Mason County, this posting is my own personal "unvarnished truth". I woke up this morning thinking about yesterday's meeting and felt that I need to share with you where I stand today on the most recent Port of Shelton fiasco.
While I do believe Jack Miles is being marginalized by the Port Manager and, to an extent, the rest of the board, I also think Jack needs to get with the program. His excuses of why he's not picked up briefing material prior to the work sessions and official meetings is getting old with me. While I encourage him to continue listening to the pesky citizens, I think he'd be an even stronger advocate for the people if he were to pick up his briefing material, come to the meetings prepared and never walk out of an executive session. I'm not saying that he should just go along with an illegal executive session. Certainly he should document and report on illegalities when they arise but he does need to be there to hear what's going on.
I've just shared these thoughts with Jack.
To stop ADAGE from coming to the Port of Shelton and Mason County will require level headed thinking from the pesky citizens. I don't want to forget what the real objective is. My objective is to see Mason County become an even better place for all of us to live and that includes children and people with respiratory disease.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Bravo! Bravo! I couldn't have said that better myself Brenda. It sure seems as several others have pointed out over the last few weeks, Jack Miles never accepts responsibility for anything, its always someone else trying to "Get Jack!"
ReplyDeleteGrow up and get with the program Jack!
..and no I don't support ADAGE either..
In Jack's defense, just because a person is a little paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get them. I think Jack has been marginalized, but that simply means you up your game. I think Jack will be fine and so will the commissioners. This isn't rocket surgery!
ReplyDeleteIf the commissioners want everything in writing and to run through the commissioners, then you give it to them in writing and run it through the commissioners. I kinda like that idea. By doing so it makes them happy and it prevents them failing to act on real legal concerns. I'd make them think about getting those reading glass prescriptions updated.
I think this helps everyone. It helps the commission and the manager, it helps Jack, and it helps the public oversee their port.
But, I've been accused of being a pollyanna before, so everyone might want to take it with a grain of salt.
My impression was that Jack came early to pick up his packet on the day of the meeting and he knew what was in it, but he wanted it read into the minutes.
ReplyDeleteWe need to keep all biomass incinerators out of the region including the Simpson, ADAGE and TESC plants, 14 are planned for our state now.
ReplyDelete"My objective is to see Mason County become an even better place for all of us to live and that includes children"
ReplyDeleteMy test for any project is it must answer the two following questions; is it good for future generations and is it good for America. ADAGE LLC fails on both questions.
So it looks like if this is to move forward that Jay and Tom will have to hold hands and walk the plank hand and hand? Given the problems ADAGE is having answering questions, I wonder why they would do that? KMAS stillllll waiting for - I guess AREVA corporate to review - answers from submitted questions. ADAGE, despite inviting questions on their web site, will not answer my questions regarding early Port dealings. Hmmmmm? Maybe lawyers told them to shut up?
steve
Brenda, I wasn't sure where to post this, it may need its own topic, please, please, pleae.. I think you might have another meeting to add to your agenda if your up to it (please,please,please).. You thought the Port, the BOCC, or PUD had issues, oh my, oh my, do I have news for you!! Please read the add from "Citizens against annexation" in the new Mason County Journal regarding Mason County Fire District 5.. WoW! The paid add's headline is "INCREASED TAXES - COMING SOON !!!" and it goes on.. I am posting what I just scanned on my computer, please forgive any typos, as it doesn't always get all the txt...
ReplyDeleteWhy does FD 5 want more of your hard earned dollars? Two reasons:
1. OVERTIME EXPENSES PROTECTED BY THE FIREFIGHTERS’ UNION: When the idea of annexation was first discussed in 2006, the number one concern expressed from the FD 5 union, according to those who were in the room at the time, was “If we do this… Just don’t mess with our overtime!” A review of the recent ‘green sheets’ showing county payroll figures reveals what they are concerned about protecting and it is shocking - many FD 5 firefighters pulling in over $10,000 per month ‘take home’ pay due to uncontrolled overtime. For comparison sake, Mason County Medic One’s average paramedic takes home roughly $3,100 per month, a whopping 69% less than those from FD 5 taking home $10,000 per month. This is an example of responsible fiscal management from a private sector, (non union) business that works strictly off of a ‘fee for service’ basis… and Mason County Medic One doesn’t even ask for our tax dollars.
2. POOR FISCAL MANAGEMENT: We need to point out that a review of the facts proves FD 5 does not have the best track record for prudent fiscal management. In addition to allowing, ignoring or enabling an ongoing abuse of overtime year after year, management has a history of poor business decisions ranging from improper billing violations to unnecessarily operating their own dispatch center, at a loss of $240,000 per year of hard earned taxpayer dollars. These are just a few of the examples that explain why FD 5 has had to borrow money just to make payroll on several occasions over the years. This irresponsible business philosophy is just one of many reasons the public is concerned over this proposed merger.
Now in this present case, they’ve chosen to blindly stick to an unsustainable plan, regardless of how bad the financial numbers look. Remember, in their own report completed over a year ago they stated…. “The District is faced with insufficient tax revenue to sustain the operational personnel for Fire and EMS services.” The truth is their revenue shortfall will be even worse than expected. That means your tax increase will need to be even greater. They’ve denied it until now - but they have now reluctantly admitted…. YOUR TAXES WILL GO UP!
Trust the professionals… The Chiefs of eight surrounding fire districts oppose this annexation due to their concern for increased taxes and decreased service when a better option is available.
Consider the facts… that explains why the approval of this annexation would be enabling the continuation of some of most glaring fiscal mis-management in the history of our county.
Think about it… VOTE NO ON ANNEXATION
Fire District 5 is currently under contract to provide fire services to the City, they are attempting to annex on the August 17th ballot.. They meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at Fire Station 5-3, 2520 E Mason Benson Rd, Grapeview, WA 98546
Sounds like this is a really big issue in the local fire service community. According to a small group of citizens that regularly attend the meetings, they even said in a public meeting that they (the District) had better move fast before the opponents have time to oppose the annexation.. This is appalling!
I recently was informed that (Port Commissioner) Jack Miles used to be a volunteer with this Fire District 5 until recently. I was told he is no longer with them and has been informing people that he is planning to sue Fire District 5 for discrimination. We should definitely dig deeper in to this annexation matter.. I did some research and found out Fire District 5 also covers the Port of Shelton Facility on Johns Prairie Rd.. So they would potentially benefit from ADAGE coming to town.. hike taxes, get a big high value industrial facility, this situation reeks of backdoor, under the table, good old boy deals... we all better do some research before the ballots come out.. Brenda, this is your area of expertise, time is of the essence, PLEASE HELP!!
ReplyDeleteBrenda, looks like you have another mission.. =)
ReplyDeleteBrenda?
ReplyDelete"Trouble in Paradise" Anonymous, I'm sorry that I haven't been able to respond to your comments but with my sudden decision to run I'm scrambling practically around the clock with my supporters trying to get the campaign launched. Give me a few days to catch up and then please contact me. I want to hear more.
ReplyDeleteBrenda Hirschi for County Commissioner
Like the looks of that: Brenda Hirschi for County Commissioner.
ReplyDeleteYeah, take that county commissioners who marginalize "pesky citizens." First Ross, then the corporate twins!
Brenda, I would urge you to also look in to this Fire District 5 Annexation issue that will soon be before Fire District 5 and City of Shelton voters.. There sure has been alot of stuff in the Journal - Letters to the editor and Citizens Against Annexation information group...
ReplyDelete