BE THERE OR BE SQUARE!!!!!
The next “Meet the Deputies” gathering will be on Monday, April 22 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Eastsound Fire Hall.
The agenda:
The following topics will be addressed:
–drug use and alcoholism — qualifying for and accessing treatment services;
–underage marijuana and hallucinogen use, teen drug houses;
–partnerships among the Sheriff’s department, EMTs and mental health resources;
–informing general community, all residents, of Crisis Line number for mental health emergencies;
–means of dealing with people who “act strange” or make us uncomfortable and how to prevent escalation of erratic behavior into violence;
– a high school class that needs community funding: Neurobiology and Drug Addiction.
Go to this link for more information.
http://orcasissues.com/mental-illness-undersheriff-distler-and-deputies-to-meet-with-community
Monday, April 15, 2013
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Let's Talk Civility in Commenting and Editorial Bias
Here is another fascinating dialogue concerning “civility in
commenting” from Orcas Issues.
Here is the link of the current post http://orcasissues.com/page/5.
Comments have been removed from the original link above, I will post them in their entirety here for you to read.
Comments have been removed from the original link above, I will post them in their entirety here for you to read.
(This is a “copy/paste” from ORCAS ISSUES” before the editor removed the final comments.)
April 7th, 2013
By Susan McBain
Yesterday afternoon I attended the
Eagle Forum’s candidate forum to hear all six County Council candidates answer
questions on a variety of subjects. I thought all gave good answers and showed
impressive knowledge of different aspects of the issues. But my main impression
was, these are all good, smart, concerned people who would do their best for
the county as a whole. At one point I thought, I wish we could have all six of
them, as together they represent almost all the constituencies in San Juan
County.
I’m concerned and saddened at the
over-the-top negative feelings being expressed in this election. Yes, the
candidates have different perspectives, but there wasn’t a wild-eyed radical of
any stripe at that table. They’ve all got common sense and experience in how
our society works, and they respect how it works. I had the sense they all
respected each other too. I fear we’ve let the current ugly national temper of
all-or-nothing intolerance infect our island culture. It’s not right, it’s not
useful, and it’s not the way to reach good outcomes for the whole community.
Civility isn’t just pleasant, it’s necessary for a wholesome society. It’s easy
really: we all just need to follow the Golden Rule.
April 7th, 2013
3
Comments on Guest Editorial: Eagle Forum Showed Six Good Candidates
Susan, I
too attended the forum and agree that all 6 candidates are smart and concerned
people who will do what is “their best” in reference to our County if elected.
I respectfully disagree that all gave good answers and showed impressive
knowledge of different aspects of the issues.
I too am concerned and saddened concerning the dialogue in this election. Therefore I must take issue with your comments on feelings, intolerance and civility. Any candidates past and current beliefs will affect how they will govern and it is our responsibility as citizens and voters to question those beliefs. Those queries are not “over-the-top feelings” or “all-or-nothing intolerance”, but the questions of concerned citizens seeking truth and information in a civil dialogue.
For example, in response to presenting facts concerning Lisa Byers stated beliefs past and current, I and others have been referred to as “smear-tactic”, “Joe McCarthy Era”, “inaccurate and inflammatory” and “mud-slinging and innuendo.” The last 2 come from Byers herself. Jamie Stevens considers questioning facts about the CAO as “fear mongering.” At the forum last Saturday both Pratt and Stevens outwardly attacked those who publicly question their beliefs or openly support other candidates. Pratt believes the First Amendment only applies to her and her supporters. While all 3 of these candidates have attacked others in an uncivil way, I find no record where Rick Hughes, Brian McClerren or Bob Jarman has done so. In ORCAS ISSUES February 27, 2013 at 9:50 am. “Susan McBain says: “Socialism” means so many things that it means nothing, other than a scare word. (I’ll ignore the use of “communism,” which smacks to me of McCarthyism.).” I’ll get you a dictionary. The rest of your comment does not addressed facts and questions raised but divert the conversation.
I too am looking for civility in the questions, answers and responses. If you believe “civility” means suppressing thoughtful dialogue concerning all of any candidate’s beliefs, past and present, and how they might apply those beliefs in governing our County, then I must challenge your understanding of civil dialogue.
