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After reading the “supremely qualified” support letter of Denny Hamilton and the writer’s characterization of Randy Neatherlin as a “bully” and suggesting that he would “govern by fear” I felt I should reply but didn’t. http://masoncountydailynews.com/news/citizen-editorial
I then watched the debate hosted by the Shelton Chamber and League last evening and considered the answers provided by both candidates to the question regarding the Belfair bypass. https://masonwebtv.com/archives/7702
I am compelled to set the record straight!
Back in 2006 the North Mason school board adopted a resolution, with a position statement on the bypass which advocated building the bypass before any corridor improvements. Former Superintendent Kelly and myself as a school board member carried the resolution to all our state legislators. ( Representative Haigh, former Representative Eikmeyer, and Senator Sheldon.) At the same time I asked several community organizations to support the resolution by passing one of their own. I approached the Theler board of directors, of which Mr. Neatherlin was chairman and they adopted a similar unanimous resolution. I also approached the Fire District #2 Commission, of which Mr. Hamilton is a member, and asked for their support. They did not want to get involved! That was over five years ago and Mr. Hamilton is still a fire commissioner. Regarding the “discord” in our community that Mr. Hamilton referred to during the debate I have to wonder why he didn’t get involved with the bypass discussion until just recently?
I think some of the discord can be contributed to the State Transportation Commission and a few members of our business community. The State Transportation Commission reluctantly responded to a public records request with letters which were written shortly after the school board resolution was adopted. The letters were from a few Belfair business owners,( these included former NM chamber president, Mike Boyle, Pacific NW Salmon Center representatives and Brian Peterson). The letters were sent to Dan O’Neal of the State’s Transportation Commission and several of our elected representatives. These few folks advocated for the SR-3 widening and also placement of WSDOT stormwater ponds on the Johnson farm before construction of the bypass. (WSDOT actually did a cost analysis of placing the ponds down on the farm and found it to be more cost efficient to deal with as currently planned.)
Neatherlin or Hamilton?
The choice is pretty clear, a vote for Neatherlin is an informed vote for the bypass!
Ken VanBuskirk, Belfair