VOTER GUIDE for the 2017 Clallam and Jefferson County primaries

Published as a public service by the

Peninsula Daily News

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For primary ending August 1, 2017

Peninsula Daily News

Voter Tab 2017

Introduction

Be sure to vote by 8 p.m. Aug. 1 the Job” features that include information on the duties of the This special section of the positions up for election, compenPeninsula Daily News, also avail- sation and primary election able online at www.peninsula boundaries. dailynews.com, provides voters Ballots will be mailed by audiwith information about the tor’s offices in Clallam and JefAug. 1 primary election. ferson counties to registered votIt includes candidate quesers Wednesday, July 12. tionnaires and biographical proVoting continues until 8 p.m. files for all contested races in Aug. 1. Clallam and Jefferson counties. Senior Staff Writer Paul GottThe voter guide does not lieb coordinated compilation of include races in which candidates candidate questionnaires, bioare unopposed or races with only graphical profiles and “About the two candidates. These will be on Job” features. the Nov. 7 general election ballot Copy Editor Allison McGee only. designed this section. It also does not include quesStaff photojournalist Keith tionnaires and biographical infor- Thorpe processed photos. Execumation for Forks City Council tive Editor Leah Leach edited candidate William Paul and Clal- the copy. lam Fire District 2 candidate Candidate answers were limAllen Hunt, who filed for posiited to 75 words per question and tions and withdrew after the were edited for length, grammar withdrawal deadline, although and spelling. their names will be on the priFor disabled voters, during the mary election ballot. voting period, a voting terminal The guide also includes “About is available at the Clallam Peninsula Daily News

County Auditor’s Office in the county courthouse, 223 E. Fourth St., Suite 1, Port Angeles, and at the Jefferson County Auditor’s Office in the county courthouse, 1820 Jefferson St., Port Townsend. Ballots must be postmarked no later than Aug. 1 or dropped off by no later than 8 p.m. Aug. 1 at the following locations:

Clallam County •  Clallam County Courthouse, 223 E. Fourth St., Port Angeles. Drive-up drop boxes are on the circular drive in front of the main entrance and directly across from the disabled parking area near the main entrance. •  Auditor’s office in the county courthouse, open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 1. •  Sequim Village Shopping Center, near the J.C. Penney store, 651 W. Washington St. •  Forks District Court

lobby, 502 E. Division St., Forks.

Jefferson County •  Jefferson County Courthouse, 1820 Jefferson St., Port Townsend. A drive-up drop box is in the parking lot off Franklin Street. •  Auditor’s office in the county courthouse, open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 1. •  Jefferson County Library: 620 Cedar Ave., Port Hadlock. An outside drop box is in the parking lot.

Election calendar •  July 9: The 2017 primary election voter guide for Clallam and Jefferson counties will be published in the Peninsula Daily News and be made available online at www.peninsuladaily news.com. •  July 12: Ballots are mailed to voters for the Aug. 1 primary

election. •  July 24: Last day for inperson voter registration. •  Aug. 1: Primary election ends at 8 p.m. •  Aug. 15: County canvassing boards certify primary results. •  Aug. 18: Deadline for state Secretary of State’s Office to ­certify primary results.

Have questions? •  Call the Clallam County Auditor’s Office at 360-4172217, email rwagner@co.clallam. wa.us or go to http://tinyurl.com/ PDN-ClallPrimary. •  Call the Jefferson County Auditor’s Office at 360-385-9117, email elections@co.jefferson.wa.us or go to http://tinyurl.com/PDNJeffPrimary. •  The Washington Secretary of State’s Office’s online voter guide for registered voters is at http://tinyurl.com/ pdn-2017SOSVoterGuide.

Candidates withdraw too late to have names dropped from ballot Peninsula Daily News

PORT ANGELES — The Aug. 1 Clallam County primary election ballot includes primary election races for Forks City Council and Port Angeles-area Fire District 2 that aren’t really races at all. That’s because Forks City Council candidate William Paul and Clallam County Fire District

2 candidate Allen Hunt withdrew from their respective contests too late under state law to have their names removed from the ballot. So Paul’s name is listed along with council candidates Joe Soha and Mike Gilstrap, while Hunt’s name is on the ballot with Tom Martin and Patricia Reifenstahl. Lacking primary election opposition, Soha and Gilstrap

will automatically face off in the Nov. 7 general election for the Forks City Council Position 3 seat. Martin and Reifenstahl also will automatically vie in the general election for the Port Angelesarea Fire District 2 Position 1 seat. For that reason, the Forks City Council and Fire District 2 races are not included in this pri-

mary election voter guide. Candidates can file and withdraw anytime during filing week, which this year was May 15-19. State law also gives candidates one extra day to withdraw, on the following Monday after filing week. Paul, the Forks-area Clallam County Fire District 1 chief, dropped out of the race, citing personal reasons.

Hunt, a Fire District 2 firefighter-paramedic, withdrew after being warned by Fire Chief Sam Phillips that he faced serious conflict-of-interest issues if he continued being a district employee while serving as a fire commissioner who supervised district employees. Hunt said he was trying but was unable to find work elsewhere as a firefighter-paramedic.

