North Olympic Peninsula
VOTER GUIDE
for the primary election ending August 6, 2019 n Clallam County n Jefferson County
Published as a public service by the
Peninsula Daily News
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For the election ending August 6, 2019
North Olympic Peninsula VOTER GUIDE
Peninsula Daily News
Introduction
Be sure to vote by 8 p.m. Aug. 6 Guide to contested races in primary election Welcome to the Peninsula Daily News’ 2019 Primary Election Voter Guide for the North Olympic Peninsula. It includes candidate questionnaires and biographical profiles for the Aug. 6 primary election in Clallam and Jefferson counties. The Jefferson County ballot has only a Chimacum School Board race and an East Jefferson Fire District 1 proposition. The voter guide provides information on five races in Clallam County and Jefferson County primary elections. These five are contests with three or more candidates. The top two vote-getters in each race will advance to the Nov. 5 general election. Democrat Mark Ozias, the incumbent Sequim-area District 1 Clallam County commissioner, and Republican challenger Brandon Janisse are the only two candidates to file for the position, but their inclusion on the primary election ballot is required under a state law. They automatically advance to the general election. But the name of the candidate who wins the most votes in the primary will appear first on the general election ballot. Ozias’ and Janisse’s questionnaires and profiles will be part of our 2019 General Election Voter Guide. Also included in the November voter guide will be descriptions of candidates for the Charter Review Commission.
“About the Job” features are included with each package of information on candidates. The features include information on the duties of each elected position, monetary compensation and election boundaries. There are no countywide races in Clallam and Jefferson counties in the primary election. The Voter Guide includes a description of East Jefferson Fire District 1 Proposition 1, which asks voters to increase the three-person board of commissioners to five members. Senior staff writer Paul Gottlieb compiled and coordinated questionnaires and profiles, and wrote the “About the Job” features. The Voter Guide was edited by Gottlieb and Executive Editor Leah Leach. Questionnaire answers were limited to 75 words per question and were edited for length, grammar and spelling. Ballots will be mailed to voters in Clallam and Jefferson counties Wednesday, July 17. Ballots are due in drop boxes in both counties and at county auditors’ offices by 8 p.m. Aug. 6, or must be postmarked by Aug. 6. Votes will be processed beginning Friday, July 19. In Clallam County, voters can drop off their ballots at the Auditor’s Office at the county courthouse, 223 E. Fourth St., Port Angeles, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 6. In Jefferson County, voters can drop off their ballots at the Auditor’s Office at the county courthouse, 1820 Jefferson St., Port Townsend, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 6. Voters who are disabled have access to voting terminals at the Clallam County Auditor’s Office and Jefferson County Auditor’s Office.
Clallam County outdoor drop boxes • Port Angeles — Clallam County courthouse. • Sequim — Sequim Village Shopping Center parking lot at the J.C. Penney store, 651 W. Washington St.; and Sunny Farms Country Store, 261461 U.S. Highway 101. • Forks — Forks City Hall, 500 E. Division St. • Clallam Bay — Clallam Bay Library, 16990 state Highway 112. • Sekiu — Clallam County Public Utility DisKeith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News trict, 15 Sekiu Airport Road. Ballot drop boxes similar to the one shown here near the J.C. Penny • Neah Bay — Wash- store in Sequim will be available for primary ballots which are due by burn’s General Store, 1450 8 p.m. Aug. 6. Bayview Ave.
Jefferson County outdoor drop boxes • Port Townsend — Jefferson County courthouse. • Port Hadlock — Jefferson County library, 620 Cedar Ave. • Nordland — Nordland Fire Station, 6633 Fla-
gler Road.
Election calendar • Wednesday: Ballots mailed to voters. • Friday: Ballots start being processed. • July 29: Last day for online and mailed voter registration.
• Aug. 6: Last day for in-person voter registration and last day to declare as a write-in candidate. • Aug. 6: Ballots due by 8 p.m. • Aug. 20: Election results certified. For more information, or if you do not receive your ballot, in Clallam County
call the elections manager at 360-417-2217, email elections@co.clallam.wa.us or see clallam.net/Auditor/ Elections.html and in Jefferson County, call 360-3859117 or 360-3859119, email elections@co. jefferson.wa.us or see co. jefferson.wa.us/1266/ Elections.
Peninsula Daily News
North Olympic Peninsula VOTER GUIDE
SLEW OF CANDIDATES TO AUTOMATICALLY ADVANCE TO GENERAL ELECTION
Clallam County
Olympic Medical Center — District 2 How will the hospital district remain financially solvent while faced with declining Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements? Nate Adkisson: I would promote and try to start an emergency care membership program for Clallam County residents. This would be a supplemental insurance program covering emergency services at OMC facilities. OMC needs to end all expansion efforts except in those areas that have sufficient, long-term revenue streams. The district needs to reach out and explore options with other hospital districts to combine administrative services. Ann Marie Henninger: The hospital district will remain solvent by anticipating and adapting to the evolving health care market; keeping current with dynamic insurance methods-reimbursement; advocating at the local, state and national levels; flexing the budget to maintain balance; and making wise decisions about services, equipment, staff and facilities. These actions will enable the district to continue providing excellent and safe care at an affordable cost while maintaining skilled staff and up-to-date equipment for our community. Warren Pierce: The declining reimbursements are only for the OMC offcampus facilities (not
ABOUT THE JOB Election boundaries: Districtwide from Blyn to Beaver, including the cities of Sequim and Port Angeles. Voters: 48,800. Term: Six years. Compensation: $128.00 per meeting and can’t make more than $12,288.00 per year. Commissioners qualify for full medical coverage (including vision and prescription) and dental. They also can add their spouse and qualifying dependents at the same cost-share as employees. Commissioners also receive basic life insurance and basic long-term disability insurance and can contribute to deferred compensation plans from their gross pay. Duties: Approve a general operating budget that in 2019 is $213.6 million and employs 1,500 people. Hires a chief executive officer and oversees operations of a 67-bed acute-care hospital in Port Angeles, including a Level 3 trauma-designated emergency department and surgical services. Outpatient services include cardiac, imaging, physical therapy and rehabilitation, laboratory, nutrition and diabetes and surgical services, homehealth care, primary care, a walk-in clinic, a sleep center, specialty physician services and cancer care in Port Angeles and Sequim. Meetings: Work sessions first Wednesday, board meetings third Wednesday Partisan or nonpartisan position: Nonpartisan. within 250 feet of the hospital), so the short-term answer is to consider having the Sequim clinic’s patients who can travel to the Port Angeles clinic’s facility next to the hospital do so, and the reimbursement will not be reduced. Long-term hope that the PLACE Act (HR 2552) bill introduced in Congress on May 7 can pass to
restore off-campus reimbursement. What more can be done to draw qualified health care workers? Adkisson: The continued neglect of our schools has and will continue to be the biggest hurdle OMC faces when drawing qualified doctors with families. Please
For the election ending August 6, 2019
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These are candidates who will proceed automatically to the general election on Nov. 5 because two or fewer candidates declared for the position.
(Incumbent Sissi Bruch is not running for re-election.)
CLALLAM COUNTY
Position 1 • William Armacost, appointee Position 2 • Jennifer States, appointee Position 6 • Troy Tenneson (Incumbent Bob Lake is not running for re-election.) Position 7 • Tom Ferrell (Incumbent Candace Pratt is not running for re-election.)
