Commissioners top 10 worst policy choices

The top 10 worst policy choices by Sandra Romero, Cathy Wolfe and Karen Valenzuela in their roles as Thurston County Commissioners. Thurston county is asking for public input on the top 7 wonders of Thurston County—we thought it would be good to announce out top 10 bad policy choices list.

Sandra Romero, Cathy Wolfe, Karen Valenzuela–bad policy choices

Thurston County Commissioners out of touch

Thurston County, WA—There is a long and growing list of bad policy decisions the Thurston County Commissioners are making these days. I made a video blog with Glen Morgan where we highlighted the top ten worst policy choices, and you can view it here.

In these tough economic times, government should be working to prioritize government and getting their financial house in order—just as everyone employed outside of government is having to do.

I ran across a job posting that Thurston County advertised. It is for a Sustainability Specialist. I’ve read through the job description, and I’m still confused as to what this person will do—other than write a bunch of regulations.

Here is the job description for the Sustainability Specialist as advertised:

Performs a wide variety of complex and multi-faceted tasks associated with all phases of sustainability planning.  Works with the Board of County Commissioners, the Energy Conservation Committee, and other stakeholders identified by the Board to meet conservation and sustainability objectives of the County.  Drafts sustainability policies and programs for consideration by elected officials, advisory committees, and affected departments.  Develops measures of effectiveness and monitoring regimens that enable the refinement of affected policies, programs, and projects to achieve the maximum desired sustainability benefit.  Researches, analyzes, and communicates on resource conservation, principles of sustainability and related public policies.  Evaluates and develops County regulations and policies, working with the public and elected officials on sustainability issues, and conducting research and providing detailed staff reports, planning studies,and recommendations.  Designs and develops program’s short- and long-range goals, work plans and objectives with measurable performance standards and financial impacts and tracks program effectiveness.  Develops and manages assigned program budget and approves expenditures.  Researches and identifies grant opportunities in the areas of energy efficiency, clean technology and sustainability; interprets eligibility through grant resources or alternative funding.  Acts as the grant administrator and liaison with the granting agency.  Partners with organizations dedicated to green initiatives and energy/resource conservation.  Works with County offices and departments on the development of County waste prevention measures and conservation contracts.  Organizes training and educational seminars for County employees on energy reduction and sustainability activities.  Reviews needs assessments and develops resolution to issues.  Analyzes County energy efficiencies and identifies problems/issues, analyzes and evaluates deficiencies, and provides management with alternatives and recommended courses of action.

And what will this person earn? A salary of $4,305.00 - $5,740.00 / month. Not bad for a job that has no measurable performance other than how much you can harm the public with abusive regulation.

Here is a link to the job posting [archive].

Thurston County Commissioners backpedal

Not too long ago, the Thurston County Commissioners were on a mission to save the Mazama Pocket Gopher—a species that the Federal Government had been trying to exterminate for over 50 years, and now the State says is threatened.

Citizens from around Thurston County—now educated by S.T.O.P Thurston County town halls—have been pouring out to Commissioner meetings asking them to remove the regulations. The Commissioners have dug in their heels and have propped themselves up by a small contingent of environmental radicals called GO (Government Only), and puffed-up science.

The Business Examiner reported on the Pocket Gopher situation a few days ago and it seems that the Commissioners are starting to backpedal. It looks like they are trying to shift the conversation from saving the pocket gopher to saving the prairies. Alas, the citizens wouldn’t give up their property rights for a gopher, maybe they will give up their rights for the prairies—which by the way, were made and maintained by humans.

Here is a quote from the Business Examiner article printed September 19th [link to article]:

“This is about the prairie itself,” Valenzuela said. “The word ‘gopher’ has been explosive — but it’s just a candidate for protected species. That’s the only connection between the gophers and the prairies.”

She isn’t worried about a building shutdown. She’s more excited about a recent $450,000 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grant the county will use to create a regional habitat conservation plan for fragile ecosystems, including the prairie.

The final product, Valenzuela said, will circumvent development issues.

“Our goal is to ultimately create a plan that will take a big-picture approach toward managing impacts to sensitive species,” she said, “rather than putting the burden on each and every permit applicant to come up with a plan.”

With the grant, one of three awarded in the state, the county will work with the Washington Fish and Wildlife Service to establish permit regulations that will allow development — while protecting ecosystems and species.

“This will eventually result in a large, countywide habitat conservation plan so that individual landowners could be relieved of the burden of having to make changes,” Valenzuela said. “It will be more efficient. We think this is the better approach.”