Civilly and respectfully
I too am concerned and saddened concerning the dialogue in this election. Therefore I must take issue with your comments on feelings, intolerance and civility. Any candidates past and current beliefs will affect how they will govern and it is our responsibility as citizens and voters to question those beliefs. Those queries are not “over-the-top feelings” or “all-or-nothing intolerance”, but the questions of concerned citizens seeking truth and information in a civil dialogue.
For example, in response to presenting facts concerning Lisa Byers stated beliefs past and current, I and others have been referred to as “smear-tactic”, “Joe McCarthy Era”, “inaccurate and inflammatory” and “mud-slinging and innuendo.” The last 2 come from Byers herself. Jamie Stevens considers questioning facts about the CAO as “fear mongering.” At the forum last Saturday both Pratt and Stevens outwardly attacked those who publicly question their beliefs or openly support other candidates. Pratt believes the First Amendment only applies to her and her supporters. While all 3 of these candidates have attacked others in an uncivil way, I find no record where Rick Hughes, Brian McClerren or Bob Jarman has done so. In ORCAS ISSUES February 27, 2013 at 9:50 am. “Susan McBain says: “Socialism” means so many things that it means nothing, other than a scare word. (I’ll ignore the use of “communism,” which smacks to me of McCarthyism.).” I’ll get you a dictionary. The rest of your comment does not addressed facts and questions raised but divert the conversation.
I too am looking for civility in the questions, answers and responses. If you believe “civility” means suppressing thoughtful dialogue concerning all of any candidate’s beliefs, past and present, and how they might apply those beliefs in governing our County, then I must challenge your understanding of civil dialogue.
Civilly and respectfully
Hmm, I
didn’t mention Lisa at all in this post. And no one in Lisa’s campaign
mentioned communism or socialism; others mentioned those labels in referring to
her. If it’s issues and beliefs that are under discussion, yes, let’s have open
dialog, but on the issues. For example, “What is your position on regulations
that affect property rights?” Not “Are you a socialist?”
You
addressed civility in your post. A civility you had already violated as had
Lisa Byers. Lisa started this with an attack on an e-mail that rightfully
questioned statements she made in a video as to how she arrived at the OPAL
Community Land Trust model. The people she quotes and the organizations she is
involved with in building this model certainly raise this as a valid question.
Instead of directly answering the concerns of the voters about her beliefs and the CLT model specifically, Lisa and the rest of her supporters have attacked the persons posing the queries, your comments being among them. “No one in Lisa’s campaign mentioned communism or socialism; others mentioned those labels in referring to her.” That is correct. It is also correct that neither she nor anyone in her campaign has yet to directly explain her long held career beliefs which point directly to those claims. Need a dictionary?
“What is your position on regulations that affect property rights?” Lisa this past weekend said that she approved the San Juan County Democratic Party endorsing her because she wanted the rest of the county to know in general where she was coming from in a “non-partisan” election. She said that would give them a sense of how she would govern. AMEN. That is exactly the point.
You wrote, “Yes, let’s have open dialog, but on the issues.” For example, “Lisa, in your speech to the NEI you state that the model for OPAL Community Land Trust is developed by you and others who believe individuals do not have a right to privately own land. In light of that and your affiliation with organizations who are committed to the ‘New Global Economy’ through communal, instead of individual land rights reform, what is your position on regulations that affect property rights? In other words Ms. Byers, even though you now claim you believe in the private ownership of land, will you push and/or pass regulations like the CAO and its strict enforcement to effectively suppress the land owner’s rights?”
Yes, I too welcome this discussion Susan.
Instead of directly answering the concerns of the voters about her beliefs and the CLT model specifically, Lisa and the rest of her supporters have attacked the persons posing the queries, your comments being among them. “No one in Lisa’s campaign mentioned communism or socialism; others mentioned those labels in referring to her.” That is correct. It is also correct that neither she nor anyone in her campaign has yet to directly explain her long held career beliefs which point directly to those claims. Need a dictionary?
“What is your position on regulations that affect property rights?” Lisa this past weekend said that she approved the San Juan County Democratic Party endorsing her because she wanted the rest of the county to know in general where she was coming from in a “non-partisan” election. She said that would give them a sense of how she would govern. AMEN. That is exactly the point.
