HomeMy WebLinkAbout021226 email - Public Comment_ _Yes _wo_men__ or independent advisorsALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
Commissioners,
There is an item on the Consent Agenda for your February 17 meeting regarding the appointment of a member to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC).
The memo from Mr. Kuzma (attached to the agenda request) recommends one of two applicants. However, Mr. Kuzma’s memo only summarizes the qualifications of one of the candidates, not
both. The absence of balanced information about both candidates does disservice to them and to the process.
The BoCC, not the Public Works Director, is ultimately responsible for the selection and appointment of volunteers to the committees of the county.
Mr. Kuzma’s memo only discusses one candidate, Mr. Walter-Hansen, and is completely silent about the other candidate, Mr. Friedman. That does great disservice to Mr. Friedman.
Mr. Friedman has been actively involved in the many discussions about solid waste, recycling, and collection options in general, and particularly when it comes to service for residents
of District 3. His public comments on the issues have already been consequential – note the recent adoption by Solid Waste of Mr. Friedman’s recommendation regarding the fees at the
collection site in Quilcene.
I have never observed the other candidate, Mr. Walter-Hansen, participate in any public comment sessions. What makes him better qualified? Well, you won’t know unless you get more information
about both candidates. I recommend that the BoCC collectively interview both candidates during an upcoming meeting of your board, as you have done in many prior instances for members
of other committees.
The BoCC must be provided with complete information upon which to make a decision, not a one-sided opinion. Ask yourselves what you want, "Yes [wo]men”, or independent advisors.
I urge you to pull the item from Consent, instruct Public Works to forward all available information about both applicants, and bring back the item for consideration and interviews once
you have all had the opportunity to review the facts provided by both applicants.
Thank you,
Tom Thiersch