Tuesday, October 20, 2015

San Enumclaw County

The long awaited departure of Sam Gibboney from the Department of Community Development (DCD) finally occurred today when our County Manager reassigned Gibboney to Public Works, from whence she came in November 2013. To get Gibboney back into Public Works, our County created a new position for her as Deputy Director ... so since departing Public Works two years ago, and then doing such a bang-up job in Planning, Gibboney heads back to Public Works in a higher position than she left (she was previously Solid Waste Program Manager).

To backfill Gibboney's position at DCD, the County hired Erika Shook from Enumclaw. Mike Thomas, our County Manager, came from Enumclaw. Our new Hearing Examiner is also the Hearing Examiner from Enumclaw. Bear in mind that our County's mysterious unofficial wetland scientist, "JT", also originates from Enumclaw.

Before Enumclaw, Shook worked for Triad Associates, and before that she worked for Snohomish County. She graduated in 1992 from the University of Washington with a BA in Urban Planning, so it makes perfect sense that another urban planner would end up in a rural county of only 16,000 people (not). According to the Draft 2016 San Juan County budget, we have 18 full-time people planning our future in DCD.

Apparently, Shook was hired without any public announcement of an open position nor using any competitive hiring process that we are aware of. While we do not know who our County might hire next, odds are they're currently working for Enumclaw. Enumclaw now serves as the minor league farm system for San Juan County government employees.

Anyone want to take bets on how long before Triad Associates gets a contract with Public Works too?

97 comments:

  1. The San Juans as Crimea? Are these little green men without insignia? The word "planning" airbrushed from the department name that has 18 planners?

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  2. So as not to confuse the serfs, will the afternoon soap bubble parties be moving to Public Works with Sam, or is that tribal tradition peculiar to DCD?

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    1. One never knows, but I forgot to mention that the Marine Resources Committee (MRC) is moving along with Gibboney to Public Works as well. Public Works plus Sam Gibboney plus the MRC. What could possibly go wrong?

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  3. The curse of being a public servant. Anonymous armchair commentators name you and all your salacious history. Also known as 'doxxing'.

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    1. Salacious? HA! Maybe you know more about Public Works, the MRC, and Gibboney than has been told. Although there is a rumor that a former MRC head from a while back had to be removed for sexually harassing other members. Maybe that's why you used the word "salacious?"

      Other than that, the word "salacious" is not a word I would associate with any of these gray, bureaucrat, cronies.

      Regarding doxxing, you've got it wrong. These are public servants engaged in public taxpayer-supported activities and the post above provides relevant information about their background associated with a public forum. We are not "doxxing" anyone. We are not, for example, revealing private information about the private lives of private individuals.

      Regarding anonymity, you need to study up on your American history.

      https://www.eff.org/issues/anonymity

      "The tradition of anonymous speech is older than the United States. Founders Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay wrote the Federalist Papers under the pseudonym "Publius " and "the Federal Farmer" spoke up in rebuttal. The US Supreme Court has repeatedly recognized rights to speak anonymously derived from the First Amendment."

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    2. Given how this community is repeatedly getting screwed and bent over by the planning department, I think a case for "salacious" could be made.

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    3. I stand corrected. You make a good point.

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  4. How can they hire anyone without advertising the job?

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    1. It's really simple.
      The magic wetland eraser wand is also a wave-to-hire wand when pointed the other direction.

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    2. Will the lawsuit bring his bad behaviors to light so he can be let go. Time for a new Manger who can balance the budget and make cuts like we do in our family budgeting. There is not an endless supply of money honey.

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    3. There is an endless supply of money as long as voters endlessly approved endless increases to taxes. To date, there has been no end to the voter generosity extended to local government.

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    4. Word has it that Sam Gibbony is going to be spearheading some "environmental" position in Public Works - my guess is overseeing the MRC - now THAT is scary! Thank you for uncovering the obvious nepotism going on here with all of these people. Suspected as much... this investigation needs to deepen and broaden. Unless we get them out of there, we will see land desecration such as you've not seen up until now, since PW is historically notorious for effing things up and has a long track record of destroying high-functioning wetlands and putting in abominations such as the "constructed wetland" Mount Property cesspool. They get these huge state grants to destroy our wetland ecosystems and are famous or putting roads through wetlands, and engineering impossible to maintain "projects" that proliferate the noxious weed problem we are facing by their destroying wetlands and buffers, removing wetland soils, etc. Don't blame the PW road crew and workers, though...they're just pawns in the game. It's the top-heavy engineering dept that needs cutting down to size; starting at the top with the good ol' boys and girls. I'm appalled that Sam Gibbony will be directing much of this. How do we stop these people? Thomas (and "JT" and Sam Gibboney and the Hearings Examiner need to go!

