primary election guide for august 7th, 2012

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A public service of the

PENINSULA DAILY NEWSNorth Olympic Peninsula candidates and ballot issues

for the primary election ending August 7, 2012

A public service of the PENINSULA DAILY NEWS 2 For the election ending August 7, 2012 Primary Voter Guide

I N T R O D U C T I O N

Be sure to vote by 8 p.m. Aug. 7

THIS SPECIAL SECTION of the Peninsula Daily News, also available online at www.peninsuladailynews.

com, provides voters with information about the Aug. 7 election.

It profiles the candidates for regional, countywide and local races in which there are more than two candidates, and also discusses measures on the ballot.

Ballots in the all-mail election were sent by the auditor’s offices of Clallam and Jefferson counties to registered voters July 18. Voting continues until 8 p.m. Aug. 7.

Compilation of information, including the question-and-answer segments, is coordinated by PDN Senior Staff Writer Paul Gottlieb. Photo and graphics servic-ess are by Staff Photojournalist Keith Thorpe, and section design is done by Executive Editor Rex Wilson, with assis-tance from Copy Editor Allison McGee.

Candidates’ answers to questionnaires were limited to 75 words per question and were edited for length, grammar and spelling.

Races in which there are only one or two candidates are not profiled in this sec-tion. Neither are write-in candidates.

‘Top two’ entirely by mailOn the North Olympic Peninsula, as in

all of Washington state, all voting is done by mail.

Washington was the first state in the country to establish a “top-two” primary election system, rather than a party nomi-nating system. A top-two primary narrows the number of candidates to two, regard-less of party preference, for the general election.

Each candidate for partisan office can state a political party that he or she pre-fers, or the candidate can declare as an independent with no party preference. That’s because Washington voters do not declare party affiliation as part of voter registration.

A candidate’s party preference does not imply that the candidate is nominated or endorsed by the party, or that the party approves of or associates with that candi-date.

There is no Election Day precinct poll-ing, although a computerized terminal is available at the Clallam County Auditor’s Office in the county courthouse, 223 E. Fourth St., Port Angeles, and the Jefferson County Auditor’s Office in the county courthouse, 1820 Jefferson St., Port Townsend, during the voting period.

Mail-in ballots were sent to registered voters in the appropriate jurisdictions starting July 18.

They must be postmarked no later than Aug. 7 or dropped off by no later than 8 p.m. Nov. 8 at the following loca-tions:

Clallam County■ Clallam County Courthouse, 223

E. Fourth St., Port Angeles. A drive-up drop box is provided.

■ Sequim City Hall, 152 W. Cedar St., Sequim.

■ 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 provided.

■ Jefferson County Library, 620 Cedar Ave., Port Hadlock.

Election calendarHere are some significant dates relat-

ing to the Aug. 7 and Nov. 6 elections:■ July 30: Voter registration deadline

for people not currently registered to vote in Washington.

Registration must be done in person at the Auditor’s Office in the county court-house, 223 E. Fourth St., Port Angeles.

■ Aug. 6: Last day for write-in candi-dates to file a Declaration of Candidacy for the Nov. 8 election.

■ Aug. 7: Primary election ends at 8 p.m.

■ Aug. 21: Deadline for County Can-vassing Board to certify the primary elec-tion returns.

■ Aug. 24: Final day for secretary of state to certify primary election returns from across the state.

■ Oct. 8: Final day for mail-in and online voter registration for the Nov. 6 general election, which will include the presidential election.

■ Oct. 17: Ballots are mailed out to registered voters for the Nov. 6 elec-tion.

■ Oct. 19: The Penin-sula Daily News’ general election voter guide is published and posted online at www.peninsula dailynews.com.

■ Oct. 29: Voter registration deadline for people not currently registered to vote in Washington who want to vote in the Nov. 6 election.

■ Nov. 6: General election ends at 8 p.m.

Got questions?Questions about Clallam County elec-

tions can be phoned to the County Auditor’s Office elections division at 360-417-2221 or toll-free at 866-433-8683 Mondays through Fridays.

Voter registration information is available by phoning at 360-417-2221 or toll-free at 866-433-8683 Mondays through Fridays.

Questions about Jef-ferson County elections can be posted to the County Auditor’s Office elections division at 360-385-9117 Mondays through Fridays.

Voter registration information is avail-able by phoning 360-385-9119.

Statewide elections information — including a link to the state’s online voters guide — is available from the Secretary of State’s Office in Olympia on the website, www.vote.wa.gov.

Because there are only one or two candidates, the following races automatically proceed to the Nov. 6 general election.

(These candidates are not profiled or questioned in this Voter Guide.)

In partisan races, R designates that the candidate prefers the Republican Party, D designates Democratic Party preference, and I designates independent, meaning the candidate states no party preference.

StateSTATE TREASURERJim McIntire (D)

STATE SENATOR24th Legislative DistrictLarry Carter (I)Jim Hargrove (D)

STATE REPRESENTATIVE24th Legislative DistrictPosition 1Kevin Van De Wege (D)

Position 2Steve Gale (R)Steve Tharinger (D)

SUPREME COURTJustice, Position 8Bruce O. DanielsonSteve Gonzalez

Clallam CountySUPERIOR COURTJudge, Position 2George L. Wood

Judge, Position 3S. Brooke Taylor

CLALLAM PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICTCommissioner, District 3Ted SimpsonCindy Kelly

Jefferson CountyBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERSPosition 1Geoff Masci (R)Phil Johnson (D)

JEFFERSON PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICTCommissioner, Position 3Wayne King

Moving on to November

■ Clallam’s election website:http://tinyurl.com/clallameln

ONLINE . . .

■ Jefferson’s election website:http://tinyurl.com/jeffcoeln

ONLINE . . .

For the election ending August 7, 2012 3A public service of the PENINSULA DAILY NEWS Primary Voter Guide

U. S. C O N G R E S S

Member of Congress,6th District

Stephan Andrew Brodhead

Residence: TacomaPhone: 253-205-5995Email: Info@

BrodheadForCongress.comAge: 52Education: Bachelor’s

degree, industrial science, Colorado State University; associate of science degree, aircraft maintenance technology, Community College of the Air Force, Montgomery, Ala.; associate of science degree, aviations operations, Community College of the Air Force; auto mechanic vocational school; electronics vocational school; Air Force aircraft maintenance schools; flight engineering.

Occupation: Previous Boeing manufacturing engineer, Air Force aircraft technician, Air Force flight engineer, auto mechanic, small-business owner, real estate investor, active duty Air Force 1978 to 1982, Air Force Reserve 1987 to 2006

Campaign website: www.BrodheadForCongress.net

Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? No

Party preference: Republican Party

Doug Cloud

Residence: Gig HarborPhone: 253-627-1505Email: doug@dougcloud.

comAge: 55Education: Bachelor’s

degree, University of Washington, 1980 (economics major); law degree, University of Washington, 1983

Occupation: I am a lawyer operating my own small business.

Campaign website: www.dougcloud.com



Bill Driscoll

Residence: TacomaPhone: 360-266-5571Email: bill@electbilldricoll.

comAge: 49Education: Bachelor’s

degree, economics, Bates College, Lewiston, Maine; master’s in business administration in management, Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill.; graduated from Army Ranger School and Army Airborne School

Occupation: Businessman, longtime leader in forest products field and Marine Corps major

Campaign website: www.electbilldriscoll.com



David (Ike) Eichner

Residence: TacomaPhone: 253-221-9777Email: david@WeLikeIKE.

orgAge: 47Education: Bachelor’s

degree, business administration, (University of Washington) Naval Nuclear Power School Strategic Weapons Officer School; bachelor’s degree, accounting, Central Washington University

Occupation: Licensed CPA, technology consultant and CEO of ICAN Software Corp., Tacoma

Campaign website: www.WeLikeIKE.org



Derek Kilmer

Residence: Gig HarborPhone: 253-759-3061Email: info@DerekKilmer.

comAge: 39Education: Port Angeles

High School graduate, Class of 1992; bachelor’s degree in public policy and certificate in American studies from Princeton University; a doctoral degree from the University of Oxford.

Occupation: Vice president of the Economic Development Board for Tacoma-Pierce County, a nonprofit focused on recruiting new jobs into our region and on keeping and growing local small businesses. Prior to that, I was a management consultant for McKinsey & Co., Seattle.

Campaign website: www.derekkilmer.com

Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? I served one term in the state House of Representatives and am currently serving my second term in the state Senate, representing a district spanning from Bremerton to the Narrows bridge.

Party preference: Democratic Party

Jesse Young

Residence: Gig HarborPhone: 253-509-8585Email: info@

jesseyoungforcongress.comAge: 35Education: 1995 graduate

of Wilson High School (Tacoma) as valedictorian and captain of the football and track teams.

Named a Washington State Scholar.

1999 Graduate of the University of Notre Dame with Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Information Technology.

Occupation: For more than a decade, I have consulted major corporations, both nationally and globally, in the industries of finance, health care, aerospace, energy and real estate.

Also a small-business owner, I run a successful company serving high-end technology clients.

Campaign website: www.jesseyoungforcongress.com



Eric G. Arentz Jr.

Eric G. Arentz Jr. of Tacoma filed as a candidate for the 6th Congressional District seat but did not respond to the Peninsula Daily News 2012 Primary Voter Guide questionnaire. He filed as an independent.


Member of Congress, 6th DistrictHow would you preserve

core services at a time of bud-get shortfalls?

Brodhead: ■ Roll non-mandatory spend-

ing back to 2008 levels.■ Strengthen Social Security

by raising payroll tax from 6.2 percent to 7.5 percent and sub-mitting a “Hands Off Our Social Security Fund” bill.

■ Strengthen Medicare by reforming cost-sharing percent-ages.

■ Strengthen Medicaid with federal block grants and adopt a coordinated-care model, online medical records and an Internet-based outreach system.

■ Maintain military spending at 4 percent of GDP.

Cloud: We have to quit wast-ing money on bailouts to failing public and private entities.

Government budgets must be balanced, and the cost of govern-ment services must be reduced.

Driscoll: I’m running for Con-gress expressly to help balance the federal budget.

The federal government must prioritize its spending, putting national defense and public safety first in order to protect important programs such as Social Security and Medicare from becoming insolvent.

Eichner: Please refer to our website issues page and the details of balancing the budget per the fis-cal responsibility section.

Kilmer: It’s easy for D.C. elites to cut Medicare and Social Secu-rity — programs my 102-year-old grandmother depends on.

I’ll oppose efforts that are unfair to seniors.

I’m the only candidate who has made the tough choices to balance our state budget.

