June 27, 1998
To The Editor:
Your June 25th editorial stated: "It's unhealthy that so many people are disengaged from local civic and community involvement".
The Chronicle on June 27th reported: "C.S. Sodhi, who represents the Chehalis Confederated Tribes, said the "government-to-government relationship is really important to the tribe.'' ''If we have to come down to the level of John Doe coming from the street and listen to him every day, I think the tribe will back off,'' said Sodhi."
Many "John Does" were certainly taught a lesson that day.
Mr. Sodhi is one of three un-elected representatives to the Chehalis Basin Partnership (CBP) who complained about adding additional citizen members representing watersheds. Un-elected representatives from Aberdeen and Grays Harbor, and the Mayors of Chehalis and Pe Ell expressed similar concerns. Only two elected officials, Chairman Nichols and Commissioner Wigley, spoke out in favor of the change in membership.
The June 27th story goes on: "''We have mayors here, and county commissioners, and they do represent the citizens,'' said Brian Shea, Aberdeen city planner."
The County Commissioners are out numbered by the cities and state agencies. Mr. Shea, not elected, and the Mayors represent less than half the population.
Another quote from the Chronicle article: "We're trying to figure out how to use the money. It was easy to get it." Fifteen staff members, and those elected officials will decide how the money furnished by taxpaying residents will be spent.
Your editorial goes on to say: "Prime examples (of lack of participation) might be the abysmal attendance at most meetings of local government entities, school boards and so on and lack of candidates for office for same, and in relatively low voter registration and turnout. .... whether because of apathy, lack of interest too many other diversions, no sense of community, or whatever reason."
The editorial closes with: "It will take effort and initiative on an individual basis to develop the sense of community, of neighborhoods and civic responsibilities that we need to have a healthy society and preserve our democratic institutions."
John (and Mary) Doe are here now. We are ready. When will political caste discrimination stop and the doors be opened to us?
For the Chehalis River Council Board of Trustees,
Dave Palmer
Chairman