncontested races in Jefferson County on the Nov. 8 ballot.

(These candidates are not profiled or questioned in this Voter Guide.)

PORT OF PORT TOWNSENDCommissioner, District 1Steve Tucker

HOSPITAL DISTRICT NO. 2(Jefferson Healthcare)Commissioner, District 1Anthony F. “Tony” DeLeo

HOSPITAL DISTRICT NO. 1(West Jefferson)Commissioner, District 1Kathy Dickson

CITY OF PORT TOWNSENDCouncil, Position 6David King

Council, Position 7Kris Nelson

BRINNON SCHOOL DISTRICTDirector, District 1Valerie Schindler

Director, District 2Jerry Ralston

Director, District 3Roger Cemper

Director, District 4Bill Barnet

QUILCENE SCHOOL DISTRICTDirector, District 1Shona Davis

CHIMACUM SCHOOL DISTRICTDirector, District 3Kris Butler

Director, District 4David Robocker

PORT TOWNSEND SCHOOL DISTRICTDirector, District 3Bill Lemasterw

Director, District 4Pamela Daly

Director, District 5Anne Burkart

SEQUIM SCHOOL DISTRICTDirector, Position 1Sarah Bedinger

Director, District 3John Bridge

QUILLAYUTE VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICTDirector, District 1David L. Dickson

Director, District 3Bill Rohde

Director, District 5Starla Daman

QUEETS/CLEARWATER SCHOOL DISTRICTDirector, District 3David Atkinson

Director, District 4Rowland Mason

Director, District 5Suzanna Rose Kalama

CLALLAM-JEFFERSON FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTCommissioner 2Richard Houts

PORT LUDLOW FIRE DISTRICT NO. 3Commissioner, Position 1Bob Pontius

BRINNON FIRE DISTRICT NO. 4Commissioner, Position 1Ronald D. Garrison

GARDINER FIRE DISTRICT NO. 5Commissioner 1William P. Gallant

QUEETS FIRE DISTRICT NO. 7Commissioner, Position 2Jim Stehn

PARADISE BAY WATER DISTRICTCommissioner, Position 2Vernon Good

BRINNON WATER DISTRICT’Commissioner, Position 2Daniel Carlson

QUILCENE CEMETERY DISTRICT NO. 2Commissioner, Position 2Shirlee Beck

GARDINER CEMETERY DISTRICT NO. 3Commissioner, Position 3Bill Campbell

COYLE/THORNDYKE PARKS & RECREATION DISTRICT Commissioner, Position 1Gary Elmer

Commissioner, Position 4Jillian Greenwood

Commissioner, Position 5Richard A. Hull

Uncontested: They’re already elected

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

Why are you running for this position?

Range: I’m running for Port Townsend City Council because I want our town to follow a bal-anced development plan that benefits everyone.

Well-established Port Townsend families, fixed-income elderly, artists, craftspeople and young people have been pushed to the periphery by a lack of com-mitment to affordable housing and jobs that pay.

It is time for us all to work toward these ends.

Stinson: I’m seeking this position at a time when I think my particular skills and experi-ence are needed.

Worldwide, things are chang-ing fast at every level.

Here in Port Townsend, we are well positioned to seize the opportunity of change, and I want to commit my skills in inno-vation and working productively with stakeholders to help make Port Townsend the best place it can be for us all.

How can the city prevent downtown businesses from losing money during the upcoming sidewalk renova-tion project at a time when the council has been criti-cized for being unfriendly to business?

Range: While I am concerned with the upscale “Californication” development model our city has chosen to follow on many of its projects, the tunnel renovation project does seem to be no-frills and necessary.

Communication and accessi-bility are crucial, so I like the idea of the 24/7 hot-line and shuttle service to deal with the loss of parking.

These things indicate that city is determined and serious about avoiding business interruptions.

Stinson: ■ Ideally, secure an extension

to the grants to allow a year for businesses to recover from all the recent challenges.

Whatever the timing, commu-nication is crucial.

■ Fund and partner heavily with Main Street to conduct weekly meetings with business ambassadors, immediately address issues and post daily/hourly updates for businesses and the public.

■ Time the construction activ-ity to avoid peak-use days and times.

■ Utilize smart signage and marketing to announce down-town is open for business.

How will the city pay for fire and emergency services until fire district annexation goes before the voters?

Range: While I’m concerned with the skyrocketing cost of fire services, I’m well aware that the direction of our city’s fire services is a big conversation.

In the interim, the 43-cent levy lid lift should give us time to negotiate and envision how fire annexation should or should not move forward.

If the lid lift fails, the city is going to have to scramble to envi-sion an alternative.

Stinson: This service is paid through a combination of prop-erty taxes (57 cents per $1,000 assessed value), new construction taxes and the EMS property tax.

Beginning in 2012, this same combination of revenue will be used, with a property tax increase (43 cents per $1,000 assessed value) if voters approve the November 2011 levy lid lift.

If that measure fails, the addi-tional $625,000 will come from the general fund by reducing financial support for other non-fire/emergency services.

To what degree should the city financially support recre-ational activities in city parks?

Range: Programs for our youth and shared open spaces are of paramount importance for any city that values civic partici-pation, inclusiveness and oppor-tunities for positive youth devel-opment.

Whatever plan the Explor-atory Regional Parks and Recre-ation Committee comes up with, accountability for the success or failure of Port Townsend parks and recreation should remain local.

Lastly, because parks aren’t just for citizens with waterfront views, it’s time to mobilize for a park south of Sheridan Street.

Stinson: Our comprehensive plan rightly recognizes that youth are an important part of our community and that the city’s role is to cultivate opportu-nities to play, socialize, work and find entertainment and extracur-ricular experiences.

I support the city’s current participation in the Exploratory Regional Parks and Recreation Committee, since it holds the potential for innovative partner-ships to create or strengthen a variety of healthy recreational activities, financially and other-wise.

What spending cuts would you make to keep the city within budget?

Range: Port Townsend needs to take a mature and fiscally responsible stance on criminal-justice spending.

We need to direct our prosecu-tor to stop criminal prosecution for third-degree driving while license suspended and small-scale pot possession.