In Congress, I’ll work to cut the deficit by:

■ Prioritizing spending. Gov-ernment can’t do everything.

■ Eliminating tax breaks that don’t grow jobs, including the Bush tax cuts for millionaires.

■ Getting people working.Young: I believe in prioritized

spending through a household budget model: Focus on the fun-damental and most-pressing needs and stop spending when the money runs out.

The federal government should concentrate on its constitutional responsibilities, such as our mili-tary and national defense, and the promises made to citizens such as Social Security and Medicare first.

Remaining revenues can be used to pay down the debt and fund other programs and services on a prioritized basis.

Do you support or oppose civil marriage for same-sex couples? Explain.

Brodhead: Same-sex mar-riage is a states’ rights issue.

It is up to the voting population of each state to decide if same-sex marriage should be recognized.

I support the Defense of Mar-riage Act.

I also support veterans bene-fits for same-sex couples when

one partner is wounded or killed while serving in uniform.

Cloud: The people of each state, through the initiative pro-cess or through their state legisla-tures, have the right to determine who may be married.

I support legal relief for gay couples to the extent that legal issues pertaining to gay relation-ships must be addressed so that gay people can have the benefit of equal protection of the law.

Whether that legal relief is called marriage should be deter-mined by the people.

Driscoll: I believe in federal-ism and the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

I trust states to make this decision for themselves.

I believe every citizen should be treated equally.

Eichner: This is not a rele-vant issue at the federal level per the 10th Amendment of the Con-stitution.

Kilmer: I support civil mar-riage equality.

I also strongly support keeping religious marriage as it has always been — a matter for each faith tradition to decide for itself.

My faith dictates that I love and respect all people and live by the Golden Rule.

Especially during the economic downturn, allowing more families to access the protections of civil marriage and ensuring they live with as much certainty and dig-nity as possible makes sense.

Young: No, I believe marriage should be defined as between one man and one woman.

To what extent do you sup-port U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks’ and U.S. Sen. Patty Murray’s compromise plan on the Wild Olympics proposal?

Brodhead: I have reviewed both the Wild Olympics proposal and the Dicks-Murray compro-mise as well as the “Headwaters” analysis.

I support the Norm Dicks com-promise to the Wild Olympics pro-posal.

In addition, I would support legislation that reduces timber subsidies over time and shifts resources to education and train-ing for displaced loggers, etc.

Cloud: I do not support the Wild Olympics proposal at all in any of its proposed forms.

Driscoll: The Wild Olympics plan — even with the recent elim-ination of the willing-seller provi-sion — is a bad idea for the North Olympic Peninsula.

Closing federal forests and public spaces to economic and rec-reational activity would have a devastating effect on local jobs, funding for schools and our local governments.

If we simply harvested resources from our federal lands at a similar level to our state lands, we could vastly improve jobs and schools in our area.

Eichner: Not at all. Per the

10th Amendment, the Olympics belong to the state of Washing-ton, not to politicians and bureaucrats in Washington, D.C.

All national parks and forests should be turned over to the states in which they exist.

The state legislatures can best express the will of the people with regards to the natural resources within their state bor-ders.

Kilmer: As I write this, we still haven’t seen the specifics of the final proposal.

I passionately care about our area’s ecological health, but I will only support a bill if I am confi-dent it would do no economic harm during these tough times.

As a Port Angeles native, I respect the role managed forests play in creating family-wage jobs, mitigating climate change and providing habitat for the wildlife that helps our tourism industry.

Young: I oppose the Wild Olympics proposal because it is not needed to protect our natural areas.

I also believe good family-wage jobs will be lost with little or no benefit to our environment.

In fact, some of the restric-tions under a “wilderness” desig-nation could put our residents at risk, as wildfires would be harder to fight, search-and-rescue mis-sions would become more diffi-cult and access for hunting and fishing made more limited.

Do you favor or oppose President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act? Explain.

Brodhead: The Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional and an over-reach of federal author-ity.

In addition, it will add another $2 trillion in national debt in just 10 years.

Without reforms, Social Secu-rity, Medicare/Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act will bank-rupt the federal government.

About the jobMEMBER OF CONGRESS, 6TH DISTRICT

Election boundaries: Clallam, Jefferson, Grays Harbor, Mason and Kitsap counties, and part of Tacoma in Pierce County.

Voters: 325,469 as of July 5.

Term: Two years.

Compensation: $174,000 yearly salary.House members can deduct, for income tax purposes, living

expenses of up to $3,000 per year incurred while away from their congressional districts or home states.

House members receive health and retirement benefits under the same plans available to other federal employees.

Members can participate in the Civil Service Retirement System or the Federal Employees’ Retirement System.

Duties: The 435 members of the House draft bills and vote to enact federal laws.

All congressional spending bills are initiated in the House.House members elect the president when the Electoral Col-

lege is deadlocked.The House initiates impeachment proceedings against civil

officers of the United States, while the Senate conducts impeachment trials.

TURN TO CONGRESS/5


Member of Congress, 6th DistrictCONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

I do support state-run health insurance exchanges and the ability of consumers to purchase health insurance across state lines.

Cloud: I strongly oppose the Affordable Care Act, also known as “Obamacare.”

It will result in a lower qual-ity of care and, ultimately, medi-cal care will be rationed.

The cost of care also will increase for most people.

Obamacare will take funds from Medicare and from the Department of Veterans Affairs, so it will harm many in our com-munity.

I pledge to work to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

Driscoll: I oppose the Afford-able Care Act.

The bill was too large, too con-fusing, had too many deals for special-interest groups and was adopted in too partisan a fashion.

We need to take the parts of the bill that work — protections for pre-existing conditions, extended coverage for children, anti-fraud rules — and re-adopt those.

We must eliminate the por-tions of the bill that violate the Constitution, drive costs up or harm job growth.

Eichner: Oppose. National-ization of health care decisions is a bad idea, particularly when the federal government is already going bankrupt and rarely runs things more effectively than the private sector.

Forcing citizens to purchase a product from a company against their will is clearly unconstitu-tional.

A federal government that can make us do that can make us do anything, and our individual rights and the rule of law would be trampled.

Kilmer: Like a lot of people, I have a daughter with some health challenges. The new law prohibits insurance companies from discriminating against her and denying her coverage when

she is older.The politicians in Washington

who want to take us backward and empower insurance compa-nies are wrong.

You shouldn’t go broke when you get sick.

That said, further reforms are needed to help rural health care providers like Olympic Medical Center and help small busi-nesses.

Young: I absolutely oppose “Obamacare.”

It is not the purview of the federal government to manage our health care system, and indi-viduals have different medical needs that can’t be met with this type of policy.

As one with health care indus-try experience, I know that addressing the issues of fraud, lawsuit reform and increased competition will dramatically bring down costs and provide the access we are looking for.

The free market works. Let’s use it.

How much of an environ-mentalist are you?

Brodhead: I studied clean-air issues under a Ph.D. at Colorado State University.

I ran a certified emissions shop.

I use waterless shop-floor cleanup techniques, recycle and have reduced my energy con-sumption by 70 percent by insu-lating my home to double the current standard and installed an on-demand gas water heater, 95 percent-efficient furnaces and vinyl windows.

I also put a 2003 Cummins diesel in my 1997 Ford F250 4x4 and doubled the fuel mileage.

Cloud: I believe that those who pollute should be responsi-ble for their actions and should obey any lawful restrictions on those activities that cause pollu-tion.

I don’t believe that green-house gases cause climate change.

I also oppose overly restrictive land-use regulations.

Driscoll: I’ve worked much of my life in the timber-products field.

I believe that forest jobs are the original green jobs.

When you know timber, you know that the long-term sustain-ability of jobs depends on the long-term sustainability of the forest and our natural environ-ment.

When you’re from a timber background, you know that stew-ardship of the land is vital.

Eichner: I respect groups like The Nature Conservancy that purchase land to be conserved for the enjoyment of future genera-tions.

However, I disagree with those who want to violate the property rights of citizens by tak-ing their property or preventing them from using their property.

Kilmer: We all live here because we value our environ-ment.

We know our kids are only as safe as the water they drink and the air they breathe.

Economic growth and environ-mental protection are not mutu-ally exclusive.

In fact, I recently passed a bipartisan law to create jobs through investments in stormwa-ter cleanup, Puget Sound restora-tion and toxic-site cleanup.

I’m proudly endorsed by busi-ness groups (like homebuilders and Realtors) and the League of Conservation Voters.

Young: I want to honor our land, and I think we have a unique opportunity to show the rest of the world how to do it.

The 6th Congressional Dis-trict is fortunate to have many natural areas of great beauty that all of us want to preserve.

Therefore, we should work together to utilize our resources while protecting and respecting our environment.

How would you spur eco-nomic growth in the 6th Con-gressional District?

Brodhead: Americans have lost confidence in the current

administration as well as the special-interest-backed 112th Congress.

With $1.6 trillion yearly defi-cits, $7 trillion in added national debt, printing money from thin air, borrowing money from China and quantitatively easing 10 per-cent of GDP every year, there is little a freshman Congressman can do to spur economic growth.

I will support a military that is 4 percent of GDP and the KC-46A tanker program.

Cloud: Our country needs to allow the private economy to prosper and create more jobs.

This can only be accomplished if we reduce the role of govern-ment in our lives and economy.

Thus, we must lower taxes and reduce governmental regulations on businesses and individuals.

The federal budget must be balanced, and government must deliver essential services more efficiently.

Driscoll: I’ve already noted the need to better-manage fed-eral lands.

This alone would transform our local economy.

At a broader level, Congress needs to provide a check-and-bal-ance on the administration’s drive to make job creation more difficult.

New regulations should be evaluated based on their eco-nomic impacts.

My experience in forest prod-ucts and my work promoting trade is uncommon in a Congress dominated by politicians.

Eichner: Reduce class war-fare rhetoric, lower corporate tax rates while removing tax loop-holes, remove barriers to return of capital from overseas, balance the budget to reduce federal bor-rowing that crowds out private-sector capital needs, preserve funding for local military bases by reducing defense expenditures overseas and end the subsidizing of other nations’ military needs and make those nations pay for their own military defense so that they are less able to lure American jobs overseas.

Kilmer: As the vice president of the Economic Development Board, I work every day to grow jobs in our region.

Small businesses are the key to recovery.

Congress should:■ Reform tax policies that

impede growth.■ Encourage vocational train-

ing and make it easier for the middle class to afford college.

■ Invest in roads and sewers to support growth.

■ Improve the regulatory environment so employers don’t feel like they’re shooting at mov-ing targets.