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  5. No wonder they have to use cash reserves to cover the budget for 2016.

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    1. Anyone bothered to check and see what the 2016 budget is set at for legal settlements? Looking like it might be a 7 figure amount, after the dust settles.

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  6. When the bank robber Willy Horton was asked why he was transferred to Public Works, he replied: "That's where the money is."

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    1. Sutton. Willy Sutton.

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    2. I liked it better believing for a moment that Willie Horton was taking care of things in Public Works.

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  7. Anyone read the County press release and the spin they are putting on this situation?
    Thomas has surpassed any mega-spin that Sir Matthews ever did.

    The truth of the matter is that Gibboney was grossly incompetent and a mistake to hire. She has been an utter failure and disaster and leaves multiple lawsuits and the loss of a substantial number of key staff members in her wake. She is being given a position that was created out of thin air only to keep her in the county's good graces because they need her in the upcoming litigation as she will be a key witness for the county in a lot of these, and they can't afford to have her tell the truth.

    Watch Jarman try to take credit for "getting rid" of Gibboney.

    Pathetic.

    Anyone Else 2016.

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  8. I have been going back through the council meetings to see when all of these "changes" were discussed. When the decision was debated publicly.

    I am unable to find this. Anyone catch it and have a clue when they discussed this during an open public meeting?

    Jeeesh, can't these guys follow the law?

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  9. "Enumclaw now serves as the minor league farm system for San Juan County government employees."

    More likely SJC is the farm team and we've got a few players who've been sent down to the single A team in the minors because they couldn't cut it with the AAA team. Hard to imagine Mike Thomas being in charge of a near-major league effort. Although SJC is paying Thomas major league money.

    Really, it's shocking how incompetently this county is run. Until you consider the council is comprised of a drunk, a man who's had too much plastic surgery with aspirations of higher office and an elderly man who's confused most of the time. There are hot dog stands in Manhattan with better management.

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    1. The ant colony in my backyard is better managed.

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    2. Huh... which one is the drunk? and which one had the plastic surgery?

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  10. When Tim Horton was asked why he transferred to Public Works he replied "That's where the donuts are, eh?"

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  11. It is unclear to me when our Council is going to step up and start running out county according to standard business practices. When you hire, you open the job, post the job, interview and then hire. Believe it or not, there are WAC guidelines for government hiring. Specifically to prevent these situations.

    But I guess we should expect this from the same Group of clowns that made themselves judge, jury, and executioner when writing about the Portland Fair episode. Lucky for all of us, they wrote themselves right into the middle of a lawsuit with that move. It's no wonder Mikes budget proposal is bigger, the legal fees next year are going to be BIG!

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  12. I am shocked they would hire someone without advertising. Since when is that OK? Ah never!!!! I do not know any other city or county that would pull this stunt.

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  13. A new word shall enter the lexicon.

    "UNDUNCED".

    "Boy, the county really undunced CDP by getting rid of Gibboney".

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    Replies
    1. REDUNCED - "Yeah, but they redunced Public Works."

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  14. The hiring without application process needs to end. That is something that this Thomas guy started.

    Look at all the great staff we lost under the reign of Gibboeny. Losing some at the PA's office too. Now the other problem child, Human Resources, aka Pamela Moreass, has sent her assistant packing.
    The 3 departments that are front and center in controversy and litigation are tightening the ranks, getting rid of those who will not tow the party line and dare to think for themselves.
    If it didn't cost us taxpayers $51 million dollars a year, I would say it is a joke, but it is far from a joke. It is serious as hell.
    Local corruption needs to end.
    This hiring your friends without advertising the job?
    Last time they did that, we got Gibboney. Now this Thomas guy is bringing in someone else.