County Commission District 1 • Mark Ozias, incumbent • Brandon Janisse
Clallam Superior Court Judge Position 1 • Lauren Erickson, appointee Position 3 • Brent Basden, appointee
Port of Port Angeles commissioner District 3 • Connie Beauvais, incumbent • Maury A. Modine
Forks Community Hospital commission Position 1 • Daisy Anderson, incumbent
Olympic Medical Center commission District 3, Position 1 • Thom Hightower, appointed
Sequim City Council
Port Angeles School Board Position 3 • Katie Marks • Arwen Rice (Incumbent Joshua Jones did not file for reelection.) Position 4 Sandy Long, incumbent Position 5 • Staci Politika • Jacob Wright (Appointee William Kindler withdrew May 20.)
Crescent School Board
Position 3 • Trisha Haggerty, incumbent Position 4 Forks City Council • Susan Hopper, Position 1 incumbent • Juanita Weissenfels, Position 5 incumbent • Dara Peppard, • Jeff Gingell incumbent
Port Angeles City Council Position 6 • Nina Napiontek • Navarra Carr
Cape Flattery School Board District 2 • Greg Colfax, incumbent
District 3 LeAnne Fletcher, incumbent District 4 Donald Rhodes Baker. incumbent District 5 Tracey Rascon, incumbent
Fire District 4 Commission (Joyce) Position 3 • Sam Nugent, incumbent Position 4 • Terry Barnett, incumbent
Fire District 5 commission Position 2 • Greg Bellamy Sr. • Karin Ashton, incumbent Position 3 • Danny G. Ahrens, incumbent
Fire District 6 commission Position 2 • Robert “Chip” Keen, incumbent.
Parks, Recreation District 1 commission Position 1 • Ray Henninger, incumbent Position 3 Chuck Nagel Position 4 Al Mundy, incumbent Position No. 5 Jan L. Richardson, incumbent J. Mike Rudd
Quillayute Parks, Recreation District commission Position No. 3 • David Gedlund, incumbent Please turn to next page
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North Olympic Peninsula VOTER GUIDE
For the election ending August 6, 2019
Non-primary candidates/continued Position 4 • Nedra Reed, incumbent Position 5 • Gordon Gibbs, incumbent
Black Diamond Water District commission Position 3 • Steve Zenovic, incumbent
Sunland Water District commission Position 1 • Jim Larison, incumbent
CLALLAM/JEFFERSON Sequim School Board District 1• Lawrence “Larry” Jeffryes District 3 • Jim Stoffer, incumbent • Beth Smithson
At Large, Position 5 • Eric A. Pickens • Charles W. Smith III
Quillayute Valley School Board District 1 • Val James Giles, incumbent District 3 • Bill Rohde, incumbent District 5 • Mike Reaves, incumbent
Clallam/Jefferson Fire Protection District 1 Position 3 • Neris Biciunas Position 4 • Giancarlo Buonpane
Fire Protection District 3 Position 3 • James Barnfather, incumbent • William “Bill” Miano
JEFFERSON COUNTY
• Pam Petranek (Incumbent Steve Tucker is not running for re-election.)
East Jefferson County Hospital District 2
Peninsula Daily News
Olympic Medical Center, District 2/continued
The district and board should be steadfast in the encouragement and support to both the Port Angeles and Sequim school districts in developing and passing reasonable school bonds.
Henninger: Our district must actively “recruit for retention.” In addition to promoting our friendly work environment, equitable compensation and gorgeous natural environment in which to
work and play, it is vital to ensure a good “fit” for applicants (and families) to enhance the likelihood of long-term employment and lessen turnover. Please
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Jefferson Healthcare commission Position 3 • Matt Ready, incumbent Position 5 • Jill Buhler Rienstra, incumbent
Port Townsend City Council Position 3 • Deborah Stinson, incumbent • Monica MickHager Position 4 • Owen Rowe Position 6 • Amy Howard, incumbent • Bernie Arthur Position 7 • David J. Faber, incumbent • Tyler Myles Vega
Queets/Clearwater School Board At Large Position 2 • Dorothy Cook At Large Position 3 • Thomas Obi At Large Position 4 • Rowland Gerald Mason, incumbent At Large Position 5 • Kristeen Mowitch, incumbent
Brinnon School Board At Large Position 1 • Mary Fickett, appointee • Laura F. Beck At Large Position 2 • Ron Stephens, incumbent • Cortney J. Beck At Large Position 3 • Joe Baisch, incumbent • Jolene Elkins At Large Position 4 • Bill Barnet, incumbent
Quilcene School Board
District 1 • Trisha Freiberg Port of Port Townsend commission (Incumbent Mike Apeland is not running for re-election.) District 1 • Chuck Fauls Please turn to next page
Nate Adkisson
Ann Marie Henninger
Warren Pierce
Occupation: Loan officer, Evergreen Home Loans, Sequim. Age as of Nov. 5, General Election Day: 40. Education: Bachelor’s degree, communications, Western Washington University, Bellingham, 2002. Have you ever run for or held elective public office? No. Will you serve a full term? Yes. Campaign website: www.electadkisson.com. Residence: Sequim. Phone: 360-981-0046. Email: adkisson54@ wavecable.com.
Occupation: Registered nurse (nurse sonographer, nurse consultant, nurse manager). Age as of Nov. 5, General Election Day: 52. Education: Matteo Ricci College at Seattle Preparatory High School, 1984; bachelor’s degree, psychology, 1988, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma; bachelor’s degree, nursing, 1990, Saint Louis University. Have you ever run for or held elective public office? No. Will you serve a full term? Yes. Campaign website: None. Residence: Sequim. Phone: 360-461-5531. Email: amhenninger @gmail.com.
Occupation: Retired senior vice president information technology, Enesco Inc., Itasca, Ill. Age as of Nov. 5, General Election Day: 69. Education: Lake View High School, Chicago, 1968; bachelor’s degree, finance, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Ill., 1972. Have you ever run for or held elective public office? Yes, ran in 2015 for a Sequim Aquatic Recreation Center Metropolitan Park District commissioner position. Will you serve a full term? Yes. Campaign website: None. Residence: Sequim. Phone: 630-992-5613. Email: warren.pierce @hotmail.com.