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For primary ending August 1, 2017

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Clallam County

Port Angeles City Council, Position 1 About the job Port Angeles City Council Primary election boundaries: City of Port Angeles Voters: 12,420 as of June 23 Term: Four years Meetings: First and third Tuesday every month Compensation: The mayor, elected by the council, receives $650 monthly. The deputy mayor, elected by the council, receives $600 monthly. All other council members receive $550 monthly. Council duties: Pass a general fund budget that for 2017 is $20.6 million and funds 135 full-time-equivalent positions; adopt all ordinances; approve all contracts; serve on city, county, regional and state boards, commissions and subcommittees; levy taxes Do you favor or oppose the Nov. 7 second-class-city ballot measure? Moran: Oppose. A comparison by the Municipal Research and Services Center clearly illustrates the inferior status of a second-class city. Code cities were designed to provide broad statutory home rule in matters of local concern. Second-class cities operate only under powers explicitly granted by the Legislature. Citizens would be giving up a voice in their government. If approved, Port Angeles would be the first city in the state to go backward. Negus: I oppose the idea of Port Angeles becoming a secondclass city, as I don’t believe the people in Olympia would have our city in their best interests if we had to have approval from the state on important issues. Smith: I am not a fan. Too many issues, questions, probable lengthy court drama and chaos. In the words of Sun Tzu (“The Art of War”): “If you know the

enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.” How should the city address homelessness? Moran: The city needs to support temporary and transitional housing such as that provided by the Salvation Army and Serenity House and actively participate in the Shelter Providers Network coalition. The city needs to promote lowincome housing projects that are currently underway by the Peninsula Housing Authority. The city should also, in cooperation with the PUD, develop educational programs for utility cost savings to assist low-income homeowners. Negus: Homelessness is a tough one. I will wait until I am elected to see what kind of tools we have

Jim moran

Todd Negus

Residence: Port Angeles Phone: 360-912-1604 Email: jdmoran1710@ gmail.com Campaign website: None Age as of Nov. 7, General Election Day: 69 Education: Bachelor’s degree, accounting, Seton Hall University, South Orange, N.J.; master’s degree, human resources, Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma Occupation: Presidentowner of The 401(k) Co. Inc. of Port Angeles, a third-party pension administration company Have you ever run for or held elective public office? No.

Residence: Port Angeles Phone: 360-460-7336 Email: todd@ospsling.com Campaign website: None Age as of Nov. 7, General Election Day: 49 Education: High school diploma, Columbia Central High School, Brooklyn, Mich., 1986; bachelor’s degree, communications, with a minor in marketing, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Mich., 1995 Occupation: President, OSP Sling Inc., Sequim Have you ever run for or held elective public office? No.

in our comprehensive plan to address this issue going forward. Smith: This issue has plagued America since its founding. We must have leadership to get the various entities (nonprofits, churches and other service groups) to work together to serve the least fortunate among us. The city has an amazing opportunity to trailblaze with

innovative programs and humanitarian outreach. This includes emergency heating shelters when the weather is deadly and creative ways to supply housing, and coming up with ways to help people before they become homeless. What measures would you take to increase economic

Marolee Smith Residence: Port Angeles Phone: 360-460-2663 Email: maroleedsmith@ gmail.com Campaign website: www. maroleesmith.com Age as of Nov. 7, General Election Day: 63 Education: Alameda High School, Alameda, Calif.; Peralta Colleges, Oakland, Calif. Occupation: Researcherwriter Have you ever run for or held elective public office? Ran unsuccessfully for Port Angeles City Council in 2015.

development? Moran: The city should collaborate and work with the Economic Development Corp., the Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Port of Port Angeles and others to facilitate businesses moving into town. Please

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Clallam County

Port Angeles City Council, Position 2 Do you favor or oppose the Nov. 7 second-class-city ballot measure? French: I strongly oppose the Nov. 7 second-class-city ballot measure. Port Angeles is a first-class city, and our city government should remain at code-city status. A change in our city’s classification would be disastrous to our local governance and economy. We would functionally lose the ability to govern ourselves at the local level, lose the ability to have local petitions and initiatives and create substantial economic uncertainty. Oppelt: I oppose the secondclass-city status, as it will take away our ability to effectively govern ourselves from a

Mike French, Jacob C. Oppelt and Lee whetham Candidates’ biographies appear on the next page. local level. Instead of making processes and decisions easier to work with locally, we would have added obstacles and time constraints to be endured while involving representatives on a state level. Whetham: I value listening to our residents and have long advocated hearing from anyone and everyone regarding how the city of Port Angeles should

be run. Nevertheless, despite the fact that some of those same constituents now yearn to change the way we govern, I oppose the second-class-city proposal. I feel certain that if it is enacted, we will lose many rights and advantages currently afforded us under state law. How should the city address homelessness? French: We need to use all the tools at our disposal to address homelessness. The council should facilitate construction of low-income housing, integrate with local service organizations like Serenity House and continue to focus on economic development to ensure jobs are available.