■ Improve access to capital.

Young: Deregulate, free up capital and cut federal spending.

We are hampered by overbur-densome regulation, so I would work toward removing barriers to business startups and growth.

Our district has abundant labor, capital ready to invest and the infrastructure needed for businesses to succeed.

We don’t need a tax-and-spend policy. We just need to unleash this potential.

We have a great future ahead of us if we work together to allow small businesses to prosper.

Why should voters choose you over your opponents?

Brodhead: As a military avi-ator and enlisted man who was deployed worldwide seven to 10 days every month for 16 years, I understand our entire worldwide military infrastructure.

I have served in the Air Force, Air Force Reserves, Air National Guard and an 18-month activa-tion for Iraq.

I ran a small business for eight years and invested in Tacoma.

My resume, intelligence and experience are tailor-made for supporting our “Northwest Arse-nal of Democracy.”

Cloud: I have been a leader in this district for years, and I have been right on the important issues of our time.

TURN TO CONGRESS/6


CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

I publicly opposed bailouts to bankrupt companies when those bailouts occurred.

I have repeatedly stated that we should either declare war as the Constitution demands or we should discontinue our mili-tary missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I warned against govern-mental policies of excessive debt and money-printing.

I strongly believe in individ-ual liberty.

Driscoll: Politicians have had their chance to solve Amer-ica’s problems, and they’ve failed.

In the Marine Corps and business, results matter — not rhetoric and re-election.

I returned to the Marine Corps after 18 years because I had a duty to America and my fellow Marines to step up.

Today, that same sense of duty leads me to step up and run for Congress.

I will work across party lines to address the difficult issues we’re facing.

Eichner: As a nuclear-trained Navy veteran with sub-marine and shipyard experi-ence, I’d have more credibility with military leadership.

I have a broader set of life experience, including military, engineering, accounting and technology.

We need a CPA in Congress

to bring business intelligence to Congress and balance the bud-get.

I’ll work to restore a nation of limited government, a nation of peace and commerce, and a constitutional republic with a stable currency, where individ-ual liberties are protected.

Kilmer: Born and raised in Port Angeles, I saw my friends’ parents lose jobs when the tim-ber industry declined.

That’s why I work in eco-nomic development today.

I don’t want our top export to be our kids.

I’ll fight every day to keep and grow jobs here.

I’m the only candidate with a track record of bringing together Republicans and Dem-ocrats to get results: reducing state debt, helping our veterans and supporting small busi-nesses.

Young: I have a vision for the 6th District and the rele-vant experience to achieve it.

Our district can and should be the pre-eminent leader for job growth in the country.

As an information technol-ogy professional with global business experience in both Europe and Asia, I understand the driving forces for jobs of the 21st century.

I will bring this knowledge to D.C. to ensure the environ-ment is set to attract and keep these jobs here.

Member of Congress, 6th District

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C L A L L A M C O U N T Y

Commissioner, District No. 2

How would you preserve core services at a time of bud-get shortfalls?

Chapman: The Board of Commissioners has preserved core services such as law and jus-tice, transportation and public health while living within our means during the recession.

We have not implemented new taxes, we have no debt, and we have a balanced budget.

The county takes a conserva-tive approach to budgeting by thoroughly examining yearly how tax dollars are allocated.

It is through this approach that Clallam County has achieved a fiscal record unequaled in the state.

Holiday: I would utilize the knowledge of department heads and elected officials regarding their budget recommendations and implement quality improve-ment/lean strategies that some county departments are already using to reduce waste and stan-dardize work processes.

I’d advocate for additional pol-icies that would allow depart-ments to work better both indi-vidually and collectively.

I’d support cost-avoidance strategies such as reduced paper usage, reduced energy consump-tion and better manager and staff education to avoid costly personnel lawsuits.

Long: I have extensive experi-ence evaluating budgets and ser-vices and prioritizing the needs of the community.

We must work together to bring creative solutions to the table in these difficult economic times.

As commissioner, I would acknowledge the responsibility of constructing and passing a bal-anced budget.

In the future, each county department will need to re-exam-ine their budgets for non-man-dated services and other cuts.

The county can no longer depend upon reserves to balance the budget.

Morris: We should look at a mix of solutions.

We should move to technol-ogy-based services such as imple-menting an electronic courts sys-tem.

We should look at adjusting employee hours, attrition for those retiring and state-unfunded mandates on whether they should be continued.

With my proven track record in writing and receiving grants for various county agencies, I am willing to work hard to find fund-ing to supplement loss of reve-nues and not increase taxes.

Roth: Restrict the core of ser-vices to essential levels of service to the community, i.e., law and justice, sheriff, prosecuting attor-ney and judges/court services.

Nonessential programs would be reviewed and pulled back where and if necessary.

Do you support imposing a sales tax to support law and justice services? Explain.

Chapman: Public safety is the primary function of county government and already has a dedicated funding source called the general fund.

In the past 10 years, funding for law and justice departments increased 169 percent, while funding for the rest of county government saw a small decrease.

About the jobCLALLAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS,

DISTRICT 2

Primary election boundaries: Port Angeles-area District 2 only. The western boundary is Valley Creek in Port Angeles. The eastern boundary starts at the Strait of Juan de Fuca at McDonald Creek, travels south to Old Olympic Highway, turns east on Old Olympic to the section line between Robin Hill and Blue Mountain Precincts, leaving Carlsborg and Lost Mountain precincts in District 1.


Term: Four years.

Meetings: Work session every Monday, regular board meet-ing every Tuesday.

Compensation: $63,348 a year, $400-a-month car allow-ance, county employee benefits.

Commissioner duties: Passes a general-fund budget that in 2012 is $31.1 million for day-to-day operations that includes salaries for 368 full-time-equivalent employees.

CONTINUED OPPOSITE


Clallam County commissioner

Dale Holiday

Residence: Port AngelesPhone: 360-808-2676Email: [email protected]: 57Education: Ph.D., environmental

planning, University of Washington; master’s degree, community plan-ning, University of Rhode Island; bachelor’s degree, psychology and sociology, Wesleyan University, Mid-dletown, Conn.; mediation and con-flict resolution, Peninsula Dispute Resolution Center, Port Angeles; PEAK Leadership Program: Penin-sula College Foundation

Occupation: Grant manager and prevention specialist, Clallam County Department of Health and Human Services

Campaign website: www.VoteDale2012.com

Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? Precinct officer, Democratic Party, August 2011 to present


Maggie Roth

Residence: Port AngelesPhone: 360-457-9297Email: [email protected]: 58Education: High school gradu-

ate, various seminars in manage-ment

Occupation: North West Duty Free Store, 15 years operation manager, retired; co-owned dairy goat farm, retired.

Campaign website: www.electmaggieroth.com



Sandy Long

Residence: Port AngelesPhone: 360-452-9010Email: [email protected]: 70Education: Doctorate, psychol-

ogy, University of Alabama; educa-tional specialist degree, counseling, Louisiana Tech University; Master of Arts, counseling, Louisiana Tech University; Master of Science, edu-cation, Louisiana State University; Bachelor of Science, education, Louisiana State University

Occupation: Retired professor of psychology, Department of Behav-ioral Sciences, Louisiana Tech Uni-versity; 20 years’ teaching experi-ence in public schools and 20 years in higher education; president and partner in Behavioral Analysis LLC, a consulting firm offering evaluation and testing services to government, business and industry

Campaign website: www.sandylong2012.com


Party preference: Independent

Mike Chapman

Residence: Port AngelesPhone: 360-477-1131Email: [email protected]: 48 Education: Associate degree in

applied sciences, Shoreline Com-munity College, Shoreline; bache-lor’s degree, Northwest College (now Northwest University), Kirk-land; master’s degree, leadership, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Occupation: District 2 Clallam County commissioner

Website: None (Twitter hashtag, @mikechapman0318)

Party preference: No party pref-erence

Patricia J. ‘Patty’ Morris

Residence: Port AngelesPhone: 360-452-3289Email: [email protected]: 58Education: Attended Pima Com-

munity College and Chaparral Col-lege in Tucson, Ariz.

Occupation: Realtor and grant writer/administrator

Campaign website: www.electpattimorris.com

Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? Yes, elected to 2007 Clallam County Charter Review Commission



The Board of Commissioners has not considered two additional sales tax increases nor have we considered a property tax increase specifically for law and justice services as allowed by law.

Holiday: I don’t favor tax hikes to address this issue.

Generally, law and justice is about 67 percent of the budget.

(This year it was nearly 80 per-cent.)

It’s unsustainable to put bur-geoning systemic expenses on the backs of our residents.

Taxpayers have to live within their means, as should govern-ment.

Counties in Washington pay significant felony justice costs with little state assistance.

Changing this system would

require proactively engaging the Legislature.

Long: It is imperative that the reasons for any increases be clearly documented to prove the need for any tax.

If the elected judges and/or the sheriff were to request pre-senting a sales tax to the people for a vote, I would consider sup-porting their efforts.

Morris: At this time, I do not support a sales tax.

Having worked at the Sher-iff ’s Office, I have a fairly good understanding of issues associ-ated with providing services to citizens.

I would like to see more diver-sion programs such as drug court implemented.

I believe there needs to be more equitable solutions to the county paying 100 percent of the

costs for felony cases.A sharing of costs would

reduce the burden to county tax-payers.

Roth: Yes, if absolutely neces-sary.

Law-and-justice officials can’t meet their basic mandates if they are forced to make recommended cuts.

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Clallam County commissionerCONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

This would result in the inability to fully prosecute nonvi-olent crimes, including theft and drug dealing, which are normally prosecuted as felonies, and which would be reduced to misdemean-ors, meaning lighter punishment or none at all.

We also need additional court-house security when the security officer cannot be present.

To what extent do you sup-port U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks’ and U.S. Sen. Patty Murray’s compromise plan on the Wild Olympics proposal?

Chapman: Wild Olympics is a federal proposal impacting For-est Service and national park land only.

No private timberlands are included.

As a result of Wild Olympics, a larger conversation has occurred, in which the need to better manage Forest Service lands has become clear.

If Wild Olympics can balance the protection of sensitive federal lands while allowing additional management of productive lands, we could see a net benefit to our economy through multiple ave-nues.

Holiday: A compromise is often exactly what you want in politics.

The fact that both sides feel they didn’t get all they wanted is actually a good thing.

Politics is rarely an all-or-nothing undertaking, which keeps people and groups from feeling alienated from the deci-sion-making process.

Because our county commis-sioners have a diversity of views, I expect we would focus on find-ing those “middle-of-the-road” solutions to problems.