C I T Y O F P O R T T O W N S E N D

City Council, Position 3

Deborah Stinson

Residence: Port Townsend.

Phone: 360-379-0847.

Email: [email protected].

Age: 56.

Education: Graduated high school in Edmond, Okla.; attended Oklahoma State University Technical Institute.

Occupation: Information technology, 1972-2003; community volunteer, 2005-present.

Campaign website: www.stinsonforcitycouncil.net.

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

Jack Range


Phone: 206-930-3684.


Age: 25.

Education: Graduated from Port Townsend High School, 2004; graduated from University of Washington in international studies, 2008; law clerk program with Washington State Bar Association, which fulfills the educational requirement to take the state bar exam, September 2010 to present.

Occupation: Investigator for Jefferson Associated Counsel.

Campaign website: www.electjackrange.com.


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Gray: With my audit back-ground, I can better prioritize projects, find budget savings and avoid tax increases to get through these difficult economic times.

I can also better communicate the internal workings of the council and of the various city departments.

I have different approaches to solving problems, including spe-cific, achievable goals.

I believe that these goals will serve all residents and bring new ideas for helping seniors, busi-nesses and the youth of our com-munity.

Randels: Much has been accomplished, but there are chal-lenges (e.g., financing for emer-gency services) and opportunities (e.g., the continued evolution of Fort Worden into a lifelong learn-ing center) where my experience and effectiveness can be useful.

I believe that our City Council has been a model of cooperation and thoughtful attention to the myriad issues, large and small, that come our way.

How can the city prevent downtown businesses from losing money during the upcoming sidewalk renova-tion project at a time when the council has been criti-cized for being unfriendly to business?

Gray: Businesses are facing difficult times.

To help them, I propose a free transit zone from the park-and-ride downtown to Fort Worden and the return trip.

During renovation, I suggest a sales-tax holiday, no-parking zones on parts of Water Street for easier access, suspending park-ing restrictions on adjacent

streets, construction contract pro-visions for early completion, tax incentives for building owners to reduce rents, city-sponsored events, and better advertising, maps and signs for businesses.

Randels: Many businesses believe we are friendly toward that community, and I agree.

The sidewalk renovation pro-gram is essential to address a major public safety risk: poten-tial collapse of 100-plus-year-old sidewalks.

And it would be far more dis-ruptive to businesses and others if we addressed it after, rather than before, a failure.

We obtained $2.2 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency grants and will work hard to alleviate the degree and dura-tion of disruption to businesses.

How will the city pay for fire and emergency services until fire district annexation goes before the voters?

Gray: If the ballot tax increase fails, there should be a 3 percent to 5 percent budget reduction in all departments.

The council, department direc-tors and city manager should lead by example by taking an immediate 10 percent salary cut.

Other possible sources of funds include sale or lease of the remodeled police station, lease or sale of the old visitor center, post-poning less critical projects and asking the Federal Emergency Management Agency if already-approved grants can be used.

According to the Washington Institute on Public Policy, costs associated with prosecuting these victimless crimes are staggering.

Municipalities spanning the Cascades have implemented alternative programs, and it is time Port Townsend followed suit.

Stinson: I cannot commit to specific line-item cuts until I have access to all the relevant information.

When I have that opportunity, I will consider whether or not each expense is right-sized, important to the community at this time and supported by the comprehensive plan.

When competing demands pass that test, we should convene community stakeholders to prior-itize and innovate.

We can also learn from like-sized communities that are already successfully addressing the identified needs.

What are your goals for your term in office?

Range: It is critical to take action on affordable housing, jobs that pay and opportunities for youth.

The city needs to empower Homeward Bound without delay, support good-paying local manu-facturers and keep our youth involved through supporting rec-reational programs such as the YMCA and The ReCyclery by supplying access to city-owned spaces.

To appease our farmers, gar-deners and public health advo-cates, we need to create a deer-control committee similar to Con-necticut’s Deer Alliance (www.deeralliance.com).

Stinson: I would like to see Port Townsend enjoy the security of self-reliance and resiliency stemming from a vibrant com-munity that supports the busi-nesses, nonprofits and governing bodies that in turn cooperate to support the families who make up our community.

I will do my best to work for and with our community to invest in innovative and right-sized infrastructure and services that meet our varied and evolv-ing needs.

Why should voters choose you over your opponent?

Range: I am passionate in my beliefs yet collaborative.

I am energetic and positive.My platform is a populist,

grass-roots position, one that clearly speaks to the vast major-

ity of people in this town who are tired of business as usual and hold a similar vision of a living in a diverse community with oppor-tunities for all regardless of back-ground or income.

Stinson: I have a demon-strated commitment to our com-munity and a track record for implementing real solutions that serve people of all ages, financial means and backgrounds.

I worked with others to sup-port local businesses and to make us safer without putting a strain on taxpayers.

I hope voters will choose expe-rienced, knowledgeable and proven leadership that has made our community stronger and more resilient in meaningful ways by voting Stinson for City Council.

Port Townsend City Council, Position 3

About the jobMember, Port Townsend City Council

Partisan or nonpartisan: Nonpartisan.

Election boundaries: City of Port Townsend.

Voters: 6,758 as of Oct. 3.

Term: Four years.

Meetings: First and third Mondays of the month.

Compensation: $500 monthly for all council members except the mayor, who receives $750 a month.

Council duties: ■ Passes a budget that for 2011 is $29.5 million, including

$6.8 million for general-fund, day-to-day operations and $9.2 million for capital projects.

■ Hires a city manager who is responsible for hiring a work force that numbers 107 full-time-equivalent positions in 2011.

■ Adopts all ordinances, approves all contracts and serves on city, county, regional and state boards, commissions and sub-committees.

■ Serves as an appeals board for all land-use issues.

ConTinued from preCeding page


City Council, Position 4

Robert Gray George D. Randels

Profiles on next page

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Peninsula’s No. 1 website.peninsuladailynews.com


Port Townsend City Council, Position 4Randels: Timing of property

reassessments in the city and Fire District No. 1 means that annexation should not be consid-ered until 2013.

But citizens outside the city already voted to raise the amounts contributed to both emergency medical services and fire services, while the city increased only the EMS portion.

To eliminate this disparity, city voters are being asked to close this gap so we pay at the same rate as our neighbors in the county.

