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The Opinion Page on KOZI is that, someone's opinion. The statements submitted have not been verified as fact or fiction. It is up to you, the reader, to develop your own opinion.
                -KOZI Management


Please help find Toyney, a 1-year-old tabby cat missing in the Purtteman Gulch area. Large, fluffy, brown/black tabby with white chin and green eyes. Beloved by his 7-year-old girl and the rest of the family. Last seen Wednesday, June 2nd about 4pm. Call 682-3083 or 206-999-4817 with any information. Thank you.

Posted 6/3/2010
Missing 8year old siamese mix named Mikey. Mikey has been missing for nine days now he was last seen in gated development across the street from manson bay market, he is fixed and he is chipped. He was chipped in California so will show a California address when scanned but my name April Stover will be the same. Mikey has pretty blue eyes and siamese markings he is skittish around people and animals and he is missed very, very much. Mikey is also a talker, he meows alot and will answer if you meow at him, If anyone has seen Mikey or has taken him in please contact me at (509)630-9202 April

Posted 6/1/2010
My name is Kerry Stewart and I have been an EMT for Lake Chelan Valley EMS for 14 years, I have been both a volunteer and a fulltime staff member throughout my career and for the past 4 years I have been an Emergency Room nurse. There are a few things that I wanted to bring up about EMS that have not been mentioned that are very important to both our hospital and our community.

Just in 2009, EMS was responsible for our injury prevention program that reached out to many children in the Chelan and Manson areas.
The Child Passenger Safety Program has touched the lives of 846 children in 2009, teaching them programs such as The Force is With You, Childhood Injury Prevention, and helmet fittings.
The Home Safety and Water Safety Programs reached out to 30 students in 2009
The Fire Safety Education, Hazardous House, CPR anytime, Basic First Aid, 911 Education, and Poison Prevention Programs were taught to over 117 children in 2009 alone.

These programs are ways to give vital information to our kids in this valley, who may have heard it once or twice at home, but needed to hear it again in detail by a professional.
EMS fulltime staff members play vital roles in public awareness and safety for our patients, hospital employees and our community as a whole.
Our CPR program has been well established and CPR/First Aid is being taught to our construction companies, our Schools, our apple packing sheds, our waterslides, and many more companies that I have not mentioned. In addition we are working on a project that will put Automated External Defibrillators (AED's) in public places such as our schools, so that an immediate shock can be delivered.

The SPHERE program has offered Glucose checks and Blood Pressure checks to over 580 people in 2009

These are some of the programs that our local EMS providers do for our community that I felt needed to be mentioned. I encourage you to consider these programs as well as the obvious need for Advanced Life Support in our community.

Kerry Stewart, RN, EMT-IV
ER Trauma Coordinator
ACNO


Posted 4/19/2010
I would like to help educated the voters of Chelan County Public Hospital District #2 about a couple of statements in the letter that appeared on the Opinion Page of KOZI as of April 14, 2010.

The EMS services for this District are a separate distinct department of Lake Chelan Community Hospital. In being a separate department, all financial information is maintained separately as is any other department of the hospital.

The EMS Levy funds that are received each year via property taxes are collected and deposited into a separate account at the Chelan County Treasurer’s Office. This account is entitled EMS Levy Fund. The remaining monies and taxes received for District #2 are deposited into a separate account.

The financial information for the EMS Department has been made public at 4 different meetings and will again be discussed at the Manson Informational Meeting on Thursday, April 15th , 6:00 p.m. at the Manson Grange.

Thank you,
Karen Spurgeon, Director Financial Services
Lake Chelan Community Hospital


Posted 4/14/2010
The property owners of the Chelan Valley who will be affected by the EMS levy need to educate themselves.

* Understand that the Lake Chelan Community Hospital collects the levy funds then disperses them as they see fit. There is not a separate account allocated strictly for EMS for these funds.
* The levy on the ballot is a TEN YEAR levy - not a four year levy.
* The levy on the ballot is asking for a 40% increase over the current levy amount.
* The property owners of the Chelan Valley just saw a tremendous increase in property valuations (a large percentage over 300%) - which the current levy collects funds on.

For property valued at $250,000 - in 2009/2010 - they would pay approximately $55 per year. In 2011-2021 - that amount would increase to $77.50 per year (a 41% increase).