Long: I support the removal of the willing-seller, willing-buyer component of the Wild Olympics proposal.

Before making any decision as commissioner, I want to study all the facts available.

When the completed legisla-tion is presented to the public, I will read it thoroughly and weigh all presented facts before making a statement.

Morris: I have reviewed the plan in detail, have sat through pro and con presentations, and believe that there needs to be more detailed information com-pleted before a good, educated decision can be made.

I do not support the loss of family-wage jobs at a time when our citizens are struggling to make a living.

I would insist that there is no net loss to our county’s economic base.

Roth: Olympic National Park already contains 922,650 acres of land, and Olympic National For-est contains 633,677 acres.

The Olympic Peninsula fea-tures more than 2,132,300 acres of public federal lands.

I oppose further government acquisition of privately owned properties.

I favor a strict policy of no net loss of working forestland, work-ing resource land and private property.

How should water resources be managed to ben-efit fish, farmers, residents, wildlife and recreation users, especially during the drought season in the late summer and early fall?

Chapman: The Board of Commissioners has consistently worked to find solutions to pro-tect the environment while avoiding permanent closure of new water use throughout the county.

We are fortunate that local governments, irrigators, land owners, timber companies, envi-ronmental leaders and tribes are working together with Ecology to ensure that water remains for those who have a water right.

We are identifying workable solutions that protect existing water rights while leaving water available for new use.

Holiday: We need a combina-tion of tools for smart, efficient water management.

Our economy needs farmers and fish; they need water.

We should build water conser-vation performance standards into our permitting system for new development.

State funding is available for communities demonstrating these sustainable practices.

We need to educate people about wise water use and help them understand that water is a finite, valuable resource.

Our aquifers are shrinking, and we must address that issue.

Long: As commissioner, I will stay well-informed and engaged in preserving water rights of all citizens.

The rule for water usage, in-stream flow levels and water rights in [Water Resources Inventory Area] 18 is determined by the state Department of Ecol-ogy.

County commissioners and stakeholders have been involved in the planning phase for many years.

Water management will con-tinue to be an essential focus of government on the Olympic Pen-insula, particularly during times of drought or low water levels.

Morris: Water in Clallam County is a precious commodity. Feasibility of reservoirs captur-ing runoff needs to be done, which has been successful in other areas.

I would like to see more con-servation methods provided for citizens so that they can conserve water and save on their water bill.

These are tough times and require “outside of the box” solu-tions.

I am willing to spend the time it takes to ensure we have an adequate water supply.

Roth: More conservation proj-ects will yield a substantial addi-tional reduction in Dungeness River water withdrawals (lining and piping more Dungeness Val-

ley irrigation ditches).Above-ground reservoirs could

inject into the ground (aquifer recharge).

This is the most appropriate balance of the needs for all while having the least adverse impact on our local economy.

Do you support Nippon Paper Industries USA’s bio-mass cogeneration plant? Explain.

Chapman: Yes. Nippon has invested more than $70 million to ensure that emissions from its mill meet all current state and federal clean-air regulations.

Biomass fuel that Nippon will burn and turn into clean energy would otherwise be burned as open slash — definitely impact-ing local air quality.

In addition, Nippon’s project will directly benefit our local economy while providing greater protection to our environment.

I applaud Nippon for its con-tinued commitment to our com-munity.

Holiday: This is a city, not a county, issue.

Nippon has all its required permits, so there’s no issue there.

But clearly, many people have concerns about the health impacts of emissions from bio-mass.

It’s an issue the city should have addressed previously but didn’t.

I support the idea of addi-tional air-quality monitors to address the health concerns of local residents (especially vulner-able groups such as children and seniors) and to provide us with important information.

Long: I support the biomass cogeneration plant at Nippon Industries.

When the plant is functional, for the well-being of all members of the community, I will insist on continued close monitoring of the facility.

It is the job of the county to work with government and other agencies to guard public health.’

Morris: Yes, I support the bio-mass facility and the need to encourage use and development of renewable resources.

We need to strike a balance between the protection of our environment and the develop-ment of renewable resources to help retain jobs and sustain our economy.

I welcome further education on any health concerns related to fine particulates for future proj-ects.

I have a strong energy back-ground and welcome all input on renewable resources as they develop.

Roth: Yes. Nippon is spending $71 million expanding its boiler operation, resulting in 20-25 new high-paying jobs, better financial stability for the 200-employee mill and significantly lower air pollution emissions.

Nippon takes in slash piles for use in its new boiler, which reduces overall emissions in the county while reducing the pollut-ants now released by the mill’s current boilers.

The vast amount of usable biomass remains and can be uti-lized, reducing pollutants.

How would you weigh envi-ronmental protection against the need for a robust econ-omy?

Chapman: Protection of the environment does not have to impede economic growth.

Our local business community has demonstrated a deep com-mitment to environmental pro-tection.

What can impede the economy are unnecessary rules and regu-lations.

At the county, we have worked consistently with business groups like the Chamber of Commerce, North Peninsula Building Associ-ation, Port Angeles Business Association and Economic Devel-opment Council to limit the impacts on our local economy when considering new regula-tions.

TURN TO CLALLAM/9


Clallam County commissionerCONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Holiday: Sensible environ-mental protection is the founda-tion for a healthy economy.

That’s especially true here, where our chief asset is our spectacular natural setting, and our economy is based on tour-ism and in-migration.

Lack of appropriate environ-mental protection would put us at a competitive disadvantage because modern businesses view a lack of environmental stewardship as a community’s lack of investment in its own future.

I want to help create a suc-cessful, sustainable future for our residents.

Long: We live in a beautiful and unique part of the United States.

To boost our economy, we all need to work together to protect these gifts.

In order to attract future business and development, each citizen should be prepared to assist in maintaining a safe and healthy community.

Our future on the Peninsula depends upon the dedication of each of us — private citizens, businesses and organizations — to work together in planning for tomorrow.

Morris: We need to establish reasonable standards.

Each opportunity needs to be reviewed on its own merits.

We need to look at cost, bene-fit and impact to our citizens.

Managed growth and indus-tries that are environmentally friendly are achievable.

Citizens often move here for the beauty and quality of life

but ultimately need to make a comfortable living.

I will work hard to ensure that we have a thriving, bal-anced environment for our citi-zens.

Roth: Government policies and regulations must protect natural resources and the envi-ronment based on valid, peer-reviewed science while encour-aging jobs and economic vitality.


Chapman: I have been hon-ored to serve as your Clallam County commissioner.

During the current economic crisis, the Board of Commission-ers has established a consistent record: balanced budgets, no debt, appropriate reserves in place, no new taxes and mainte-nance of all core services.

During my tenure, the board has always worked well together finding common-sense solutions to the challenges we face.

I am grateful for your past support, and I ask for your vote.

Holiday: I have extensive real-world experience and edu-cation that provide me with a broad skill-set and would allow me to successfully deal with the diversity of issues and chal-lenges that come before the commissioners.

My energy and passion for this position are high, and my commitment to open govern-ment, ethical behavior and fiscal conservatism are unwavering.

I would be your advocate and would work tirelessly to make our county a 21st-century suc-cess.

Long: My record in the busi-ness community, my work with government agencies at all lev-els, my involvement as a volun-teer on county and city advisory groups, and my service to a number of nonprofits is unmatched.

Experience coupled with my desire to listen to and work with all citizens of Clallam County to make this a safe and healthy place to call home is why I believe I’m the best choice for your next county commissioner.

Morris: These are tough times, and it takes a person who will take a proactive approach to issues impacting the county.

I am willing to do my home-work and work extremely hard.

I have demonstrated the ability to bring people to the table to solve difficult issues in our county.

I have the combination of experience, common sense and passion to do the job.

I am not afraid of hard work and will protect citizens’ rights.

Roth: I am not a “politician.” I am a citizen who is very inter-ested in representing all of the citizens in Clallam County.

I have been following the issues.

I believe that limited govern-ment is more responsive to the people, that regulations need to be balanced to take into consid-eration the rights of the people under the Constitution, and that people, given the opportu-nity and freedom from the bur-den of over-regulation, will build businesses and jobs.

www.peninsuladailynews.com

Weigh in on the Peninsula Poll . . . the North Olympic Peninsula’s favorite straw poll.

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C I T Y O F P O R T A N G E L E S

Civic Fieldbond issue

CITY OF PORT ANGELES

PROPOSITION 1

GENERAL OBLIGATION CIVIC FIELD IMPROVEMENT

BONDS

The City Council of the City of Port Angeles adopted Ordinance No. 3453 concerning a bond proposition for Civic Field.

This proposition authorizes the City to improve and renovate Civic Field, including replacing the grass field with synthetic turf, installing a lighting system, installing a boiler, and making other capital improvements, renovations and upgrades; to issue general obligation bonds in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $4,000,000, maturing within a maximum of 21 years; and to levy property taxes annually in excess of regular property tax levies to repay such bonds.

Should this proposition be:

� Approved

� Rejected

BY PAUL GOTTLIEBPENINSULA DAILY NEWS

PORT ANGELES — Civic Field, a premiere venue for sport-ing events that’s unusable five months of the year, would be rejuvenated with artificial turf if city voters approve a $4 million renovation bond on the Aug. 7 primary ballot, supporters say.

“Civic field equals civic pride” is the basic theme for the cam-paign to get the measure approved, said Steve Zenovic, a Port Angeles civil engineer and the president of the Civic Field Bond Committee.

“It’s the most widely used venue for sporting events on the Peninsula, as far as I’m con-cerned, for football, baseball and soccer.”

Unlike tax levies, bond mea-sures require a 60 percent supermajority for passage.

“It’s always a hurdle,” Zenovic said of the supermajority thresh-old.

“The important thing for us is to get the information out to the community. It’s a community decision. It’s our job to tell what the story is.”

Most of the bond — $3 million — would pay for artificial turf that would replace an existing grass field that is virtually impossible to play on during the rainy season of November to March.

TURN TO CIVIC/10



That’s when it’s often satu-rated by rain and completely closed to sporting events.

The remaining $1 million would pay for new field lighting, including poles, and a new boiler so the locker rooms have hot water.

Civic Field cannot host Wash-ington Interscholastic Athletic Association Tournaments and post-season play because it has grass, not artificial turf, making it impossible for the city to bene-fit from the hotel and restaurant revenue those events generate, Zenovic said.

That was a major factor in the measure gaining the endorsement of the Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Port Angeles Business Association, leaders of those groups said.

The lack of artificial turf also forces other high schools on the North Olympic Peninsula, all of which have grass turf, to leave the area when tournament and post-season opportunities arise, Zenovic said.