Commissioner Cathy Wolfe agreed.

“We’re thrilled to get this grant,” she said. “It’s going to help the county respond to some of the requests we hear most often — (including) take a landscape approach to conservation, and make the process easier.”

Let me translate the Commissioner’s comments for you. It means that they have taxpayer’s money, they will waste it on hiring staff, and figure out new and creative ways to limit the use of your property.

Ken Berg, Manager at US Fish and Wildlife, was at a recent Thurston County Planning Commission meeting and he said that the new approach isn’t about saving species, it’s about taking property (managing habitiat). Most likely, the Commissioners are now going to be taking directions from Ken Berg since that’s where they have found their new funding source.

We’ll be keeping a close eye on this issue. Check back here to see our updates.

Cathy Wolfe voted for Innovative Techniques that was really a rural downzone

In August of ‘07, Cathy Wolfe called in from England to phone in a vote that destroyed her public trust and evaporated any hope of ‘open and honest government’. After barely one day of unveiling an ordinance the Thurston County Commission voted to approve it.
It wasn’t just a housekeeping ordinance. No! This was one of the most sweeping land grabs in the history of Thurston County. It was slid through under the guise of ‘innovative techniques’ a title and method of downzoning cooked up between Craig Ottavelli and Cathy Wolfe.
What this ordinance does is it changes the way that density is calculated from a gross density calculation to a net density calculation. Basically you must subtract all of the critical areas from your parcel prior to making the density calculation. The Commissioners have no idea how many housing units they lost from the County with this ordinance, or if they did the weren’t telling the public about it.
I made serveral requests in the hours prior to the Commissioner’s vote asking them to have just one public hearing to voice testimony about the ordinance. They denied it and Cathy thought that the Commission had, “Met the technical definition of public process.”
Cathy was absent from this particular board meeting, and called in her vote from England, the very country our forefathers escaped so they could own land.

Cathy Wolfe voted for “innovative techniques”–which was really a downzone.

Realtors snub Karen Valenzuela

You may be wondering: “Who is missing from the Realtor’s endorsement?” Karen Valenzuela?

With a strong message of change, the Realtors endorsed both challengers to the County commission. An unusual move to be sure, but the message is clear: Not many are happy with the current board of commissioners and pretty much everyone wants a change.

The press release from Beehler’s and Venable’s campaign follows:

------------------------

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pat Beehler can be reached at (360) 339-7923

Dan Venable can be reached at (360) 239-3828

Beehler and Venable receive co-endorsement from Thurston County Realtors

Olympia, WA, August 6, 2009 The Thurston County REALTORS® Association surprised two local candidates with the PRE-Primary joint endorsement in the special election for Thurston  County Commissioner this week. 

All three candidates were sent questionnaires, and invited for interviews by local REALTORS®.  "Their questions were not only fair and reasonable, but also exactly the kinds of questions on voters minds all over the county",  candidate Pat Beehler (R) said.  "With over 700 members, the Thurston County REALTORS®  is uniquely situated to talk to and hear from people all over Thurston County.  It was great hearing from them, and I'm honored by their endorsement, and look forward to working with them."

Dan Venable (D) said "REALTORS®  are tuned into the local economy, and a key part of Thurston County's small business engine, and must be commended for their commitment to political involvement.  Candidates need to hear from the constituents, their organizations and associations - and the REALTORS® do a great job of interviewing candidates, and once elected keeping their elected officials informed.  I'm very pleased with their endorsement."

"The pre-primary 'dual endorsement' speaks to the similarities between Beehler and Venable.  Both have a business background, respect for property owners, and legitimate concerns about the management of the business of the County, "Mark Steves, President Thurston County REALTORS® observed. 

"And, both Venable and Beehler have a more realistic approach to problem solving, and do not affiliate themselves with extreme agendas, nor offer wide and sweeping platforms unaffordable in today's economy," Steves concluded.

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Technorati Tags: karen valenzuela

Technorati Tags: pat beehler,dan venable,realtors,endorsement,thurston county,commissioner

Rob McKenna weighs in

THURSTON COUNTY: McKenna weighs in on commissioner contest

THE OLYMPIAN BLOG

State Attorney General Rob McKenna endorsed fellow Republican Pat Beehler in the Thurston County commissioner race, echoing a similar endorsement by the Thurston County Republican Party.

Beehler, a Tumwater surveyor, is running against Democratic appointee Karen Valenzuela and Democrat Dan Venable for the District 3 seat, which represents the western third of the county.