For property valued at $750,000 - in 2009/2010 - they would pay approximately $165 per year. In 2011-2021 - that amount would increase to appx $233 per year (a 41% increase).

I generally support the levies of the community, unless I feel like the entity is not being fully transparent in disclosing important information essential to the education of the public. I would like to see the hospital be more transparent. Wouldn't you?

Educate yourself...then PLEASE VOTE!


Posted 4/13/2010
Citizens of Chelan should not allow a VISITOR named "BILL" to sway such an important decision as the EMS Levy. Having a quick response to an emergency is something that is taken for granted by many right now but would be sorely missed should the levy fail. These men and women are working for OUR community SAVING LIVES! Is that not a priceless duty?

I cannot believe that anyone on staff at the hospital would supply numbers regarding specific salaries of employees ESPECIALLY Karen whom I have known for many years and hold immense respect for.

Our community continues to grow annually. The cost to provide sufficient emergency services needs to increase as well. Bill referenced the healthcare reform in his letter. The healthcare reform (whether you agree with it or not) will not fully take effect until 2014...are we to subject the community to lesser protection for FOUR YEARS? Talk about putting the cart before the horse! Let's make sure it's even going to work before changing things up so significantly!!!

The gentleman from Seattle has obviously been misinformed or is making up information. Sounds to me like the visitors who must also pay taxes are making a fuss because they must assist in paying for these community services even though they aren't here year round to appreciate the need for them.

As Bill puts it "I challenge you to get involved..." Do exactly that and protect yourself and your loved ones by voting for the levy.

Posted 4/9/2010
My name is Karen Spurgeon and I am the Director of Financial Services at Lake Chelan Community Hospital. I would like you to know that I have never had a conversation with a Bill Schmidt from Seattle, WA. I have no idea who this individual is. The information in the letter that you have published on your website is erroneous in its facts and I am surprised that the letter would be published with out verifying the validity of the information.

The voters of the hospital district should have accurate information in which to make their decision which way to vote and it is not what is in this letter.



Thank you,


Karen Spurgeon, Director Financial Services
Lake Chelan Community Hospital



Posted 4/9/2010
VOTE “NO” FOR EMS – HERE’S WHY

Dear Residents of Chelan,

My daughter has a lakefront home in Chelan and my wife and I visit routinely. I am also a retired physician and was pleased when voters did not approve a levy last Summer. Mr. Courtney’s letter to the editor last year was on-target and had lots of merit.

Since then, I have asked one of my daughter’s neighbors, who works at the hospital as Director of Financial Services, to get me numbers on expenses. This is what I learned:

The hospital receives about $1 million in taxpayer subsidy for the EMS service. The service used to be a volunteer agency when Greta Griffiths started the service many years ago. Now, everyone gets paid very well—in fact, some of the paramedics received over $80,000 last year. Karl Jonasson is the least paid paramedic, but he works the most hours.

The hospital spent $4.1 million on a piece of land to build a new hospital last October. While I agree that it’s probably a good investment, the repayment of the bond (note/mortgage) will cost taxpayers almost $300,000 each year—a new expense.

Over the past 3 years, the hospital has paid over $1.6 million for architectural fees to design a new hospital. Of that amount, over $1 million was spent designing the hospital expansion that the voters disapproved. That $1 million was in essence thrown-away, questioning the fiscal responsibility and ethics of the Commissioners. In the past 2-years, almost $600,000 was spent in design fees for the new hospital—which could have waited until the project was approved by the voters.

In 2008, EMS added another crew to the department, adding a $250,000 expenditure. The hospital was considering “chopping” the added crew and expenses to save money, but decided “to ride it out” with hopes that the residents would approve a new levy. Adding the extra crew, added expenses and reduced the number of volunteer hours available—so now the hospital is paying to staff EMS versus relying on dedicated volunteers. It’s understandable that LCCH has had to subsidize the ambulance service over the years, but as a non-profit community hospital, that’s part of their mission. (Karl Jonasson can verify this)

In the EMS Levy “Frequently Asked Questions”, posted on the LCCH website, it addresses why one more ambulance is needed. The hospital currently has 5 ambulances, and one is mothballed in an airport hangar in the event it’s needed in the future. One more ambulance is not needed. The FAQs also state that over 87% of EMS services are funded through a levy—I disagree with that statement and question where that number cam from. Most communities nationwide have a private company run EMS.