You wrote, “Yes, let’s have open dialog, but on the issues.” For example, “Lisa, in your speech to the NEI you state that the model for OPAL Community Land Trust is developed by you and others who believe individuals do not have a right to privately own land. In light of that and your affiliation with organizations who are committed to the ‘New Global Economy’ through communal, instead of individual land rights reform, what is your position on regulations that affect property rights? In other words Ms. Byers, even though you now claim you believe in the private ownership of land, will you push and/or pass regulations like the CAO and its strict enforcement to effectively suppress the land owner’s rights?”
Yes, I too welcome this discussion Susan.
Fear Monguring You Say? Yes You are David!
I often comment on the uncivil, rude, abusive, misleading or false way people, who cannot win with rational reasoning supported by accurate and documented facts, choose to frame the debate with emotion in hopes the uninformed will back their side.
The following letter in the San Juan Journal is just such an example and the rebuttal comment defines it in makes the point.
I’m certain you will enjoy short the read.
A Letter to the editor in the Islands Sounder
http://www.islandssounder.com/
Response Comment:
Don John Pencil · Pacific Christian College
The following letter in the San Juan Journal is just such an example and the rebuttal comment defines it in makes the point.
I’m certain you will enjoy short the read.
A Letter to the editor in the Islands Sounder
http://www.islandssounder.com/
Be wary of those touting ‘Trust’ | Letter
Voters of San Juan County need to be aware of, and wary of, TrustIslanders!, a local political action committee trying to buy our April 23 elections for County Council with the support of wealthy donors. It’s the first time a local PAC has been formed to influence our county elections. If it’s successful, it will set a terrible precedent for our community. PACs are organizations formed to circumvent the intent of campaign finance laws.
They may be legal, but are they democratic and ethical? To answer that question, one needs look no further than to the PACs in last year’s national elections formed by the likes of Karl Rove. According to the fundraising request posted by the chairwoman of the San Juan County Republican Party on its website on March 9, TrustIslanders! is raising up to $25,000 for countywide mailings and advertisements endorsing its candidates for the April 23 election to the new County Council. This partisan political campaign is deceptively clever, centered on the words “trust” and “fear”. We are told to trust whomever TrustIslanders! supports and to fear everyone else. It uses fear tactics to pit friend against friend, neighbor against neighbor! These are not our community values.
Most of the founders and supporters of TrustIslanders! are supporters of the SJC County Republican Party and the Common Sense Alliance. The latter is not permitted by law to endorse candidates itself. TrustIslanders! is a clever way for its supporters to circumvent this prohibition.Donors to the campaigns for county council in our April 23 election cannot give more than $900 to any one candidate. However, Royce Meyerott and Browne’s Home Center have already donated $2,000 each to TrustIslanders!, according to the state Public Disclosure Commission website. Fourteen other wealthy donors have given $500 each. TrustIslanders! claims to be non-partisan because it has a few supporters who claim to be Democrats. However, almost all PACs by definition are partisan. Why else would it be raising $25,000 to influence our upcoming elections?
Beware of people and organizations who say “just trust me”. And be sure to vote on April 23.
David Dehlendorf
San Juan Island
Most of the founders and supporters of TrustIslanders! are supporters of the SJC County Republican Party and the Common Sense Alliance. The latter is not permitted by law to endorse candidates itself. TrustIslanders! is a clever way for its supporters to circumvent this prohibition.Donors to the campaigns for county council in our April 23 election cannot give more than $900 to any one candidate. However, Royce Meyerott and Browne’s Home Center have already donated $2,000 each to TrustIslanders!, according to the state Public Disclosure Commission website. Fourteen other wealthy donors have given $500 each. TrustIslanders! claims to be non-partisan because it has a few supporters who claim to be Democrats. However, almost all PACs by definition are partisan. Why else would it be raising $25,000 to influence our upcoming elections?
Beware of people and organizations who say “just trust me”. And be sure to vote on April 23.
David Dehlendorf
San Juan Island
Response Comment:
Don John Pencil · Pacific Christian College
David, while protesting the views and comments of others you frequently use words like “scary” and “fear.” Yet most of your comments are designed and articulated to promote fear.
Just this one quote from your current letter proves the point:
“This partisan political campaign is deceptively clever, centered on the words “trust” and “fear”. We are told to trust whomever TrustIslanders! supports and to fear everyone else. It uses fear tactics to pit friend against friend, neighbor against neighbor These are not our community values!”.