North Olympic Peninsula VOTER GUIDE
Peninsula Daily News
Non-primary candidates/ continued District 3 • Viviann Kuehl, incumbent At Large Position 4 • Jenelle Cleland • Jessica Gossette At Large Position 5 • Paul Mahan
Chimacum School Board District 2 • Mickey Nagy • Mike Aman District 4 • Michael Raymond, appointee • Tami Robocker
Port Townsend School Board District 3 • Harold J. “Jim” Sherwood • Doug Ross (Incumbent Keith White is not running for re-election.) Director At Large Position 5 • Nathanael O’Hara, incumbent
East Jefferson FireRescue commission Position 1 • David Seabrook, incumbent
Quilcene Fire Rescue commission Position 1 • Art Frank, incumbent
Brinnon Fire District commission Position 3 • Meril Smith, incumbent
Discovery Bay Fire District Commission Position 3 • Barb Knoepfle
Brinnon Water District commission Position 1 • Fred Stern
Brinnon Cemetery District commission Position 2 • P Jodi Jaske
Quilcene Cemetery District commission Position 3 • Michael Spears
Coyle-Thorndyke Park and Recreation District commission Position 1 • Gary Elmer Position 4 • Cathy Bohman Position 5 • Richard Hull
Brinnon Parks, Recreation District commission
Position 1 • Keith Beck Position 2 • Belinda Graham, Port Ludlow Fire incumbent Rescue commission Position 4 • Diane L. Coleman, Position 2 • Ed Davis, incumbent incumbent Position 5 Position 4 • Pam Barnet, • Gene Carmody, appointee incumbent
For the election ending August 6, 2019
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Clallam County
Port Angeles City Council, Position 5 What would you do about the homeless population? Charlie McCaughan: The homeless situation is a diverse one that should be addressed through a collaborative effort involving the City Council and community resources such as Serenity House, Healthy Families, Olympic Community Action Programs and Olympic Peninsula Community Clinic, formerly Volunteers in Medicine of the Olympics, to
find solutions. We also need to explore more grant-funded programs such as Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH). It has to be solved with multiple resources working together. “Doc” Robinson: We are a rural community, which means money is limited compared to richer communities. Nevertheless, the state homeless census indicates Clallam County
reduced adult homelessness by 10 percent and family homelessness by 20 percent, while rich communities didn’t. The city of Port Angeles did not contribute a dime to end homelessness. We must change our city budget priorities and freeze all city pay and benefit increases until our city contributes to our poor more than Sequim does to theirs. Please
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Olympic Medical Center, District 2/continued
Increasing housing availability options, partnering with Peninsula College to grow their health care programs and expanding telehealth options to support providers are specific ways to attract highly capable workers. Pierce: While I’m sure this is already being done by OMC, offer excellent pay, benefits, flexible schedules and other incentives that will entice health care workers to join OMC, and keep current health care workers from leaving. Continue state and private funding for Peninsula College’s various medical training programs beyond the 2019-20 school year. What is your major goal if elected? Adkisson: I want OMC to review and change the current collections, judgments and wage garnishment policies it pursues against patients. I want OMC to adopt a seven-day grace period for cash payments so patients have time to make the best financial decisions. I want to ensure that OMC leads the industry in providing real-time, up-front cost. Henninger: My primary goal as a hospital commissioner is to act as a team member providing servant leadership and wise governance while working to safeguard our hospital district staff, facilities
and services. Pierce: I commit to promote the best interests of the public by overseeing the management of OMC’s business and community operations and ensure that OMC is following its mission, vision and core values, as stated on their website. How are you qualified to be a hospital commissioner? Adkisson: As a 20-year consumer of health care, I have had extensive dealings with Franciscan, OMC, Multicare, Aetna and UnitedHealthcare. I have had to be a student of the system to ensure that my financial and patient rights were upheld. I have had experience on a public board working with fellow citizens in setting goals and executing action plans. I will always present a solutionoriented perspective in pursuit of improving and preserving the hospital district. Henninger: My qualifications include 29 years as a registered nurse in a variety of roles; direct involvement and experience in how boards function; local (Sequim) resident and community volunteer since 1996; considerable effort spent familiarizing myself with the commissioner position and responsibilities; and knowledge, desire, skills and time to serve and to serve successfully.
Pierce: With my extensive leadership experience, business knowledge, strategic planning and information technology skills, I will be an excellent resource. Currently, I’m on the Olympic Peninsula YMCA Association board and Sequim YMCA board, and my interpersonal skills make me a valuable asset. Why should voters choose you over your opponents? Adkisson: I am going to pursue a patient-driven, consumer- and taxpayer-oriented perspective when trying to shape OMC’s policies and endeavors. Henninger: For the past two years, I have been attending Olympic Medical Center board of commissioner twice-monthly meetings to glean information about how the board operates, the role of board commissioners and committees and current issues facing our hospital district. I have also expended significant time reviewing the current and new strategic plans, followed rural health care legislative issues locally and nationally, interviewed current commissioners and studied the official commissioner handbook and relevant RCWs. Pierce: I offer a diverse skill-set that will complement the existing OMC commissioners.
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For the election ending August 6, 2019
North Olympic Peninsula VOTER GUIDE
Peninsula Daily News
Port Angeles City Council, Position 5/continued
Artur Wojnowski: Connect them with local, regional and national organizations to educate and motivate those who want help to get them off the street. Listen to their story and see how to give them the help they need. What can the city do to increase the availability of rental housing? McCaughan: Again, this has to be a collaborative effort involving the city and the building community such as North Peninsula Building Association, Peninsula Housing Authority, developers and local landlords. The city completed its Housing Action Plan in May and is presently working with the Affordable Housing Task Force to address the problem. They also have a roundtable planned with local developers to discuss these issues within our urban growth area. Robinson: Step 1: Impose multi-use zoning. Let the market decide whether housing or commercial use is best. Use zoning to protect residential areas, but make most commercial zones unrestricted multiuse. Step 2: Develop grant and taxcredit programs to stimulate renovation and new construction. Step 3: Investigate and adopt low-cost tactics to help builders meet stormwater regulations. Provide city dollars and labor. We have to make this our problem, not just the contractors’. Wojnowski: Make changes to codes and regulations to ease the burden to allow for higher density in residential zones areas (example: temporary-permanent tiny homes not accessory dwelling units; allow for vertical-building, duplex-triplex on residential lots, ease lot coverage restriction). Create incentives for contractors to build or redevelop areas. How would you address current and projected downtown traffic congestion? McCaughan: This is going to be difficult situation to remedy. With the upcoming downtown renovation, it may even get worse.
ABOUT THE JOB Election boundaries: Citywide. Voters: 12,800. Term: Four years. Compensation: Mayor receives $650 a month, deputy mayor $600 a month, other council members $550 a month. Duties: Pass a general operating budget that in 2019 is $117.5 million, including $53 million for public works, which includes the electric utility, half of which is the public works budget. The budget also funds 250 employees. Council members levy taxes, adopt all ordinances, approve all contracts and serve on city, county and regional boards. Under the council-manager form of government, council members hire a city manager who is responsible for city administration and hiring of employees. The mayor and deputy mayor are appointed by the council. The mayor sets the agenda and conducts council meetings. Meetings: First and third Tuesday of the month Partisan or nonpartisan position: Nonpartisan. I would initiate discussion with Lower Elwha Klallam tribe to address potential traffic issues before they begin demolition of the block downtown and how it is going to be controlled once construction of the hotel begins. These are major concerns of the citizens that travel First Street and Front Street daily. Robinson: Clear traffic and stimulate downtown retail growth. Make Front Street two-way
Charlie McCaughan
Richard “Doc” Robinson
Artur K. Wojnowski
Occupation: Procurement and facilities supervisor, Clallam County Public Utility District. Age as of Nov. 5, General Election Day: 63. Education: Graduate, Long Beach High School, Long Beach, Miss.; studied drafting and commercial art at Mississippi Gulf Coast Junior College, Biloxi, Miss. Have you ever run for or held elective public office? No. Will you serve a full term? Yes. Campaign website: None. Residence: Port Angeles. Phone: 360-452-6965. Email: charlowmc@yahoo. com.