I’ve seen first-hand as a downtown business owner the professional and compassionate work that our law enforcement officers do, but we cannot rely on them alone to manage our homeless population. Oppelt: The issue of homelessness needs to be considered in a larger picture. It is an incredibly complex issue that involves a variety of community programs and potential solutions. I am open to and look forward to further community discussions and learning from our community’s experts about the various local programs and agencies working toward effective solutions. Whetham: We’ve all known someone who has needed help to merely survive in this

modern world. As both a citizen and public servant, I’m grateful for the vast array of social programs — many administered by volunteers — available to the homeless, the mentally ill and those with drug dependency issues in Port Angeles. City leaders must be compassionate and helpful in this situation yet must monitor it continuously so the problems don’t overwhelm us. What measures would you take to increase economic development? French: Great strides have been made in the past few years, especially in tourism marketing and long-term planning. Please

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Port Angeles City Council, Position 1/continued Local government needs to streamline permitting for new businesses, where appropriate, and have modern infrastructure, e.g., an internet superhighway, a healthy population, good schools and a safe place to live. If we can provide this, business will come. Negus: I believe that in order to increase economic development, we may need to re-evaluate our policy on how we approve potential businesses entering the marketplace in Port Angeles. This may require a little risktaking on the part of the council. Again, we need to restore the trust of our local community and really focus on our comprehensive plan moving forward. Smith: Our city must invest in infrastructure. We will have to recreate a highspeed internet connection to allow eCommerce and technological

innovation to flourish. (Sadly, we squandered the fiber optic opportunity that we had.) We need to encourage our entrepreneurial, self-reliant spirit with a pro-business government; encourage our residents to “shop local” and stop wishing (and wasting time) hoping for some large employer to relocate here. We need a vision for our longterm future. Would you support or oppose allowing public observation (only) of collective bargaining sessions with public employees? Moran: Support. Public employees are paid with public funds. The construction and composition of their compensation package should be transparent. However, at this time, state law

puts a limit on that happening. Local jurisdictions’ hands are tied until state statutes change. Negus: I would support public observation of collective bargaining. Part of my platform is to “restore the trust,” and I believe that full transparency is a vital part of doing so. I will agree that there are certain specific employee matters that should not be observed, but contract negotiations should be open. Smith: Transparency in government is always a good thing. The more transparent a government is, the more included the citizens feel. The more engaged the constituents are, the better the feedback to the elected. The more those elected are engaged with the community, the stronger, in tune and more flexible the government is.

You create community by being inclusive. I think any and all participation by the people of Port Angeles will benefit us all. Why should voters choose you over your opponents? Moran: My strong and extensive background in finance and business gives me the knowledge to hit the ground running when elected. My long history of community involvement and board experience demonstrates my commitment to Port Angeles and its continued progress. My experience will be an asset not only to the council but also to the city administration. Negus: I am an active business owner who has more than doubled gross sales in our company over the past 10 years.

The city needs a businessminded council. I have a lot of energy, and I am at a position in my life that I have time to share my knowledge and work together with a team that will have other fresh faces and ideas to make Port Angeles a thriving community. Smith: Unlike my opponents, I have put in the time. I have been a fixture at the city council meetings for more than three years. I speak up. I ask questions. I know the issues. I have read the city archives (contracts, ordinances, council meeting minutes, etc.) going back many decades. I understand our council history of decisions made and actions taken. I do research for a living. I am creative. I am the best candidate.

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Clallam and Jefferson

ClallamJefferson Fire District No. 3, Position 2 What is the biggest issue facing the fire district, and how would you address it? Chinn: Providing excellent emergency medical response and property protection is still the highest priority. The district is challenged by the rapidly increasing demand for services. With careful planning, it is able to remain fiscally responsible while providing services that benefit the community. I will expand our scope to allow for programs such as improving emergency medical techniques and equipment, required equipment upgrades, disaster preparedness and community education programs. To what degree should the fire district rely on paid volunteers?

Steve Chinn Candidate’s biography, About the Job outline appear on the next page. Neither Robert Porrazzo nor Sean Ryan, who also filed for this position, provided information as requested for this voter guide.

Mike french Mike French Residence: Port Angeles Phone: 360-461-6171 Email: mfrench768@yahoo. com Campaign website: None Age as of Nov. 7, General Election Day: 35 Education: High school diploma, Port Angeles High School, 2000; associate degree, Peninsula College, 2000; bachelor’s degree, music, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, 2005 Occupation: Owner-manager, First Street Haven restaurant, Port Angeles Have you ever run for or held elective public office? No.

fuel or clothing wear and tear. Would you support or oppose allowing public observation (only) of collective bargaining with public employees?