Technorati Tags: pat beehler,thurston county,commissioner

Pat Beehler has a positive outlook

This letter to the editor appeared in The Olympian August 5, 2009
I am writing to encourage voters of the 3rd District to support Pat Beehler’s candidacy as Thurston County Commissioner in the upcoming August primary.
It is obvious that the economic storm has reached the people of Thurston County at several levels: employment, services, public safety and recreation. But our county is uniquely positioned to weather this downturn and restore its viability with the right leader.
After speaking with Pat and the other candidates, Pat is the only candidate to have expressed a positive outlook for our county which aims to improve government efficiency and preserve the local citizens’ priorities. And given his professional background and public service, it is promising that Pat’s approach will be thorough, proactive and responsive. Now is a critical time for our county that calls for a leader to make sound judgements which reflect the voters’ needs. I want responsible solutions to the current issues challenging our public safety and economic development. I am voting for Pat Beehler.
CHAD SUTTER
Olympia
Learn more about Pat Beeler by visiting his website: http://www.patbeeler.com/

Supporters gather this morning underneath Pat Beehler's new billboard to wave signs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Email: pat@patbeehler.com
Website: http://www.patbeehler.com/
PHOTOS: Local Supporters stand below new billboard located at intersection of Harrison and Division.
Freedom of Speech: Pat Beehler and supporters sign wave under new billboard Olympia, WA, July 28 2009
Honks and cheers sounded at the busy Westside intersection early Tuesday morning, as supporters of Thurston County Commissioner GOP candidate Pat Beehler gathered to wave signs and celebrate the campaign's biggest sign yet - a billboard that reads "Elect Pat Beehler". Pat Beehler, a long time, local land surveyor, stood proudly with his family among the crowd of local supporters, beneath the billboard made possible by contributions from local homebuilders. "It is humbling to be supported by people who live and work in this community. My family and I appreciate the support of the Olympia Masterbuilders, and respect the contributions they make to this county…Afterall, they [builders] have built this county. " Beehler said.
The Olympia Master Builders officially announced their endorsement shortly following a candidate forum held a few weeks ago. Both Pat Beehler and Dan Venable received favorable support from the Affordable Housing Council.
"We are proud to support candidates who respect the importance of a balanced budget and reasonable county policies,” Laura Kimbrough said. Kimbrough is the Executive Officer of the Olympia Master Builders, who have 1,000 members, and provide jobs for 50,000 people.
"This campaign is gathering support from small business owners and the people they employ," Beehler noted. "This billboard represents a major step in our campaign, and we're proud to accept the help." "Those of us who know Pat, know that he will bring common sense to the County Commission, and a refreshed sense of balance and leadership to the table . We're glad this Billboard is up to help spread the word", said Chad Sutter, a local supporter and business owner.
"Signs have always been an integral part of campaigns in this county, an example of freedom of speech, cherished by most of us. This bill board is but our way of saying we think Pat Beehler should be elected to the County Commission, and we're confident voters will join us in supporting Pat," said Jim Hagland of WH Pacific.
The only GOP candidate, Beehler will face Democrats Dan Venable and incumbent Karen Valenzuela in the August 18th primary for Thurston County Commissioner of District 3. The top-two candidates will advance to the General Election in November.
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Karen Valenzuela thinks she can operate the jail better than the Sherrif.

There are some things that just go together, biscuits and gravy, salt and pepper, bees and honey ... and Sheriffs and jails.

I don't know about you, but I feel much better when I have a trained officer of Law and Justice running a correction facility than a California transplant who is more interested in restoring Puget Sound than the county budget.

Having Karen Valenzuela run our jails is a formula for disaster. Karen Valenzuela said, "bringing our law and justice expenditures (uh) down as much as possible" ... "removing our county jail from the (uh) sheriff's department and bringing it under the control of the commissioners".

Does government employ breed this type of narcissistic behavior? Wow, she can do it better than the trained professionals!

Click here if you would like to see the complete interview.

Karen Valenzuela wants to restore Puget Sound

Karen Valenzuela wants to restore Puget Sound. That's a great goal, Karen.
As a county commissioner, your statutory obligations are Public Safety, Health and Roads. If you want to restore the Puget Sound, why don't you go work for Puget Sound Partnership? That's their mission.
Did you forget that the county has a $4.5 million shortfall? Hmmm, let me see, turning the capitol lake to an estuary is estimated to cost about $230 million over the next 30 years. How much do you think that restoring the Puget Sound is going to cost? Er, that doesn't really matter now does it. It's not your money. Just charge impact fees and bankrupt small business owners, that should just about pay for it.
This is why we need common sense on the board of commissioners. It isn't that hard to focus on three things: Public Safety, Health and Roads. Now it's not sexy, flashy and probably won't get you in the Olympian -- but that's your job.
Didn't McLeod give you a manual when you took over for him? Perhaps he forgot where he put it.