The hospital has spent close to $100,000 on legal fees to fire the old Administrator, and continues to spend attorney fees foolishly. That taxpayer money could have funded the extra EMS crew hired 2-years ago for 5-months. (It would be interesting to really find out why much money they are paying in attorney fees).

The Hospital curtailed travel expenses this year, saving over $150,000. If they implemented this policy change to save money, there are many other areas within the hospital where they can cut costs. (This was in the meeting minutes, posted on the LCCH website.)

Top Administration at the hospital is paid extremely well for a non-profit hospital. In fact, Chelan’s Administrator is the top-paid Critical Access Hospital Administrator in Washington! Here are other excessive wages, amounting to almost $900,000, I found:

Chief Executive Officer $160,000 (Ph.D. Degree)
Chief Medical Officer $200,000 (MD Degree)
Chief Information Officer $150,000 (Bachelor’s Degree)
Chief Financial Officer $140,000 (Master’s Degree)
Chief Nursing Officer $105,000 (Associates Degree)
Utilization Review Nurse $105,000 (Diploma)

(I got these #s from the Finance Director lady, I can't remember her name.)

In 2007 and 2008, LCCH ended the year with over $1 million in profit each year, which was used to pay for architectural fees to design a new hospital. (This was on a slide that was shown in a board meeting).

If the hospital cannot run as a non-profit community hospital with an EMS, they need to consider selling it to a for-profit system that will ensure it is run efficiently. Many agencies, such as Quorum Healthcare, LifePoint, and Universal Healthcare acquire hospitals and then the community doesn’t have to worry about the solvency of the hospital—the corporation does. They can also build a new hospital in Chelan, relieving taxpayers of that financial obligation.

Now that the Obama healthcare bill is law, the charity care that LCCH absorbs each year--amounting to about $2 million--will now result in a profit for LCCH. So, in addition to the EMS funds they are requesting, they will receive another $2 million a year to spend.

Do NOT support another EMS levy. The facts above are clear. I do challenge residents to ask LCCH:

1. Why are wages for Administration so high for a small “non-profit” hospital?
2. Why has Administration spent about $2 million so far on the design of a new hospital that the voters disapproved a few years ago?
3. If the EMS worked fine a few years ago, why was another crew added, increasing expenses by over $250,000?
4. Why are they asking for an EMS levy when they know charity care will go away with the new Obama healthcare law.

Residents, I challenge you to get involved with the hospital’s financials and know where your money is going. We are in an economy where every dollar counts. Who cares if other districts pay more in taxes for their hospital—they were obviously snowed over by hospital administration. I say to the voters, “Vote NO for the EMS Levy”, activate a citizen financial board to review expenses, and demand that the hospital lower their expenses. It’s done elsewhere and can be done here as well. As noted above, your money is obviously being used for flagrant expenses, and if managed conservatively, hospital operations can be sustained in a cost-effective manner.

Bill Schmidt
Seattle, WA


Posted 4/8/2010
Good Morning Folks...........

Yesterday, I was going through some boxes of my Father's stuff and ran across some old magazines. In thumbing through the April 1974 Saturday Evening Post, on the editorial page I ran across this very interesting opinion....... "The Energy Crisis - Another Pearl Harbor".......Its spot on! Some of you may remember the '73 gasoline crises.

Now, nearly 36 years later, we still face the very same situation. 36 years of smoke and mirrors, 36 years of just the same partisan B. S. 36 years of special interests, 36 years of political pocket lining. 36 years of apparent immoral conduct.... And the list continues........

I continually find it amazing that we continue, over and over, to elect these individuals (both parties) to government positions who should be providing ways and means to stimulate the path for success for our country, but never do. It seems to me that the political trend continues towards creating the subservient class. A class who depends on the Government to take care of them, rather than becoming self sufficient, contributing towards the betterment of both our country and themselves. A class of "Bevis and Butt heads", who have no ability to contribute, but just demand Government care..

The needs of our county continue to exist, but those who we elect (both parties) , continually fail to provide the basic educational tools and oversight to insure our young people understand the history of our country, are given the basic tools and encouragement to learn and blossom. They continue to ignore the basics of, what I call, "moral leadership". The corruption and self centered political landscape just continues, which, in my opinion, is leading our country towards self-destruction.

