Port Angeles has changed. I settled in Port Angeles in 1993. Like you, I have seen what has happened.

Changes made by our local city government (ordinances and rules) seem arbitrary, sometimes even punitive, with no thought of our citizen’s needs or desires.

 

The city council we elect are our voice for the public. But does anyone fight for us?  They should be the board of directors, keeping the budget in check, making reasonable changes to the rules that restrict us.

 

Do you ever hear “no” when your money is being spent?  How carefully do they look at our city budget? Do they understand what financial peril they are placing you in by approving everything the hired city staff asks for? Why don't they ever answer you, when you take the time to write a letter to them?

The council's first public comment is limited to “agenda items only”. This has never existed before. It is wrong. We don’t set the agenda. We should be able to voice our thoughts, address our concerns so that the council might address them during that night’s meeting. As it is now, (because of the mayor’s preferences) only the second public comment (at the very end, the last of the meeting) upholds our 1st amendment rights, to be heard by our elected officials. By the next meeting all is forgotten, isn't it?

Unanimous votes raise your utility rates, approve new fees and fines, and add restrictions on your property, and businesses. You are not represented. Your voices are not heard.

Climate change, less parking for cars, more dubious grants is the theme. It is not the welfare of Port Angeles residents. What is being listened to? The taxpayers or expensive never-ending consultants and NGOs?

 

It is ruining the local economy.

 

All city councils have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the constituents, prioritize their welfare, and manage the city resources responsibly.