Fear of those individuals and groups who see things differently than you do. You rail against those whose values are truly noble. In them runs a deep and compassionate love of their fellow citizens and community. Day after day I watch these wonderful patriots express their passion and views for this C...ounty with love and civility. While on the other hand, day after day I read rude and uncivil personal attacks on their good names and organizations. Rarely, in my experience, have you come to this table to state your case with respect, supported by accurate fact or a desire for an informed exchange of ideas.
“They may be legal, but are they democratic and ethical?” Absolutely! Grouping like-minded people together to support candidates and causes has always been the way. There are many examples here in SJC and around the world. Unions, nonprofits and many other types of organizations band together to raise awareness for their issues, raise funds to support the cause and get the message out.
I personally see this only as an attempt by you to silence or without merit discredit citizens of this County who are only exercising the rights guaranteed them under the First Amendment.
“Most of the founders and supporters of TrustIslanders! are supporters of the SJC County Republican Party and the Common Sense Alliance.” Okay, so what?
“The latter is not permitted by law to endorse candidates itself.” That’s right and it doesn’t. What your point?
Just this one quote from your current letter proves the point:
“This partisan political campaign is deceptively clever, centered on the words “trust” and “fear”. We are told to trust whomever TrustIslanders! supports and to fear everyone else. It uses fear tactics to pit friend against friend, neighbor against neighbor These are not our community values!”.
Fear of those individuals and groups who see things differently than you do. You rail against those whose values are truly noble. In them runs a deep and compassionate love of their fellow citizens and community. Day after day I watch these wonderful patriots express their passion and views for this C...ounty with love and civility. While on the other hand, day after day I read rude and uncivil personal attacks on their good names and organizations. Rarely, in my experience, have you come to this table to state your case with respect, supported by accurate fact or a desire for an informed exchange of ideas.
“They may be legal, but are they democratic and ethical?” Absolutely! Grouping like-minded people together to support candidates and causes has always been the way. There are many examples here in SJC and around the world. Unions, nonprofits and many other types of organizations band together to raise awareness for their issues, raise funds to support the cause and get the message out.
I personally see this only as an attempt by you to silence or without merit discredit citizens of this County who are only exercising the rights guaranteed them under the First Amendment.
“Most of the founders and supporters of TrustIslanders! are supporters of the SJC County Republican Party and the Common Sense Alliance.” Okay, so what?
“The latter is not permitted by law to endorse candidates itself.” That’s right and it doesn’t. What your point?
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Fig Leaf for the Islands? by Royce Meyerott/San Juan Island WWW.TrustIslanders.org.
Lets look at the CAO from a metaphorical point of view. Most of us think of our islands as living art and wish to preserve and protect it. Imagine a new Washington legislative body by the name of Citizens Art Organization or CAO. The CAO mandates how all artwork in the state is to be preserved. One of their requirements is that all art must be kept clean and that the procedures for cleaning must be updated in writing every five years.
Now lets assume that our islands are Michelangelo's marble sculpture "David". Our recent County Council took very seriously the cleaning of the sculpture and under the cloak of meeting the CAO requirements, they also decided to have its genitals removed. When asked why this was necessary, we were told that their presence might offend somebody. When asked for evidence that somebody had been offended, we were told that they had to use the "precautionary principle"-- just in case someone in the future might find the genitals offensive, they have to be removed.
The decision of the Council was quite controversial. When critically questioned about their course of action, they proceeded to talk about how simple the procedure would be and that they had hired the best "restorationist" in the world to perform the removal. They always directed the conversation away from the act that was about to take place and the consequences to the island body that it would bring with it.
In a very real sense, the recently past CAO's will have a similar effect on the "charm" of the islands. Many of the buildings, landmarks, harbors, and businesses that draw people here would not be allowed under the new CAO's. Examples are Doe Bay restaurant and resort, Orcas Pottery, Orcas ferry landing, the old cannery at Jackson beach, Snug Harbor, Roche harbor, San Juan County park, Shipyard Cove, Rosario Resort, Duck Soup restaurant, many small home businesses, art studios---you can all add to the list.