To what degree should the city financially support recre-ational activities in city parks?

Gray: The parks and school grounds should be open during summer, and the city should sup-port hiring recreation directors.

These would be terrific sum-mer jobs for high school and col-lege-age students.

The U.S. Department of Agri-culture has a food-service pro-gram that provides meals at these types of sites.

I’ve contacted the USDA. It is looking for feeding sites in Jeffer-son County.

As stated, I would donate my council salary to help establish a student intern program

Randels: Keeping Port Townsend a vibrant, diverse com-munity requires attention to the needs and desires of people of all ages.

A strong recreation program is an important element we should not ignore.

Hard times sometimes require hard choices, but one of my goals will be to preserve recreational opportunities for all, regardless of age or economic circumstances.

It should be noted that the city is the only government sup-porting a regional recreational asset — the swimming pool.

What spending cuts would

you make to keep the city within budget?

Gray: As best as can be deter-mined by limited available bud-get information, the city has expenditures exceeding its bud-get, does not meet its own finan-cial reserve requirements and will need to rely too heavily on property taxes.

My proposed 3-5 percent bud-get cut (and 10 percent salary cuts) should be continued after the fire district annexation.

I would also look closely at financial services, facilities, grants management, community services and water/sewer.

Randels: As I do every year at budget time, I will work with the city manager and my col-leagues, particularly the mem-bers of the finance committee, to review budget proposals.

In addition to controlling expenses, I will also work hard to promote growth in tourism and other revenue-generating activi-ties.

Port Townsend has outper-formed most of the state in lodg-ing and sales tax revenues thanks to its vibrant business community and an excellent marketing effort.


Gray: ■ Instead of raising taxes, pay

for critical projects by finding budget savings and by postpon-ing or canceling non-critical proj-ects.

■ Work with the youth to cre-ate an anti-drug initiative.

■ Establish a free transit zone to help businesses, seniors and non-drivers.

■ Create more recreational and social opportunities for the youth and seniors of Port Townsend.

■ Provide better access and

simplify the city’s financial docu-ments.

■ I’ll donate my council salary to start an intern/mentoring pro-gram for students.

Randels: My principal goal will be to continue trying to find responsible compromises when possible so Port Townsend can continue to be a municipality where people make progress and do so with civility and good cheer.

I will try always to put the public interest first, listen to all sides and not shy away from con-troversy or complexity.

I hope most of all to continue helping to make our wonderful town even better.


Gray: I’m running against an incumbent because change is needed in city government.

My opponent has been in office longer than other members running and has consistently supported the actions of the last council.

Another goal is to encourage other new candidates in future elections.

I bring unique skills that are missing on the council that would be very useful in finding solutions to our problems and better serve all of the residents of Port Townsend.

Randels: I bring a breadth of experience at all levels of govern-ment that has contributed to my effectiveness in office.

Similarly, before joining the City Council, I made the effort to learn as much as I could about the community through service on the planning commission, the Fort Worden Advisory Committee and other bodies.

I have long-standing involve-ment in many crucial issues, such as Fort Worden, where con-tinuity can be an important con-sideration.


■ City Council member’s duties, pay, other details/4

ABOUT THE JOB . . .

George D. Randels


Phone: 360-344-3848.


Age: 68.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, history, University of Rochester, Rochester, N.Y.; law degree, cum laude, the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law, Buffalo, N.Y.; certificate, National Urban Fellows Program, at that time held at Yale University.

Occupation: Retired from a career working on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., for a member and a committee of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Other work experience included private sector (hotel and retirement community development), state governments (New York and Massachusetts) and a large urban university.

Campaign website: None.

Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? Member, Port Townsend City Council.

Appointed to a vacant seat in spring of 2007 and elected to a four-year term that November.

Twice chosen deputy mayor by my City Council colleagues (2008-09; 2010-11).

Robert Gray


Phone: 360-385-2087 (home); 360-643-3793 (cell).


Age: 64.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, accounting; internal auditor certification.

Occupation: Retired regional audit manager for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General; currently a financial consultant for nonprofit and state agencies.

Campaign website: www.robertgraypt.blogspot.com.

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


By Charlie Bermantpeninsula daily news

PORT TOWNSEND — Voters within the city limit are deciding whether to pass a measure that supporters say would address an imbalance between what city and Jefferson County residents pay for emergency services.

In 2010, the city of Port Townsend and the county found the need to subsidize fire and emergency medical services through a voter initiative.

But while the county put lev-ies for fire and emergency medi-cal services on the March ballot, the city decided only to request funds for EMS services.

All the measures passed, but when the city sought to make up for the $640,000 shortfall in fire services through another initia-tive, voters defeated it in August 2010.

Following this defeat, the city was faced with two options:

Create a regional fire author-ity, or annex city services into East Jefferson Fire-Rescue, deciding the latter choice would provide a shorter path to consoli-dation.

The annexation vote was ini-tially scheduled for this year’s election due to tax assessment questions.

If the annexation went through, city taxpayers would carry a bigger burden of the fire district’s tax levy because prop-erty values will still be at pre-Great Recession highs.

The annexation vote will be delayed at least a year, since the purpose of the annexation is to equalize the amount that city and county residents pay for fire and emergency services.

The ballot measure now addresses the $640,000 shortfall and would be in effect until annexation occurs.

It would continue indefinitely if annexation is defeated by the voters.

As proposed, the measure will raise property taxes, adding 43 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value.

For a house assessed at $300,000, this represents a yearly increase of $129 or almost $13 a month.

City Manager David Timmons said if the voters defeat the mea-sure, the city will still need to

make up the $640,000 in order to pay for fire services along with an additional $900,000 of neces-sary cuts.

This adds up to $1.5 million, which is equivalent to the Port Townsend Police Department’s yearly payroll.

“We could pay for fire, but then we’d have no police,” he said.

As a public employee, Tim-mons is prohibited from advocat-ing for the measure.

East Jefferson Fire-Rescue personnel favor the measure, as it would create a funding stream where the city will be able to pay for contracted services.

“We want the city to be suc-cessful so it doesn’t have to make tough decisions down the road that will cause other services to be cut,” said East Jefferson Fire-Rescue spokesman Bill Beezley.

