2014 ELECTIONS: Charter Review Commission (Dist. 1 and 2)
Washington statutes allow counties to adopt, by public vote, a “Home Rule Charter.” Adopting a charter allows counties to adopt a “constitution” that can change their form of government and/or create requirements for the operation of goverment beyond those required in the State constitution. Clallam County is one of six counties that has adopted a charter form of government. Clallam County´s charter was adopted in 1976 and has been amended several times since. Key changes from the statutory form of government under which non-charter counties operate include many non-partisan elected officials, a county initiative and referendum process, and an elected Department of Community Development director.
Five representatives from each of the three county commissioner’s districts are elected to the Charter Review Commission once each eight years. The Sequim Gazette contacted candidates for the Charter Review Commission in District 1 (Sequim, Blyn and neighboring areas) and District 2 (Port Angeles east of Valley Street, Agnew, Carlsborg and neighboring areas west of Sequim) with several questions, one of which was, “Why are you running for this office?” Some chose not to respond. Below and on page A-14 are responses from several candidates from those two districts.
District 1
Ted Miller — Residents demand that our criminal justice system be both impartial and fair. The best way to promote this is to have associated positions be nonpartisan, as judges and the sheriff already are. A partisan prosecuting attorney subverts this process. No matter how honorable the office holder is, it creates the appearance of someone who will wink at transgressions committed by office holders in his party, while being overly aggressive in prosecuting office holders of the other party. And there will always be suspicions of political bias in making decisions of who to prosecute. There have certainly been numerous examples of such chicanery in other jurisdictions. If elected, I will work to put the proposition that the Clallam County prosecuting attorney be a nonpartisan position on the ballot for the voters to decide.
John Alan Kirschbaum — Actually, a friend tried to get me (because of my similar involvement at Chicago Public Schools with a two-year project reviewing and redesigning its core processes back in 1994 and 1995) to run back in April of this year. At first I was reluctant, but then reconsidered since I realized that the anticipated challenges would make excellent use of my personal abilities and previous experience. Such an opportunity to serve in this particular capacity only presents itself once every eight years, so the time is right to do so now! And, I don’t know if I shall be able in 2022 or 2030.
Sue Forde — I am running for the Home Rule Charter Commission because I believe that my previous experience on the commission will be an asset and will allow me once again to serve my community in a positive way. Of the 39 counties in Washington, only six have a charter. It is important to preserve this precious protection for local governance.
Jerry Sinn — I am running for a Charter Review Commissioner’s position in District 1 because the Home Rule Charter is a logical building block of government by the people. The local determination of a county form of government, which enables us to manage our county’s resources with competence, accept the benefits and responsibilities of local control, and be responsive to the needs of our citizens, has served us well.
Nola Elise Judd — I feel it is important to be a participant in the political arena, not merely an observer nor a sidewalk superintendent. “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men (women) do nothing!!”
Ronald Bell — I want to be involved in county government because I feel I can make a positive contribution to the process of reviewing the county Home Rule charter and making useful recommendations for necessary changes to the charter. I have a keen interest in the political process and want to give back to the community that has been good to me and my family, and where I have lived for 34 years.
Brandon Janisse — I’m running for the Clallam County Home Rule Charter Commission because I have lived here most of my life, graduated from high school here and would like to be involved in helping to make Clallam County a better place for people of all ages. I served in the military, and believe in being of service to my community. I understand that to be effective, every member of the Charter Review must be able to work together as a team to establish a vision for the county.
The Charter Review is just another area that one can serve the public. It is service to every citizen of Clallam County, not just those that just happen to hold the same views as I do. I am able to take this challenge head on, because overcoming these challenges is what democracy is all about.
If elected, I will seek out individuals from all walks of life across the Olympic Peninsula to find out what changes they would like to see made in county government that can be brought to the Home Rule Charter Commission. Together we can all make Clallam County a place we can be proud of.
District 2
Patricia Morris — I am running because I enjoyed serving on the past Charter Review Commission. I believe I am impartial and fair, will listen to citizens’ input and work hard.
While funding is a major consideration, there is no one top priority in Clallam County. Clallam County government has a complex structure and complex funding sources. Changing one item or area can drastically impact other areas. I worked for Clallam County and it took quite some time to learn the inner workings and processes/procedures. I want to enter this process with an open mind, to listen to all the issues and opportunities and work closely with the other Charter Review Commission members to craft the best charter revisions for the citizens’ vote.