Occupation: Executive director, Serenity House of Clallam County. Age as of Nov. 5, General Election Day: 66. Education: Bachelor’s degree, geography and climate systems, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colo.; master’s degree, management, University of Maryland, College Park, Md.; doctorate, public policy analysis, Pardee RAND Graduate School, 1992. Have you ever run for or held elective public office? Ran unsuccessfully for Port of Port Angeles commissioner in 2015. Will you serve a full term? Yes. Campaign website: None. Residence: Port Angeles. Phone: 360-207-9241. Email: doc4portangeles@ gmail.com.
Occupation: Owner, Home Guys, of Port Angeles, a general contractor; seasonal employee, Clallam County Parks Department. Age as of Nov. 5, General Election Day: 35. Education: Graduated from Lake Park High School, Roselle, Ill., 2002; classes at Harper College, Palatine, Ill; classes at College of DuPage, Lombard, Ill. Have you ever run for or held elective public office? Ran unsuccessfully for Port Angeles City Council in 2017. Would you serve a full term? Yes. Campaign website: Facebook page, Artur for City Council. Residence: Port Angeles. Phone: 360-808-5597. Email: Arturkwojnowski@ yahoo.com.
and slow. Close First Street, make it walk-only with wind barriers, fire pits, heated chairs and an overhead rain roof. Let downtown develop as a tourist fun-zone with the new hotel. For downtown traffic, build free parking with electric carts for the elderly and disabled. Divert through traffic onto Race or Peabody streets, then to Eighth Street or Lauridsen Bou-
levard and back to U.S. Highway 101. Wojnowski: Unfortunately, given the geography and location, downtown traffic will continue. Long-term solution will require a great deal of capital, partnerships and time. We must continue to continually reevaluate and look for options. How are you qualified to be on the City Council? McCaughan: My wife and I
have lived in Port Angeles for almost 20 years. I was involved in the city Light Operations portion of the budget when I was employed at the City of Port Angeles from 2003-2008. I am also involved in the budget process at my present job. I have worked with electric utilities for over 22 years of my career in the electrical industry. I look forward to serving our community.
Peninsula Daily News
North Olympic Peninsula VOTER GUIDE
For the election ending August 6, 2019
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Clallam County
Port Angeles City Council, Position 7 What would you do about the homeless population? Martha Cunningham: People who have been homeless for years because of addiction or mental health issues need long-term housing and treatment to recover. The temporarily homeless need transitional support. This begs the question of how to create more low-income housing. The people of Port Angeles are willing to help a neighbor as long as their community is safe from drug-related crime and their treasured landmarks are respected. We can find a way to accomplish both. Tara Martin Lopez: As noted in the Port Angeles Housing Action Plan, our average income is not keeping up with housing costs. We need to adapt zoning and support developers to construct affordable, multifamily houses. We need to support safety-net services that meet daily needs and provide expertise including the Homeless Task Force, TAFY (The Answer for Youth), REdisCOVERY and Serenity House. Finally, we need to continue to engage the homeless and bring their voice to the table for inclusionary problem solving. Brendan Meyer: Homelessness has many causes and is a
systemic problem. We must protect the constitutional rights of both our housed and our homeless population as well. Homelessness is not just a Port Angeles problem. I believe Jefferson, Clallam and Kitsap counties, and the cities in between, need to come together in a concerted effort to provide services and shelter. This would greatly help the affected homeless while easing the burden on the tax base of our city. What can the city do to increase the availability of rental housing? Cunningham: The city of Port Angeles can create incentives for construction of low-cost housing and rehabilitation of empty units. They can alter parking restrictions and building dimensions. They can waive fees and expedite permitting. They can look at mixed-use cluster housing, cottages and nonprofit land trusts. People with large lots might install auxiliary rental spaces on their property or subdivide and build. Incentives for renting to a qualified long-term renter could be an attractive option. Lopez: Despite living in a
rural community, we increasingly see full-time working families priced out of rentals. We can expand current City Council efforts to provide developer incentives and prioritize permits for affordable multifamily housing. Additionally, we can set policy to ensure that families and seniors are not spending more than 30 percent of their income on rental housing. Finally, we can craft a tenantlandlords ordinance to address challenges in finding rental units for long-term occupancy. Meyer: We need to de-incentivize short-term rentals and make it less desirable to rent for just the summer and more desirable to rent year-round to people living in the city. We need to lift the RS7 [residential single-family] zoning restriction to increase density. We need a multifaceted approach and input from the public. I look forward to hearing the recommendations from the planning commission on this matter. How would you address current and projected downtown traffic congestion? Cunningham: The main considerations are safety, longrange projections and sources for funding. We have to plan ahead in
order to steer the future, and citizens are encouraged to be part of the discussion. The 2020-2025 Capital Facilities Planning and Transportation Improvement Plan is available on the city website. The state will at some point give direction, and we would want to have a plan ahead of that. An alternate route is a necessary part of emergency disaster planning. Lopez: I would review the data for current and projected levels of traffic congestion and consult with city civil engineers and downtown business owners to gather their insight about alleviating congestion levels. Additionally, I would advocate for solutions focused on increasing public transportation, bike lanes, wider sidewalks and a different traffic flow to make downtown Port Angeles less of a thoroughfare and more of a community gathering place for patronizing local businesses and enjoying our city’s beauty. Meyer: I think we could install a dual traffic circle similar to the Swindon roundabout in England, and that would help with the congestion. There are lots of plans on the books. It will take political will and fortitude to make anything hap-
pen, and the longer we wait, the more it will cost, which is true about everything. We need outside-the-box thinking. How are you qualified to be on the City Council? Cunningham: I have many years of experience in community advocacy, teaching in diverse communities, paralegal work, and serving as a Kent Arts Commission member. This experience has taught me how to anticipate, prepare and evaluate. I have also developed skills in communication, research, legal analysis and writing. My volunteer work with families has taught me how to interview, find resources and work with people from all backgrounds and dispositions. Lopez: My years as an educator and my current work on the Port Angeles Planning Commission show my dedication to serving the community and provide me the experience and focus to solve tough problems. As a researcher and active community member, I have the proven ability to balance a budget, ensure that decisions are data-informed and foster collaboration with fellow community members. Please
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Port Angeles City Council, Position 5/continued Robinson: That is for the voters to decide. You see how I think. Traffic is a business development opportunity. Homelessness is an expensive labor force going to waste. How do we make our city productive? We work with [Washington State University] and help our residents start and
grow businesses. They may fail. It should not be because they did not know something important for their business. We want local success, we have to have each other’s backs. Wojnowski: I was a maintenance manager for a small community of 211 homes.
I have been an employee as well as a self-employed business owner. I have a balanced range of experience and knowledge. I am the current board president of the Peninsula Area Public Access TV station. Why should voters choose you over your opponents? McCaughan: I have been a
Port Angeles resident for almost 20 years. I believe in transparency to the public and being openminded toward all of the concerns brought to the council by the citizens. I am committed to working however many hours and doing whatever it takes to keep Port Angeles a city we can
all be proud of for decades to come. I have the experience to succeed in this position. Robinson: Less talk. More do. Wojnowski: Voting for me will give the community a well traveled, well experienced, balanced and open minded person.
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North Olympic Peninsula VOTER GUIDE
For the election ending August 6, 2019
Clallam County
Forks City Council, Position 5
What’s the best way to fund sewer system expansion out from the city’s central core? Mike Gilstrap: I am against frivolous levies, but to expand the city’s sewer capabilities, I would be in favor of one and a small increase in rates. Christina Kohout: I believe we should look into any grants that we may qualify for. On new accounts or services, we should charge a
Peninsula Daily News
one-time service fee to fund future expansion. How would you increase coordination between Forks and Clallam County officials? Gilstrap: Communication is the key. More talking between the city and the county officials would be a good start, and the county appreciating Forks as an equal with the other cities in the county. Kohout: A city liaison can coordinate efforts within the county.
