Commentary by Lois Krafsky-Perry and Staff
for Citizen Review
Tuesday, November 25, 2019
Sequim, WA – Approximately 125 people gathered at the Sequim City Hall, Tuesday, November 25, at 6 PM to appear before the City Council, for public testimony. The usual 5 PM meeting, had been cancelled and the meeting room was not available earlier.
As the meeting commenced, about 30 people were standing outside the main room, because of overflow capacity. Many represented the Save our Sequim (SOS) group, which has over 2500 members. The city has a population of approximately 7200 people.
Sequim City mayor Dennis Smith presided over the meeting.
After the pledge of Allegiance, Smith discussed and asked for changes to the agenda. Council members Ted Miller and Candace Pratt offered suggestions. There was then a few minutes of discussion by the attorney Kristina Nelson Gross and board members.
Smith then suggested that the agenda be shifted allowing some school students to make a presentation early and before public testimony. A young lady spoke from one corner of the room, without a microphone, and it was difficult to hear her or see who was speaking. Her name was not heard, unless someone was seated in that far corner of the room. The council was privy to the presentation, as it was near their area, and perhaps that was all that was planned for that presentation and thought maybe not necessary for those in the room to hear it. The group was not listed on the agenda, and only a few agendas were available near the sign-up desk, at the room entrance.
After a period of time, Smith apparently found it necessary to read the rules for public comment which are printed on the back of the agenda, at each meeting.
When it was finally time for public comment, Smith announced that there would be a only certain way that testimony would be heard. He presumed that some people were there to oppose the MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment) facility and some were in favor of it. He gave instructions to those in attendance that testimony would be limited to only two people to speak in favor of the projected facility and two who could speak against it, despite the fact that most of those signed up to speak were against the proposed project. The mayor stated that another two people could testify about a different subject. (I noted before the meeting started that approximately 30 people had signed to speak and one sheet had about seven people on the list. The longer list contained names of SOS members and/or individual citizens, landowners, and taxpayers of Sequim.)
Jean Pratschner, who works at the Sequim Community Warming Center on West Washington, submitted a letter to the council about the MAT facility. (The Center, according to the letter, served 100 individuals last year, and approximately 800 meals.) “Sequim is at stake,” she wrote, as she wondered, “What is Sequim going to do about the patients during the night while they wait for their next dose during the morning?” She continued, “Where will Sequim allow them to park, camp, eat, cook, beg, sleep and wait for the next dose?” She stated that she believed the small warming center would be overwhelmed. “We fear it may not survive,” she said.
Tim (Timothy) Wheeler, a Sequim High School graduate and former editor of the People’s World, which states it is “a voice for progressive change and socialism in the United States”, and which “continues to feature Marxist analysis and opinion developed by the Communist Party”, submitted eight copies of his new group’s half page ad from two local newspapers supporting the MAT longtime planned project. Wheeler’s group, “Voices for Health and Healing” recognized the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, many health care professionals, and Sheriff Bill Benedict for their interests in the project. He then thanked the local elected officials, as he faced the council members.
Wayne Pedersen, who supports the views of SOS, addressed the board and members of the community. He shared that he was a ‘refugee’ from California. Peterson said, “there is an awful storm brewing”, as he mentioned future problems regarding safety for this area.
He asked for a show of hands as to how many in the room were for MAT. Approximately 7 people raised their hands. When asked how many are against it, about 80 people raised hands. Some people did not raise their hand for either, however.
Henry Howe was called to the podium, but as he advanced to the area, he was interrupted by Mayor Smith. Instead, a Dr.Corby was called to speak. She spoke about her organization for child neglect and emergency housing for domestic violence. As she finished her 3 minute presentation, she turned toward the room, as she was leaving and lectured the people who were seated to “keep the peace”.
Ann Marie Henninger, newly elected to the hospital board, and a signer of the Health and Healing ad, came forward and offered kudos to the council for the budget and “community partnerships” and for the work on Fir Street, near where she lives. She shared her appreciation for their race, as she said she understood what it was like to run for office.
Howe was not called to speak. Nor was anyone else, at that time.
After five speakers from the approximate 30 who had signed to speak, Smith announced that the public testimony time was over, as many people were shocked to hear the dismissal of public testimony.
The question was raised as many people filed from the room, “is the Mayor of Sequim hindering the voice of the people”?
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