September, 23, 2019
By Lois Krafsky-Perry News Editor
Sequim WA…The George Washington Inn, in Agnew, provided a nice setting as Save our Sequim (SOS) enthusiasts joined with approximately 300 people to enjoy the day and raise funds for the ongoing battle to win back their town and make it safe.
A large tent accommodated the many guests as Dysfunction Junction Bluegrass Band, from Seattle, performed. Kokopelli’s food truck supplied a variety of excellent food. Later in the day, “Old Sidekicks” band from Sequim (photo above) provided a variety of Western music.
An outside area was available for children to play, as well.
Auction items were donated and were available throughout, and outside, the tent area, where many items were displayed.
A “Healing Clinic” as it has been renamed by the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe is planning a project for a Medication Assisted-Treatment clinic (MAT) , on South 9th Avenue, near Costco store and other businesses. It also borders Highway 101, with a 55 mile an hour speed zone. The project would be located within one mile from elementary school, YMCA facility, Boys and Girls Club and several churches. Many businesses, restaurants, realty offices, retirement homes, nursing homes, recreation trail area, veterinarian clinics, and residential developments, are some of the nearby concerns.
Jodi Wilke, chair of the SOS board, then gave an overview of what SOS has done, with a recent petition report of 2,300 signatures, research reporting, and testifying at meetings as examples. She also thanked everyone for the work they have done.
Wilke then introduced the newly hired Seattle attorney Michael A. Spence. Approximately 3,000 members have joined SOS since early summer.
Spence is with the group Hellsell and Fetterman in Seattle. He stated the firm has 45 attorneys, and several are, “ready to go on this thing.”
“This is an important issue..they [Tribe and government officials] pulled a plan behind our backs…we should have some kind of say,” announced Wilke, while describing the planned project by the Tribe and others involved. “Keep the pressure up” encouraged Wilke, who then introduced Spence, who was wearing their purple SOS t-shirt.
“You are in really good hands locally here. This is an impressive group. This is a large and energized group, and I think you are going to win this thing,” announced Spence.
He addressed the process and a Rehab [rehabilitation] Center. “That is what it is,” Spence said.
As he shared immediate plans, he continued, “There is hanky-pank going on here and we want them to know we are looking at everything….You are fighting the good fight. I am looking forward to helping you out”, affirmed Spence.
Recent Comments