Pat Beehler Endorsed by the Thurston County Republican Party

The Thurston County Republican Party unanimously nominated Pat Beehler as their preferred candidate for the Commissioner's race in District 3.
Pat Beehler, well-known throughout Thurston County has lived here for forty years. He is a professional surveyor, has been active in community service, and has deep roots in the community. Beehler has served on the Olympia Jaycees, Olympia West Lions Club, Tumwater Rotary, and most recently he has been the President of the National Surveyor's Association.
Scott Roberts, Chairman of the Thurston Republican Party said, "Pat is a true leader. I've served with him on a community board. He spends most of his time listening, and when he has something to say it's meaningful. He's not one of those guys that pontificate just to hear themselves talk. Pat is thoughtful and brings a deep skill set in land use. I can't think of a better person to balance the current board of commissioners.
"Pat is so connected to the community, and knows so many people, I think that he will pull votes from both parties." said Roberts.
Pat Beehler is currently engaged in a primary election in the 3rd commissioner's district with two Democrat opponents. The top two vote-getters will advance in a county-wide general election.
Learn more at Pat's website: http://www.patbeehler.com/
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Karen Valenzuela ignores your property rights

Karen Valenzuela was asked to comment on how she will manage growth in the county, balance the environment, and property rights ... well, she forgot to comment on how she would preserve property rights.

Karen Valenzuela is well-versed on how she wants to charge impact fees, raise costs of homeownership in the county and rake in more $$ for the county ... BUT when it comes to property rights she is silent.

We need balance in the county commission. My vote is for Pat Beehler.

Pat Beehler welcomes you to his website

Pat Beehler welcomes you to his campaign and website. Go to his campaign website.

Patrick Beehler declares his candidacy for Thurston County Commissioner Dist. 3

Pat Beehler declares his candidacy for officePat talks to his supporters

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pat Beehler drew crowds and eyes at County Auditor’s office

Olympia, WA, June 1, 2009 Republican candidate Pat Beehler’s early morning filing drew office staff’s attention as a crowd of supporters filled the County Auditor’s office.

“This is the biggest attendance [of supporters] in my memory,” said Thurston County Auditor Kim Wyman who could not recall such support in the past.

Nearly 40 people sporting Elect Beehler shirts with signs in hand, squeezed into the Auditor’s office on the first day of filing. Many office staff members stood from their seats to view the crowd which extended to the back corners of the office.

The cross-section of supporters, the youngest in a stroller and the oldest in his 90s, gathered at the Red Lion Hotel parking lot to rally his candidacy.

Coffee and doughnuts would prove as a secondary fuel to the crowd’s excitement for Beehler’s filing.

“Pat [Beehler] knows to cue in and clean up the budget issues of our county,” supporter Mike Edwards exclaimed to the early-risers of Monday morning’s tailgate.

At exactly the 9th hour on Monday morning, Beehler officiated his candidacy for Thurston County Commissioner District 3.

“It’s official! So let’s go back to celebrate and finish the doughnuts!” exclaimed Beehler.

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Patrick Beehler supports the local Boys and Girls Club

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Pat Beehler
Phone and Fax: 360-554-9545
Email: pat@patbeehler.com
Website: www.patbeehler.com


Pat Beehler supports youth civic engagement and its proposed expansion at 7th Annual Boys and Girls Club Fundraiser

Lacey, WA, May 28, 2009 Thurston County Commissioner candidate Pat Beehler joined a crowd of community leaders to help support the 7th Annual Boys and Girls Club of Thurston County Foundation for the Future fundraiser this morning at the St. Martin’s Pavilion.

“It is a shared privilege and honor to serve the community and focus on its future - the youth,” said Beehler who provided survey work for the Tumwater club’s building construction in 2001 and is hopeful of the proposed Olympia clubhouse.

Superintendent of the North Thurston Public Schools Dr. Jim Koval prided the club’s purpose and success among local youths.

“Most people have third places – outside of home and work – a place that endorses a greater sense of community and civic engagement…The Boys and Girls Club is a third place for youth,” explained Koval.

Understanding the significance of this so-called third place, Beehler and his family have been long-time community servants since they moved back to Thurston County in 1972. Beehler has served as President for the Olympia Jaycees and Tumwater Rotary Club.