Chinn: In 2002, the state Legislature passed a law that makes collective bargaining exempt from the state open meetings codes. Chinn: The district currently As a commissioner, I will has 70 volunteers. comply with the law. They provide vital support to One of my tasks as a comour operations during times of missioner is to oversee negotiaexcessive demand. tions with the bargaining unit The district is bound by fedon behalf of the citizens. eral statutes that define Upon completion of negotiaemployees and volunteers. tions, the contract is discussed There would be huge fiscal and approved in an open public ramifications to the district and meeting. its volunteers if volunteers received a wage. What area of fire district They receive monetary comoperations needs improvepensation for each training ment? class or incident response they Please turn to next page participate in to pay for their

Jacob c. ­oppelt Residence: Port Angeles Phone: 360-808-2114 Email: jacoboppelt@gmail. com Campaign website: To be determined Age as of Nov. 7, General Election Day: 33 Education: Port Angeles High School graduate, 2002; associate degree, Peninsula College, 2004; studied economics at University of Washington, 2004-05 Occupation: Co-owner, Next Door Gastropub; owner, J. Oppelt Development LLC, Jam Properties of PA LLC, DLDNJ LLC (dba Moss clothing store); co-owner, OOT Properties LLC; co-owner, Lefties Baseball, all of Port Angeles Have you ever run for or held elective public office? No.

lee whetham Residence: Port Angeles Phone: 360-452-1553 Email: Leew@wavecable. com Website: None Age as of Nov. 7, General Election Day: 57 Education: High school diploma, North Kitsap High School, 1978 Occupation: Washington state-certified commercial journeyman plumber Have you ever run for or held elective public office? Yes, currently serving a fouryear term in Position 2 on the Port Angeles City Council.

Port Angeles City Council, Position 2/continued I want the city to continue to reach out to business owners with programs like our facade improvement grants, but I’d also like to see more work focused on our industrial sector and increased communication between the city council and business advocacy groups like the chamber of commerce, the port, Economic Development Corp. and the business association. Oppelt: I look forward to offer-

ing a business-centric approach to the community at a council level. I envision working cooperatively to achieve common goals. I hope to help foster ideas that will not only drive economic growth but also will build strength in our community as well. Whetham: For over 20 years, Port Angeles city residents have helped to fund Clallam County Economic Development Corp.

without any meaningful economic benefits. The city of Port Angeles employs a staff member being paid to address the needs of resident business owners and others who are thinking of moving here. I support continuation of our current staffing — at City Hall — to address this area’s economic development. Please

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Port Angeles City Council, Position 2/continued

Would you support or oppose allowing public observation (only) of collective bargaining sessions with public employees? French: Oppose. Negotiation requires calm, candid and charitable communication between parties. Publicizing the process inhibits the free exchange of ideas and introduces too much risk. Oppelt: I have no objections to public observation of collective bargaining sessions with public employees. I believe that transparency is key in government financial decisions. As a result, negotiations could be substantially elongated. Whetham: I oppose open public union negotiations of public sector or private sector workers. Each of these sector

union groups already has management oversight, which to me is sufficient. Public unions must answer to policymakers — usually elected officials — who in turn answer to voters regarding any decision to support a collective bargaining agreement.

and dispassionate leadership to move forward out of our current cycle of controversy and crisis. Oppelt: Voters should vote for me because I bring a fresh and very businessminded perspective to the table with a passion and vested interest in our great community and in making it Why should voters even better. choose you over your Whetham: Today, with opponents? substantial development of the downtown area in our French: I’m a local busi- near future, I promise to use nessman who cares deeply my position on the city council wisely. about the future of Port Because I have no conAngeles. Council members need to flicts of interest whatsoever be skeptical and ask probing in our business core, I can and will examine all busiquestions of our city staff but be humble enough to lis- ness proposals without ten to advice from scientific favoritism and in an open and legal experts. and transparent manner. I enjoy debate and can I made several promises respect differences of opinion. to voters four years ago. I’m optimistic about our I’ve kept them all. region’s future, but we need I did what I said I would detail-oriented, skeptical do.

About the job Clallam-Jefferson Fire District 3 Primary election boundaries: Communities in the Port Angeles and Sequim areas including Agnew, Dungeness, Lost Mountain, Diamond Point and six Sequim voting precincts Voters: 25,567 as of June 23 Term: Six-year short and full term, meaning the winner of the general election takes office after it is certified Nov. 28. Meetings: First and third Tuesday every month Compensation: $114 per day for district business up to 96 days annually, maximum $10,944 a year Duties: Pass a general fund budget that for 2017 is $8.6 million and funds 45 full-time-equivalent positions, as well as compensates 70 volunteer firefighter-emergency medical technicians; hire fire district staff; levy taxes

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Clallam-Jefferson

Transportation benefit district, Proposition No. 1 Paul Gottlieb

must rely entirely on city funding for repairs. Arterial streets such as PORT ANGELES — Lincoln and First, which Anyone who pays retail account for about 15 persales taxes within the Port cent of city streets, must Angeles city limits would rely on city and state and help repair city streets federal grant funding. under a proposal on the The tax would be availAug. 1 primary ballot. able for all streets, alleys Port Angeles residents and sidewalk improvewill decide if they want to ments, and would be availincrease the sales tax by able beginning in 2019, 0.2 percent, or 2 cents on Public Works and Utilities every $10 they and others Director Craig Fulton said. spend on retail items, The funds would be beginning Jan. 1, 2018. managed by a transportaProceeds, estimated at tion benefit district board $700,00,00 to $800,000 comprising city council annually, would be spent members who approved on fixing city residential the district April 4. streets and alleys that Fulton has heard little Peninsula Daily News