    Whoever painted the council as a drunk, a bumbling old man, and the plastic surgery phony buffoon, nailed it.

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    1. I hope these fired/gone people that had enough integrity to call out the County, testify against them in court.

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  15. A little off topic but it relates to spending. Benefits are a big part of government spending and with the cost of health care premiums going up (FOR MOST) with Obamacare I wonder how much more it is costing the county as a whole for healthcare since this change. For example......Our premiums tripled and we lost the better coverage we had at 1/3 of the current cost; and I am middle class.

    If Healthcare were affordable then the burden could be lifted from the employer and everyone buy their own.

    We DO people working in CDP that REALLY care about the people and their needs. I hate when I go in and they act like m being there is a burden. It's Not right you are there to serve and it is a privileged not an entitlement to be a public servant.

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  16. "Whoever painted the council as a drunk, a bumbling old man, and the plastic surgery phony buffoon, nailed it."

    A council of Fools, specifically:

    Jamie = Malvolio in Twelfth Night
    Rick = Sheriff Dogberry in Much Ado About Nothing
    Bob = Falstaff in Henry V

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    1. So County government has fallen to the level of Shakespearean comedy, but not yet tragedy? It could be worse. We could be looking at Titus Andronicus, Macbeth and Richard the Third.

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  17. So, who will run against Rick in the next election? Rick is already lining up supporters and organizing his campaign. All the posting on the Trojan Heron is great stress relief, but we really need to draft someone specific and get them started soon, or they won't have much of a chance.

    Last time it was Lisa Byers and Greg Ayers running against Hughes.

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    1. Hughes is pimping last campaign's supporters - hitting them up for support this go round. I don't think he's having a lot of luck.

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    2. Either Byers or Ayers would be worse.

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  18. Was that a hint in the IG that this guy Thomas is thinking of setting up ANOTHER department maybe call it "Clean Water" and dump in all these trash committees, many redundant to State and Federal efforts?

    These overlapping, expensive, and completely unnecessary, groups seems to get way too much money and attention to the detriment of other departments.

    We need someone who will REDLINE all this superfluous junk.

    Another urban planner to head the building dept. UGH!

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    1. That might have some value, a sort of catch-all department so all the special children will have their own little play pen while the adults are off doing the real work. I would give this department a sort of annual "block grant" and let the fussy little committees try to figure out how to arrange their pigs at the trough. This will generate so much bitterness, paranoia and vengence that they will be unable to accomplish anything. The next step is to notice that the department is tearing itself a part and completely dysfunction so the best thing to do is to defund the department and close it down ...

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  19. Good thinking and a likely long range outcome, but we can't wait two years for this to maybe unfold.

    Gibboney power tripped and played while her Dept. burned. So Maybe it is true Thomas kept her in his pocket because she has generated so much baggage, there is huge liability in just dumping her, especially if she was to go rough on him.

    However, all this other nonsense that she catered to is just as hopelessly ridiculous as she is. A complete waste of time and money, big money.

    I think any reader of the TH knows the list needing to be redlined. Certainly the MRC would top such a list of tiny SJC trying to rule Puget Sound.

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  20. I would like to take a moment to make mention We lost a hero here in San Juan county this past weekend.
    Eugene Knapp former prosecutor on August 9, 1984 successfully defended new Owner builder Ordinance in San Juan county.

    In defense of Rural Character of our land and Our People here in our County desiring to construct individual shelters using available means. This very important right has suffered significant diminished Authority but we have the opportunity to recognize and defend this critical ordinance and a way of life that is quickly being overtaken with an undesirable push for mainstream order.

    Here is to Gene Knapp, continued success in his next life and to the continuing efforts of many here, Ready to defend our existing but Buried in a growing out of control governing bureaucracy
    We do Adhere to
    "Our MISSION STATEMENT"
    Provide those public services necessary for the health, safety, and general well-being of the citizens of San Juan County.
    Strive to preserve the heritage of the islands, BOTH environmentally and culturally.
    SERVE THE TAXPAYERS by managing public programs effectively and at the lowest cost.
    Recognize that county employees and citizen volunteers are the foundation upon which these services are provided.
    Deliberate and conduct the activities of government in a way that is ETHICAL, FAIR, JUST AND IMPARTIAL.

