by Sue | Oct 2, 2017 | From the Chair
I don’t know about you but, personally speaking, after the recent elections, I am still in a state of euphoria. Ecstatic is hardly the word. It is so bad that people are making me chew on lemons just to take the silly grin off my face.
How sweet it is to be able to use the words “Commissioner” and “Peach” in the same sentence! Which means that, for the first time in recent memory, we will have three conservative commissioners in office. Three commissioners who understand that government does not create jobs but, in fact, frequently serves to prevent job creation.
At last, maybe we can stem the flow of jobs away from Clallam County. And maybe even attract some. Which would attract workers… and families… and economic growth. What a concept!!
As GOP chair, I was blessed to have two very qualified candidates vying for the position of Prosecuting Attorney. Speaking personally, and a bit selfishly, I simply could not lose!! Nor could the county!! However, watching two good personal friends contend for the same position was sad in that only one of them could win.
But that was the case and so I offer hearty congratulations to the newly elected Prosecuting Attorney Mark Nichols who assumed the office effective November 25. I also wish to thank Will Payne for the exemplary job that he did for the short time he was in office and note that the office – and the county – is all the better for his presence. Well done to you both.
There were also a number of non-partisan races and, while they may not publically declare a party preference, the winners were all solid professionals and a credit to their positions. Accordingly, congratulations to: Auditor-elect Shoona Riggs, re-elected Assessor Pam Rushton, Director-elect, Mary Ellen Winborn (Department of Community Development), re-elected Sheriff Bill Benedict and, lastly, re-Elected Judges Chris Melly and Rick Porter.
And not to forget the conservative candidates elected to the Charter Review Commission; Sue Forde, Nola Judd, Maggie Roth, Glenn Wiggins, and Connie Beauvais. You will be hearing much more about them in the near future.
I have often said that we can’t do much about elective offices in Washington DC; and not much more about those offices in Olympia. But where we can make a difference is locally, here in the county. And this time, we sure did make a difference. Like, can you say Commissioner Peach??
Whoops… better pass that lemon again… I feel a grin about to break out.
Dick Pilling, Chair
by Sue | Oct 2, 2017 | From the Chair
You know, we hear a lot about how various Islamic factions have declared war on America. You know, Al-Qaeda… ISIL… Muslim Brotherhood, etc…
They fly their flag in victory over lands upon which we spilled American blood in an effort to free their citizens from their own despotic leaders… they now taunt us with threats about bringing their war to America… they brutalize their prisoners – some American – in the most barbaric manner possible…
They are, in fact, throwbacks to a much earlier age where the sword ruled and peace was but a brief interlude in an on-going war….where primitive peoples inflicted carnage on each other in their quest for power and domination…
Yes, we hear that a relatively small group of misogynistic religious misfits have declared war on America. But why the hell haven’t we heard about how America has declared war on them? Why do we mute our rage with inane comments about workplace violence? Why do we blame the bestial slaughter of an American ambassador on an inconsequential video? Why do we not place the blame squarely where it belongs instead of beating around the bush?
The fact is, virtually every problem besetting the world today seems to stem from Islam and its ongoing jihad with the rest of civilization. And yes, we know that while not all Islam devotees are terrorists, almost all terrorists are Islam devotees. Funny how that works, huh.
But it seems that if we ignore this undeniable fact, we can somehow pretend that we are not at war with these sacrilegious perverts… that if we but indulge ourselves some in sort of childish make-believe, we can convince ourselves that if we were just nicer to them, they would not hate us.
But they will… you see, they hate us not for what we do or say… They hate us for what we are…
And they always will…
Dick Pilling, Chair
by Sue | Oct 2, 2017 | From the Chair
Still in keeping with my motto, “everybody has a right to my opinion”, this column reviews those candidates vying for “non-partisan” positions. I attempt to fairly evaluate them on the basis of their perceived logical and intelligent stances and/or actions, because, party politics aside, we need competent people in these key positions regardless of their affiliation. (But don’t be surprised if they turn out to be conservative Republicans)
County auditor… Shoona Riggs vs. Kim Yacklin. Both capable candidates but the nod goes to Shoona who has 23 years in the auditor’s office. Shoona was hired just out of high school and has come from the “ground up”. She has performed virtually all of the jobs in the office and is, therefore, very capable of supervising subordinates in the tasks that she knows so well. Vote Shoona.