Take a look at the attachment. Its an eye opener!.... I am not sorry about my diatribe above! Comments are always welcome..........

73,

Ken Rau K7YR

Posted 1/26/2010
To all Citizen,
<br>There is going to be an Important Community EMS forum this coming week.

Dr. John Kremer, Lake Chelan Community Hospital's Chief Medical Officer will be at these forums to answer questions about our EMS system and to hear constructive ideas as to our EMS system. Dr. Kremer will take these ideas back to the hospital board. The board will use these forums comments to help make sound decsions about the future of Local Emergency Services (EMS).

DID YOU KNOW THAT WE COULD LOOSE LOCAL EMS?

Come voice your concerns, learn more about what EMS looks like in our community. They need your ideas.

WHEN: Jan.5,2010 6-8PM at the CHELAN FALLS FIRE STATION, 20 Chestnut

Jan.6 2010 6-8PM at the PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, Chelan High School

Jan.7,2010 6-8PM At the MANSON GRANGE

YOU MAY COME AT ANY TIME DURING THE SCHEDULED FORUMS.


Please spread the word. Lets all be informed.




Posted 1/1/2010
Senator Murray,
<br>I call upon you to please consider your state, your nation and your legacy. You have before you today the choice of either representing the State of Washington or of complete betrayal. You made your start as a common Washington citizen and this is the time to step back and analyze your position. I understand the power that overcomes most mortals after seventeen years of being surrounded by partisan corruption and lobbyists who continuously work to pervert our system for financial gain and/or power. I am counting on you to take the high road.

Please do not underestimate the indignation and even fury that is starting to rage in this nation. If you will not stand up for what is right then thousands of citizens like myself are prepared to dedicate our lives, our meager after tax savings, and our sacred honor to defeat you and your ilk this next election.

I have prepared a sample press release below that I strongly urge, plead, pray, or yes, even beg that you will deliver this very day. You can instantly set yourself apart from the gang mentality and be highly esteemed globally if you will take this reasonable position.

Thank you for considering my petition.

Cliff Courtney

Stehekin

svranch@hughes.net

SAMPLE PRESS RELEASE.

THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING MY HASTILY PREPARED PRESS CONFERENCE. I AM SENATOR PATTY MURRAY FROM THE GREAT STATE OF WASHINGTON. YES, IT BEARS THE NAME OF ONE OF OUR GREATEST STATESMAN OF ALL TIME AND I HAVE BEEN TRUSTED BY THE CITIZENS OF THAT STATE TO REPRESENT THEM IN THE SENATE.

I STILL VERY MUCH BELIEVE IN THE NEED TO REFORM HEALTH CARE AND TO GIVE THE MILLIONS WITHOUT COVERAGE A CHANCE TO BE COVERED BUT I CANNOT IN GOOD FAITH CONTINUE UPON THIS FAST TRACK FOR ANACT THIS MASSIVE AND WITH SUCH ENDURING RAMIFICATIONS FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS:

IF THIS BILL IS WORTHY OF MY VOTE THEN IT CAN WITHSTAND THE LIGHT OF DAY. AT THIS POINT MANY ELECTED OFFICIALS AND CERTAINLY NO CITIZENS HAVE HAD THE CHANCE TO SEE THE ACT OR THE DETAILS CONTAINED IN IT THAT WE WILL BE ASKED TO VOTE ON AND THIS IS WRONG. THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PEOPLE AND THE PEOPLE THEMSELVES SHOULD BE GIVEN FULL DETAILS AND THE TIME TO RESPOND AND TO ANALYZE THE FISCAL AND SOCIAL RAMIFICATIONS BEFORE THIS IS BROUGHT TO A VOTE. WE PROMISED TRANSPARENCY DURING THIS ADMINISTRATION AND WE SHOULD DELIVER IT. THE MAJORITY OF AMERICANS DO NOT SUPPORT THE PATH WE ARE TAKING AND WE NEED TO STOP THIS PROCESS AND FIND OUT WHY.