Those favoring the measure say its passage is only fair.

“If the levy is approved, city property owners will pay the same amount property owners outside the city are already pay-ing,” said Port Townsend City Council member David King.

Both Timmons and Beezley said they knew of no organized opposition to the measure, but some individuals are speaking out.

Pete Langley, a volunteer fire-man for 18 years, said city resi-dents are already paying more for a lower level of service than what existed five years ago.

“In these very difficult times, we are being asked to create a whole new tax for services that we are already paying for,” he said.

“Recently response times have slowed, but the call volumes are down.”

Langley said that the city should focus more on volunteer-ism, something that went away

when East Jefferson Fire-Rescue began contracting for fire services.

“We should look at ways to educate the public about emer-gency procedures so they can pitch in if there was a real disas-ter,” he said.

“We could also develop a pro-gram where the fire department’s EMTs are working in the hospi-tal during slow times instead of waiting around the station for something to happen.”

Some voters, such as former Port Townsend Mayor John Clise, are on the fence.

“This levy will create new funds for the city,” Clise said.

“They need to come up with a firm proposal about what will happen to those new funds and exactly what services will be cut if it doesn’t pass.

“I’m not sure how I will vote, but if I don’t get more informa-tion about where the money will go, I will vote against the levy.”

________

Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or [email protected].


Proposition No. 1, Fire, emergency services levy

City of Port TownsendPropositon No. 1

Fire and Emergency ServicesLevy Lid Lift

The City Council of the City of Port Townsend has adopted Ordinance 3060A, concerning the City’s regular property tax levy. If approved, Proposition [1] would authorize a maximum levy rate for collection in 2012 of $2.4868 per $1,000 assessed value, which is an increase of approximately $0.43/$1,000. The increase is restricted to providing for fire protection, prevention and emergency services by contract with East Jefferson Fire-Rescue, to match the EJFR’s residents’ contribution. Increases (plus all previously voter-approved increases) will be used in future levy limit calculations, except that this increase expires if the City annexes into EJFR.

Should this proposition be:[ ] Approved[ ] Rejected

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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


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

Director, District 3

Katie Williams

Residence: Quilcene.

Phone: 360-765-3929.


Age: 42.

Education: I graduated from Quilcene High School, attended both Shoreline Community College and North Seattle Community College with phlebotomy license.

I went on to receive a license in nursing (licensed practical nurse).

Occupation: Right now, I am a stay-at-home mom.


Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? I currently hold the Quilcene School Board Position 3 seat.

Mary Gail Falk


Phone: 360-765-0055.


Age: 55.

Education: Vashon High School Class of 1973; associate’s degree, human services, Tacoma Community College, 1994; bachelor’s degree, the Evergreen State College, 1997; master’s degree, education, Old Dominion University, 2007.

Occupation: Teacher (currently a substitute with Quilcene and Chimacum school districts), writer (writing a novel) and farmer (selling eggs, produce, berries, manure and crafts).


Have you ever been elected to public office? No.


Falk: I am running for this position because in the last six years, working within the Quil-cene School District, I have come to care about the students, teach-ers, administrative staff and par-ents.

I want to give back by serving and also want to send a message to the students that they are important enough to have more than one candidate campaigning for the School Board seats.

Williams: I have three chil-dren and nephews enrolled in Quilcene School.

I want the best possible edu-cation for them and all the stu-dents at Quilcene.

Why should voters support a planned 2012 school district levy?

Falk: Voters should support a proposed 2012 school levy for the same reason that I have always voted for them:

Schools need money to oper-ate, and we as a community need schools.

Williams: Education is for children to prepare them for the future and to become responsible citizens.

We need those responsible cit-izens for our future.

Education is the cornerstone of democracy.

It is hoped that we are pre-paring our students to lead pro-ductive lives in society.

People who are educated have a higher lifetime salary and suc-cesses in life.

In light of decreased state spending on education, should current levy money planned for new technology

be used for instruction and other basic expenses?

Falk: Money from the current levy that is earmarked for new technology should be spent on just that.

Nothing is more important for success in the world outside, and without an ability to navigate and understand new technology as it comes along, to say that a student would struggle is an understatement.

This has always been true. Whenever something new comes long — be it printed books, type-writers or computers — schools have to keep up with the times or they cease to be useful.

Williams: Yes, but we need to do both.

Those lacking in the digital age will have difficulty in the job market.

The elementary school needs a new roof. How would you pay for it?

Falk: To pay for a new roof for the elementary school, hold inno-vative, communitywide fundrais-ers that appeal to the wealthier residents and encourage generos-ity and give recognition for it.

Williams: We would run a levy.

It is in the best interests of the people in the community of Quilcene to keep our school healthy and in good repair.

We need a facility where chil-dren can learn.


Falk: My goals for my term in office are to serve the students, teachers, administrative staff, parents and community at large.

I will attempt to be fair, ratio-nal and hardworking.

As for specific issues that the Quilcene School District is facing, if elected, I will be made aware of them and do my best to bring fresh energy and thoughtful attention to solving them.

Williams: I would like to con-tinue on the path we as a School Board are on right now.

I believe we have accom-plished quite a bit thus far and see more good things to come in these financially challenging times.


Falk: My opponent is a parent of students, and she brings that perspective.

I have worked for the past five-plus years as a substitute teacher and know what is hap-pening inside the classrooms with students and teachers.

It is important for voters to have a choice: two dedicated citi-zens, both willing to give their time and energy in the effort to keep Quilcene School District a place where students can be proud to learn, grow and gradu-ate.

Williams: I lived in Quilcene as a teenager and chose to move back here for a better life for my children.

My family home is here and has been for 26 years.

I know just about every child who attends Quilcene School by name.

My passion is our children as, like I said, they are our future.

■ Quilcene School Board duties, pay, other details/8

ABOUT THE JOB . . .



Lont: I am running because I want to serve my community and school by offering my time, skills and passion to help.

I have always been very involved in the education of my children, and I want to be a part of helping our schools to be the best they can be.

Ward: I love kids.Other than time spent with

my family, the 25 years I spent working with Quilcene students were some of the best years of my life.

Students are my priority.I am and have always been

community-minded.

Why should voters support a planned 2012 school district levy?