Kaj Ahlburg — I would like to explore how our charter can best be used to: guarantee continued fiscal responsibility; ensure local control of land use issues; and create safeguards against unfunded mandates imposed from outside without solid economic or scientific backing.
As far as issues that can be addressed by the county charter go, I believe (1) ensuring a balance between protection of the environment on the one hand and the rights of people to make a living and control their own property on the other hand, and (2) guaranteeing continued fiscal responsibility into the future are top issues.
Steven D. Burke — I would like to help in making an efficient and effective county government which operates to the benefit of all residents of Clallam County.
The top priority is the efficient delivery of essential services with the least burden placed upon the taxpayers.
Lindsey Schromen-Wawrin — I work as a constitutional law and civil rights attorney and feel my knowledge base can aid in crafting amendments to the charter that support democracy and the rights we value. (The top priority is) ensuring that government is structured to be accountable to the people because that accountability is foundational to a free society.
Susan Shotthafer — I have volunteered for and led various initiative efforts promoting individual rights. I became a charter commission candidate because I firmly believe our charter is an ideal instrument for local control. I will seek input from and hope to represent taxpayers. I want to strengthen our charter for protection against the negative effects of over-regulation and excessive taxation on private property, individual incentive and freedom essential for a prosperous and harmonious Clallam County.
Diane Haffner — I believe in the public having a voice in county government beyond just voting. The Charter Review Commission is an important part of this voice. It allows pubic input and ideas to be brought for voter approval.
The top priority is the changing laws and needs of the public. We need to be able to quickly respond and protect the interest of the county and the public it serves. There is no mention of ethical standards of the elected officials or employees and should be part of what we expect from the county.
Norma Turner — Serving on the Charter Review Commission is a meaningful way to hear from local citizens on what is working, and what is not working, at the local county government level. It is an opportunity to figure out specific measures to improve the current system. In a nutshell it is a way to move from complaining to creating solutions.
Maggie Roth — With the many hours attending commissioners meetings, Carlsborg sewer, Dungeness water rule and few other important issues I would ask for your consideration to be elected to this commission. I want to be your voice.
The purpose of the Clallam County charter is to establish a government closer to the people: manage the county’s resources wisely, accept responsibilities and the benefit of local control. This assures the citizens the powers of initiative and referendum on county issues. Home Rule Charter can address matters not covered by state law. Most elected to Charter Commission are unlikely to be experts in charter drafting. They need the wisdom, judgment and enthusiasm of amateurs. By studying community problems they come to know how to distinguish sound advice. I will work for a Charter Commission with an open mind as to the possibility of improving the charter.
Dennis McBride — I was raised and educated here in Clallam County. I have worked for the City of Port Angeles for 29 years, the last eight as the fleet manager. Except for my six-year service in the U.S. Army I have lived here my entire life and have no plans to live anywhere else. I am a Vietnam veteran with a total of 13 years military service, six years in the active Army, seven years in the National Guard. Both my children live here. This area is my home and because of that I am concerned with the way we live. The Clallam charter governs a huge part of our lives here on the peninsula.
The single issue in the charter that I have identified which needs to be addressed: making the County Prosecutors office non-partisan. Partisan politics has its place in making the laws but should have no place in administering those laws.
Stephanie Noblin — I want to ensure the charter form of government in Clallam County remains strong as it provides for increased local control over our government and increased local involvement in that government, by us, the citizens. Our charter allows for changes in our form of government and/or allows us to create requirements for the operation of government beyond those required in the State constitution. I believe this gives citizens a greater voice. It would be my honor to be your voice.
I have two top priorities: Our charter should safeguard citizens against forced state mandates and protect and maintain our individual rights. No unfunded mandates. All tax increases should be approved by the voters.
Rob Robertsen — The Olympic Peninsula is an environmental treasure and one of the most beautiful places in Washington. I believe in protecting this precious resource and support the Washington State Growth Management Act, the Clallam County’s Critical Areas Ordinance and the preservation of our vital farmlands. Our water resources also must be protected by fully supporting effective programs such as the Clallam County Streamkeepers who monitor the water quality of our rivers and streams.
Building and fire codes must be a priority and code enforcement staff must continue to regulate environmental hazards such as junk vehicles and other public nuisances.
I believe that the director of Community Development position should be an appointed rather than an elected office. The position requires extensive knowledge and experience in federal, state and local regulations governing land use, zoning, building codes and fire and life safety. In addition, the director should have a proven record of supervision and management of a diverse and professional staff.