THIS BILL IS FRAUGHT WITH SWEETHEART ARRANGEMENTS DESIGNED TO BUY PASSAGE AND THE PEOPLE OF THIS GREAT NATION SEE THIS AS NOTHING SHORT OF BOLD CORRUPTION AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL. I AM NOT HOLDING THIS CONFERENCE TO GAIN THE LEVERAGE THAT STATES SUCH AS LOUISIANA AND NEBRASKA HAVE GAINED. THEY HAVE BEEN PROMISED MILLIONS IN SUBSIDIES THAT WE CANNOT AFFORD. I AM HOLDING THIS CONFERENCE BECAUSE ALL STATES SHOULD BE ON AN EQUAL FOOTING AND THESE PROVISIONS MUST BE REMOVED BEFORE I WILL VOTE FOR IT.

FINALLY I AM HOLDING THIS CONFERENCE TO LET THE CITIZENS OF THIS GREAT NATION AND MY HOME STATE OF WASHINGTON KNOW THAT THIS BILL CONTAINS LANGUAGE THAT WOULD CHANGE SENATE RULES AND LANGUAGE THAT PUTS THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT IN A POSITION TO MAKE CHOICES THAT PROPERLY SHOULD BE MADE BY INDIVIDUALS OR BY THE STATES. IT CONTAINS LANGUAGE THAT IS MORE BEFITTING A DICTATOR THAN A DEMOCRAT AND I WILL NOT SELL MY SOUL OR SELL OUT MY STATE FOR POLITICAL EXPEDIENCY. I HAVE TAKEN AN OATH OF OFFICE TO DEFEND AND PROTECT THE CONSTITUTION AND A REPUBLICAN FORM OF GOVERNMENT AND I CANNOT AND WILL NOT RISK IMPEACHMENT OR THE HEALTH OF MY NATION TO HASTILY PASS THIS ACT.

THANK YOU FOR COMING,

YOURS FOR AMERICA, PATTY


Posted 12/23/2009
To Whom It May Concern:

By issue of this statement and by majority vote, the members of the Volunteer Firefighters’ Association endorse and support Rick Nedrow and Bob Gervais for Chelan County Fire District 7 commissioners.

The decision to support these candidates was made based on several factors, to include their presentation to the Association asking for our support. We feel that they have the knowledge and background to make sound decisions that will best serve the citizens of the fire district.

We also feel that they will support the volunteer association, and they understand the sacrifices we make as volunteers, and the commitment we have made to serve the citizens of Fire District 7.

Respectfully submitted,

Nathan Smeltzer
President, Volunteer Firefighters’ Association

Posted 10/29/2009
I support Courtney's position completely. The EMS charges have gone up dramatically over the last 10 years. A "ride" from Manson to Chelan will run you well over $1,000 even if they don't insert a IV. This is a profit driven enterprise and the EMS services aren't content with present level of public funding. They want over a 100% increase? That is crazy. Do they mind telling the public why the response time in 2009 is well below the response time 10 years ago when Manson had a lot of qualified volunteer EMT's? The volunteers have been run off for the benefit of the paid employees! Vote NO and make the hospital (who seems to have plenty of money for multi-million dollar land purchases) use their funds in a manner more consistent with good public policy.

Posted 8/4/2009
Lake Chelan Hospital District #2 EMS Levy

The local property owners need to vote no on this levy. It is not just a replacement levy as is stated . Although rhetoric may abound that it is a replacement levy or even that the amount of the levy is less than the one passed 10 years ago, that is not quite the entire picture. I hope everybody still remembers that their property taxes just doubled or tripled. At the current level the EMS levy extracts 22 cents per thousand from you. This new levy, if passed will extract 45 cents per thousand which is over double! In this small district, the total tax asked for will be 1.38 million per year. Over the 10 years of the levy this will equal close to 14 million after allowed yearly increases.

In troubled economic times it is the landowner that is always the first cow to be milked. Today the county commissioners are lining up on yet another teat to expand the Weed Control Board. Beware bureaucrats and politicians---- once the cow dies the milk dries up completely! It is time to rebuild community’s with volunteers or if the call volume gets too high to turn to the free enterprise system to provide the care. Remember that old system that works every time it is tried? It was very efficient, fair, and effective before Marxism became so popular.