Checking our manning document for the county, perhaps an expansion of a role already within the county government may be necessary. What would you do as a council member to stimulate economic development? Gilstrap: Try to appeal to small business owners to want to come to Forks and set up shop, and try to find a business to occupy the mill property vacated by Interfor. Please
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Port Angeles City Council, Position 7 /continued
My professional expertise will serve as an asset for improving community and institutional effectiveness. Meyer: I’ve been attending planning commission meetings and City Council meetings for the last few months. I’ve had meetings with those on the ground to find out what is needed and intend to continue this practice throughout my term. We need real-life, real-time, and practical solutions. I’m a strong believer in the Constitution. And I believe that no one, including the government, has the right to intrude on those guaranteed rights. Why should voters choose you over your opponents? Cunningham: I am a fourthgeneration descendant of homesteaders to Washington, and I have a deep love and understanding of what makes this
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place unique. Like most people here I love the outdoors, and I appreciate our natural resources. I will represent all people regardless of politics. My vision for Port Angeles is one that embraces opportunities for hardworking people and offers them a chance to expand their potential. Lopez: I stand apart in my familiarity with the residents of Port Angeles. As a professor, I’ve connected with hundreds of local students and their families. Through these relationships, I’ve collaborated with a diversity of individuals, and I have a deeper understanding of the vast range of community perspectives regarding how to confront our city’s central problems. This knowledge will inform my decision-making and makes me the ideal candidate for City Council Position 7. Meyer: I pledge to finish what I start and not to turn my back on the commitment I make to this community. I have integrity to stay in and fight hard for the working people, the backbone of this city, and the business leaders who are the engine of Port Angeles’ economy. There are a lot of people in this town with good ideas, and they want to help. I want to listen. Join me.
Martha Cunningham
Tara Martin Lopez
Brendan Meyer
Occupation: Freelance editor, substitute teacher. Age as of Nov. 5, General Election Day: 67. Education: Bachelor’s degree, human services-administration, Western Washington University, Bellingham, 1993; American Montessori Society teaching certificate, Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia, Pa., 1996; paralegal-plus certificate, Highline Community College, Des Moines, 2001; certificate in editing, University of Washington, 2017. Have you ever run for or held elective public office? No. Will you serve a full term? Yes. Campaign website: www. martha-cunningham.com. Residence: Port Angeles. Phone: 206-743-4655. Email: marthaforcity council@gmail.com.
Occupation: Professor of sociology, Peninsula College. Age as of Nov. 5, General Election Day: 42. Education: Bachelor’s degree, history-Spanish, 2000, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, N.M.; master’s degree, history, University of California, San Diego, 2001; doctorate in sociology, 2008, University of Manchester, U.K. Have you ever run for or held elective public office? No. Will you serve a full term? Yes. Campaign website: martinlopezforcouncil.com. Residence: Port Angeles. Phone: Did not provide. Email: taramartinlopez@ gmail.com.
Occupation: Selfemployed, new-streaming media marketing and consulting, analytics-driven promotional advertising. Age as of Nov. 5, General Election Day: 35. Education: Associate degree, applied sciences, Wake Tech Community College, Raleigh, N.C. Have you ever run for or held elective public office? No. Will you serve a full term? Yes. Campaign website: www. Meyer4Council.com. Residence: Port Angeles. Phone: 919-408-6510. Email: Meyer4Council@ gmail.com
Peninsula Daily News
North Olympic Peninsula VOTER GUIDE
Clallam County
Fire District 2, Position 3
For the election ending August 6, 2019
How will the district maintain financial stability while replacing fire engines and water tenders? Keith Cortner: To address vehicle replacement, a shortand long-term replacement plan should be developed, if not already done. Replacement funding of all vehicles should be spread out over the replacement cycle of the apparatus to assure that there is no single, large financial impact to citizens.
This replacement plan should not be limited to engines and tenders only but should include all department vehicles. Alternate funding such as grants should also be investigated and pursued. Steven Hopf: By planning ahead like they have been, by looking for local, state and federal grant money, and by looking to “piggyback” our apparatus orders with other departments to receive a lower price per unit.
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Richard Ruud: The district already has a schedule for replacement. Funding is a primary concern, but with diligence, a plan is in place. How would you address earthquake preparedness at fire stations? Cortner: A needs assessment for the district should be completed for earthquake resilience as well as the future needs of the residents within the district. Please
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Forks City Council, Position 5/continued
Mike Gilstrap Occupation: Log truck driver, Barry Swanson Trucking, Forks. Age as of Nov. 5, General Election Day: 47. Education: Forks High School, GED certificate, 1990. Have you ever run for or held elective public office? I ran unsucessfully for the Forks City Council in 2017. Will you serve a full term? Yes. Campaign website: None. Residence: Forks. Phone: 360-640-9659. Email: Jarheadgilly@ yahoo.com.
Christina “Stina” Kohout Occupation: Corrections officer, Clallam Bay Corrections Center. Age as of Nov. 5, General Election Day: 36. Education: Graduate of Henley High School, Klamath Falls, Ore.; classes at Oregon Institute of Technology, Klamath Falls; studied early childhood education, Peninsula College, 2015-17. Have you ever run for or held elective public office? I ran unsuccessfully for the Forks City Council in 2015. Will you serve a full term? Yes. Campaign website: None. Residence: Forks. Phone: 360-477-1116. Email: ckohout228@gmail. com.
Kohout: We need to review city policies and open our town up to being more businessfriendly and tourist-friendly by revamping both infrastructure and the service industry to better serve citizens, tourism and new businesses. How are you qualified to be on the City Council? Gilstrap: I am a lifetime resident of Forks and a homeowner, and I have put children through the school system here. So I like to think I am a vested member of the community. Kohout: Since moving to Forks seven years ago, I’ve been involved with many service organizations (Olympic Community Action Programs, Concerned Citizens, PTO, Sportsmen’s Club, Elks) because of my love for this city. When you love something, you want to take care of it. I understand what it means to perform civic duty, and I will rise to the occasion. Why should voters choose you over your opponents? Gilstrap: I think things through and gather all the infor-
ABOUT THE JOB Election boundaries: Citywide. Voters: 1,650. Term: Four years Compensation: None. Duties: Pass a general operating budget that in 2019 is $5.2 million and funds 27 employees. Under the strong mayor, or mayor-council, form of government, the council is the legislative body and passes the budget. The mayor, who is elected and is not paid, is the city administrator. The mayor submits an annual budget for council consideration and hires all city employees. The mayor hires department heads with the advice of council members. Meetings: Second and fourth Monday of the month. Partisan or nonpartisan position: Nonpartisan. mation I can before making decisions. I am a straight shooter and tell things like they are and don’t sugarcoat them. I believe my military experience and being a senior staff noncommissioned officer makes me a better choice for City Council than my competitors.
Candidate Danny Smith declined to fill out a q uestionnaire for this voter guide. Kohout: I have the ambition and determination to help this city look toward its future.