The Tumwater High School Jazz Band serenaded the guests and speakers with upbeat tempos at the beginning of the annual event. Beehler who sat near the band was personally appreciative of their presence. The Republican candidate recounted volunteering backstage at a local Rotary Jazz Festival at the Washington Center which featured local high school bands.

Beehler will be filing for candidacy at the Thurston County Courthouse on Monday, June 1st. A celebratory event at the Red Lion Hotel that morning will precede his filing.

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Pat's campaign kickoff a huge success!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Pat Beehler
Phone and Fax: 360-554-9545
Email: pat@patbeehler.com
Website: www.patbeehler.com

Pat Beehler's Campaign Kickoff proves successful

Olympia, WA, May 20, 2009

More than 100 local activists arrived early Tuesday morning to kickoff Thurston County Commissioner District 3 candidate Pat Beehler’s campaign.

With only 10 days of planning, the high attendance exceeded the anticipated 50 – 80 people turnout.

Introductory speaker and Secretary of State Sam Reed lauded Beehler’s political background, "As a professional surveyor, Beehler has seen the workings of government from the other side."

Surrounded by his family, Beehler humbly rose from his table to ask local Republicans for their support to reform local government currently secured by Democrats.

Citing the current commissioners’ focus on micro-management, Beehler said, "My profession has forced me to see the big picture and that’s exactly what local government leaders have to do."

Sharing his background and credentials, Beehler summarized to the crowd his philosophy of government and public service: “Government should be of laws rather than of men,” that is, laws based on society rather than partisan agendas. The second drew inspiration from Beehler’s mother Rita saying, “Service to humanity is the best work of life.” This has since been a benchmark for the Republican candidate.

Beehler is committed to improving the efficiencies of county government without cutting services and "without bankrupting taxpayers."

Pat Beehler and his wife Patti have lived in Thurston County since 1972. He has deep roots in the community through his years of service including:

Olympia Jaycees, President
Tumwater Rotary Club, President
Olympia Host, active member
Olympia West Lions Club, active member
Thurston County Chamber of Commerce, Chairman

Key attendees also included Sen. Swecker, Rep. Gary Alexander and Thurston County Auditor Kim Wyman.

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First Republican enters Thurston commission race
CHRISTIAN HILL; The Olympian | • Published May 14, 2009

Pat Beehler has announced his candidacy for the Thurston County Commission, making him the first Republican to enter the race.

Beehler, a 64-year-old professional surveyor, said his mother instilled in him a desire to serve the community, and he’s at the point in his life at which he wants to extend that service to the political arena.

He’s a former chairman of the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce and former president of the Olympia Jaycees, and he served on the Thurston County Historic Commission for a decade.

He said his top priority would be navigating the county through its budget crisis, which has resulted in two rounds of reductions to programs and services and the loss of 10 percent of its work force since 2008.
He said that, if he’s elected, commissioners can return the county to a responsible budget by prioritizing public safety, health and roads and cutting wasteful spending without raising taxes.

Beehler said he didn’t have any “overriding examples” of wasteful spending but added that, if elected, he would work with department heads to assess and conduct audits of spending to save money.

Beehler said his experience on “both sides of the counter” – in the public and private sectors – gives him the knowledge needed to govern land-use issues with sensitivity and balance. Beehler worked for the city of Tumwater from 1983 to 1989.

“I try to listen to all sides of an issue and work with people to come to a consensus,” Beehler said.

Commissioner Karen Valenzuela was appointed to the District 3 seat in January to complete the remaining term of her predecessor, Bob Macleod, who resigned in December for health reasons.

Dan Venable, the owner of a local company that tests and removes mold from buildings, also has announced his candidacy for the commission seat.

Filing week for candidates to run for offices up for election this year is three weeks away, June 1-5.

The commissioners’ seat will be up for election again in 2010, when the current term expires.

District 3 represents west Olympia, Tumwater and Rochester.

Beehler will hold a kickoff event for his campaign at 7 a.m. May 19 at the Tyee Center, 5757 Littlerock Road S.W. in Tumwater.

Christian Hill covers the city of Lacey and the military for The Olympian. He can be reached at 360-754-5427 or chill@theolympian.com.

Pat Beehler

Occupation: Surveyor at the Olympia office of WHPacific, a consulting firm. He owned Southwest Surveying for 12 years before it was acquired by WHPacific in 2005.