    GUIDING PRINCIPLES

    The Government of San Juan County Shall:
    Conduct the public's business in a manner which is responsive, accessible and

    "OPEN TO COUNTY CITIZENS"

    Provide a level of service which is AFFORDABLE TO COUNTY TAXPAYERS and which complies with legal mandates"WHERE IT SERVES US"
    Encourage a strong local economy consistent with our RURAL LIFESTYLE
    Protect our physical environment as our most precious natural resource
    Recognize that proper stewardship of our islands for future generations is the responsibility of all our citizens
    Recognize that the unique qualities and differences of each island are appreciated and encouraged
    Recognize and PROTECT PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS
    Recognize and foster PRIVATE PROPERTY RESPONSIBILITIES
    Support volunteerism and "Neighbors helping neighbors" as basic tenets of island life
    Recognize that independence, SELF RELIANCE, PRIVACY, AND PERSONAL FREEDOM,!!!!!! are values TREASURED!!! by islanders
    Recognize that young families need consideration on issues of affordable housing, jobs, services and recreational opportunities

    Here< Here TO GENE "A GOOD MAN"

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  21. The principles espoused in the previous post are what we need to have in place for our next set of council members. Not just people that say what we want to hear, but people that are actually willing to live by it and legislate accordingly.

    Rick, that excludes you. Jarman, you too.

    RIP Mr. Knapp

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  22. May I second that!

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  23. And your candidates are?

    I would have got down on my knees to get Jerry Gonce on Lopez, but we gotta have an ORCAS person, so what say you Orcas people?

    Actually I like people who can't spell, because I'm one of em. Like rough instead of rogue regarding Ms. Gibboney. So here, here or hear, hear!

    Would it not be possible to get a relatively young person who would actually attack the job with vigor and vision and an ability to filter old sage advice. Holy shit, where is my checkbook.

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  24. Moving Gibboney from CDP to Public Works is the equivalent of giving a cancer patient a splint on their arm that isn't broken.
    Sure, it's some sort of action that could be called "medical attention", but it has nothing to do with addressing the root problem.

    Most of the upper management in this county is acting as a cancer. Growing, destroying the host (our community) in the process.

    We need to cut it out. Eviscerate it.

    Who ever can run from Orcas and San Juan Island that can accomplish that, or at least make headway has my vote.

    The fact that Hughes is seriously considering running for re-election is proof positive of how out of touch he is with reality, his failure of leadership, and his complete lack of meaningful accomplishment.

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  25. Ok, but back to the previous poster's point. Start naming viable candidates from Orcas and Lopez. We don't need the good ole' boys. We don't need the socialist affordable housing lady, we don't need the incumbent drunk or dimwit.

    Local folks that have actually worked for a living.

    For the right candidates, the support and campaign dollars should come out in force.

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  26. Here is what happens, people run that like to be in front of people, and that are not necessarily principal led at a gut level. They only speak what they think you want to hear. Because they are essentially insecure. True leaders don't care what you think they are principal lead and they aren't afraid to make mistakes because in the end strong characters in balance are winners. Now how to convince a successful principal led individual to run. It is a difficult job at best. Ed?

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  27. I generally agree with the previous assessment.
    I heard 2nd hand that Jarman ran for council simply because it "was on his bucket list". Not for some burring desire to serve the community, or a chance to give back, or to help make needed changes, but for the most selfish reason of all.
    Rick, undoubtedly has similar motivations, although his is more likely tied to a need to be liked.

    If someone came along that was sacrificing opportunity and income in order to govern, well, that would be the sort of selfless sacrifice we are looking for.

    It's not going to be easy on these tiny islands, but we need to start soon.

    Anyone want to toss some names out there and we can mull it about?

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  28. I've got two to toss out there from Orcas, Adam Farish and Justin Paulsen.

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    Replies
    1. I'd consider Paulsen. Farish, no. Too many big-monied connections and nepotism with the County (ie the ability to buy off people and make backdoor deals) in the Farish/Cohen family.

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  29. thats three, any one of them could have my vote!

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  30. Any chance you folks could flesh out these dudes a bit?

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  31. Hooray, names! Three cheers, well, not the Hughes type.

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  32. Now how about San Juan. We need to get our candidates lined up so we can gather support now.