Fire District 3, Position 2/continued Chinn: The call volume has tripled in the past 15 years. The district is working on a plan to redesign how it responds to calls in the best and most effective manner. Because 85 percent of the calls require medical responses, I see a need to maintain a cutting-edge emergency medical services program. Keeping a watchful eye on a balanced budget to cover the ever-broadening scope of today’s fire service is a continued necessity. Why should voters choose you over your opponents?

Chinn: As a 25-yearvolunteer, and as a captain and volunteer coordinator, I developed a unique skill set and insight into the fire service. I worked closely with administrative, career and volunteer staffs as the volunteer coordinator and served with career instructors in the training cadre. As a commissioner, I attended training sessions on open public meetings law and leadership management. I’ve participated in the development and implementation of the budget. I am uniquely qualified for this position.

Steve Chinn Residence: Sequim Phone: 360-4608982 Email: Chinnfor commissioner@gmail. com Campaign website: www.chinnfor

criticism of the proposed new tax, he said in a recent interview. Most callers are angry about what the tax increase is intended to address. “Most of the calls I get are that they don’t like their streets and alleys,” Fulton said. “We get that all the time.” The gripe has come up more than once stretching back to 2016 during public comment periods at the council’s twice-a-month regular meetings, with the city’s 40 miles of alleys the most recent focus. Please

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commissioner.com Age as of Nov. 7, General Election Day: 68 Education: High school diploma, Aberdeen High School;. associate degree, Grays Harbor Community College, Aberdeen; bachelor’s degree, social sciences-education, Central Washington University, Ellensburg; master’s degree, educational administration, Portland State University, Portland, Ore. Occupation: Retired teacher and retired volunteer firefighter-emergency medical technician Have you ever run for or held elective public office? Appointed to the Fire District 3, Position 2 seat in July 2016.

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Transportation benefit district, Prop 1/continued

The city also has 120 miles of roads that have been long neglected, city officials have said. “This winter, we really took a beating on our roads and alleys,” Fulton said. “We’ve had no preventative maintenance program for 10 years.” Tax revenues also would help feed money streams to improve arterial streets and roads by providing matching funds from state and federal coffers. The funding can amount to 85 percent or more of the cost of a project, with the city footing the rest of the bill. “The millions of dollars, that’s where our big road projects are going to get done,” Fulton said. One of the biggest initial projects is 10th Street reconstruction, an $895,000 project for the city arterial that has $20,000 slated for expenditures this year and $875,000 in 2018, according to the 2018-23 Transportation Improvement Plan. A conceptual design of the improvements and how the project will affect pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle traffic will be completed this year, Fulton said. It will be submitted to state and federal agencies for grants as a guarantee of the city’s financial commitment that would be leveraged to obtain the sales tax proceeds. “We have to have some skin in the game,” Fulton said. “We are heavily dependent on grants for our big projects.” It lacks sidewalks for area school children and the road is badly torn apart, Fulton said. Projects slated for 2019 include a $3.5 million to repair the culvert that car-

ries Peabody Creek under Lincoln Street, the city’s main north-south downtown corridor, which also is U.S. Highway 101. “We have a lot of work to do before that comes to fruition,” Fulton said. The project will be 85 percent grant-funded, according to the Transportation Improvement Plan. The five-year plan’s “Transportation Project List and Cash Flow” list is largely empty, showing $34.8 million in projects and $1.5 million allocated for those projects, including nothing in the Alley Paving Revolving Fund. The sales tax increase would be eliminated after 10 years — and generating at least an estimated $7 million to $8 million — unless voters re-approve it. The 0.2 percent increase is the largest that can be levied by the district. If voters approve the measure, the sales tax would increase in the city from 8.4 percent to 8.6 percent, or to 86 cents on every $10 spent by anyone, both residents and visitors, who spent money on items subject to the tax. Many city streets have received a “poor” rating under the “StreetSaver” computer-based street management system, which uses a Pavement Condition Index, Fulton said in an earlier interview. Sequim’s 10-year, 0.2 percent sales tax that funds its TBD generated $488,000 in 2016, about half of overall street funding, City Manager Charlie Bush has said.

