I don't know about you but I feel like our elected officials are out of touch with us and that public policy at all levels (federal, state, county, city, port, water board commissioner) is off track heading in the wrong direction.
As I watch the images off the shore on the Gulf Coast my heart breaks. I'm alarmed about the speed our federal budget deficit is increasing. Wall Street and the financial industry's sense of entitlement and control makes me mad. I could go on listing problems and issues that concern me but it's too depressing. And that's not my point for this posting.
Today at the zip code level, I feel like you and I are really quite a force to be dealt with. Here are a couple of reasons why I make this very optimistic statement in the midst of all these problems.
This morning I received a comment from a reader on my posting "Belfair Water Board Craziness" . Here's what the reader said: "Maybe a Citizens group whose mission is to have PUD # 1 take over the system. I hear alot of talk about this option but no action. No time is better than now!" That's right no time is better than now. Anonymous, go for it! It's your water system - not the elected officials.
My second example is this movement of citizens in opposition to ADAGE. Amazing! Who knew that so many citizens making up a diverse leaderless group could speak out so forcefully and articulately against these multinational corporate giants. Politicians also may have underestimated these citizens. Our elected officials have been unwilling to discuss the costs and benefits of bringing this operation to Mason County. Big public relations mistake in my estimation.
I can't do anything about the federal deficit but at the zip code level (98584) I just won't give up on making Mason County better. Anyway I'm retired so I'm not going away.
Have a great Friday!
Showing posts with label Belfair Water District. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Belfair Water District. Show all posts
Friday, May 14, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Belfair Water District Craziness
There is such craziness going on in Mason County. Check out the below email conversations and then further below are the very sane comments that Ken VanBuskirk (private citizen and customer) wasn't allowed to make prior to the room being cleared by the Mason County Sheriff's Office. I checked there isn't even a full moon to help explain this craziness in Mason County.
From: John Phillips
To: Ken and Peggy
Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 11:13 PM
Subject: Re: Belfair Water district meeting 5-11-10
Dear Ken: I have copy of your public comment. We will have the same incorporated into the minutes. Durning last two meetings, "The Mike Pope Posse" has disrupted the meeetings by hooting, scoffing, cross-talk and side-bar conversations. For the first time ever, The Board of Commissioners had to recess and let them vent in the parking lot. I attend many meetings and have never witnessed such uncivil behavior. I have asked Pope to get his followers under control, but thinks all this is cute. The two state agencies that oversee our operation (DOH amd DOE) give BWD high grades. Its the same with the State Auditor. Our local mission is provide our customers good water - at a good rate- always with good service. We do a good job at our local mission. Your non-stop negative and divisive remarks only encourage Mr. Pope's followers. Ken, consider transferring your zeal to FD2 who added an Ass't Chief to the rolls at a cost of 100K a year without any public comment. And they purchased an expensive new fire truck. Tell me Ken how much public comment and advertising was present to alert citizens for this huge purchase. Perhaps you, Mr. Pope and his posse ought to go to other agencies where the game is bigger. Chair John P
--- On Tue, 5/11/10, Ken and Peggy wrote:
From: Ken and Peggy
Subject: Belfair Water district meeting 5-11-10
To: "John Phillips"
Date: Tuesday, May 11, 2010, 3:41 PM
John I would like to register a formal complaint with you as chairman of the Belfair water district board. I followed proper protocol and asked the water district office staff both verbally and by email a week ago to be placed on today's agenda. (see below) I further made arrangements to have someone provide child care while I came to the meeting.
During the public comment section of today's meeting I raised my hand to speak. I am extremely disappointed that you failed to recognize me and I had to leave when you had a police officer clear the room. I planned to give the attached document to you and your fellow commissioners and read into the public record. Please consider my comments.
Thank you
Ken VanBuskirk
From: Ken and Peggy
Sent: Monday, May 03, 2010 12:50 PM
To: bwdoffice; bwdoffice@hctc.com
Subject: Time on May 11th agenda
hi Jen thanks for the info on rates. Per our telephone conversation I would like to be on the agenda May 11 under the topic of ratepayer concerns and the SR-3 widening project. Thank you
Had Ken been allowed to speak, here's what he wanted to say:
For the record, Ken VanBuskirk, 61 NE Davis Farm Road.
I believe you all received an email I wrote to you regarding the bypass proviso group. I recommended that the funding for the DOT widening project be shifted to the construction of the bypass. The DOT was unwilling to further develop this recommendation for our legislators. I’m here today to ask you to consider sending a letter to our elected 35th district Representatives and Senator informing them about the potential financial impact that the DOT widening project places on the 518 BWD ratepayers and ask them for their intervention and assistance in this matter. I would be glad to provide information to help your manager draft a letter or resolution for your approval.
I also sent you an e-mail regarding your recent change of meeting times and the rate and water efficiency hearings. Were these meeting dates and times discussed in an open public meeting? If not, why weren’t they? The newsletter is a great tool! In my e-mail I suggested you tell the ratepayers about the rate hearing in the newsletter, why didn’t you?
Now is not the appropriate time to ask for a rate increase to the users. Perhaps a small capital facilities charge. But don’t focus on the ratepayers.