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  33. So there are 3 names from Orcas. I know Steve and Justin. Both of them are hardworking islanders, business sense. Justin is a contractor so he understands the planning debacle that needs to be fixed. Steve has been through the ringer because of CDP stupidity as well as spiteful Orcas Mafia crap, so he would see the need for reform.
    While Justin is tied to Lisa Byers pretty strongly, doing a ton of OPAL work, I feel he could be truly independent and work towards reformation of local government process.
    Not sure about Farish, but would love to hear about him more.
    Anyone on Orcas capable of talking to these folks?

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    Replies
    1. Well we all have different opinions about them so you have to take into account a cross-section of opinions and experiences with them. All are hard workers -that's a plus.
      Pearson - no. He created his own problems and blamed the county for them all - but both he and the county screwed up on the integrity piece - and if you talk to a few people involved in his project, you will find that his record is not clean regarding violations to code pointed out to him - and not just with his latest project.
      Paulson - possibly. He's kept his nose clean, has shown integrity in his building projects, is an independent thinker who can also listen to all sides and not just want "his way." Has a practical side. Has kids, involved, community-wise.
      Farish - innovative, inventive, team player; a little too tied to big family money and influence on the County. Has kids, community involvement. Not sure though. Big money and a lot of connections to big money in politics gives cause for caution.

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  34. San Juan Island candidates?

    Alex Gavora, John Geniuch, Mike Pickett?

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  35. Both Alexandra and John are excellent choices, both in island experience and backgrounds; also not too old or too young. Too bad we can't have both of them. Sure wish at least one would consider running. Mike Pickett I don't know, which means nothing as there are many people I know nothing about simply because I believe in privacy which this government along with communist China does not understand, thinking everyone has something to hide. Is it pictory (SP) we're still paying to stare at us?

    So tell us about Mike.

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  36. How old is "too old"?

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  37. Too Old.
    Too Old is not a specific age, rather, a state of mind.
    I would say that 'too old' refers to anyone who is stuck in their ways, unwilling to change, unwilling to listen objectively about large issues.
    You could be 25 and too old, or 60 and not too old.

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  38. So if you are paranoid that a small legal pot farm on San Juan Island is going to bring in gangs, cartels, and mafia, resulting in ritual killings, you might be "too old"?


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  39. Mike Pickett is a member of the planning commission. Owns a decent size parcel on SJI, involved with AG stuff and horses. Generally a nice guy.

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  40. Can't get behind Pearson. As much as he was a victim in his little episode, he also was the guilty party. Certainly would have some bullets to fire at the CD&P office though!

    Interestingly enough, he would probably mark John G with one of those bullets, but John certainly has an understanding of planning that might help put an end to the endless addition and modifications to codes and regulations. I wonder if John could still be party to a lawsuit against the county if he was a sitting Councilman?

    Farish certainly has the history on the island and also has the resources to do the job (I.e not dependant on the paycheck from day to day). Some of his writings have indicated that he opposes interference from the county. The guy's an inventor, creator and has a good solid base of support. Unfortunately I think he also was a Ricky H backer.

    Paulsen is an interesting target. On the ballot this election for the parks district on Orcas, which is basically .1% of the county budget and a cute little community service district at best. Does have a long work history with OPAL, but has also been willing to ruffle some feathers in the community and make people in power uncomfortable. Not what one would call a seasoned politician by any means but that could be good or bad.

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  41. You would not even need to have island experience to do great job... just experience on how to simply be a stand up public servant and be an amazing problem solver with the citizens bottom line in mind at all times. The island politics are so messed up I guess it deserves someone with island politic experience. Very sad state right now.

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  42. Independence is a big deal with me. Really tried of the lords of the two major parties sticking their noses in to politicize every issue. (As they are doing right now in the Hospital Board race on San Juan.)

    Having John with his immediate knowledge of how screwed up regulations are at the County would be a God send.

    Are they still stealing permit money? (The law has been made extremely clear on that one. Permit fee money can ONLY be used for permit work.)

    Excellent description above of what "too old" is.

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  43. John Genuich has my vote. There is no question he would make SOUND decisions and never undermine citizen rights as Jarman has. He has proven to all of us he is a true public employee and will abide by the law. He has the integrity we need and is an all around great guy.

