Opportunity to serve your schools

The time is drawing near for citizens to file their intent to run for Sequim School District Board of Directors. Of the three open positions, two are from the departure (because of term expiration) of the only two women currently sitting on the board.

I want to draw your attention to the demographics of our district. Approximately 50 percent of our student population is female. Additionally, almost 14 percent of our student population are students of color (source: OSPI, reportcard.ospi.k12.wa.us).

We need to have a school board that represents the demographics of our student population. This begins with who we elect this season. It is essential to ensure we have women and ethnically diverse candidates running for these positions.

We need to promote a future Sequim School Board that truly represents and is reflective of our student population to provide equity in the voices that can advocate for each of our students.

Please consider running!

Robin Henrikson

Sequim

Editor’s note: Henrikson, who serves as Sequim School Board director for District 1, said she does not plan to run for her school board seat. Heather Short, Sequim School Board director at-large, also announced she does not plan to run for her school board seat. The candidate filing period in Clallam County is May 13-17.

Of property tax and such

Your regional newspaper informed me of a civic duty: April 30 is the deadline for paying property tax (Peninsula Daily News, “Property tax deadline April 30,” April 14, page A11). I don’t question it is due, but instead of cutting a check I’ve decided not to pay. This year, I’m using the Sequim School Board method of Financial Responsibility (SSBMOFR) and assert my right of “Indefinite Extension” (see Peninsula Daily News, “Commissioners ask staff to review ordinance,” April 12, page A6).

I know, right? I openly admit I owe it. However, I’d rather spend the money on my roof. Or vacation. You know, those pesky … conflicting priorities in terms of expenses … What a relief this is for me. It’s all legal, too. I will be directing county staff and the commissioners to make this “extension” a new law just for me. Like Mr. Ozias said, “It makes sense to me, generally speaking, to do that from time to time” (PDN, April 12).

And for my friends, if they want. Or not. I need someone to continue paying their taxes because without your payments then the county will cease to operate and my grand plan of this narcissistic life of entitlement will collapse. But I digress.

After all, I’m so busy with my own “critical needs” that I can’t be bothered with my neighborhood. Another lesson I’ve learned from the Sequim Board of Education — my newest moral compass/role model.

The more and more I think about their wisdom, I begin understanding how to apply this “Indefinite Extension” to my everyday life. Just now, I’ve decided not to pay my car tabs. I’ll be directing the staff in Olympia to make a new law of similar liberty. That’s what this is: Freedom from adult obligation. This should make us heroes, right? Of course, our nefarious success is at the expense of others. But, like the school board, who should care?

Stirling Kent Hall

Sequim

Learn about smart meters

Time is running out. Everyone should make an informed decision on whether or not you want smart meters to be installed on your homes.

Do your own research on smart meters. Watch “Take Back Your Power” or “The Truth About Smart Meters,” or check Josh del Sol’s comments on YouTube. Learn all the health issues.

If you do get a new smart meter, be aware that your monthly bill will increase as they are more accurate than the old analog meters. Plus your bill may increase again if the PUD starts monitoring peak usage hours.

Go to Movement Against Smart Meters in Clallam County on Facebook. Come to the community educational meetings: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at the Sequim Library, or 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, at the Port Angeles Library. The video “Take Back Your Power” will be shown.

To opt out you must go to the PUD office and fill out a new opt out form which replaces your old form; it gives you many options and prices. The deadline to turn in a new form and opt out is April 30.

Don Myers

Sequim

Do your duty, bag the poop

When people were first getting into the practice of bagging their dog’s feces decades ago, they were diligent in completing the task by properly placing it in a trash can. However, doing only 50 percent of that job has become the norm.

This morning at various locations along the Towne Road river dike we counted three bags of doggie-doo left in plain sight with no dog or owner in sight. We walked the entire length of the trail and encountered two dog walkers. On the way back, there were no dog walkers, but now there were five bags of dog poop left along the trail.

Over time, pet owners have either 1) gotten conveniently forgetful, or 2) become delusional and think a poop fairy will pick up the bagged poop left along the trail.

Please get a grip. There is no poop fairy. If it’s your lousy memory, don’t leave the bagged poop for later — carry it until you find a trash can.

Dana Gregory

Port Angeles