I encourage you to put your personal differences aside and help resolve some of the issues still lingering and festering in the community. Complete the meter study, approve the Romance Hill annexation, and tell the ratepayers about the wetland restoration and who is paying for it. Consider what sort of a legacy you are leaving for our community. Your manager thinks I’m mixing governing with community politics. That is what our democracy is all about, that is why you were elected, to represent us. I believe strongly that local leadership is the best form of representative government but this community disruption has gone on too long. If you can’t make a good faith commitment to your constituents to resolve your differences, then perhaps it’s time to approach PUD 1 about taking over BWD.
Respectfully,
Ken VanBuskirk
When a police officer is called to clear a water board meeting, I think it's time for another "Get Real in Mason County Award" or maybe we should consider the "Are You Kidding? Award". Nevertheless, shame on Commissioner John Phillips for denying Ken Van Buskirk an opportunity to speak.
Yes, move the Belfair Water District to PUD 1. Give the customers and the rest of Mason County a break. We can't handle so much drama in meeting after meeting.
From: John Phillips
To: Ken and Peggy
Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 11:13 PM
Subject: Re: Belfair Water district meeting 5-11-10
Dear Ken: I have copy of your public comment. We will have the same incorporated into the minutes. Durning last two meetings, "The Mike Pope Posse" has disrupted the meeetings by hooting, scoffing, cross-talk and side-bar conversations. For the first time ever, The Board of Commissioners had to recess and let them vent in the parking lot. I attend many meetings and have never witnessed such uncivil behavior. I have asked Pope to get his followers under control, but thinks all this is cute. The two state agencies that oversee our operation (DOH amd DOE) give BWD high grades. Its the same with the State Auditor. Our local mission is provide our customers good water - at a good rate- always with good service. We do a good job at our local mission. Your non-stop negative and divisive remarks only encourage Mr. Pope's followers. Ken, consider transferring your zeal to FD2 who added an Ass't Chief to the rolls at a cost of 100K a year without any public comment. And they purchased an expensive new fire truck. Tell me Ken how much public comment and advertising was present to alert citizens for this huge purchase. Perhaps you, Mr. Pope and his posse ought to go to other agencies where the game is bigger. Chair John P
--- On Tue, 5/11/10, Ken and Peggy
From: Ken and Peggy
Subject: Belfair Water district meeting 5-11-10
To: "John Phillips"
Date: Tuesday, May 11, 2010, 3:41 PM
John I would like to register a formal complaint with you as chairman of the Belfair water district board. I followed proper protocol and asked the water district office staff both verbally and by email a week ago to be placed on today's agenda. (see below) I further made arrangements to have someone provide child care while I came to the meeting.
During the public comment section of today's meeting I raised my hand to speak. I am extremely disappointed that you failed to recognize me and I had to leave when you had a police officer clear the room. I planned to give the attached document to you and your fellow commissioners and read into the public record. Please consider my comments.
Thank you
Ken VanBuskirk
From: Ken and Peggy
Sent: Monday, May 03, 2010 12:50 PM
To: bwdoffice; bwdoffice@hctc.com
Subject: Time on May 11th agenda
hi Jen thanks for the info on rates. Per our telephone conversation I would like to be on the agenda May 11 under the topic of ratepayer concerns and the SR-3 widening project. Thank you
Had Ken been allowed to speak, here's what he wanted to say:
For the record, Ken VanBuskirk, 61 NE Davis Farm Road.
I believe you all received an email I wrote to you regarding the bypass proviso group. I recommended that the funding for the DOT widening project be shifted to the construction of the bypass. The DOT was unwilling to further develop this recommendation for our legislators. I’m here today to ask you to consider sending a letter to our elected 35th district Representatives and Senator informing them about the potential financial impact that the DOT widening project places on the 518 BWD ratepayers and ask them for their intervention and assistance in this matter. I would be glad to provide information to help your manager draft a letter or resolution for your approval.
I also sent you an e-mail regarding your recent change of meeting times and the rate and water efficiency hearings. Were these meeting dates and times discussed in an open public meeting? If not, why weren’t they? The newsletter is a great tool! In my e-mail I suggested you tell the ratepayers about the rate hearing in the newsletter, why didn’t you?
Now is not the appropriate time to ask for a rate increase to the users. Perhaps a small capital facilities charge. But don’t focus on the ratepayers.
I encourage you to put your personal differences aside and help resolve some of the issues still lingering and festering in the community. Complete the meter study, approve the Romance Hill annexation, and tell the ratepayers about the wetland restoration and who is paying for it. Consider what sort of a legacy you are leaving for our community. Your manager thinks I’m mixing governing with community politics. That is what our democracy is all about, that is why you were elected, to represent us. I believe strongly that local leadership is the best form of representative government but this community disruption has gone on too long. If you can’t make a good faith commitment to your constituents to resolve your differences, then perhaps it’s time to approach PUD 1 about taking over BWD.
Respectfully,
Ken VanBuskirk
When a police officer is called to clear a water board meeting, I think it's time for another "Get Real in Mason County Award" or maybe we should consider the "Are You Kidding? Award". Nevertheless, shame on Commissioner John Phillips for denying Ken Van Buskirk an opportunity to speak.
Yes, move the Belfair Water District to PUD 1. Give the customers and the rest of Mason County a break. We can't handle so much drama in meeting after meeting.
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