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  44. In response to the poster, concerning Pearson, and guilty party? I think the assignment of guilt is questionable here, especially, when also considering John? There are those in the county that have experienced a wrath from John he could not be proud of. That also said it may be true John has a new and better understanding of the plight of the citizen than while he buried more than a few hatchets. Understanding of Planning, is less important than an understanding of the damage our county government has done on our previously respectable way of life, respecting our neighbors in their individual endeavors

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  45. OK so a furtive little figure in a trench coat with a bag over its head scoots into the Outlook Inn in East Sound. "I need to speak to Adam"
    "I'm Adam, how can I help you, are you all right?"
    "I'm from the Trojan Heron and have an important message for you."
    "Could you please take that bag off your head?"
    "If I did I'd have to kill you, I'm Anonymous."
    "Uh, OK ... so what's the message"
    "The Trojan Heron wants you to run for county commissioner."
    "Who's the Trojan Heron?"
    "That's a secret, but we'll support you and raise money for you and attack your opposition without mercy."
    "OK, that's good to know, I guess. I'm trying to imagine what the campaign ads would say?" "Don't worry we'll handle all of that for you"
    "What is it that you want?"
    "Just read the Trojan Heron. You will know when the time comes"
    "Why the hell should I let you endorse me?"
    "You have no choice. We are the Heron. We are Legion. Expect us."

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    1. 2 things. 1, I am not "little". 2, it will be a baclava, not a bag.

      Actually, 3. Thanks, Now we know how to find Adam.

      Delete
    2. Ogod. Can you fellas go over to Rant and Rave and annoy one another over there.

      By the way, I don't think you'll be sticking your head in a pastry. Maybe a balaclava, but not a baclava.

      I don't think either of you could find your baclava in a balaclava. Spare us your continued drivel please. There has to be something more important to write about than who's going to the next prom dance from Orcas.

      "Little" could easily refer to the value of these post. Idle speculation on who should run is mind numbingly boring. I think Dwight Eisenhower should run? Do you think he will? I know. My brother's friend's sister's mother's husband's daughter says she knows someone who thought they might have heard someone tell another person that they might run. Do you know where I can find him?

      Delete
    3. Ah yes, the Heron detractors. They seem to show up only after a particular point has been made that really hits home. Only after the light has been shined on some rats and they rats scurry.
      It's good to strike nerves.

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  46. I might suggest that you try a balaclava rather than baklava. Unless of course you are trying to appeal to him through tasty Greek food.

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  47. I have to say this IS a fun House

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  48. Dwight Eisenhower is an interesting choice to throw out there. Might be better than Hughes in that he is dead and therefor likely to do stupid things like our current Council Members. He'd be just about like Jarman is now.

    But seriously, why not throw out names? It might spur someone to talk to one of these people and see if they are interested. Whoever runs is going to be hated and slayed by the masses in the process. Might as well rip them apart here, in the Heron Underworld first. If any of the names thrown out here survive the initial glance then maybe they are worthy of an honest look?

    I say keep the names and the vetting coming. Maybe we can find someone that is only 49% offensive!

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  49. Well put, in fact who would even run after reading about themselves here!
    that will teach anyone to run away from running. Rick wanted to be what everyone wanted, haha. Joke was on us, same with Jarman. I think its best to be careful who you might recommend.
    Maybe Tom Star? Im still thinking Pearson?

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  50. At least Pearson should be used to the Abuse!

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    Replies
    1. Pearson can't take criticism, won't own up or take responsibility for his wrongs, and is a hothead whiner - two very bad traits together in a person. He would be horrible. His ego's too fragile.

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  51. Think for a moment about someone like John Geniuch being elected to the County Council. Suddenly this guy you fired is your boss. Suddenly this guy you threw under the bus is fully able to throw you under the bus. These are the voices of panic here on the TH.

    For me, nothing sweeter could ever happen. (Full disclosure, John only processed two small permits for me.)

    Frankly, what you read here is the fear that what is suggested could actually happen Although knowing John a bit I think vengeance is not his thing..

    For the person thinking nothing ever comes of substance from the TH, you could not be more wrong. Money, like it or not, is important, and I know for a fact because it was my money, that a good candidate can and will get support.