I am a long time supporter of emergency services and have family involved in all aspects of it but this new trend is not only unsustainable it is anti-community. The local volunteers were not burned out from high call ratio as is stated, they were driven off by officious bureaucrats who had no desire to adapt to small town needs and who desired an empire.

Quit throwing money at this system. Wise and frugal decisions will be made if this levy fails that will in the end make this system more responsive and efficient.

Cliff Courtney

PO Box 36

Stehekin WA 98852



svranch@hughes.net


Posted 7/28/2009
I believe you should not attend the Retreat. Retreats are commonly not attended by the media. In my twenty years experience in public service, I have never heard of media attending retreats. Just because you have the right to do something, it is not necessarily the right thing to do. Thank you.



Posted 4/24/2009
The nerve of the commissioner's even REQUESTING something so ridiculous in such a highly charged and controversial situation is ludicrous! Ok, so if KOZI DOES attend, are they threatening to not come weekly and do their on air interview? If so - that would be a loss. That has been a really interesting spot every week. If they continue have nothing to hide (as they say)...it's good for them too. If the media DOES show up, it's your DUTY to report what you hear. Waiting for their glossed over, PR worthy report isn't news. It's called propaganda. I don't know all the particulars in this, because I live in Manson, but seriously folks! Now I want to go to the meeting too! Maybe I'll take a giant bucket 'a popcorn! Oh - what WILL I wear?! :) Go for it KOZI! By the way - who else could get away with such a ridiculous request? Puh-leeeeeze.



Posted 4/24/2009
I say no on the issue of Retreat attendance. Give the Commissioners a break.



Posted 4/24/2009
media should attend puplic metting as public citizen and wait to publish medias version of metting after offical report from comishinor

Posted 4/24/2009
In my opinion, this is just another attempt by the commissioners and their "in their pocket" peeps to not have to be put on the spot by honest and legitimate questions put forth by the media. Since the public is easier to "blow off" than your own reporters I guess it is an expected request given the ridiculous decisions they are making.
I only wish that because they don't want to have KOZI there, everyone and their dog would show up questioning their every move and not accept ridiculous side steps but insist on answers.
These people are ELECTED officials who are conducting their own agendas and not truly listening to those who put them in that position.
Since I know it is not feasible for ALL the towns people to miss work and go, I truly hope that KOZI ignores their requests and still chooses to attend so that you may keep the citizens informed
So, heck yeah, I vote go for it!!!.

Posted 4/24/2009
Dear Sirs,

My feelings is the “Media” should not attend the retreat, these guys need to get there work done, the Chief will report back to the public.


Posted 4/24/2009
Does KOZI attend other retreats? How about the Fire District #5, City, Hospital Board or PUD? If you attend this one, please attend them all. Lets be fair here.

I say do not attend this retreat, give them a break. My understanding is the request came from new Chief Haworth, not the commissioners. Thanks.

Posted 4/24/2009
Why is everyone saying to respect the "chief"? It is my understanding he was hired as "consultant"!

Posted 4/24/2009
Dear Citizens, I have been asked recently by several firefighters and citizens to help clarify the roles and responsibilities of both the Commissioners and Firefighters of Chelan County Fire District #7. My fellow Commissioners and I, along with other commissioners from around the State, have opportunities to attend educational seminars regularly and here is some of the information we have been provided:



Purpose, Duties and Responsibilities



The purpose of Chelan County Fire District #7 is fire prevention, fire suppression and the protection of life and property. The board of commissioners is the elected representative of the voters and has responsibilities to the district as a whole, and is authorized by statute to act for and on behalf of the district. Each commissioner has the duty and responsibility to keep informed of the operations and activities of the district.



There are both state laws and local regulations that govern the District. RCW 52.12.021 provides that all of the affairs of a fire protection district shall be managed by the Board of Commissioners.



The Chief of Chelan County Fire District #7 is the administrative and executive officer of the district, reports directly to the board of commissioners, and is responsible to perform the duties specifically assigned to the position by the board of commissioners. The Chief is responsible for the operations of the department within statutory constraints, policies and procedures established by the Board of Commissioners.



Chelan County Fire District #7 Firefighters do not report directly to the Board of Commissioners, but are responsible to the Fire Chief through the chain of command. Firefighters have the responsibility to perform assigned duties for the district and not to exceed the authority that is delegated to them. A group of firefighters has no statutory authority to act, control or direct the operations on behalf of the fire district.