The 20-year bond would cost city property owners about 18 cents for every $1,000 of assessed valuation, or $36 a year for the owner of a $200,000 home.

The bond would cost $5.5 mil-lion, including interest, over its lifespan.

“It’s a major civic asset, a major community asset that has served us well and now needs to be upgraded again,” Zenovic said.

“We should bring it to the highest quality this community can afford, and that’s where we came from” in deciding on the bond amount, he added.

Ballots were mailed to voters July 18 and must be received by the county Elections Office by Aug. 7 or postmarked by that date.

Zenovic said July 2 that he had not received any negative

feedback about the bond mea-sure.

The bond campaign is giving Clallam County $5,000 toward election costs from about $17,600 its members had raised as of July 2, Zenovic said.

Its members purchased eight 4-foot-by-8-foot signs and 100 yard signs, he said.

About 20 members of the Civic Field Steering Committee were to make the proposal’s presence known to voters by standing on corners while wav-ing pro-bond signs and going door-to-door with cards explain-ing the measure, Zenovic said.

“We feel like we’re going in the right direction.”

The Port Angeles Business Association is “firmly on record” supporting the bond measure and donated $400 to the cam-paign, PABA President Dick Pilling said.

“We felt it was in the busi-ness community’s best interest,” Pilling said. “We look to the safety of our children playing on the field.

“It’s a ‘two-fer’: It helps our children and brings money into the community.”

The bond “has huge opportu-nities to help the community,” said Russ Veenema, Port Ange-les Regional Chamber of Com-merce executive director.

“There’s a proven track record of when events or tourna-ments are held at Civic Field that they have a big economic impact on Port Angeles,” he said.

________Senior Staff Writer Paul Gottlieb can

be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5060, or at [email protected].

Civic Field bond issue in Port Angeles

The 20-year bond would cost Port Angeles city property

owners about 18 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation, or $36 a year on a $200,000 home.

C L A L L A M C O U N T Y

Superior Court, Position 1

How can you be an impar-tial judge in a small town when you have had relation-ships in legal affairs with so many people?

Johnson: Remember, this is a countywide election.

My impartiality was never questioned during my 14 years of service as a District Court judge pro tem or the 17 years as a Superior Court arbitrator in assigned cases.

All Clallam County judges have theoretically addressed this issue of impartiality, but it really has not been a problem since judges are committed to the rule of law. If I could not be impartial, I would recuse myself.

Melly: I have always been in public service as a prosecutor, court commissioner or hearing examiner.

As a prosecutor, my client was Clallam County, generally not its officers and employees.

Payne: If a case comes before you and you have had previous dealings with the parties, the parties may ask the judge to remove himself, or the judge may recuse himself.

The parties can agree to have the judge hear the case.

The Code of Judicial Conduct and Canon 1 provides: A judge shall uphold and promote the independence, integrity and impartiality of the judiciary and shall avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety.

Rohrer: Judges are required to perform their duties without bias and prejudice.

As a judge in a small town for the past 11 years, I have been able to remain impartial by strictly adhering to the stan-dards of ethical conduct for judges, known as the Code of Judicial Conduct.

The code governs the conduct of all judges and assists them in maintaining high standards of judicial and personal conduct.

Under what specific condi-tions will you recuse yourself, given that you know so many people?

Johnson: Judicial disqualifi-cation involves abstaining from participation in a legal proceed-ing due to a conflict of interest.

If I had a personal bias or prejudice (either for or against a party) or have personal knowl-edge of disputed evidentiary facts concerning the proceeding, or if I had previously served as the attorney concerning the same case, I would have to disqualify myself and request the case be

transferred to Judge George L. Wood or Judge S. Brooke Taylor.

Melly: I would recuse in a matter involving a close friend but not an acquaintance.

To the extent that it was a county employee from a depart-ment that I represented as a prosecutor, my six years as a court commissioner and hearing examiner has provided enough temporal distance that I would not recuse myself, though I would still disclose the relationship.

Payne: While I do know some people in the county, it is proba-bly less than the other candi-dates because each has lived here longer.

About the jobCLALLAM COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT, POSITION 1

Primary election boundaries: Countywide.


Term: Four years.

Compensation: $148,832 a year.

Duties: A Superior Court judge must be an attorney admit-ted to practice in Washington.

Superior Court is a court of “general jurisdiction” in which criminal and civil cases are adjudicated from small claims to divorces to death penalty cases.

Juvenile court is a division of the Superior Court, estab-lished by law to deal with youths younger than 18 years who commit offenses or who are abused or neglected.

There is no limit on the types of civil and criminal cases heard. The judge issues search and arrest warrants.

Most criminal cases are felonies under which a defendant can receive a year or more in jail and pay a fine of at least $5,000.

The court’s $1.3 million 2012 general fund budget pays for a staff of 11 employees, including three judges for whom half of their salaries are paid with state funds.

TURN TO JUDGE/11



The likelihood of having to recuse myself is less likely than it is with the other candidates.

However, the Code of Judicial Conduct, Canon 2, Rule 2.11, in summary provides that a judge shall disqualify himself/herself in any proceeding in which the judge’s impartiality might rea-sonably be questioned.

Rohrer: My practice has always been to recuse myself whenever I believe my impartial-ity might reasonably be ques-tioned.

The Code of Judicial Conduct defines specifically when judges should recuse themselves, but examples include having per-sonal bias or prejudice, personal knowledge of disputed facts or a financial interest in a proceeding.

It has also been my practice to make relevant disclosures on the record even when not specifically required to do so.

Assess the performance of the county’s specialty courts, such as drug court, and should those courts be changed in any way? Explain.

Johnson: Accountability is one of the reasons that drug court has been so successful.

When someone relapses, the person does mandatory jail time as a consequence.

The drug court accountability team operates under the philoso-phy that treatment and self-help meetings for users are the keys to recovery, not only to deter addictive drug usage, but to pre-vent drug-related crime as well.

However, drug dealers endan-gering our children should expect incarceration following convic-tion.

Melly: Excellent. The best day for a judge is the day someone graduates, reclaims his or her life and reconnects with family and friends.

I would like to explore the addition of a veterans’ court.

As a Vietnam Marine, I know

the difficulties of reintegrating into civilian life.

Many vets returning from war zones who get caught up in the criminal justice system suffer from post-traumatic stress disor-der, brain trauma, addictions and/or mental health issues.

Payne: The specialty courts — Mental Health, Drug, Juvenile Drug, Living in Families Together and DUI — work well and are effective at enabling people to benefit from rigorous supervision of their behavior that enables them to make decisions that are appropriate and successful.

Add to specialty courts a Vet-

eran’s Treatment Court that offers specialized services to address their needs and uses vet-erans as mentors to help them in treatment as well as ensure they receive proper benefits.

Rohrer: Specialty courts make a great deal of sense because they address the under-lying problems that lead to crime and help reduce the number of repeat offenders.

I support the county’s drug courts and believe the concept could be expanded to other areas.

Such programs should be reg-ularly evaluated on a cost/benefit basis.

While specialty courts can achieve positive results, the court system is only part of the solu-tion — it cannot solve all of soci-ety’s problems.

How do you balance the needs of the defendant with the needs of the state?

Johnson: The judge has the

responsibility to protect individ-ual rights granted in our federal and state constitutions and crim-inal court rules.

The state’s needs are addressed at bail hearings where the accused’s criminal record is

reviewed, whether the defendant will seek to intimidate witnesses or fail to appear at later hear-ings.

Someone who is substantially dangerous may be ordered detained without bail pending trial.

The sentencing guidelines control the judge’s discretion to impose punishment following conviction.

Melly: The Constitution, laws and court rules establish the rights and responsibilities of the defendant and state.

Judge, Clallam County Superior Court

Curtis G. JohnsonResidence: Port AngelesPhone: 360-452-3895Email: curtisjohnson@olympus.

netAge: 59Education: Graduated from

Port Angeles High School, 1971; bachelor’s degree, University of Washington, 1975; law degree, University of Puget Sound, 1978.

Occupation: Attorney in private law practice

Campaign website: None as of July 17


Christopher MellyResidence: Port AngelesPhone: 360-452-6385Email: [email protected]: 60Education: Bachelor’s degree

with distinction (history/psychol-ogy), Wayne State University, 1974; law degree, Rutgers University School of Law, Camden, N.J., 1978; Washington Judicial College, 2006; National College of District Attorneys, 1995; Defense Lan-guage Institute (Vietnamese), 1970, Monterey, Calif.

Occupation: Clallam County hearing examiner

Campaign website: www.mellyforjudge.org


William PayneResidence: SequimPhone: 360-912-3850Email: [email protected]: 55Education: Bachelor’s degree,

master’s in business administra-tion, Wayland Baptist University, Plainview, Texas; law degree, Uni-versity of Wyoming College of Law

Occupation: Washington assis-tant attorney general

Campaign website: www.williampayne.org


Erik RohrerResidence: Port AngelesPhone: 360-327-3316Email: info@ElectJudgeRohrer.

comAge: 54Education: Bachelor’s degree,

philosophy, Western Washington University (1980); law degree, Wil-lamette University College of Law (1985)

Occupation: Clallam County District Court II judge (2001-pres-ent); former Washington state assistant attorney general, section chief (1990-2001); former attorney in private practice (1986-1990)

Campaign website: www.ElectJudgeRohrer.com

Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? Yes, District Court judge (appointed 2001; elected 2002, 2006 and 2010)

TURN TO JUDGE/12



With regard to some issues, court decisions flesh out the bal-ancing tests to be employed by the trial court.

Payne: Each litigant has the right to a fair trial in criminal matters that includes the state.

There is a high burden on the legal system to ensure that when a person’s freedom — and some-times life — is at stake, it is safe-guarded and protected.

The constitutions of the United States and state of Wash-ington provide the framework to balance the rights of the defen-dant with the need of the state to protect the citizens.

Rohrer: As a judge, I am tough on crime and believe crimi-nals should be held accountable for their actions.

As an attorney who has expe-rience representing defendants and who has also represented the state, I recognize the need for balance.

One indicator of my balanced approach is that although either party has the right to remove a judge from a particular case, such “affidavits of prejudice” have been virtually nonexistent in my court.

What litmus test for judges should voters apply to this election?

Johnson: Inquire concerning the candidate’s legal experience.

Does he have a diverse law practice or a narrow specialty field?

Consideration of the opinions

of other attorneys regarding his performance and abilities is also recommended.

I have been an attorney in Clallam County for more than 34 years.

My claims as to jury and non-jury trial experience and judicial experience can be substantiated by the court records and archives available for public inspection.