    So get worried.

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    1. Sounds like a great plan to me.

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  52. The way you put it, is very discouraging, this is the way it's always been done. Fear is not a positive. It's about time the people of this county stop using their Government to place fear in people! All of the people. That is the worst kind of small town politics. Maybe in California Mexico or elsewhere but we have had enough. Government should stand behind ALL ove the people. Impartial, separate and there ONLY to serve!

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  53. It occurred to me in the night there is a lot of pain here. I'm in pain, yeah I'll cop to it, because of the thousands I sent to the Brian McClerren campaign. Had I really made an effort, money IS significant, but not a real effort, I would have slaved the phones and worked the strategy sessions to win. And then of course we have the Brian meltdown after the loss, making it very difficult to send a needed young family person to the council.

    But there is even more pain. What of those, who supported and paid big bucks for the Jarmen and Hughes campaigns? They must feel just as shitty as I do.

    For sure it is true that paying well in this place for a council seat at this time means nothing. Sorry Gordy, but you were dead wrong on that one.

    Look at the SJI Hospital Board run; it sure as Hell ain't the money.

    As the above post demands, we must find those who WANT to serve. Maybe we should pay nothing.

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  54. "What of those, who supported and paid big bucks for the Jarmen and Hughes campaigns? They must feel just as shitty as I do."

    Yeah, great. Thanks for reminding me. The difference between how Hughes sold himself during the campaign and how he's performed is the difference between Kate Upton and Rosie O'Donnell. I apologize to my fellow Orcas residents - I had the political campaign equivalent of beer goggles on.

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    1. I gave a moderate amount of money to the Lisa Beyers campaign, and I feel vindicated.

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    2. If Lisa had won we would all have been sustainably facilitated into resilient grey goo by now. And, can we possibly imagine what four more years of Lovel the Hutt would have brought us?

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    3. It's not as though there was a decent alternative for voting for Hughes. Maybe next time there can be a third choice - Jonestown.

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  55. I am glad to see someone finally holding government accountable. There is no reason for waiving laws for anyone. I read the complaint and find it very disturbing that a someone goes in to get information about a property they want to buy and then others (people from Sammamish in this case) can get county managers to waive those laws for them. Highly illegal and the worst case of abuse of power I have ever seen. I understand it is a public records case but is this not a violation of someones civil rights. How can they treat people so differently?

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  56. "the worst case of abuse of power I have ever seen"

    You must be new to the county. Hello and welcome! Be aware that abuses of power like this happen every few months in SJC. If you're not a government employee, you serve three purposes here: 1) You're a ripe suck, meaning your wallet will be tapped to pay for all these ideas that are so good that they're mandatory; 2) You're one of the serfs - you'll be expected to never stare or meet the gaze of Randy, Mike Thomas or Jamie; 3) At their whim, you'll be a victim - ask the Hayride victims of Nou's (I mean Zebra One's) sheriff's department. If you want to speak to a public servant, submit an application in advance - blank forms are available at the Friends of the San Juans office.

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    1. Wow I guess! This place is unique for sure.

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  57. That's right, and it's about time we look at some of our stupid laws and eliminate them too. It seems like the more dumb laws we create the more favoritism occurs. This is Bull Shit!
    And when our county government chose to condemn people for doing their best that was bullshit too. We need to nullify some rules, we need to stop the bullying, we need to reason our demands, in consideration of reasonable limitations on freedom and privacy. And what the hell is public good it's bullshit most of the time. It's creating a click for the rich that can steer all others away. It's against the law! The natural law that was established by our forefathers. It's not proper or correct to deny our neighbors the right to exist the best they can while not trespassing on their neighbors.

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  58. Public Nuisance? My Ass !!!

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  59. Let the show trials and public executions begin.

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  60. Seems Genuich is finally waking up and putting his conscience to work. I would consider him a viable candidate.

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  61. Getting back to the article/topic at hand: so how do we get rid of Mike Thomas, Sam Gibboney, and the rest of the Enumclaw cartel? Anyone know anything about Cascadia Consulting Group, which would pay "JT" $115 per hour as liaison, when other liaisons doing the same work as her get $40-65 per hour? Is Cascadia Consulting Group also out of Enumclaw?

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