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Jefferson County

Chimacum School Board, District 5 How should the district fill funding gaps created by a lack of state funding? Hackman: Community support can be sought for extracurricular activities, but individual districts cannot and should not be responsible for funding basic education. To solve the funding crisis caused by our regressive tax structure, we must redirect the effort focused on dealing with the inefficient levy system toward demanding that Washington state fulfill its “paramount duty… to make ample provision for education.” Remember, that’s “ample provision,” not “provision with funding gaps.” McKay: The state’s paramount duty is to fund basic education. It is up to the citizens of the school district to fund those programs and activities that are considered beyond the basics and considered essential to a well-rounded schooling experience. This includes remedial and gifted academic programs as well as activities and programs ranging from drama, music, clubs and sports programs, maintaining their investments in facilities and transportation, and continuing staff development. Shepherd: That depends on the enormity of the gap and the particular need(s) in question. The district can apply for grants, conduct fundraisers, ask for donations and organize a bond or levy. Larger initiatives may need to be broken into smaller projects to allow for a more diverse funding source. The smaller projects can be funded in different ways, thereby accomplishing the larger initiative. The district should also evaluate fixed capital assets when determining financial needs.

Should the district participate in expanding the free and reduced student meals backpack Senior Staff Writer Paul Gottlieb program to the summer months? can be reached at 360-452-2345,

________

ext. 55650, or at pgottlieb@ peninsuladailynews.com.

For primary ending August 1, 2017

Hackman: The district certainly

Wilma hackman, jack mckay and jared shepherd Candidates’ biographies appear on the next page.

About the job Chimacum School District director, District 5

should support summer nutrition programs, particularly if linked with Primary election boundsummer reading or other enrichment aries: All or parts of the comactivities, but I don’t believe it should munities of Chimacum, Port be primarily responsible for such proHadlock, Irondale, Four Corgrams. ners, Port Ludlow and Coyle McKay: Yes, and along with food services, the schools and community Voters: 9,309 as of June 23 should provide both remedial and enrichment education programs for Term: Four years students, particularly for elementary school-age children, particularly durMeetings: Second and ing the summer. fourth Wednesday every month And, in collaboration with county Compensation: $50 a day and state social agencies, there for district business up to 96 should be both mental and health days, maximum $4,800 a year services available to students in need. Duties: Pass a general fund I am an advocate for any effort to budget that for 2016-17 is improve learning readiness for stu$14.2 million and funds 123.6 dents. full-time-equivalent positions; Shepherd: Yes. I believe all of the hire a schools superintendent; children in our community deserve to establish staff performance crihave a consistent, high-quality teria; set student behavior and source of nutrition. education policies, including It should be viewed as a right for curriculum standards; provide the children in our community, and information to the public on we should do whatever is necessary district policies; evaluate teachto ensure that right remains intact. ing materials; levy taxes The parents or guardians of our students should be held accountable to their duty to provide this, but failand compromises reached, as well as ing that, we have a duty to protect final contract provisions, but the our students’ rights. presence of observers on either side of negotiations would be a distracWould you support or oppose tion. allowing public observation McKay: Oppose. (only) of collective bargaining Open negotiations, I believe, may sessions with public employees? inhibit the give-and-take tactics and strategies of both sides in the barHackman: Based on my one-time gaining process. experience as a union member on a I believe it would result in an collective bargaining committee, I increase of the time to settle issues, believe that closed meetings are more attorney fees and even increase appropriate. political gamesmanship. The public deserves to know the issues raised, positions of both sides Please turn to next page

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Chimacum School Board, District 5/continued

Open negotiations might sound good, but my thinking is that it will lead to more drama and conflict rather than resolving issues about working conditions. Shepherd: I would support and encourage it. I feel that it is important to allow the public to view and understand the key issues surrounding any particular collective bargaining session. I also believe that it’s important to protect the union-represented public employees and their representatives to ensure they aren’t negatively scrutinized for expressing their interests during bargaining. What particular skills would you bring to the position of school board director?

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the available resources and chart a path forward to achieve those results. Why should voters choose you over your opponents?

Wilma Hackman

Jack mckay

Hackman: I have over 18 Residence: Port Ludlow years’ hands- (and heart) on Phone: 360-821-9877 experience in education in SeatResidence: Port Hadlock Email: jmckay@hmleague. tle and the Olympic Peninsula — Phone: 360-385-3002 org preschool-12, classrooms and speAge as of Nov. 7, General Campaign website: www. cial programs as an instructional Election Day: 72 mckay4schoolboard.org assistant and substitute teacher. Email: oak@olypen.com Age as of Nov. 7, General In Seattle School District Campaign website: None Election Day: 79 planning, research and evaluaEducation: Bachelor’s Education: High school tion, I dealt with intricacies of degree, sociology, University of diploma, Lincoln High School, federal funding and testing Washington, 1972; master’s 1957; bachelor’s degree, hisrequirements. degree, teaching, University of tory, Central Washington UniI’m good with numbers, wellPuget Sound, 1993 versity, Ellensburg, 1961; masorganized, attentive to detail. Occupation: Retired in ter’s degree, educational Having an analytical nature, I 2015 as manager of Port administration, Central Washlook at different sides of issues Townsend-based ECHHO ington University, 1967; docand viewpoints. (Ecumenical Christian Helping torate in education, WashingI play well with others. Hands Organization) ton State University, 1974 McKay: Experience. Have you ever run for or Occupation: Retired UniI am a former teacher, school held elective public office? versity of Nebraska professor administrator, professor of educaCurrent Democratic Party pre- of education, law and research tion law and research, an elected cinct committee officer, HadHave you ever run for or officer of my professional associalock Precinct 303 held elective public office? tion (teacher-principal-superinNo. tendent [at Horace Mann League of the USA]) and have a current background in local, state and national issues and trends. I believe I can be a good listener, offering suggestions and ideas based on my experience I believe this will enable me to Shepherd: I have a that may help in solving the strong team-building, communiwork efficiently with the commuchallenges of providing the best nity, other board members and possible educational opportunity cation and project management skill set. the superintendent to identify for all Chimacum students.