Get home delivery. Call 360-452-4507 or 800-826-7714 www.peninsuladailynews.com Peninsula Daily News
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For the election ending August 6, 2019
North Olympic Peninsula VOTER GUIDE
Peninsula Daily News
Clallam County Fire District 2, Position 3/continued
The study should include optimal station locations and structural reliability along with staffing and equipment capabilities to meet response levels for current and future needs of the district. Stations that can be upgraded to meet earthquake standards should be retrofitted as soon as possible. Hopf: Complete a building evaluation for each station and plan for needed updates ASAP, lay in a cache of supplies and equipment for each station at a central location and make sure there is a solid communications link with each station for personnel and their families. Plan a “windshield survey” to look for damage to key infrastructure to report in for city, county and state evaluation. Ruud: We regard this as serious, but destruction could impair District 2 response in regards to personnel response and unknown conditions. How should the district address the 81 percent increase in call volume in the last seven years? Cortner: A districtwide needs assessment should be completed to ensure the district is meeting the current needs as well as projections for future growth. Evaluation of station locations as well as equipment and manpower would be a component of that study. Continued recruitment and training of volunteers throughout the district as well as an evaluation of paid staff should be completed as part of the needs assessment. Hopf: Continue to look for volunteers, ask the volunteers who left, “Why did you leave?”, look for alternative funding avenues to help hire more full-time staff, organize the volunteers in a different fashion, find ways to use the general public with training in first aid and CPR to help the district. Ruud: So far, District 2 has met the increase of call volume, but it has put a strain on our personnel.
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ABOUT THE JOB Election boundaries: The fire district covers 85 square miles, from East Beach Road at Lake Crescent west, to west of Deer Park Road, not including the city of Port Angeles and Joyce. Voters: 7,100. Term: Six years. Compensation: $128 per meeting up to $12,288 a year, life insurance. Duties: Pass a general operating budget that in 2019 is $2.2 million and pays for nine full-time employees, including six firefighter-paramedics; hires the fire chief, levies taxes. Meetings: Third Tuesday of the month. Partisan or nonpartisan: Nonpartisan. We can only anticipate what is next and meet that need. How are you qualified to be a fire district commissioner? Cortner: I am a retired firefighter-fire chief with experience in operations and administrative functions including training, writing and implementing policy, apparatus and station design, equipment evaluation and purchasing and budgetary oversight. I also have experience in numerous committees, including those related to firefighter health and safety and fire department purchasing. In addition, I have served on a fire department health insurance board and a charitable organization board, both as a founding member. Hopf: Over 55 years community resident watching the district grow, over 40 years volunteer and paid fire department experience with increasing responsibilities, willingness to learn and follow procedures specific to Fire District 2, ability to plan and execute a budget.
Keith Cortner Occupation: Emergency management specialist, Early Alert Inc., Palm City, Fla. Age as of Nov. 5, General Election Day: 60. Education: Miami Palmetto Senior High School, Miami, Fla., Class of 1976; associate degree, fire science, Columbia Southern University, Orange Beach, Ala. Have you ever run for or held elective public office? No. Will you serve a full term? Yes. Campaign website: None. Residence: Port Angeles. Phone: 239-280-8027. Email: srt5@aol.com.
I learned from other departments how they overcame problems we are facing. I was the first overall paid fire chief [part-time position]. Willingness to listen and problem solve. Ruud: I have been a District 2 fire commissioner for 30-plus years. Why should voters choose you over your opponents? Cortner: I believe I can offer
Steven G. Hopf
Occupation: Retired fire captain-emergency medical technician, South King Fire & Rescue, Federal Way. Age as of Nov. 5, General Election Day: 64. Education: Port Angeles High School, 1972; Applied Associate of Arts, Technical Certificate Nursing, 1976, Peninsula College; Applied Associate of Science degree, industrial electronics technical certificate, Peninsula College, 1982. Have you ever run for or held elective public office? No. Will you serve a full term? Yes. Campaign website: None. Residence: Port Angeles. Phone: 360-452-4937. Email: shopf@juno.com. support and direction in dealing with modern issues facing the fire service. Having served in volunteer and paid fire departments at both the line and administrative level, I have the broad-based experience and perspective to address the needs and safety of firefighters while ensuring fiscal responsibility to the citizens of the district. Hopf: Because of a solid
Richard Ruud Occupation: Retired from Peninsula Plywood Corp., Port Angeles. Age as of Nov. 5, General Election Day: 92. Education: Two years of college. Have you ever run for or held elective public office? Incumbent Clallam County Fire District 2, Position 3 commissioner. Will you serve a full term? Yes Campaign website: None. Residence: Port Angeles. Phone: 360-457-6070. Email: None.
knowledge of the issues facing District 2, seeing firsthand how other departments around the nation have dealt with these issues, ability to find the common ground of all these issues and find an answer specific to our needs and the desire to help our community and our fire department with healthy, planned growth. Ruud: Experience, and I am a strong advocate of the district.
North Olympic Peninsula VOTER GUIDE
Peninsula Daily News
For the election ending August 6, 2019
11
Clallam commissioner candidates eye primary outcome State law requires partisan race of 2 to appear on ballot By Paul Gottlieb
Peninsula Daily News
SEQUIM — There is one tangible impact for the candidate who receives the most votes in the primary election pairing between Democrat Mark Ozias and Republican Brandon Janisse: placement as the first name listed for the position on the Nov. 5 general election ballot. State law requires partisan races, such as Ozias’ and Janisse’s contest for Sequim-area District 1 Clallam County commissioner, to appear on the Aug. 6 primary election ballot — even if just two candidates are running and even though they are assured of meeting again on the ballot this fall. In interviews July 8, the two candidates had different takes on the primary election results as they took stock of pursuing the four-year position. “I very much hope to win the primary, and I will be working hard to do that,” said Ozias, the one-term incumbent who will be 49 as of General Election Day. “It will help me understand perhaps where I need to work harder.” Janisse, a Sequim City Council member two years into his term, said he wants to top Ozias on Aug. 6 but isn’t too worried if he doesn’t. “Obviously, that’s the goal of any race,” said Janisse, a Clallam County jail control technician who will be 34 as of General Election Day. “I will continue to get what I want to see happening in the county to the constituents. “Ozias was second in the primary four years ago. “That’s why I don’t put too much stock in it.” The winner of the Nov. 5 general election will make $95,500 annually when he takes office in January. He will be responsible for passing, along with two other commissioners, an annual general fund operating budget that in 2019 is
Janisse
Ozias
$42.5 million. Election results for county and state legislative positions in the 2015 through 2018 election cycles show candidates who win the most votes in primaries — partisan or not — win general elections. Ozias was one exception in 2016, when he garnered fewer primary votes than incumbent Republican Jim McEntire. The primary did include fellow Democrat Bryan D. Frazier. Combined, the Democrats bested McEntire 4,440 votes to 4,267 votes, and Ozias beat McEntire in the general election, 11,554 votes to 10,116 votes, or 53 percent to 47 percent. The other exception was Ozias’ Port Angeles-area District 1 county commissioner colleague Randy Johnson. Johnson, up for re-election in 2020, ran stating no party preference in the four-person 2016 primary election, which included two Republicans and a Democrat. Johnson came in second to Democrat Ron Richards before winning the district-only general election, 56 percent to 44 percent, or 6,784 votes to 5,250 votes. The Aug. 6 primary sets up the pairing for the last of three county commissioner positions to be decided solely by voters in the commissioner candidates’ home district in the general election. The Aug. 6 primary will still be open only to District 1 voters, but a Charter Review Commission change approved by voters made the general election districtwide, too. District 1, with 21,700 voters, is the largest of three commissioner districts. The county had 53,700 voters as of July 8. County Commissioner Bill Peach last year defeated Michael Doherty in the Port Angeles-West
Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News
