Citizen Review October 15, 2019
By Lois Krafsky-Perry and Staff
Sequim, WA – Sponsored by Independent Advisory Association (IAA), three unopposed candidates for the Sequim City Council had an opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns, at the October 9, 2019 Town Hall Meeting, as they vied for a position, on the Council.
The Moderator was Donnie Hall, who is a Principal for the recently formed organization. Jim McEntire, also a Principal with the organization, explained the rules, for the meeting.
Non-partisan candidates William Armacost, Troy Tenneson, Tom Ferrell and Jennifer States, were scheduled to speak. Since States was unable to attend the town meeting, her challenger Sarah Kincaid, a recent declared write-in, was not allowed to speak, but did attend the meeting. The candidates were unable to hand out literature or campaign inside the city building, according to RCW 42.17A.555, which was supplied by city attorney Kristine Nelson-Gross.
Hall asked each candidate to answer questions on three topics which were: Role of the City of Sequim in the future of the John Wayne Marina; development of workforce housing in the city of Sequim; and Medication Assisted Opioid Treatment for Sequim residents.
Hall thanked the City for use of the facility, and the citizens of Sequim for attending the meeting. It was advertised that only those people residing in the city could attend, because of a perceived lack of available seating. Many people expressed disappointment over the rule, in that many had downtown businesses and several recent city issues affect them, as well. Thirty-five people, which included the candidates and media, attended the meeting.
Hall stated that the organization was formed to improve local government in Clallam County and to train candidates to run for local office.
He announced that Tenneson and Armacost are their first trainees.
The first question was directed to Tom Ferrell, who has lived in Sequim for three years and is a member of the Planning Commission, where he has served for 1 ½ years.
“What are the local options that the City Council has regarding the Marina (John Wayne Marina)?” asked Hall.
Ferrell answered, “We do have some opportunity here…you have a gem out here.” He mentioned the environment and the dock. He stated that if we develop economically feasible it could be good, although he was concerned it will be costly to maintain the marina area. Thoughts of partnering with the City of Sequim have been previously raised and Ferrell expressed that if we could partner with the city and break even…. “an idea that I have —that it will stay public,” he suggested.
Tenneson said he had spoken to Connie [Beauvais] , a Port Angeles port official, and he thinks it should remain under Port administration or Sequim management (City of Sequim).
Armacost cautioned, “We have maintenance, $60,000 in ten years to restore.”
He said that according to the Shorelines Management Act, we are to remain public and also have to remain non-profit.
He referred to Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe’s interest in the marina.
Armacost said “consider the Wayne family.” (John Wayne’s son is in charge of the family marina and negotiations are ongoing with the decisions for the marina.) Armacost also cautioned people to consider the risks and check peoples’ motives in any decision. “It is a lucrative piece of real estate… proceed with caution,” he warned. He then mentioned the $64,000 study that has already been invested, by the City of Sequim.
Armacost thinks that it (Marina ownership) should stay in Sequim. Bond issues or taxes could come up later, with which he was not comfortable, and said, “I’m not a grant fan.”
“There are ways to make money….it is a free gift with a huge price tag.”
Hall interjected, “taxpayers are not happy with bonds and taxes.”
Ferrell said “it is a $13,000,000 white elephant.” He mentioned that he is against a bond issue. He stated that we need to consider the house [city] budget. He was not for partnering with the Tribe and said,” maybe partner with John Wayne Enterprises.”
While discussing the Affordable Housing topic, Farrell commented, “It is a wild market here.” He stated that we have to stay on top of water, for instance.
“We need well built entry level and reasonably built houses,” said Tenneson.
Armacost noted costs for developers, permitting process, and utility costs, as concerns. He stated that 88 percent of the labor force is in the service industry.
Questions were raised about hiring a hearing examiner, which has been approached in former meetings, of the Council.
Armacost commented that their attorney could be overwhelmed and added that they [City] already approved hiring a paralegal. He said he was not in favor of a hearing examiner.
“I think it is a bad idea,” announced Tenneson.
Ferrell objected to a hearing examiner and said he could be out of a job on the Planning Commission, where he is serving. He believes that the local planning commission with the legal advisors that Sequim has now is sufficient.
The question was raised by Hall, “what extent should the City Council have in it?”, referring to the appointment of a hearing examiner. Ferrell said that there would be no say in it. He reminded the group that the council has a play in decisions and he appeared comfortable with that, as opposed to a hearing examiner or grant specifications making local decisions.
Medication-Assisted Opioid Treatment (MAT) for Sequim people was the last question raised by Hall.
“I think MAT is a bad idea,” answered Tenneson, who is a third generation Sequimite. He continued, “It is proposed to help paramedics, and that is not happening. Quite the opposite,” he said. He referred to it as a bully fight to visit this in our town. Tenneson warned, “there is a legal process to take into account.”
Ferrell stated that it is a bad location. He recommended more research and study of details. He referred to the 7.2 million dollar grant, which he stated is, ‘only a piece’ of the monetary issue. Speaking about the Emerald Opportunity Zone, he said, “they don’t pay the taxes.” Ferrell said there are other facilities in Port Angeles and Sequim. “We the voters have the say in this. It’s our tax dollars…wrong size and wrong place,” announced Ferrell.
Hall raised the comment about the 7.2 million dollars, which Ferrell answered, “7 million dollars is irrelevant to where the location is, consider a more remote location…compared to disruption.”
He said many will change their minds about shopping at Costco. It may cause problems for their greeters. “Not in the middle of our shopping district,” answered Ferrell. He mentioned legal ramifications. “If Mr Allen [Tribe representative] wants to talk, how about an actual hospital here?” recommended Ferrell.
Armacost stated that taxpayers should run our own ship. He said we have success with John Wayne Marina, as he reflected on John Wayne family’s plans in our community. He noted that MAT was not presented [to citizens] and caused a lot of doubt.
Armacost reminded the listeners, “free enterprise is the backbone of our community.”
Hall reminded the attendess to vote. Ballots will be sent October 16th and voting day is November 5th.
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