jared s­ hepherd Residence: Port Ludlow Phone: 425-931-1297 Email: j.e.shepherd@live. com Campaign website: None Age as of Nov. 7, General Election Day: 32 Education: High school diploma, Chimacum High School, 2003; associates degree, diesel-heavy-equipment technology, Lake Washington Institute of Technology, Kirkland, 2010; pre-engineering studies for one year, Everett Community College, 2010-11; pre-engineering studies for one year, Arizona State University, 2015-16 Occupation: Operations manager, Washington State Ferries Eagle Harbor maintenance facility Have you ever run for or held elective public office? No.

objectives and accomplish them as efficiently as possible. I look at each challenge based on the intended result, evaluate

Hackman: Not knowing my opponents well, I can’t compare, so I seek voter support based only on my strengths. I come from a family of teachers who placed the highest value on education. Since 1987, I’ve demonstrated my community spirit through extensive volunteer work in environmental education and community events. As a former employee, I’m familiar with and proud of Chimacum schools. I will work hard on the school board to make our good schools even better. McKay: I would like the opportunity to serve and, where possible, help in the process of improving the schooling experience for all involved, helping students achieve success. I can listen, contribute and maybe along the way help make the Chimacum schools a better place for students, educators and support staff. Finally, I believe I can add experience and wisdom to the collective decision-making of the current school board. Shepherd: I am and will continue to be involved in school activities, sports and other extracurricular events. I will develop strong lines of communication with voters who do not have children in school. This will give our community a voice on the school board that is in tune with the needs of the school, students and parents but also the other needs and interests of the community, whether those be private land owners, businesses or otherwise.

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Jefferson County

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East Jefferson County Hospital District 2, Position 1 What specifically will it take for the hospital district’s new hospice program to be successful? Donanberg: Active promotion and public education should provide the community what it needs to take advantage of this critical end-of-life care. McComas: Several critical things are needed: an adequate supply of skilled and trained volunteers and caregivers; Medicare, Medicaid and insurance companies continue to pay for hospice care as they currently pay; continued growth of the Hospice Foundation to pay for uncompensated care; promoting so doctors, nurses and patients are knowledgeable about the services available; and a skilled volunteer coordinator to prevent discontinuity inpatient care, all leading to quality compassionate care valued by patients and their families. Van Hoover: Hospice care is most successful when delivered by an interdisciplinary team led by a palliative care clinician who coordinates medical, emotional and spiritual services. This clinician can be a nurse practitioner, physician assistant or physician whose role is to optimize communications between the patient, the family and the interdisciplinary team. Excellent communications help to ensure a smooth transition between hospital, clinic and home-based care, increasing the comfort and satisfaction of the patient and family. To what extent should the hospital district provide mental health services, including overnight care? Donanberg: This is an issue of great concern in light of the hospital’s plan to buy Discovery Behavioral Healthcare (formerly JMHS). Please

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About the job East Jefferson County (Jefferson Healthcare) Hospital District 2, Position 1

bernie donanberg

bruce j. ­mccomas

cheri van hoover

Residence: Port Townsend Phone: 360-385-9645 Email: bdonanberg@yahoo. com Campaign website: None Age as of Nov. 7, General Election Day: 71 Education: Bachelor’s degree, social sciences, Ohio State University, 1972; master’s degree, counseling, Antioch University, 1995 Occupation: Retired former clinical director, Jefferson Mental Health Services (2012); supervised all clinical mental health services, including substance abuse services. Have you ever run for or held elective public office? No.

Residence: Port Townsend Phone: 360-301-3699 Email: mccomas4hospital commission@gmail.com Campaign website: www. brucemccomas.org Age as of Nov. 7, General Election Day: 67 Education: Bachelor’s degree, chemical engineering, 1972, University of Washington; master’s degree, business administration, University of Washington, 1992 Occupation: Retired in 2008 as vice president and general manager, Port Townsend Paper Corp., then worked as power and recovery superintendent for Cosmo Specialty Fibers Inc., Cosmopolis, 2011-13 Have you ever run for or held elective public office? Yes, Port Townsend School District School Board member, 1993-2000

Residence: Port Hadlock Phone: 360-385-1104 Email: cheriforhealth@ gmail.com Campaign website: www. cheriforhealth.com Age as of Nov. 7, General Election Day: 64 Education: Associate degree, nursing, City College of San Francisco; nurse-midwifery certificate, University of California at San Francisco; bachelor’s degree, nursing, University of Phoenix, Tempe, Ariz.; master’s degree, State University of New York at ­Stonybrook Occupation: Adjunct faculty, Philadelphia University, Philadelphia; clinician, Planned Parenthood Have you ever run for or held elective public office? No.