Melly: There is no litmus test.Voters should consider the

panoply of characteristics that each candidate brings (experi-ence, legal reasoning skills, judg-ment, demeanor, integrity, repu-tation, fairness, temperament, etc.) and decide which traits are most important to them.

Payne: The voters should evaluate the candidates and their background to determine which one they believe will follow the constitutions of the United States and the state of Washington and uphold the laws of the state of Washington and make fair deci-sions based on open-minded and unbiased consideration of the facts in the case.

Furthermore, the voters should pick the candidate most likely to treat all persons equally with courtesy and respect.

I am that candidate.

Rohrer: There is no single “litmus test” for judges.

Obviously, the best predictor of how a judge will decide cases in the future is to examine his or her past judicial record.

As the only candidate in this race with experience as an elected judge, I have an estab-lished reputation for being fair

and reasonable on the bench and for making sound decisions — none of my decisions have been reversed on appeal by a higher court.

Who is the jurist, living or dead, whom you most admire? Explain.

Johnson: Sandra Day O’Connor, based upon the obsta-cles she overcame in her child-hood to become the first woman on the U.S. Supreme Court.

The power she exerted on the court was dependent on her legal arguments.

She made it clear that she believed a court’s role was to interpret and not to legislate.

She most frequently sided with the court’s conservative bloc and had the swing vote on sev-eral controversial cases.

Melly: Judge Frank Howard (deceased). He was a King County Superior Court judge who was smart, fair, respectful of everyone and imbued with a sense of humor and humility for the power that he wielded as a judge.

He was, in short, a “judge’s judge,” and the role model for my six years on the bench as a Dis-trict Court commissioner.

Payne: Chief Justice Earl Warren brought forth landmark decisions that changed the framework of our country: Brown v. Board of Education, segrega-tion in public schools was uncon-stitutional; Gitlow v. New York, the doctrine of incorporation and the 14th Amendment due process clause, parts (and now all) of the

Bill of Rights were deemed to apply to the states; 4th, 5th, 6th Amendments’ rights expanded; Griswold v. Connecticut, which held the Constitution protected the right to privacy.

Rohrer: While I admire many judges, one of my favorites is Chelan County Superior Court Judge John Bridges.

I have known Judge Bridges for many years and practiced law in his court as an attorney.

He is bright, knowledgeable and fair.

One of the many things I admire about Judge Bridges is his ability to decide high-profile cases purely on their merit, not because of adherence to any per-sonal or political agenda.


Johnson: For three decades, I represented people and busi-nesses in diverse areas of law, including personal injury, con-tracts, criminal, family and real property issues.

I tried at least 27 jury trials relating to accident claims or criminal matters and have par-ticipated in numerous non-jury trials.

I have been active in various public and civic organizations.

My experience as a District Court judge pro tem and a Supe-rior Court arbitrator make me the most qualified candidate.

Melly: I have practiced law for 34 years in a broad range of areas, both civil and criminal, and have significant appellate experience.

I have death-penalty experi-ence and believe that I am the only candidate admitted to prac-tice before the United States Supreme Court.

I was second-in-command to three elected prosecutors — David Bruneau (Republican), Chris Shea (Democrat) and Deb Kelly (Republican) — a testa-ment to my abilities as both a lawyer and administrator.

Payne: My background is diverse and includes service as a military officer and a small-busi-ness owner.

My civil practice includes fam-ily law and appellate practice arguing before the Wyoming Supreme Court.

My criminal practice, as a defense attorney and prosecutor, includes all types of cases includ-ing first-degree murder.

I have the ability to see and analyze the issues from all sides and apply the law to the facts in a fair and equitable manner.

Rohrer: ■ I am the only candidate

with proven experience as an elected judge.

■ I am the only candidate who has served as a family court commissioner and elected judge pro tem in Superior Court.

■ I have more than 25 years of experience as an attorney in Washington state.

■ I have extensive civil and criminal trial experience, includ-ing bench and jury trials.

■ I established the Olympic Peninsula’s first Attorney Gener-al’s Office and supervised it for a decade.

Judge, Clallam County Superior Court

Phone 360-452-4507 or 800-826-7714 — or visit www.peninsuladailynews.com

Are you getting the PENINSULA DAILY NEWS delivered to your home or office? It’s easy to do it!


BY PAUL GOTTLIEBPENINSULA DAILY NEWS

SEQUIM — It’s as nonde-script as can be: a police station that was a movie theater that sits in the corner of a strip mall.

But that jumbled identity is not all that’s behind the push for a 0.1 percent sales tax increase that Sequim voters are being asked to approve on the Aug. 7 primary ballot, the pro-ceeds of which would fund a new law enforcement center for the 6.4-square-mile city of 6,606 residents.

Last year, when the roof at the existing station at Suite 16 of 609 W. Washington St. caught fire, it was discovered that the cinder blocks on which the roof beams are sitting are cracking, Police Chief Bill Dickinson said.

“This building would not sur-vive an earthquake, that’s almost certain,” Dickinson said.

That’s not the only deficiency, he hastens to add.

There’s also no locker room for officers to change in — or showers to shower under, for that matter.

There’s no venting system to prevent the dispersion of chemi-cal fumes created while process-ing objects for fingerprints.

There’s no room to segregate juvenile prisoners from adult prisoners, and there’s no secure sally port for picking up and dropping off prisoners at the holding cells.

And as a place that’s also used periodically by Clallam County sheriff ’s deputies, State Patrol troopers, U.S. Border Patrol agents and other law enforcement officers — it’s the only law enforcement facility between Port Townsend and Port Angeles — there’s no emer-gency operations center.

“This was never intended to be a police station,” Dickinson said.

“When we moved here 17 years ago, it was supposed to be temporary,” he added.

“We do not have a facility that has been designated to be a police station. We’ve gotten along fine here for many years, but now it does not meet any current health and safety stan-dards, it does not meet holding-cell standards — those kinds of things that we would like to be doing properly.”

The $90,000 a year that the city pays in rent for the existing police station also could be applied to bond payments that could finance a new facility, Dickinson said.

“That’s money that’s just

kind of not getting anything but a receipt for all these years,” he said.

The sales tax, which would add 1 cent to every $10 retail purchase, would generate $280,000 a year, $40,000 of which would go to Clallam County government, Dickinson said.

It would take effect next spring, would also apply to res-taurant meals and deli items, and would increase the sales tax in Sequim to 8.7 percent.

Sequim already has the high-est sales-tax rate in Clallam County — Port Angeles’ is 8.4 percent — but is still less than Jefferson County’s 9 percent, the highest on the North Olympic Peninsula.

The total sales tax in Sequim includes state sales taxes of 6.5 percent, while Sequim levies 2.1 percent in sales taxes.

Only voters in the Sequim city limit will vote on the Aug. 7 measure.

Once the police station and emergency operations center are built — Dickinson would like to break ground in 2014 — the proceeds would fund police patrol, crime prevention and related support services, he said.

He said there’s no money in his $2.5 million budget to fund the new police station.

“We’ve been losing staff,” he said.

“For the last several years, we haven’t been filling posi-tions.”

The new station would be built on city-owned land near the transit center, probably at the corner of Cedar Street and Sequim Avenue, Dickinson said.

The goal is to build a new city hall next to a new police station and have common spaces such as conference areas and lunch rooms, Dickinson said.

“We’d like to do the two proj-ects at the same time,” he said.

CITY OF SEQUIM

PROPOSITION 1

PUBLIC SAFETY SALES TAX

The Sequim City Council passed Resolution No. 2011-017 to submit to the voters a 0.1% public safety sales tax.

If passed, dollars collected shall support public safety facilities including a Police Station, Combined Emergency Operations Disaster Center and public services such as police patrol, crime prevention, police equipment replacementw and associated support services.

Shall the public safety sales tax be enacted?:

� Yes

� No

C I T Y O F S E Q U I M

Public safety sales tax

S T A T E C O U R TO F A P P E A L S

Judge, Division 2, District 2, Position 2

Candidates are:� Thomas Bjorgen� Pamela “Pam Loginsky� Thomas E. “Tom”

Weaver Jr.� Michael Lynch� Brendan Williams� Jim Foley

Biographies and photos of each of the candidates for the appellate court position serving Clallam, Jefferson, Kitsap, Grays Harbor, Mason and Thurston

counties can be found at

http://tinyurl.com/pdnjudicialIt will take you to the secre-

tary of state’s online voter guide.Click on the “Judicial” button,

and then scroll to the “Court of Appeals, Division 2, District 2” header and click on the “view all” line for Judge, Position 2.

After a few seconds, the pho-tos and biographies as submitted by each candidate will appear for your perusal.

Get home delivery.Call 360-452-4507 or 800-826-7714

orpeninsuladailynews.

com

PENINSULA DAILY NEWS


For the 17th consecutive year, the advertising department of the Peninsula Daily News is asking readers to name their favorite places to eat, shop, have fun and receive services on the North Olympic Peninsula.

For the first time, all voting in the 92 “Best if the Peninsula” categories reflecting services, food, places and people is being done completely online at www.peninsuladailynews.com.

There will be NO paper balloting in print editions of the Peninsula Daily News.There are separate online ballots for Clallam and Jefferson counties. But don’t

delay: DEADLINE to vote is SUNDAY, JULY 22, and winners will be announced in a special section inserted in the Aug. 31, edition of Peninsula Daily News.

Steps have been taken to prevent multiple online voting from the same person or computer.

Also new this year: If you fill out a minimum 50 percent of either a Clallam County or a Jefferson County ballot, you can be eligible to win one of two great $50 prizes.

VOTING IS EASY. Simply visit www.peninsuladailynews.com and click on the “Best of the Peninsula 2012 Vote Now” blue box — it’s in the array to the left of the daily Peninsula Poll — for details and your ballots.

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Vote at www.peninsuladailynews.com today!Deadline to vote is SUNDAY, JULY 22


J E F F E R S O N C O U N T Y

County commissioner, District 2

How can you make it easier for small businesses to start up in Jefferson County?

Sullivan: ■ Continue new startup and

small-business education, access to capital, and support through EDC Team Jefferson; develop high-speed broadband Internet capacity, maintain transportation systems, provide flexible options for landowners, and appropriate land rezoning and code changes as we have done.

■ Newly hired community development and environmental health directors are charged with evaluating the permit process to improve customer service.

■ Promote local food and value-added products.

■ Continue to fund infrastruc-ture like the Quilcene water sys-tem.

Thomas: County commission-ers are legislators who do not manage day-to-day operations.

I would insist on customer service: What can the county do to assist and then follow through to make it happen?