An alternative to the fast approaching amputation is a community with Trust as its foundation. I urge all for my island neighbors to vote for a County Council that actually Trusts you. For more information: WWW.TrustIslanders.org.
Royce Meyerott/San Juan Island
Now lets assume that our islands are Michelangelo's marble sculpture "David". Our recent County Council took very seriously the cleaning of the sculpture and under the cloak of meeting the CAO requirements, they also decided to have its genitals removed. When asked why this was necessary, we were told that their presence might offend somebody. When asked for evidence that somebody had been offended, we were told that they had to use the "precautionary principle"-- just in case someone in the future might find the genitals offensive, they have to be removed.
The decision of the Council was quite controversial. When critically questioned about their course of action, they proceeded to talk about how simple the procedure would be and that they had hired the best "restorationist" in the world to perform the removal. They always directed the conversation away from the act that was about to take place and the consequences to the island body that it would bring with it.
In a very real sense, the recently past CAO's will have a similar effect on the "charm" of the islands. Many of the buildings, landmarks, harbors, and businesses that draw people here would not be allowed under the new CAO's. Examples are Doe Bay restaurant and resort, Orcas Pottery, Orcas ferry landing, the old cannery at Jackson beach, Snug Harbor, Roche harbor, San Juan County park, Shipyard Cove, Rosario Resort, Duck Soup restaurant, many small home businesses, art studios---you can all add to the list.
An alternative to the fast approaching amputation is a community with Trust as its foundation. I urge all for my island neighbors to vote for a County Council that actually Trusts you. For more information: WWW.TrustIslanders.org.
Royce Meyerott/San Juan Island
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
HUGHES SUPPORT from JOHN EVENS
From the San Juan District,
It is clear Bob Jarman places high value on protecting the rural quality of life in the San Juan Islands. His focus is on preserving what is special about the island life style and natural environment. Bob is not a polished speaker but one could not miss the sincerity of his commitment to the people of the islands and our rural values.
Bob’s opponent, Lovel Pratt seemed focused well beyond the boundaries of San Juan County. She references seeking State and Federal grant money for this or that, and her enthusiasm for working the legislative halls of Olympia and beyond, promoting or protesting a variety of issues. Lovel says that she listens. Unfortunately most who have talked with her on important community issues feel she may listen but doesn’t hear. She was the principal advocate for passing the Critical Areas Ordinance that today has our citizens and the County courthouse tied in knots.
From the Lopez District,
Jamie Stephens is a bit of a puzzle as a candidate and sitting Councilman. He is a likable and amenable, but when it comes to Council responsibilities he hangs back on choosing a coarse of action. It is hard to assign a viewpoint or opinion that he stands for. He was consistent in his support of Lovel and Howie’s notions when they served together on the prior Council. He guided and voted for the Critical Areas Ordinance that is such a complex mess that implementing it is being delayed again.
Brian McClerren brings a new and positive dynamic to this election. He is a young man with a young family, and a small business on Lopez. He is focused on how to make the islands a welcoming place for young families and on preserving the rural character and lifestyle of the islands. He has a clear understanding of what one would call “island values” of being good neighbors, being good stewards of the environment and allowing for the diversity and independence that has been a hallmark of island life. He is new to the island’s political scene and has obviously done his homework. He has zeroed in on key areas where our local government is doing well and recognizes areas where it can be improved.
From Orcas Island,
Lisa Byers is a good speaker and has a deserved reputation of organizing and managing the large non-profit OPAL. She generally supports the Critical Areas Ordinance. While she has some suggestions for implementing the Ordinance, she seems willing to gloss over the many reasons the new Ordinance will be a problem for property owners and for the County to administer. She is confident she has the ability to reach consensus on difficult local issues?
Rick Hughes has a strong sense of the importance of a functioning local economy that provides jobs and opportunities for island families. He recognizes the importance of making government work better for our citizens in terms of being helpful as opposed to a hinderance. He stresses that the rules and regulations that are necessary be clearly written and understandable. He has a strong background in management.
Summary:
As a voter, I believe that Rick Hughes, Bob Jarman and Brian McClerren are the best choices for directing our County government in a manner that maintains our rural values, respects the residents of the islands and preserves the natural environment; the combination that makes the San Juan Islands such a remarkable place to live.
John Evans
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