Primary election boundaries: Port Townsend, Port Ludlow, Nordland, Gardiner, Quilcene, Brinnon — most of Jefferson County except the West End Voters: 24,346 as of June 23 Term: Six years Meetings: First and third Wednesday every month Compensation: $114 per day for district business up to 96 days annually, maximum $10,944 a year; benefits consistent with those provided to hospital employees, including health and life insurance, hospital cafe discount and discounts on some local services Duties: Pass a general fund budget that for 2017 is $96.3 million and funds 515 full-time-equivalent positions; hire a chief executive officer; purchase, lease and develop district property; provide hospital and health care services to district residents; levy taxes

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For primary ending August 1, 2017

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East Jefferson County Hospital District 2, Position 1/continued When this happens, the hospital will become the primary provider of mental health services in the community. It is critical that this transition is done well and that the hospital has a solid plan to provide comprehensive services to all in need. McComas: Continue to collaborate with other agencies to achieve the Community Health Improvement Project (CHIP) goals for mental health access. Work with Discovery Behavioral Healthcare to improve access to mental health care and expand services including telepsychiatry as needed and recommended by Dr. Susan Ehrlich. Continue to provide overnight/ short-stay care for appropriate patients per hospital policy, using psychiatric consultant services and trained staff. The safety of the patient and staff members is paramount. Van Hoover: Mental health is inextricably linked to physical health. The hospital district cannot fully address the physical health needs of our community without providing mental health services. Early intervention in mental health conditions, with these services integrated into the primary care setting, will reduce the need for more acute mental health care, including overnight hospitalization. Limited inpatient care for those experiencing psychiatric crisis should be explored and added if possible. How should the district address the growing population of aging, rural residents? Donanberg: Surveying those

in need is the most effective way to answer this question. I support going directly to those affected and gathering first-hand information whenever possible. McComas: •  Continue collaboration with other agencies to meet the CHIP goals for health care access. •  Understand what the aging population wants and needs for health care and adequately staff to meet those needs, especially for orthopedic, cardiac care and rehabilitation, physical therapy, pulmonary, home health and wellness services. •  Expansion of clinics in the county to alleviate transportation concerns and make it more accessible for rural elderly to get the care they need. Van Hoover: Wellness programs tailored to an aging population should be offered at locations throughout the county. The current popular exercise classes must be continued and expanded. Collaboration with other community agencies — for example, the YMCA — to provide classes such as nutrition, home safety and fall prevention would be helpful. These types of classes provide needed social support in addition to their other health benefits. An efficient system of referral for home health is also important. Would you support or oppose allowing public observation (only) of collective bargaining sessions with public employees? Donanberg: I would favor

to help facilitate the upcoming incorporation of those services into the Jefferson Healthcare family. I have lived in Jefferson County for 42 years, raised my three children here and would be honored to serve as commissioner of the hospital district. McComas: I have the greatest breadth of experience in business, finance and volunteering. I’ve run operations larger than the hospital and understand the financials, having served on the hospital Financial Advisory Committee. Boards served on: school board, [county] Education Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, [county] community foundation, chamber, Kiwanis and my church. I collaborate to get things done. I’m currently serving on the Oncology Support Team, the Patient and Family Advisory Council, and the Patient Financial Experience Task Force. Van Hoover: I bring a unique breadth and depth of health care experience, having worked in administrative and clinical positions in private practices, private hospitals, nonprofit organizations, a health maintenance organization and UCSF [University of California, San Francisco] medical school faculty. I have taught health policy to graduate students for 12 years. Why should voters choose I am skilled at problem idenyou over your opponents? tification, and my approach to problem-solving is from a sysDonanberg: My experience tems perspective. as a mental health provider and I work well with groups and administrator is unique among strive for consensus-building, the candidates and needed on the positive and open communications, and collaboration. hospital board of commissioners

allowing those involved to determine whether or not public observation and input are necessary or desirable. Transparency is healthy, but so is privacy, and the two must be balanced. McComas: Having been involved with many bargaining sessions, I appreciate the importance of confidentiality about what is said and discussed. Having observers present could stifle the free flow of thoughts and ideas. Proposals not yet agreed to might be “leaked” to people outside the negotiations, creating expectations or dissatisfaction about items that might never be agreed to or be part of a vote. I will support whatever the law requires or the bargaining parties decide. Van Hoover: I oppose public observation of collective bargaining sessions. State law specifically excludes collective bargaining from public observation, and past initiatives to open these sessions to public view have been rejected by Washington state courts. Free and frank discussion between labor and management can best be accomplished in a safe and private space where each party feels comfortable making compromises that lead to a mutually satisfactory resolution.

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