The Board of Commissioners, the Chief and the Firefighters are all bound by the district’s Code of Ethics adopted in 1997 which includes committing ourselves to demonstrate the highest standards of personal integrity, truthfulness, honesty, and fortitude in all of our public activities in order to inspire public confidence and trust.



I hope this answers the questions and clarifies the roles, responsibilities, and the purpose of Chelan County Fire District #7.



Dan Wright

Commissioner for Fire District #7


Posted 2/20/2009
2/14/2009
RE: An open letter to Governor Gregoire, Senator Parlette and Representatives Condotta and Armstrong.

Dear Statesmen,

I am writing this letter on behalf of my family who have lived and worked in the Stehekin Valley and upper Lake Chelan area for going on five generations. We operate numerous businesses in the area and Lake Chelan is our “Marine Highway”. We are hoping you can help us with an urgent situation.

In 1927 the legislature passed an act that essentially monopolized any right to commercial use of Lake Chelan for the transport of passengers. The legislation was primarily aimed at socializing ferry boats on the coast. By extension this same law was applied to inland waters and Lake Chelan fell under the jurisdiction of the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC). The transport of passengers in areas other than those served by the Washington State Ferry system was not by definition socialized, but was rather monopolized by means of control of schedules, pricing and other regulation. It is questionable whether this one size fits all law was ever needed on inland waters but nonetheless it still stands. Today this law is holding Stehekin and the upper Lake Chelan Basin hostage and needs your immediate attention. For years the law went largely unnoticed because the nature of the owners of the monopoly were local, service minded folks who were in tune with the community and its needs. The situation was further diffused by the fact that since 1947 there has been an option of using the float plane service. Cheap fuel also allowed for financially feasible private boat transportation for a number of decades for some visitors and many residents. These are not the conditions we face today and the playing field has changed dramatically.
It is always difficult to tell others how to run their business and I hesitate to vilify anyone. I resent being in the position whereby one must tear something else down before something good can be built. However, since only one business is allowed to operate in the climate created by the legislature it is time to examine the quality of the service which is a symptom of the law that was enacted. As is usually the case when government tampers with the free market system the service is mediocre at best and in great need of competition. The “failure formula” created needs an immediate remedy if excellence is ever to return to the Stehekin Experience. This is not to target the operators as such but merely to point out that history shows that any formula that eliminates the honing and refining properties of competition tends to create this result. The right to vote with ones pocketbook is the true democratic portion of our system. It has been eliminated in Stehekin and excellence and choice have been eliminated along with it.

Because I own or manage many of the facilities in Stehekin, and because the happiness of my clients is paramount to my success, I recently set out to see if there was not some way short of legislation that visitors and residents could have some choice as to when and how they achieved ingress and egress to our valley. The idea was that there should be an alternative for Stehekin Clients and residents that was Stehekin based. Three issues stand in the way of excellence currently. Those three elements are poor schedule, poor public relations and poor comfort level. I would hope there is a way to change the law so that our community can overcome these afflictions and continue to be a viable tourist destination. Currently if you are a visitor wanting to spend time in Stehekin you must get up before daylight and drive to the boat terminal at an hour that does not resemble “vacation mode”. On departing you also get back to the terminal later in the day than is desirable because you will be late getting home, getting to an airport, or getting to your next destination. I was planning a quality service that could be used by folks spending one or more nights in Stehekin whereby all of these scheduling negatives could be eliminated. I envision a service that appreciates its clients, that is comfortable and quiet, and has a lower price point, -- especially considering saving the cost of a motel and meals in the Chelan area. This business would not be similar to what is now offered. It would depart Stehekin in the morning and have clients back to their car by noon on the day they departed. Incoming visitors would have all morning to drive from their home in Portland, Seattle or Spokane areas at their leisure. Achieving an alternative would have had several immediate positive impacts on the visitor experience and on the viability of the tourist trade. Not only could the quality of the service and the total value be improved upon, but the schedule could be tailored to fit the demand of the visitor that spends one or more nights in the valley.
Imagine this and compare it to today: You drive leisurely from Seattle with your family, enjoying a late breakfast at Leavenworth on your way. You arrive at Fields Point at 12:30pm and slip the pre-printed parking pass on your mirror. You are met at the dock by a crew from Stehekin that is genuinely glad to see you. You board the vessel having produced a bar-coded ticket which allows you to immediately board a vessel which is nearly yacht quality. It is clean, quiet and light and has many different spaces to accommodate your needs. In the front is a section for the children. In the main salon you will find spacious row seating for those wanting to watch the presentation on the screen and to enjoy the scenery. A snack bar is stocked with scrumptious items from the Stehekin Bakery. Down below there is a lounge with casual seating for the repeat customer who wishes to relax and enjoy the company of their neighbor or perhaps read a paper while sipping some robust complimentary coffee. The crew is all Stehekin residents, knowledgeable about your destination and happy to share their stories, information, and local lore. Upon arriving at Stehekin you are met at the dock by various business owners who take you to your chosen place of abode and you feel as if “Stehekin Time” took effect on your way in. On the way out you are sad to leave, having bonded with this simpler way of life and to the residents who have been your hosts. The return trip is once again relaxed and enjoyable and after departing the dock you have ample time to drive back via highway 20 and to stop in Winthrop on the way. Can you support this vision? Will you? It is impossible under current legislation.