The clocktower of the Clallam County Courthouse pokes up through the trees in Port Angeles. End District 3 contest after Doherty advanced from a threeperson primary. Ozias and Janisse agreed they will build on campaign themes once the Aug. 6 primary ends. Ballots will be mailed to voters Wednesday, July 17. Janisse, who won his four-year council seat unopposed in 2017, said he was considering running for county commissioner when he ran for council. Janisse, a 2003 Sequim High School graduate and an Iraq War army veteran, said his first-hand, personal experience being a foster parent and working in the jail can help move the county in the direction of solving the community’s mental health, drug abuse and homelessness problems in a way that distinguishes him from Ozias. Ozias said the ties he has built with nonprofit organizations and Clallam County Hospital District
2, and the government partnerships he has fostered to address community health issues including heart disease and diabetes in “creating a new way to get at combating chronic diseases,” distinguish him from Janisse. Ozias said he expects to spend more than $5,000 running for reelection, triggering a detailed public reporting contribution requirement with the state Public Disclosure Commission. Ozias said he used leftover campaign funds from his 2015 race to cover the $769 candidate filing fee and reported $1,559 in contributions as of May 31. His top contributors are $250 each from Stephanie Price of Sequim and Linda Petersen of Arlington. Ozias had a campaign kickoff June 20 at Wind Rose Cellars in Sequim. “I will raise as much as I think is necessary but not any more
than is necessary, based on how the campaign unfolds,” Ozias said. He’s also updated his markozias.org website with the addition of the hashtag #followtheleader “to develop followers for my online and social media presence,” he said. Janisse has notified the Public Disclosure Commission he will be “mini-reporting,” pledging he will not raise or spend more than $5,000. Janisse does not have to publicly report contributions and expenditures but must keep records. “I will be seeking contributions,” he said. He hadn’t raised any campaign funds as of July 8. “It’s just me at the moment,” Janisse said.
________ Senior Staff Writer Paul Gottlieb can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 55650, or at pgottlieb@peninsuladailynews.com.
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North Olympic Peninsula VOTER GUIDE
For the election ending August 6, 2019
Peninsula Daily News
Jefferson County
Chimacum School Board, District 3 How should the district address declining enrollment? Gary Frogner: Enrollment is a symptom — not the problem. As parents, we’ll naturally choose the best educational opportunity for our children. Our schools need to become clearly superior to any competing options. We can best reverse shrinking numbers (enrollment and fiscal) by transforming Chimacum schools into the preeminent education choice in Washington. As a community working together, we cannot only entice local families to return but also attract students from neighboring districts. Steve Martin: Last fall, a committee of stakeholders was tasked with understanding the district’s enrollment challenges and developing a list of solutions. This spring, the Choose Chimacum Enrollment Committee produced a comprehensive report with actionable priorities and solutions. The priorities are improve the district’s image, improve the learning climate for students and staff, enhance academic opportunities. Solutions for these priorities are provided in this report. This document should be the foundation for how to address declining enrollment. Kristina Mayer: The problem has been identified as declining enrollment, yet there is a myriad of reasons why people choose to leave. Listen intently to parents, students and staff to learn from them. Do exit interviews with people who leave. Decide what our Chimacum School District brand is, tell our story. Communicate successes, accomplishments and plans to improve with honesty and clarity. Please
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Gary Frogner
Steve Martin
Kristina Mayer
Occupation: Retired senior director, West Coast operations, Concurrent Technologies Corp., a national nonprofit applied research and development firm, Johnstown, Pa. Age as of Nov. 5, General Election Day: 66. Education: Bachelor’s degree, nuclear engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, 1981; 90 percent of classes needed toward earning a bachelor’s degree, environmental sciences, Western Washington University, Bellingham; master’s degree, physical oceanography, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, Calif., 1991. Have you ever run for or held elective public office? No. Will you serve a full term? Yes. Campaign website: None. Residence: Chimacum. Phone: 360-994-0554. Email: grfrogner@gmail. com.
Occupation: Owner, NW Landworks Inc., Chimacum. Age as of Nov. 5, General Election Day: 47. Education: Graduate of North Kitsap High School, 1990; associates degree, environmental horticulture, South Seattle Community College, 1993. Have you ever run for or held elective public office? No. Will you serve a full term? Yes. Campaign website: None. Residence: Chimacum. Phone: 360-301-3194. Email: CenterValleySteve@ gmail.com.
Occupation: Owner, KLMayer Consulting Group LLC, consultant to nonprofits and foundations 2004, Chimacum Age as of Nov. 5, General Election Day: 66. Education: Graduate of Mount Rainier High School, Des Moines, 1971; Associate of Arts degree, 1975, Highline College, Des Moines, 1975; bachelor’s degree, education, including K-12 lifetime teaching certificate, Seattle University, 1977; master’s degree, curriculum and administration, Gonzaga University, Spokane, 1987; doctorate in educational leadership and change, Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, Calif., 2001. Have you ever run for or held elective public office? No. Will you serve a full term? Yes. Campaign website: None. Residence: Chimacum. Phone: 360-379-3667, 360643-1051. Email: kristina@klmayer. com.
Jeremiah “Jeremy” Perrot Occupation: Student. Age as of Nov. 5, General Election Day: 21. Education: Graduate of Shawnigan Lake School, British Columbia, 2016; enrolled at Olympic College, Bremerton. Have you ever run for or held elective public office? No. Will you serve a full term? Yes. Campaign website: None. Residence: Chimacum. Phone: 360-774-2278. Email: jeremiahcperrott@ gmail.com.
Peninsula Daily News
North Olympic Peninsula VOTER GUIDE
For the election ending August 6, 2019
Chimacum School Board , District 3/continued
Make service to our community a priority. Foster an internal and external customer service orientation. Jeremiah Perrott: The trend of declining enrollment is tied to the lack of economic opportunity in the county and the frustration and disappointment of parents and community members in the quality of education provided. The School Board and district officials must be advocates for policy that will drive economic growth in the region. The board and district must regain the confidence of parents, community and staff by being transparent and accountable. What would you do about the financial challenges facing the district? Frogner: Directly challenge our representatives in Olympia to meet their constitutional “paramount duty” to make “ample provision” for education of “all children” by fixing the 2018 Washington funding mistakes that are crippling small schools across our state. Dramatically increase family and community involvement in our schools to represent community priorities in our constrained budgets, and build a culture of volunteerism and partnership for excellence. Aggressively leverage grants and other partnerships to enhance basic education. Martin: The way the Legislature chose to fund the McCleary decision has left schools across the state unable to fully collect their voter-approved levies. Unfortunately, this funding shortfall and declining enrollment has left the district with future financial challenges. The solution to the funding shortfall is increasing enrollment. The district receives $8,817 [in state and federal funding] for each student. Using the Choose Chimacum Enrollment Committee report to increase enrollment will help overcome the financial challenges the district is facing. Mayer: It will take a team
effort to design a path forward in this challenging fiscal environment. One obvious place to increase the budget is by stopping the outward flow of students. I would learn from staff about where flexibility is in the budget. I would deepen my understanding of what the levy situation is for Chimacum and what options we have. Advocacy for a fix to the negative impact of the levy changes is needed. Perrott: Explore cost-saving opportunities, energy efficiency investments and sharing resources between neighboring districts. Should the high school sports programs merge with Port Townsend School District? Frogner: [Washington Interscholastic Activities Association] 2B status, without merging, will incur increased transportation time and costs, and the loss of traditional league rivalries. Many student athletes already have great experiences, memories and friendships from competing alongside Port Townsend youth for years within Little League baseball and youth football, as well as currently combined tennis, wrestling, swimming and softball. We need to hear more from families on best interests of student athletes and not make this a purely financial decision. Martin: I do not support merging Chimacum’s high school sports with Port Townsend. I’m proud of the fact that Chimacum has always been a no-cut school, where every kid can participate in any sports team. As a youth sports coach (Little League baseball and Jefferson County Soccer Club), I recognize the importance of getting kids outside and exercising. Our sports programs teach valuable life-lessons to our kids about teamwork, accountability, taking risks and discipline. Mayer: I don’t have enough information to answer this question right now and would need to learn more before taking a position.