Lont: Voters should support the levy because it provides neces-sary programs and services.

Without levy approval, our school would lose vital funding that it needs to operate.

Ward: This is a tough one.The levies came in when the

state decided to take our federal forest funds.

This has put the load on local taxpayers to foot the bill.

We must have levies to support our programs.

Our current test scores have been exceptional, and we want to keep it that way.

In light of decreased state spending on education, should current levy money planned for new technology be used for instruction and other basic expenses?

Lont: I don’t believe that it should.

The use of technology is a very

important part of instruction.Our kids need to be kept cur-

rent on technology to help them succeed in their futures.

Ward: We must be true to the voters as to how their tax dollars are being spent.

We should use the money as designated for its intended use by the voters.

The elementary school needs a new roof. How would you pay for it?

Lont: I would work to have this be included in the 2012 school district levy.

Ward: We’re being forced to go to the taxpayers because at one time it was the federal forest funds that built our schools.

This no longer takes place.As it is now, our federal forest

tax dollars are given to us and then Washington state backs out our basic education dollars in amounts equal to the forest funds.


Lont: My goal will be to learn as much as I can about our dis-trict and the challenges that we are facing in today’s economy.

Ward: Quilcene has a good school system.

I realize there is always room for improvement.

Seeing the students receive the best education possible is my top priority and goal.

I am open to suggestions.If parents or community mem-

bers have a concern or question, they can call me.

If I don’t have the answer, I will find someone who does and get back to them.


Lont: I will do my best to help make decisions for our district by offering fresh ideas and a parent’s perspective.

Ward: I am responsible, accountable and approachable to the children and families of our community.

Don and I put our four chil-dren through the Quilcene schools.

We now have six and have had at one time nine grandchildren in the Quilcene school.

After having children and grandchildren in the school, my working there, and being on the School Board, I believe I have some insight in all areas of the workings of the school district.

Lorna Ward


Phone: 360-765-3336.


Age: I always taught our boys to never ask a lady her age or weight, and this applies here.

Education: I took time off after high school to raise our family, and then I took several college courses and obtained my vocational teaching certification.

Occupation: Retired Quilcene School vocational food-service supervisor.


Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? I have been on the Quilcene School Board for 18 years.

Gena Lont


Phone: 360-765-4000.


Age: 38.

Education: Ketchikan High School, Ketchikan, Alaska.

Occupation: Accounts payable clerk, Olympic Community Action Programs (OlyCAP).



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

Director at large, Position 4About the job

Director, Quilcene School Board


Election boundaries: Communities including Quilcene, Coyle, Thorndyke and Leland.


Term: Four years.

Meetings: Fourth Wednesday of the month.

Compensation: None.



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.

Have you ever held elective public office? No.

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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.


I will work to bring the state’s testing methods into better align-ment with the needs of the soci-ety 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: All or parts of Gardiner in Jeffer-son County and city of Sequim, Agnew, Bell Hill, Blue Moun-tain, Blyn, Carlsborg, Diamond Point Dungeness, Happy Val-ley, Jamestown, Robin Hill and SunLand in Clallam County.

Voters: 20,615 (including 257 in Gardiner) as of Oct. 3.

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

Commissioner, Position 3F I R E D I S T R I C T No 2 (Q U I L C E N E)


Beck: I have been involved in the fire district for many years as a volunteer and as a resident for more than 70 years.

Also, I will bring extensive experience as policy-maker and as a man of integrity to the position.

Randall: I was asked by several fire district members to apply for the 2010 appointment and to run for the new term in 2011.

Once the recall election against Mike Whittaker and Dave Ward is over, how will you restore public confidence in the district?

Beck: I am well-known in the district as a man of integrity and for my successful effort to represent the Quilcene area as a Port of Port Townsend commissioner.

I have supported the expansion of jobs at Coast Oyster, marina improvements, water system and septic upgrades, yacht-club support, etc.

I do not have any political connections to Whittaker or Ward.

Randall: I don’t believe the former has led to the latter.

The district is not any individual or specific issue, but the whole of our membership as we provide fire and emergency medical services to our community.

I believe the district continues to provide the same level of service and care it has provided for many years now.

Deborah C. Randall


Phone: 360-301-1857.


Age: 47.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, anthropology, Central Washington University, 1988; master’s degree, natural resource management, Central Washington University, 1996; paramedic certification, Tacoma Community College, 2002.

Occupation: Firefighter/paramedic.


Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? Yes. Jefferson County Fire District No. 2 fire commissioner, appointed August 2010.

Herb Beck


Phone: 360-765-3728.


Age: 73.

Education: Quilcene High School graduate; associate’s degree in science from Olympic College, Bremerton.

Occupation: Retired as production manager in foreign sales department for the U.S. Navy at Keyport, near Bremerton; retired after 30 years of service with Jefferson County Fire Protection District No. 2 as a volunteer fireman.


Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? Yes. Former Port of Port Townsend commissioner, serving for 36 years.

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Quilcene fire commissioner, Position 3

Should the Quilcene Fire District be annexed into East Jefferson Fire-Rescue? Explain.

Beck: Annexation into the East Jefferson Fire-Rescue will cost the resident of the fire dis-trict an additional 30 cents per $1,000 for the fire district levy.

I will leave it to the voters of the district on whether or not the extra tax is worth giving up our independence.

Randall: I’m unaware of this topic being raised by either fire district, or of it being requested by district residents.

Considering the very busy agendas of both districts, I don’t believe the topic would be raised in the near future.


Beck: My goals are simply to give the district residents hon-est, open, efficient and common-sense fire department.

Randall: Acting in the best interests of the district is my goal as a commissioner.

Why should voters choose you over your opponent.

Beck: I am a lifetime resi-dent of Quilcene who has been

actively involved in fire district affairs and has extensive experi-ence as a commissioner, which gives me solid knowledge of the public process and the laws con-cerning commissioner activities.

I know that a commissioner is a policy-maker, not a day-to-day, hands-on employee.

Randall: This is for the indi-

vidual voter to determine.I do have extensive knowl-

edge of the district since becom-ing a member seven years ago.

I’ve been involved in equip-ment and apparatus support, supplies, training, administra-tion and now as an appointed official.