Director, Community Development… Sheila Roark Miller vs. Mary Ellen Winborn. Both candidates have desirable attributes but incumbent Sheila has a broader skill set plus years of experience in the department and, as noted above, can easily supervise/oversee job performance throughout the department. Sheila gets my vote.
Judge, District Court One… Rick Porter vs. Cathy Marshall. Incumbent Rick Porter has performed well; especially in the area of holding criminals accountable for their actions. I particularly like his pay-or-appear program which provides opportunity for offenders bear up to their responsibilities and, also, have the program pay for itself. Give the gavel to Rick again.
Charter Review Candidates… As most of you are aware, Clallam County is one of 6 Washington counties that have a County Charter which can be likened to a county constitution. This charter is subject to review in 2015 and each of our three commissioner districts will elect 5 candidates from their district to serve on the review committee.
While non-partisan, it certainly behooves us to ensure that successful candidates will embody conservative values. In my opinion – there I go again – the most capable candidates are as follows:
Commissioner District One… Sue Forde, Brandon Janisse, Nola Judd, Jon Kirshbaum, and Jerry Sinn.
Commissioner District Two…Kaj Ahlburg, Stephanie Noblin, Maggie Roth, Susan Shotthafer, and Glenn Wiggins.
Commissioner District Three… Connie Beauvais and Bill White.
When you go to the polls, please consider voting for these candidates. But, for sure, vote. Because those who do not vote are destined to be ruled by their inferiors.
And you can see how that is working out…
by Sue | Oct 2, 2017 | From the Chair
Okay all you political junkies, it is election season again. And time for I, your beloved chairman, to voice my opinion on the partisan races. Because, as we all know, I believe everybody has a right to my opinion.
Firstly, I am delighted to project that our soon-to-be-elected Prosecuting Attorney will be a Republican. I don’t need a crystal ball for this as we are blessed with two very qualified candidates – Mark Nichols and Will Payne – both of whom are Republicans and either of whom will do an excellent job. Wish I could vote for both of them…
GOP Newcomer Tom Greisamer opposes Steve “Tax and Spend” Tharinger for State Representative. Tom offers refreshingly conservative stances on all points and adamantly opposes the hallmark of the Tharinger campaign which answers every question with the same answer… raise taxes… If you can’t vote for Tom, vote against Tharinger…
Marty McClendon is opposing Derek Kilmer for US Representative. Marty easily gains the conservative nod due to Kilmer’s continuation of Norm Dicks’ 32 year disastrous policy of exporting Clallam County jobs to other areas of the state. Marty is the obvious choice…
Bill Peach contests Sissi Bruch for County Commissioner. Bill has soundly grounded ideas with regard to how to improve the business climate which will generate jobs and income. Sissi likes trees. Peach is my man…
For those that don’t know it, Clallam County is one of six Washington State counties that has adopted a charter form of government which is, in essence, a “County Constitution”. And during this election cycle, our county will be electing representatives – 5 from each commissioner district – to the “Charter Review Commission” which will review – and possibly amend – the charter. While non-partisan in theory, it certainly behooves us to elect conservative representatives to this commission.
Candidates from district one are Nola Judd, Sue Forde, Brandon Janisse, Jerry Sinn and Jon Kirshbaum. District two candidates are Maggie Roth, Kaj Ahlburg, Stephanie Noblin, Glenn Wiggins, and Susan Shotthafer. Connie Beauvais and William White are from district three. Please take note of these names and consider voting for them
Remember to vote because those who do not vote will most assuredly be governed by their inferiors. And, quite frankly, I am getting tired of it…
Dick Pilling, Chair
by Sue | Oct 2, 2017 | From the Chair
Liar Liar Pants on Fire
“If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. The lie can be maintained only for such time as the State can shield the people from the political, economic and/or military consequences of the lie…” Joseph Goebbels, Nazi Propaganda Minister.
Recent events have proved this statement to be as true now as it was when Goebbels first said it back in the run up to World War II.