This type of question often has both an emotional and logical component. I would want to know what the goal of the merger would be, what financial implications there might be, social costs and how a merger would impact the programs and participation. Perrott: Yes. Combining sports is preferable to the available leagues if Chimacum is relegated to the 2B level. The existing Chimacum-Port Townsend combined athletic programs have been successful. How are you qualified to be on the School Board? Frogner: I’m a proven listener and collaborative teambuilder with a lifetime of consensus-building around tough issues and empowering teams to take action toward common goals. I’ve served on the Chimacum School Accreditation Team, working with the region’s best education professionals to strengthen best practices, mitigate challenges and develop local targets for continuous improvement at Chimacum schools. I’ve volunteered and coordinated volunteers to assist teachers, coaches, maintenance staff, and most importantly students in Chimacum schools. Martin: My experience as a subcontractor on large, heavy, civil construction projects has left me with an understanding of how public agencies operate. I am experienced in contract negotiations, project management and team building. I currently serve on the board of directors for the East Jefferson Little League. Mayer: My qualifications include degrees in education, decades of experience teaching, working in central office and school administration. I spent a decade allocating funding to public schools through two foundations focused on workforce development and schoolcommunity partnerships. I served on the Washington State Board of Education and understand the policy framework for K-12 education. I have served on many boards,
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ABOUT THE JOB Election boundaries: Area includes Chimacum, Port Hadlock-Irondale, Port Ludlow, Marrowstone Island. Voters: 9,900 voters. Term: Four years. Compensation: Board members may receive $50 per meeting up to $4,800 a year and may participate at their own expense in health, liability and other insurance offered to district staff if permitted by the sponsor of the plan. Duties: Approve a general operating budget that for the 2018-2019 school year was $14.7 million for operations at a primary school, elementary school, middle school and juniorsenior high school. The budget funds 67 certified employees and 53 classified employees. Hire a schools superintendent. Approve collective bargaining agreements, an academic calendar, modify school district policies, approve a curriculum, approve tax levies, hire staff. Meetings: Second and fourth Wednesday of the month. Partisan or nonpartisan: Nonpartisan. know how boards work and have experience with open public meetings and working in the policy domain. Perrott: I believe that every student has the right to be educated to their full potential. I attended Chimacum for elementary and middle school. Prior to elementary, I attended both private and public schools in Australia and a private school in Port Hadlock. I then went on to attend a private school in Canada for high school. This diverse experience has shown me what educational excellence looks like. Why should voters choose you over your opponents? Frogner: I’m passionate about elevating Chimacum schools to be the best in Washington. “Why not us?” I’ve a lifetime history of building teams to transform organizations. I’ve managed multi-million dollar accounts to deliver promised results on time and within budget. As a retiree, I’ll devote full energies into a community-wide effort to achieve our vision. I invite your involvement, I’ll represent your voice, to make your schools the best option for your students.
Please join me on Team Chimacum. Martin: I have two sons who thrive in Chimacum schools! Being a parent of children in District 3 gives me a unique perspective on the challenging issues Chimacum schools are facing. I have regularly attended board meetings for the last year. I’ve paid attention to the debates that the current School Board has had that got us where we are now. I want to help the School Board find a path forward. Mayer: I have a demonstrated history of public service. I have time and energy to serve. My background affords me a unique perspective and depth of knowledge that could be a valueadd to the board. I have board governance experience both in the public and private sector. I am a reasoned, thoughtful decision-maker who believes in public education and values community engagement. Perrott: I bring a fresh, younger perspective and understanding that learning is a lifelong process. Education is the essence of a young person’s future. Our Chimacum students deserve the best opportunities.
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For the election ending August 6, 2019
North Olympic Peninsula VOTER GUIDE
Peninsula Daily News
Peninsula Daily News
file
The East Jefferson Fire-Rescue station on Harrison Street in Port Townsend is shown.
EJFR looks to expand board to five Proposition 1 is to guarantee representation from the city By Brian McLean
Peninsula Daily News
PORT TOWNSEND — Voters in East Jefferson Fire District 1 will be asked in the Aug. 6 primary election if the board of commissioners should be expanded from three members to five. There are 17,600 voters in the fire district, which includes Port Townsend, Port Ludlow, Port Hadlock, Chimacum, Cape George, Irondale, Kala Point and Marrowstone Island. Proposition 1 would guarantee
equal representation and at least two voting members from the city of Port Townsend, which was annexed into the fire district with voter approval in February. “It does affirm that the city of Port Townsend would have a vote on the board representing the interest of their constituents within the incorporated area,” East Jefferson Fire-Rescue Chief Jim Walkowski said. The fire district board would remain at three members if the measure fails, he said. Since 2007, the district had an
agreement in place to provide service within city limits, but the area was not part of the district’s territory, Walkowski said. During that time, the city had three representatives who served in an advisory capacity for fire district business, but they didn’t have voting authority, he said. That would change if voters approve Proposition 1 during the primary. Walkowski said the current board would determine the process once the election is certified. Generally, it would include a letter of interest from prospective candidates followed by an interview process, he said. Out of the pool of applicants, two new members would be appointed.
The next step would be during the Nov. 5 general election, when the fire district plans to ask voters to establish five commissioner districts, similar to how school board members are selected, Walkowski said. Two of those districts would be within city limits, and two would be in unincorporated Jefferson County. The fifth would be a hybrid of the two areas, with three-quarters of it in the unincorporated area, he said. The fire district previously hired a consultant to break down population and demographic information, Walkowski said. State and federal laws require each district to be as equal as possible. “Our margin of difference is
somewhere between 50 and 60 people [per district],” Walkowski said. The three-member board currently operates without district lines. All three members are elected at-large. If Proposition 1 fails to expand the board, Walkowski said the board would continue to operate with three commissioners without a guaranteed representative from the city. However, since the city is now part of the fire district, any resident could run for one of the three at-large positions.
________ Jefferson County Managing Editor Brian McLean can be reached at 360-3852335, ext. 6, or at bmclean@peninsula dailynews.com.
North Olympic Peninsula VOTER GUIDE
Peninsula Daily News
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