I remain an active 9-1-1 responder.

About the jobCommissioner, Quilcene Fire District No. 2


Election boundaries: All or parts of Quilcene, Coyle, Thorndyke and Shine.


Term: Six years.

Meetings: Second Monday of the month.

Compensation: $104 a meeting, up to $9,984 annually, and can receive the same insurance as firefighters.

Commission duties: ■ Passes a general fund budget that in 2011 is $1.2 mil-

lion for an all-volunteer department of about 20 personnel and a paid fire chief.

■ Sets district policy, hires a fire chief.

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F I R E D I S T R I C T No 3(P O R T L U D L O W)

Commissioner, Position 5


Betteley: I am running because I want to ensure our department continues to deliver the highest level of service possible to the people in my community.

I have the experience and expertise to work with other commissioners in ensuring strategic goals are met and sound policy is established and maintained.

I know how to see an organization through tough times while still delivering a quality product (that being education in a small, rural district).

Rossart: I have been attending commissioner meetings for about three years and have witnessed continued excessive spending at a time when we should be conserving our finances.

I have heard warnings issued to our commissioners regarding the very situation we now find ourselves in.

Our income has just dropped due to property reassessments.

My No. 1 goal is to stop the unnecessary spending so we may retain our most valuable asset — the firefighter/EMTs who protect us.

How should the district address the impending loss of $450,000 in tax revenues due to lower property valuations, particularly if the housing slump continues through 2013, when reserves will likely be low or nonexistent?

Betteley: The district has already done a very good job setting aside reserves in anticipation of reduced revenue due to devaluation.

About $1.2 million has been reserved through the effort and vision of the present board and Chief Ed Wilkerson. Port Ludlow is in a very good place financially to ensure stability and consistent services given the forecast.

If economic trouble continues into the unforeseeable future, some trimming and potential cuts will have to be considered.

Rossart: I intend to put a halt to excessive spending first and foremost.

Whether we share our training costs with neighboring districts, perform mandated equipment services in-house, or identify services that we pay for that may not be needed, there are many cost-saving measures that can be employed to reduce our expenses.

I can say with 100 percent certainty that the cut that I will fight to not allow is that of our professional firefighter/EMTs.

Would you support or oppose a tax-supported bond to rebuild or remodel the firehouse? Explain.

Betteley: I would not support a bond in this economy.

The Rice Fergus Architects assessment and next course of action in renovating or replacing Station 33 is in progress.

We are preparing ourselves by doing preliminary work today (given a bad economy) so that we are ready if grants become available or an opportunity presents itself.

James A. Betteley Raelene RossartProfiles on next page

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Bautista: To promote change. I would like to see this water district run by the Jefferson County Public Utility District.

It has the experience and the knowledge to keep up with constantly changing county, state and federal rules and regulations.

It has the experience and knowl-edge to prepare our much-needed comprehensive plan and to acquire funding to make the required repairs to our water system and bring us into compliance.

Hayward: To continue the goal of updating infrastructure to provide safe water into the future.

How would you assess the per-formance of the present water dis-trict board? Explain.

Bautista: The ratepayers have been dissatisfied with the present board, and most are not in agreement with certain budgeting decisions and their continued focus on the past.

Hayward: I recuse myself from answering. My answer could be con-sidered biased.


Bautista: Help to make us a satel-lite district of the Jefferson County Public Utility District.

Hayward: Complete the compre-hensive water plan required by the state Department of Health in order to obtain infrastructure loans or grants.

Then use that money to move to Phase 2 of line replacement, including isolation valves.

I support good, sound planning that puts us in the best position to be ready.

Rossart: I would oppose it. Our population is hurting, too.

Asking them for more would be downright insulting.

We do have two stations that are in need of repairs.

In the future, when some of our debt has been paid off, we can certainly budget for remodeling or rebuilding those two stations.

However, the time is not now.

Now is the time to take care of what we already have.


Betteley: ■ Sustained superior EMS/

fire service to our citizens.■ Ensure quality training/

readiness in the future for all personnel.

■ Promote a place where voices are heard and good communication exists.

Rossart: ■ Working with staff to

reduce expenses without compromising the level of service we provide.

■ Working with other districts to share expenses when it is feasible and mutually beneficial.

■ I would like to see our diminished volunteer program re-energized.


Betteley: First, I want to serve as your commissioner.

I have a long history of public service going back to 1978 that includes law enforcement and military service.

I will work hard to provide necessary leadership in working collaboratively on the board.

My work will translate to sustained high levels of service for both EMS and fire in our community.

I ask for your vote in November.

Rossart: I have been voicing my opinions to our commissioners about the decisions they have been making for the last couple of years.

I understand that there are some items and some services that we do need to pay for.

However, our spending has gotten out of balance.

From a new fleet of vehicles to top-heavy staffing models, our commissioners have entertained it.

I have a passion to stop this trend that I do not believe you will find in my opponent.

Port Ludlow fire commissionerConTinued from preCeding page

Raelene Rossart

Residence: Port Ludlow.

Phone: 360-437-0280.


Age: 43.

Education: Associate’s degree, general studies; associate’s degree, construction management.

Occupation: Rebar detailer. I draw construction blueprints for a steel manufacturer.


Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? Yes, water commissioner.

Jim Betteley

Residence: Port Ludlow.

Phone: 360-774-6931.


Age: 51.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Ill.; master’s degree, teaching, City University of Seattle; general/special educator and administrative credential; professional administrative certification.

Occupation: K-12 principal and director of special services, Quilcene School District.



Commissioner, Port Ludlow Fire District

Partisan or nonpartisan: Nonparti-san.

Election boundaries: Communities including all or parts of Port Ludlow, Coyle, Center and Shine.


Term: Six years.

Meetings: Second Tuesday of every month.

Compensation: $104 a meeting, up to $9,984 annually, and can receive the same insurance as firefighters.

Commission duties:

■ Passes a budget that in 2011 is $2.6 million for the general fund and EMS budget, not including $165,000 for capital projects, and covers 39 fire district per-sonnel.

■ Sets district policy, hires a fire chief.