For instance, President Obama telling the American people that, “if you like your health insurance, you can keep it”, would qualify as a big lie. A really big one! And, in keeping with the first sentence in the above quote, many people came to believe it, thereby attesting to the quotes veracity.
However, as illustrated by President Obama, a lie can be too big. If it is soooo big that it encompasses nearly 1/6 of our national economy – as his lie does – it will ultimately have an effect on millions upon millions of people. Sooner or later, enough people will experience a sufficiently adverse effect such that the State can no longer shield them from its consequences, thereby proving the second sentence as well.
Obviously, President Obama knows nothing about the law of holes – like, when you are in one, stop digging – and continuing to compound his mistake, he decided to lie about his, uh, lie.
First it was he didn’t really say that. And then it was he really did say that but it was taken out of context and not what he meant to say. And then it was that he was misinformed when he said it, and, therefore, he didn’t know he was lying. Which, in itself, was a lie.
Once caught in a lie, you are – and always will be – a liar. And everybody knows it. Which is why President Obama has lost favor with much of America… Except for two people of course…
Jimmie Carter likes him because he is now no longer classified as the worst president ever… And Clinton likes him because he is no longer seen as the biggest liar…
~Dick Pilling, Chair
by Sue | Oct 2, 2017 | From the Chair
Wow! Election season is upon us! Again!
Of course, this is referred to as an “off year” wherein there are no national or state-wide contests. However, there arelocal elections which, in my opinion, are sometimes more important than those that take place at the higher levels.
You see, the local “Grass Roots” are where you first hear the voices of the people themselves and it is during these local elections that public policy is born. In so doing they provide the ultimate compass bearing for the direction of state and national policies.
For instance, what could be more important than a school board election which ultimately determines the curriculum that will be placed before our young people? Will it teach them conservative values? The fundamental nature of our constitution and the philosophies of our founding fathers? And, more importantly, will we locals have a voice in what our children are taught?
Or will we surrender our voice to a national “Common Core” which is nothing less than a federal “take over” of our local schools whereby the omniscient federal government will dictate the educational standards and, more importantly, the “values” of our children. Please remember… Russia’s Vladimir Lenin once famously said “Give me 4 years to teach the children and the seed I have planted will never be uprooted”.
So while school board elections are “non-partisan” – and rightfully so – it is essential that school board members hold certain conservative values and so I encourage you to vote for Debbie Fuson for Port Angeles School Board and for Michael Howe for Sequim School Board.
Other “non-partisan” positions, which nonetheless cry out for conservative valued candidates, are as follows:
Sequim City Council position 3. Political newcomer – and recently of the 101st Air Born (Iraq) – Brandon Janisse has declared for this position. A Sequim native, Brandon stands for transparency and fiscal responsibility. He thinks the city should stick to local infrastructure and help businesses develop to the benefit of the community. He is well worth your consideration.
Sequim City Council position 4. Congratulations are offered to Dennis Smith who is uncontested and will remain on the council for the next four years. He has done a great job thus far and we look forward to more of the same.
Port Angeles Council position 4. Congratulations also to Dan Gase who is also uncontested and will fill the position vacated by Brooke Nelson who is stepping down. Further congratulations to him for stepping in to fill the vacant position created by Max Mania’s departure.
Sean Ryan, an 18 year resident of Clallam County, a local business owner, and a volunteer fireman for the past 5 years, is contesting for Commissioner, Fire District #3. He appears to be voice for a new direction and would merit a close look.
Colleen McAleer, vying for Port District Commissioner #1, has served her country as a platoon leader assigned to the front lines of Operation Desert Storm – the first woman to be so assigned – as a helicopter pilot, and as an intelligence officer. She will utilize her recent experience as the Port’s Director of Business Development, her intelligence background, and her passion for detail, further augmented by her “inner geek”, to take the port to a more financially sustainable level by pursuing untapped business opportunities. Colleen will do a great job as Port Commissioner.
Obviously, I have not covered all of the positions up for election but will continue to acquaint myself with the other candidates and will offer my opinion on the candidacies via email in the coming weeks. Because, as I often say, everybody has a right to my opinion…
