Duty Blocked Again

When I decided to make the trip to Washington DC and show representation for the County, I had no idea if either of the other Commissioners had asked.  It only seemed logical to me that the Commissioner of the district where the Ault Field Base lies would see the need to be there.   I was told that Commissioner Homola was attending a conference in DC the week before and assumed she saw that as a higher priority.

After I was invited to join the Task Force, I purchased my flight and reserved a room at my own expense.  I also set out to arrange for a tour of the Base and some other educational events.

Then came the next Monday meeting and the other two were once again, armed against me.  They sat quietly as their party leaders spewed vulgar terms during public input to slander me and the "Right-Wing" conspiracy that I was accused of being part of.

They came forward one after another to speak falsely about conversations I had with them.  Commissioner Homola grandstanded with rage about how she, because of her marriage, was the proper one to be joining in.  And Commissioner Price-Johnson faulted me for not communicating my intentions, (as though they always notify me of theirs). 

The outcome was, the Task Force uninvited both of us from the special meeting so I scrapped the trip entirely.  Apparently Commissioner Homola will be making both trips to DC this month for whatever purpose they provide.  I don't believe that earlier communications would have changed the outcome.

Freeland Trail

Many of you will be saying, "Our Country, State and County cannot afford to continue funding these types of projects!"  I do not disagree.  However, this one was presented to me as a project that already had the funds allocated for it, was predominately federal grant funded and Commissioner Price-Johnson was thrilled over the thought of it. 

There was no doubt it would be approved and Commissioner Price-Johnson's enthusiasm for the work in her district was understandable.  My thoughts were, "Well, at least it will mean some jobs," and it passed unanimously.  I believe this is a case where we need to let those in DC know that they need to stop handing out this money. 

Leque Island

Now this was a really entertaining Wednesday Workshop, thank you to those who were able to attend.  While my friends from Camano and North Snohomish were finally given a chance to be heard, the other two Commissioners had the opposition on hand and gave them ample time to make their point.  Even a disruption from a left leaning Citizen went not only unstopped but acknowledged.

Our team stood strong with the facts and I thought, did a great job.  My hope was to get some cooperation from at least one of the other two in pressuring Snohomish County to take the lead and offering our partnership.  After all, isn't this the exact sort of thing that the Clean Water Utility District was sold on, Salt Water Intrusion?

Apparently there are more important things to spend your new tax on, like a new critical area enforcer to help prop up the general fund with more fines.  Sorry, that one is a sore subject with me.

More Government Growth

You may have recently heard we are seeking applicants for an administrator's administrator.  Yes, you heard that right.  There is a new position being created which will remove a great deal of tasks from the Commissioners, maybe including who to terminate to be able to afford the high level position.

I cannot for the life of me find a reason to go along with this, right now.  I recently found an article in Government Magazine that encouraged against it.  Apparently, it is something that officials attempt on a regular basis and seems to always have the same outcome, wasted time and money.

The really sad thing is that this person will at some point require their own department.  It even mentioned that in the job descriptions I read. 

There are Counties nearly three times our size that have half of the meetings that we currently have.  Perhaps we could cut down on meetings, (which are turning into nothing more than grandstanding events) and actually do some administrating.  Just a thought.

No Competitive Bidding Forever

This is one I won folks.  I find it unbelievable that someone would ask to have contracts be exempt from Competitive Bidding forever, but they did and I called them out on it.  Happily, I got agreement and the forever exemption was denied.

Only One Party on a Partisan Board

I attempted to nominate an extremely qualified Republican to one of our Citizen's Boards.  The Ferry Advisory Committee is a Partisan Board with a legal stipulation of not more than two persons from the same "major political party."

Though Independent is not a major political party, the majority rule allowed that status to be acknowledged.  So with one Democrat and two Independents on the Committee, they were able to push forward with a second Democrat and keep Republicans out entirely.  

Road Safety 

On Camano: 

There is a new flashing sign, or something of the sort, soon to be installed on the West end of Cross Island Road.  This section of road has encountered tremendous guardrail damage with single car collisions.  Hopefully the flashing sign will make people aware of the hill and sudden stop. 

A stop light is coming for the Plaza.  The light will be installed at the McElroy intersection.   

Whidbey:

Frostad Road, Boon Road to see major improvements. 

West Beach Road will be widened. 

This is just a brief detail on some of the issues facing us in our County.  I hope you enjoy receiving the information and that you will pass it along.

I wish you the happiest of St. Patrick's Day!