Government experience: Thurston County Historic Commission, 1982 to 1992

Organizational experience: Former president, Olympia Jaycees and Tumwater Rotary Club; former board chairman of Thurston County Chamber; and immediate past president, National Society of Professional Surveyors

Education: San Juan High School, Citrus Heights, Calif., 1962. Adjunct professor, Saint Martin’s University; taught surveying class there from 1983 to 1993

Family: Patti, wife of 39 years; one daughter and two grandchildren. His brother Mike is vice president for extended learning at South Puget Sound Community College.

Contact: 360-554-9545; 855 Trosper Road S.W., Suite 108-399, Tumwater, WA 98512

Web site: www.patbeehler.com

Pat Beehler announces his bid for Thurston County Commissioner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Pat Beehler
Phone and Fax: 360-554-9545
Email: pat@patbeehler.com
Website: www.patbeehler.com

Pat Beehler announces his candidacy for Thurston County Commissioner District 3

Olympia, WA, May 11, 2009 Long-time Thurston County resident and community leader Pat Beehler officially announces his candidacy for Thurston County Commissioner in district 3.

Beehler said, "I have lived and served Thurston County through my community service for over 40 years. I have four generations of my family living here.

"I have never seen the county's financial future in such a crisis and feel that my leadership and skills are what the county needs right now. I'm willing to provide the leadership and make the tough decisions that are needed today.

"The county needs to prioritize its mission of public safety, health and roads. I believe by looking hard at the county's organization we can find and eliminate areas of wasteful spending. I believe we can return the county to a responsible budget, meet all of our statutory requirements without raising taxes.

"The people of Thurston County are suffering in the current recession. We have unemployment approaching double digits. I will immediately work to encourage and promote economic development.

"I believe we can return Thurston County to a responsible budget, meet all of our statutory requirements without raising taxes. I will demand that the county look first within to identify more efficiencies.

"I will work to protect the environment in responsible ways. My career background as a professional surveyor makes me uniquely qualified to govern land use issues with sensitivity and balance.

About Pat

Pat Beehler and his wife Patti have lived in Thurston County since 1972. He has deep roots in the community through his years of service including:

* Olympia Jaycees, President
* Tumwater Rotary Club, President
* Olympia Host, active member
* Olympia West Lions Club, active member
* Thurston County Historic Commission, 10 years of service
* St. Martin’s Food and Wine Festival, Volunteer
* Black Hills High School 4P’s Panel, Volunteer
* Thurston County Chamber of Commerce, Chairman
* National society of Professional Surveyors, President
* Pat began his surveying career in 1967 with DNR, and has been a Professional Land Surveyor since 1978.

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Thurston Commissioners and Sheriff Duel

The latest article in the Olympian says:

The union representing Thurston County’s deputy sheriffs said today that it will
sue the county if commissioners follow through with proposed budget cuts in the
department. [and] The letter represents the latest salvo in the deepening rift
between county leaders and the sheriff’s office.

This will come to no surprise to those of you that have read my blog in the past. Sandra Romero has complete disdain for police since her DUI arrest [read my prior blog post here]. But possibly even more interesting is just about everyone in the Thurston County Courthouse endorsed her opponent in the last election [read my prior post here].
I'm not surprised that Romero is working to dismantle the Sheriff's office. But I have to ask: What office is she going to attack next?
Here is some more background on Romero, she is a board member of an environmental activist group called Futurewise. Yep, I've written about that one too [read my prior blog post here]. What is really interesting about this is that the lawsuit that Futurewise put to the County now represents about 25% of the budget shortfall. Let's connect the dots, Sandra Romero is a board member of Futurewise, and the county needs to make cuts; I don't think that the cuts will involve anything to do with protecting the environment. Do you? Goodbye public safety.
[read all of my prior blog posts re: Sandra Romero]

Sandra Romeo DUI Didn't Exactly End Career

Sandra Romero's political career didn't end the day of her DUI arrest. I've previously written, "She was a WA State Representative for 12 years when a drunk driving spree ended her political career." And I've recently been criticized because her career didn't end because of the DUI. True, her career did limp along for a handful of years after the DUI where she liked to show up drunk in the legislative session.

The DUI didn't end Romero's career, but it was the beginning of the end.

Romero showed a lack of respect and spewed animosity when she was arrested. She was quoted by her arresting officer, "You guys won. I will tell you that I have been drinking and I'm intoxicated. You have ruined my political career."

I'm curious, What steps has Sandra Romero taken to quell that animosity? I think it's a valid question especially since as a County Commissioner she will have the final approval of the police budget.