Timelines for building permits with existing infrastructure should be no longer than a week.

Engineered plans with an engineer’s stamp should be accepted by staff.

Rezone land that was down-zoned back to commercial/indus-trial such as Arrow Lumber.

Youra: Follow the advice that “the county that governs less, governs best.”

Provide basic services. Manage departments efficiently. Strive for consistency and predictability.

Support growth of existing businesses and encourage new businesses.

Deregulate rather than regu-late. Then, get out the way.

What the county can do is promote this area to visitors to

bring in dollars.Vote for Dan Youra, “a com-

puter whiz,” according to the late Seattle Times columnist, Emmett Watson.

Does Port Townsend have a disproportionate say in Jef-ferson County government? Explain.

Sullivan: I know some people feel this way, even though it’s not reflected in county spending or services.

Polarization does not benefit us as a county or a region.

We only accomplish big goals, like rebuilding the Hood Canal Bridge, restoring ferry service or bringing broadband Internet on line through collaborative part-nerships.

I’ve demonstrated collabora-tive leadership as elected chair of three regional multicounty boards: OlyCAP, Olympic Area Agency on Aging and Peninsula Regional Transportation Plan-ning Organization.

Thomas: There seems to be an unhealthy cronyism going on between county commissioners and the city.

Rural folks feel under-repre-sented.

Cooperation between govern-ment agencies is necessary, but not at the expense of county citi-zens such as using infrastructure funds for the roundabouts rather than using these dollars for infrastructure in the county, in particular Hadlock, and trying to put Arrow Lumber out of busi-ness by holding up a rezone to that property to its original zon-ing.

Youra: A resounding yes!This is a big theme for me,

returning representation and self-determination to folks living outside Port Townsend.

David W. Sullivan

Residence: Port TownsendPhone: 360-379-2755Email: madronapoint@

cablespeed.comAge: 60Education: Registered nurse

specializing in crisis stabilization, master’s degree in speech commu-nication focusing on small-group communication and crisis interven-tion, bachelor’s degree in human services focusing on the criminal justice model

Occupation: Jefferson County commissioner

Campaign website: sullivanforcommissioner.com

Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? Public Utility District 1 of Jefferson County, 2003-2004; Jefferson County commissioner, 2005-pres-ent; commissioner,


Tim N. Thomas

Residence: Port HadlockPhone: 360-379-9497Email: tim@ericsenexcavating.

comAge: 41Education: High school gradu-

ate, college classesOccupation: President of Bernt

Ericsen Excavating Inc., Port Townsend

Campaign website: www.voteforthomas.org



Dan Youra

Residence: Port Hadlock Phone: 360-379-8800 Email: [email protected] Age: 67Education: Graduate school,

political science, Ohio State Uni-versity, Columbus, Ohio (1968-1970)

Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich. (summer 1969)

Fulbright Scholarship, National University, Argentina (1967-1968)

Universidad Iberoamericana, Mexico City (summer 1966)

Bachelor of Arts degree, Inter-national Studies, University of Wis-consin, Oshkosh, Wis. (1965-1967)

Preparatory school, Maryknoll Seminary, Glen Ellyn, Ill. (1963-1965)

High School, St. Lawrence Sem-inary, Mount Calvary, Wis. (1959-1963)

Occupation: Owner of Youra Media, a 30-year-old Port Hadlock-based publishing company.

Campaign website:www.voteyoura.comHave you ever held elective

public office, and if so, what? Precinct committeeman since 1984


TURN TO JEFFERSON/16


Jefferson County commissionerCONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

The courthouse is in Port Townsend.

Two commissioners have Port Townsend addresses. The Jeffer-son County Chamber of Com-merce in Port Townsend absorbed the Port Hadlock and Port Lud-low chambers.

The Port of Port Townsend includes ramps in Port Hadlock, Port Ludlow and Quilcene.

Approximately 20,000 folks live in the county and 10,000 in the city.

Do you favor moving meet-ings to evenings to draw more diverse participation for the community? Explain.

Sullivan: Enhancing citizen engagement is a priority.

We hold high-profile hearings in the evening for exactly that reason.

Same for “On the Road” work-shops we’ve held the past three years throughout the county including Port Townsend, Port Hadlock, Port Ludlow, Quilcene, Brinnon, Gardiner, Marrowstone Island, Cape George and on the West End.

Commissioners’ agenda pack-ets are online with all back-ground documents, making it easy for citizens to weigh in on issues anytime.

Thomas: Every voter has a voice granted by our Constitu-tion.

Most people work for a living and cannot take time off.

Yes, public meetings should coincide with the citizens’ time and not a convenient time for commissioners.

Meetings should not be held in Port Townsend but rather in the community that is affected.

Youra: The commissioners limit citizen input to a half-hour in public meetings on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Business owners, workers and students cannot make the lim-ited, once-per-week schedule.

I will increase more open-

access meetings after work and after classes.

I’d propose looking into streaming video of some public meetings on local television. I’d look into streaming audio, also.

The commissioners’ meetings should come out from their dun-geon in the basement of the cas-tle.

What should the county do to ensure the health of its citi-zens when Port Townsend Paper’s biomass facility is completed?

Sullivan: The state Depart-ment of Ecology and the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency have responsibility for oversight and enforcement of clean air stan-dards, not Jefferson County.

The county Health Depart-ment monitors solid waste per-mit compliance for landfill opera-tions.

Given the state and federal cutbacks in funding public health, it’s important for the county to focus on the highest-

priority public health concerns: communicable disease, food safety, water quality, maternal child health, and drug and alco-hol abuse.

Thomas: This assumes that there is a health hazard.

The mill has complied with every regulatory request.

Some are determined to shut it down — like the sewer in Had-lock — a never-ending story.

The mill provides paychecks to pay bills, food, educate the kids and maybe an occasional treat.

This is paramount to human health, including mental health.

It’s essential to a healthy economy, and poverty is a worse enemy that also begets environ-mental degradation.

Youra: Port Townsend Paper’s biomass will be a small speck within the Jefferson biomass.

The Jefferson County Health Department does an excellent job of providing information on cur-rent biomass messes.

I foresee encouraging the department to keep up the good work and to respond similarly to new messes that might threaten our residents and visitors.

How should growth in Port Hadlock be managed once the area gets a sewer system?

Sullivan: With the property purchased, it’s not hard to imag-ine a trail on top of the sewer line going from the library to Bates Field to H.J. Carroll Park, providing a safe way to school and a pleasant place to walk.

Also, it will have been more than 10 years since Port Had-lock/Irondale planning occurred.

We need to ask the commu-nity what to protect or change, what they need or want, what they can afford.

Thomas: The urban growth area cannot grow without a com-prehensive plan update.

Fear-mongers compare possi-ble growth in Hadlock/Irondale/Chimacum to Aurora Avenue in Seattle.

This political rhetoric is utter nonsense.

The process for the UGA is on the county website (www.co.jefferson.wa.us) and contains information relative to 2004 planning.

The sewer system is needed for the commercial district, school and library.

Constant delay has added to the poverty and disenchantment for the citizens and increased cost of infrastructure.

Youra: There are more than enough laws on the books to manage growth before, during and after a sewer system.

They include federal laws, state laws and county laws.

With regard to Port Hadlock’s sewer, managing growth is not the problem. Building a cost-effective system is the challenge.

The system must be finan-cially viable for residents, busi-nesses and owners of right of way.

If the system is not affordable,

there will not be any growth.

How would you propose county government live within its means?

Sullivan: The county is living within its means.

Commissioners established a collaborative budget process with other elected officials, shrinking county government by 10 per-cent, cutting yearly spending $2.3 million and improving our bond rating to “AA-”.

Revenues and expenditures are tracked, and we meet regu-larly to identify challenges and opportunities so we can adjust quickly.

We continue to work with unions to avoid deeper cuts and continue to leverage the work of hundreds of volunteers.

Thomas: Only spend what we must, not what we wish for.

Sell the Pepper property south of the airport and rezone it to the original zoning, which was com-mercial.

Inventory all county property, and put it back on the tax rolls.

Stop applying for grants that we cannot afford, because they are not free, and they require matching funds.

The federal government refund should be put into reserves.

Funds should not be spent just because they are available.

Youra: Stop buying into every new proposal coming out of Olympia, Washington, D.C. and the United Nations.

Follow the advice, “unfunded, unfounded.” If there is no money to fund the latest out-of-town proposal, ignore it.

Regulate regulations. Initiate performance audits of programs, policies and departments.

Replace administration with management.

Read the book I illustrated and published, Managing Is Everybody’s Business, published for the author of Performance Interventions and Analysis.

About the jobJEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF

COMMISSIONERS, DISTRICT 2

Primary election boundaries: District 2 only. District 2 ncludes the communities of Cape George, Kala Point, Nordland, Chimacum, Port Hadlock, Irondale and Four Corners.


Term: Four years.

Meetings: First four Mondays of every month.

Compensation: $63,348 a year, $400 a month car allowance, county employee benefits.

Commission duties: ■ Passes a general fund budget that is $15.6 million for

2012 day-to-day operations that includes salaries for 280 full-time-equivalent employees.

■ Hires a county administrator, the top county employee.■ Serve on the county Board of Health.■ Serve on regional boards.■ Pass county laws.

TURN TO JEFFERSON/17


How can you be an impar-tial judge in a small town when you have had relation-ships in legal affairs with so many people?

Bierbaum: A judge does not have unfettered discretion in making her rulings.

She is duty-bound to identify the controlling law and apply the facts to the law.

The identities of the parties should never be a factor in a judge’s ruling.

A judge instills confidence in her impartiality by clearly explaining what the law is, the facts as presented by the evi-dence, and how the law, as applied to those facts, determines the outcome of the matter.

Haas: Lawyers are trained to divorce themselves from the emo-tions of litigation so they can evaluate facts and apply the law dispassionately (not that we always succeed).

If your relationship with a party, for good or bad, is such that you do not feel you can be fair and impartial with respect to either party, you must recuse yourself.

Harper: As a Superior Court commissioner and judge pro tem for eight years, I have had expe-rience with the requirement of impartiality.

My training, experience, integ-rity and pride in properly doing a good and honest job makes being impartial relatively easy.

If I cannot assure myself that I am completely unbiased, I will recuse myself.

I will disclose any associations in court to parties to address any issues of impartiality at the out-set of any proceeding.

Under what specific condi-

tions will you recuse yourself, given that you know so many people?

Bierbaum: Rule 2.11 of the Code of Judicial Conduct identi-fies the specific conditions under which a judge must recuse her-self.