About the job

Commissioner

C O Y L E W A T E R

D I S T R I C T No 3

Position 1Beverly Bautista

Michael HaywardProfiles on next page

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Breitenfeldt: To offer to the property owners within Water District 3 continued fair, account-able, transparent and sustainable governance and management for the district.

Simonen: Because the incum-bents have raised rates three times since getting into office.

They also will not take input from the very people who pay them and will not change meet-ings to Saturdays when people can attend.

If we leave the incumbents in office, the water bill will double again so they can pay more law-yers for their so-called lawsuits.

They have already spent more than $20,000 on lawyers, and nobody in town knows what for.

How would you assess the performance of the present water district board? Explain.

Breitenfeldt: Satisfactory.The bar was raised regarding

the measure of success for district operations 3½ years ago.

The current board has kept property owners informed regard-ing goals and progress over that time.

This accountability and trans-parency is a first for our small dis-trict and represents a significant improvement over past practices.

By identifying and disclosing direction and planning efforts, the commission is better able to include an informed public’s input in the consideration of policy adoption.

Simonen: Very poor. See my previous answer.


Breitenfeldt: Conduct opera-tions and maintenance fairly, sus-tainably and more in line with industry standards, improving public safety and confidence in service provided.

Reduce liability by continuing a policy of subbing to comparably priced, contracted professional ser-vice providers those tasks that

historically led to conflict and damaging incidents.

Provide direction and progress in a transparent and accountable manner.

Present and consider options for the replacement of the distri-bution system and adopt reason-able planning to achieve that goal.

Simonen: To bring back more togetherness for the community and get the water rates back to a normal level that the people can agree on instead of the incumbent commissioners calling all the shots and not caring about what the people want or have to say about anything.


Breitenfeldt: I respect, wel-come and expect performance scrutiny of my time in office by members of the public.

My work over the last 3½ years demonstrates monthly open public disclosure of all operational and improvement efforts and pro-vides reasonable explanations of failures or delays.


Bautista: It all boils down to what the ratepayers want — change, or continue with the same.

Hayward: I had worked for the district from 1988 to 1998, then moved away for five years.

During my absence, the district funds went to special-interest groups and infrastructure was neglected along with customer service.

Upon my return, I was voted in, and we are back into restoration.

This will continue if I get their vote.


Coyle

Position 1

Beverly BautistaResidence: Coyle.Phone: 360-765-3200.Email: bautista.beverly@

gmail.com.Age: 64.Education: Ballard High

School, Seattle; Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma.

Occupation: Receptionist, Windermere Real Estate; legal secretary for more than 20 years.

Campaign website: None.Have you ever held elec-

tive public office, and if so, what? No

Michael HaywardResidence: Coyle.Phone: 360-765-0211.Email: mlhayward @

embarqmail.com.Age: 55.Education: High school,

military (medic), college for two years, respiratory thera-pist.

Occupation: Caregiver.Campaign website: None.Have you ever held elec-

tive public office, and if so, what? Currently Coyle Water District 3 commissioner.

Position 2 Position 3


McKee: Under the present administration, water rates have tripled in the past three years and are scheduled to double again in the near future.

The present administration has spent more than $20,000 on frivolous lawsuits that have almost bankrupted the water dis-trict. The incumbents refuse to con-duct open meetings and consider in-put from water district customers.

Walstead: I was appointed to fill this position only after the water district made several requests, in writing, to the whole community asking for someone to step forward to fill the vacancy and got no other response.

I am running to continue working with the rest of the board to bring the district into a true position of sustainability in providing “safe, clean water at a reasonable cost.”

How would you assess the performance of the present water district board? Explain.

McKee: Poor (see previous answer).

Walstead: The current board, immediately on taking office, negotiated a stop to the lawsuit started by the previous commis-sioner against one of our neighbors. The illegally low pressures at the top of the system have been adjusted.

The previously screwed-up cus-tomer accounting has been com-pletely straightened out by a CPA.

All district business is now con-ducted in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.

They have done what is neces-sary to keep the district solvent.


McKee:■ Ensure water district cus-

tomers receive safe water at a rea-sonable cost.

■ Conduct open meetings and consider input from water district customers.

■ Study and consider alternate methods of water district opera-tion and administration.

■ Foster good community rela-tions between the water district

and water district customers.

Walstead: To continue the work being done to bring the water district to a state of true sustainability; to provide safe, clean, non-chlorinated water at a reasonable cost.


McKee: I am a full-time resi-dent of Coyle, which is required by RCW 57. My opponent resides in Gig Harbor and is not a full-time resident.

The voters in the water district have a choice: Are you satisfied with the way the present adminis-tration is running the water, or are you ready for a change?

EDITOR’S NOTE: Walstead said his primary residence is Coyle, where he is registered to vote.

Walstead: I will be respectful to the other board members and the public. I will not lose my tem-per. I will work to keep personal squabbles out of district business and operations.

I will keep “provide safe clean water at a reasonable cost” my focus for the district.

Tim McKeeResidence: Coyle.Phone: 425-238-4425.Email: tcmckee81@

gmail.com.Age: 65.Education: Bachelor’s in

business administration, West-ern Michigan University.

Occupation: Retired manu-facturing engineer, The Boeing Co.


tive public office, and if so, what? No.

Ed WalsteadResidence: Coyle and Gig

Harbor.Phone: 253-227-5169.Age: 56.Education: Bachelor’s

degree and continuing educa-tion.

Occupation: Carpenter.Campaign website: None.Have you ever held elec-

tive public office? Yes. Cur-rent Coyle Water District 3 commissioner.

Troy BreitenfeldtResidence: Quilcene.Phone: 360-286-3201.Email: troybreitenfeldt@

yahoo.com.Age: 46.Education: High school.Occupation: Heavy-equip-

ment operator.Campaign website: None.Have you ever held elec-

tive public office, and if so, what? Yes, current Water Dis-trict 3 commissioner.

James W. SimonenResidence: Quilcene.Phone: 360-765-4195.Email: jamessimonen@

yahoo.com.Age: 56.Education: High school

diploma, one year of trade school at Northern Michigan University.

Occupation: Retired nuclear pipe welder.


tive public office, and if so, what? Yes, I am a former Water District No. 3 commis-sioner.

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By 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 powers 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 driv-ing fees.

“As critical as I am of the Leg-islature, at least they are account-able,” 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 connecting Vancouver, Wash., and Portland, Ore.

Gas tax revenue is plateauing, 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 transpor-tation 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 financing 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 gen-eral 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 collections tar-geted at users.

The Association of Washington

Business, Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire and Republican Attor-ney General Rob McKenna are among those who have come out against the initiative, and Micro-soft has provided financial sup-port 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 essentially would eliminate a state program that adjusts costs for High Occu-pancy Toll lanes to ensure they continue to flow even when other lanes are congested.

■ 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 devel-oper Kemper Freeman, who has battled against light rail propos-als for years.

Funding for construction of that segment — which is to link Seattle to Bellevue and Redmond — was approved by voters in the

region three years ago.Freeman said he supports bus

transit and is willing to support tolling if it’s used properly. But he said the current method would rely on aggressive tolls to fund overly expensive projects and defer road space for transit links that won’t solve the region’s prob-lems.

“The people are entitled to a great transit system. They’re also entitled to a great road system,” Freeman said. “We’re in the pro-cess of getting neither.”

Eyman believes his initiative’s restrictions will force lawmakers to consider cheaper ways of doing transportation projects, such as looking at just repairing the Alas-kan Way Viaduct instead of replacing it with a tunnel. He said allowing the expansion of tolling without direct oversight from the state Legislature would provide the state with a large pot of money to spend at will.

“It’s just a brand new blank check — free money that they can spread around like peanut butter any way they want,” Eyman said.

The initiative comes as Demo-cratic leaders consider the possi-bility of bringing a larger trans-portation package to voters. Transportation packages

approved in 2003 and 2005 increased the gas tax and other fees for a series of projects around the state, but those ongoing tax collections will now largely go toward debt payments on the ventures.

Gregoire has warned that pavement conditions around the state are poised to plummet in the years to come unless voters are willing to commit funds to preserving quality.

Voters can expect continued and consistent safe governance of operations, maintenance and plan-ning provided with honesty and integrity with accountable and transparent examples of the appli-cation of fiduciary responsibility.

Simonen: Because I have more experience and I live in the town of Coyle, while my chal-lenger lives in Silverdale and is not in touch with the people on a daily basis.

I personally don’t know why he is allowed to even run in a district he does not live in. But according to the courthouse, they say it’s all right. Imagine that.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Breiten-feldt is registered to vote in Coyle, and his mailing address is in Quilcene, according to the county elections office. Hayward said he has a mailbox in Silverdale but has never lived there.

About the jobCommissioner, Coyle Water District

Partisan or nonparti-san: Nonpartisan.

Election boundaries: Coyle.

Voters: 57 as of Oct. 3.Term: Position 1, six

years; Position 2, two-year unexpired term; Position 3, four-year unexpired term.

Meetings: Regular meet-ings at 7 p.m. on the second Friday of the month at the Laurel B. Johnson Commu-nity Center. Special meetings are every remaining Friday of each month at the same time and place.

Compensation: $50 for meetings of at least one hour up to $2,000 annually.

Board duties: ■ Passes a budget that for

2011 is $62,100 for a district that serves 115 metered con-nections, has no employees and contracts with Washing-ton Water Service Co. of Gig Harbor for system mainte-nance, testing and billing.

■ Sets water rates.

Position 3ConTinued from preCeding page

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

Statewide measuresInitiative 1125:

Eyman would put Legislature in driver’s seat for road tolls

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


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.

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 federal 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.

Workers would be paid wages for attending the training classes. The state Auditor’s Office would also be directed to conduct twice-

a-year performance audits of the long-term, in-home care program.

Supported living workers, who provide services for people with developmental disabilities, would face strengthened job rules in 2016.

Kaushik said those workers have separate training, and ini-tiative backers want to assess for a few years whether it is suffi-cient.

If it is, they would support a legislative change to prevent the 2016 rules from going into effect.

Advocates of the initiative are concerned that seniors and peo-ple with disabilities are vulnera-ble to fraud and abuse.

They say the background checks and training are common-sense rules.

The initiative in 2008 passed with 73 percent of the vote.

Cindi Laws, executive director of the Washington State Residen-tial Care Council, said that more training isn’t going to prevent caregivers with nefarious inten-tions from taking advantage of seniors and that the industry is always improving the training that is available.

She said the state needs to do a better job of investigating places that have repeated and serious violations, and she wants regulators to take swifter action when there is a major problem.

“We want those kind of people out of business,” she said.

Laws said the extra back-ground check is not worth the cost and time.

Initiative 1163: Voters asked to boost caregiver training again

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

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

Resolutions

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Two legislative measures on money-saving, voting


Initiative 1183: Ballot measure sets up another round for voters to decide liquor privatizationBy 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 prohib-iting small convenience stores from participating.

It doubles penalties for retail-ers who sell liquor to minors, and supporters believe that consumers 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 cannot sell liquor on their own.

Opponents of the bill, includ-ing Gov. Chris Gregoire, have largely cited the public safety con-cerns 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 quadruple 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 implications for both businesses and the state.

The plan would bring in tens of millions of dollars each year to state government and a nearly equal number for local govern-ments.

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 percent on top of the 10 percent in fees paid by distributors and 17 per-

cent 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 compli-cations.

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.

John Guadnola, executive director of the Washington Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, said the system helps streamline tax collection, keeps prices stable, and prevents coordination between a producer and a retailer to drive prices down.

“It’s the one product where it’s not in society’s best interest to be sold as cheap as possible and as great of quantity as possible,” Guadnola said.

Initiative Measure No. 1183 concerns liquor: beer, wine, and spirits (hard liquor).

This measure would close state liquor stores and sell their assets; license private parties to sell and distribute spirits; set license fees based on sales; regulate licensees; and change regulation of wine distribution.

Should this measure be enacted into law?

[ ] Yes

[ ] No

The assoCiaTed press

The state and U.S. flags fly at state-owned liquor stores across Washington. Voters will decide Nov. 8 whether to allow hard spirits to be sold in private retail stores.

voters guide, 2011 general election - jefferson county

Documents

jefferson county elections

east jefferson county

jefferson county library

jefferson county courthouse

jefferson county auditors

county courthouse

election calendarhere

primary election