In addition, I would recuse myself if my relationship with one of the parties was such that I believed I could not be impartial.

This would include family members, close friends and for-mer clients from whom I obtained confidential information relevant to their cases.

Haas: Whatever moral and legal authority a court possesses

will be lost if the court fails to be impartial or fails to avoid the appearance of impropriety (though no improper conduct occurs).

I will recuse myself from hear-ing any case in which my current law partner or associate is or becomes legal counsel.

No court commissioner I appoint will be permitted to appear in front of me as legal counsel.

I will abide by [Code of Judi-cial Conduct] 2.11 (www.courts.wa.gov).

Harper: I would recuse myself in situations called for by the Code of Judicial Conduct.



Sullivan: I have the train-ing and experience to advocate for citizens.

Working through complex problems, leadership challenges and serving people has been my life’s work.

Through collaborative lead-ership, I’ve completed seven county budgets.

As county commissioner and PUD commissioner, I have com-pleted infrastructure projects.

My regional leadership and depth of experience will best serve the people of Jefferson County in these challenging times, and I truly appreciate the trust they have placed in me.

Thomas: My wife and part-ner, Dawn, and I are vested in the community as a family and business.

I have rural land-use experi-

ence, and I am a community builder, a hard worker and responsible businessman.

I know how to budget and live within my means, which is essential as an elected official.

I have common sense but also know that wishes can come true, but first you pay your bills.

Youra: Experience, experi-ence, experience.

For 30 years, residents have known me as the promoter of the Olympic Peninsula, pub-lisher of Olympic Peninsula tourist guides, artist of local maps and the entrepreneur who increased revenues for businesses and communities in Jefferson County.

Since preparing the 1975 county Overall Economic Devel-opment Plan, I am the one can-didate with a 37-year record of commitment and service in achieving identifiable results for the citizens, communities and businesses of Jefferson County.

Jefferson County commissioner

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PENINSULA DAILY NEWS

J E F F E R S O N C O U N T Y

Superior Court, Position 1About the job

JEFFERSON COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT, POSITION 1

Primary election boundaries: Countywide.


Term: Four years.

Compensation: $148,832 a year.

Duties: A Superior Court judge must be an attorney admitted to practice in Washington.

Superior Court is a court of “general jurisdiction” in which criminal and civil cases are adjudicated from small claims to divorces to death penalty cases.

Juvenile Court is a division of the Superior Court, and is established by law to deal with youths younger than 18 years who commit offenses or are abused or neglected.

There is no limit on the types of civil and criminal cases heard. The judge also issues search and arrest warrants.

Most criminal cases are felonies under which a defendant can receive a year or more in jail and pay a fine of at least $5,000.

The court’s $ 267,337 general fund budget for 2012 pays for a staff of two full-time-equivalent employees, including three judges, half of whose salaries are paid with state funds.

TURN TO JUDGE/18



As it relates to people I might know, the code requires disquali-fication where my impartiality might be reasonably questioned, such as a situation where I may have a personal bias or prejudice concerning a party or a party’s lawyer.

As a Superior Court commis-sioner and judge pro tem, I have recused myself from matters when appropriate.

Assess the performance of the county’s specialty courts, such as drug court, and should those courts be changed in any way? Explain.

Bierbaum: Drug court is per-forming phenomenally well due to established models from other jurisdictions and years of experi-ence.

The other specialty courts, including family therapeutic court, juvenile, and mental health court, were established later or are in the process of being established.

Those courts should look to successful programs in other jurisdictions as models and, through trial and error, develop frameworks that meet the needs of our unique community.

Haas: We can thank retiring Clallam County Superior Court Judge Ken Williams for the suc-cessful development of drug courts in Washington.

Drug courts work. They save lives and they save tax dollars.

Their use should be expanded to include a broader spectrum of criminal/drug behavior.

Beyond that, I am not inclined to change drug court.

I would however, like to expand the role of therapeutic courts to include a veterans’ court based on similar core prin-ciples.

Harper: Based upon a combi-nation of treatment, sanctions and judicial support, drug court has been very successful.

The juvenile program is per-haps even more critical, as young

people are helped before they suffer more difficult conse-quences.

Family therapeutic court is important to help reunite fami-lies.

To be successful, we need to increase family therapeutic court participation.

I believe we should expand the use of specialty courts, including the new, proposed men-tal health court.

How do you balance the needs of the defendant with the needs of the state?

Bierbaum: A defendant is afforded constitutional protec-tions that should never be com-promised to meet the needs of the state.

A judge meets the needs of the state by correctly applying the law to the facts presented, by requiring strict adherence to dis-covery rules and by refraining from displaying any bias or prej-udice toward either the prosecu-tion or the defense.

Haas: A trial court judge must look at the facts of a case, listen to the arguments of coun-

sel, analyze the facts and law as they apply to each other and issue a ruling.

Experience in the criminal justice system at the felony/Supe-rior Court level makes this an easier task.

Seventeen of the past 24 years, I was either a deputy pros-ecutor or senior level/supervising felony public defender responsi-ble for cases including aggra-vated murder.

Harper: In my opinion, there is not an appropriate answer to this question under the Code of

Judicial Conduct.A judge has to hear the cases

before the court and decide cases and issues based on the facts and applicable law in the specific case.

There really is no overall “bal-ancing” of needs between a defendant and the state.

What litmus test for judges should voters apply to this election?

Bierbaum: There is no single issue upon which voters should base their decision.

Instead, voters should elect a candidate they believe has the best combination of skills, experi-ence and energy to effectively serve as the judge in a one-judge county.

That combination should include outstanding legal ability, significant judicial experience and demonstrated management skills.

Haas: ■ Tried dozens of felony cases.■ Complex litigation experi-

ence.■ Appeared before the appel-

late courts more than a handful of times.

■ Practiced outside of Jeffer-son County on a regular basis.

■ Experience with alternative forms of dispute resolution.

■ Willing to render a decision that, while not politically expedi-ent, is fair, just and not weighed down by personal ideology.

Harper: Voters should expect and demand honesty, integrity, humility and experience.

Who is the jurist, living or dead, whom you most admire? Explain.

Bierbaum: The jurist I admire most, based on personal observation, is Justice Charles Wiggins of the Washington Supreme Court.

Peggy Ann Bierbaum

Residence: QuilcenePhone: 360-379-9115Email:

[email protected]: 54Education: Bachelor’s degree,

economics, University of Illinois, 1979; law degree, DePaul Univer-sity, 1982; master’s in business administration, University of Chi-cago, 1985

Occupation: AttorneyCampaign website:

www.bierbaumforjudge.comHave you ever held elective

public office, and if so, what? No.

Michael E. Haas

Residence: Port TownsendPhone: 360-774-6590Email:

[email protected]: 50Education: Bachelor’s degree,

history and American studies, Wil-lamette University, Salem, Ore., 1983; law degree, California West-ern School of Law, San Diego, Calif., 1987

Occupation: Attorney at lawCampaign website: www.michaelhaasforjudge.comHave you ever held elective

public office, and if so, what? No.

Keith C. Harper

Residence: Port TownsendPhone: 360-385-6400Email: [email protected] Age: 58Education: Port Townsend High

School, 1972; bachelor’s degree, University of Washington, 1977; law degree, University of Puget Sound School of Law, 1979

Occupation: Attorney at law, part-time Superior Court commis-sioner and judge pro tem, part-time District Court judge pro tem

Campaign website: www.keithharper.org

Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? Yes. Part-time Port Townsend city attorney, 1984-1991.

Judge, Jefferson County Superior Court

TURN TO JUDGE/19



Justice Wiggins has a keen legal mind and a kind and respectful judicial demeanor.

He carefully explains the reasons for his decisions and clearly recognizes the importance of each proceeding to the participants.

Haas: Carl Heinmiller.Carl was part of “The

Greatest Generation.”He suffered significant

combat injuries in the South Pacific, but I never heard him complain.

With my parents, he taught me the meaning of honor, the value of hard work and to treat all people with respect.

Carl was my godfather and a non-lawyer magistrate in my hometown in Alaska.

As judge, he balanced compassion with firmness and possessed a level of common sense few achieve.

Harper: The “jurist” I most admire is a composite of many judges I have known.

For example, former Judge Howard’s intelligence, leadership and diligence; former Judge Majhan’s sense of humor; former Commissioner Glenn Abraham’s common sense; Judge Verser’s humility, and the calm demeanor, courtesy and respect shown by Judge Wood of Clallam County and Judge Armstrong of the state Court of Appeals.

There are others I could add. These are all traits I try to emulate.


Bierbaum: I have legal, judicial and management skills

that are unique.I have a successful private

practice and significant judicial experience.

I have a master’s degree in business administration, which I utilized in senior management positions with large, nonprofit organizations, including the American Bar Association, United Way of King County and Catholic Community Services.

I have a proven record of service to my community, providing literally thousands of hours of free legal services to indigent clients.

Haas: Experience. Experience. Experience.

We cannot have a judge sitting on the Superior Court bench who rarely, if ever, tried a felony jury trial.

Jury trials are incredibly complex events.

Even simple trials at the municipal court level or bench trials in divorce cases are difficult, but they pale in comparison to the issues that arise in serious felony trials.

I am the only candidate even remotely equipped to hit the ground running in January.

Harper: I offer honesty and integrity and a reputation for both.

I strongly believe in procedural fairness where parties and lawyers before the court know they will be heard by an impartial judge, treated with courtesy and respect and given the reasons for decisions in understandable terms.

Finally, I offer an overall combination of more judicial experience, varied civil law experience and criminal law experience to the citizens of the county as Superior Court judge.

Judge, Jefferson County Superior Court

Wait . . . not quite through yet!

The Aug. 7 primary ballot also decides ‘top two’ candidates for the fall elections in important state and federal posts, too!

Here is the schedule for Associated Press election previews to appear in the regular pages of the Peninsula Daily News and online at www.peninsuladailynews.com.

(Look for the distinctive face of our Election Eagle, above, with each preview report in the paper and online.)

� U.S. senator, week of July 22.� State governor, week of July 29.

� Lieutenant governor, week of July 22.� State attorney general, week of July

22.� State auditor, week of July 22.� Secretary of state, week of July 22.� Superintendent of public

instruction, week of July 22.� Lands commissioner, week of July

29.

Can’t wait? You can also find statewide candidate and election information online at:

http://tinyurl.com/pdnjudicial


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Daily News Account Executive at360-452-2345

primary election guide for august 7th, 2012

Documents

candidates party preference

jefferson county library

clallam county auditors

primary election system

election calendarhere

general election

candidates answers

number of candidates