Having canvassed my clients for years on the desirability of the current schedule, it became apparent that a great percentage of visitors would spend an extra night or more in the valley if the schedule dovetailed with their needs. A vessel which ran from the Stehekin end meets that need automatically because the natural schedule is to depart Stehekin in the morning and to depart the Chelan end in the afternoon. Economy is also attained because 30% of labor and fuel is eliminated by just going to Fields Point and not clear to Chelan. Imagine the benefits to the visitor of this schedule which would both give them the comfort of daylight driving hours both ways to and from home and eliminate the need to try and find one night lodging in the Chelan area which is a tough task. It is estimated that 80% of the current returning visitors would stay an additional night in Stehekin if such a service could provide a quality experience at a competitive price point that did not necessitate spending one of their vacation nights in the Chelan area. Given the average duration of present stays, that is an immediate visitation increase of around 25%! Retention of repeat customers would also vastly improve if the travel to and from Stehekin was an enjoyable part of their vacation and not a sacrifice they must endure to visit. This service would in no way compete with the present day trip trade that is (or was) the lifeblood of the current certificate holder.
I contacted the WUTC with letters and phone calls and came up with the following answers to several possible workarounds (all questions and answers paraphrased):
1. Q. Can I haul my own guests on a scheduled run without a certificate? A. No
2. Q. If an association or club wanted to haul its members to Stehekin would that be allowed without a certificate? A. No
3. Q. Can I run an unscheduled run for just my own guests without a certificate? A. No
The answer was always to obtain a certificate or forget it. It is unknown whether or not the commission would approve another certificate. Because of the current condition of the service and because of the dissimilar nature of the proposal and schedules they may, but it is dubious. The real issue here is that a certificate should not apply and an exemption should be made. The lack of agility the certificate oversight entails would destroy the advantages of a custom service. To replicate what we have is not the intent. Certificates are generally rigid and scheduled and this service would need to be adaptable and efficient. A certificate would allow the transport of the general public on a fixed schedule but that is not a remedy for our situation even if one were to be issued. Because a certificate is both nearly unobtainable and would not affect a remedy in this case I believe legislative relief is in order. I further challenge the right of the legislature, and by extension the WUTC, of taking a large percentage of the commercial potential of our holdings by severely limiting reasonable access in the case of numbers one and three above and for limiting our associational rights in number two. The degree that the current rules deny reasonable service for our customers and for valley citizens is essentially a taking of property rights.
I believe it is incumbent that all parties work together for relief of this dire situation as early as possible. In light of the current state of the state and certainly of the ferry system I recommend the following in order of preference:

• Deregulate all transportation or vessel transportation statewide.
• Exempt all inland waters from WUTC jurisdiction.
• Exempt Lake Chelan from WUTC jurisdiction.
• Exempt vessels licensed for 49+2 from WUTC jurisdiction like is the case in the San Juans.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Feel free to contact me for details or if you need testimony.

Sincerely,

Cliff Courtney
www.stehekin.biz
svranch@hughes.net
Cc: WUTC commissioners, Lake Chelan Mirror, KOZI Radio, The Wenatchee World, GoLakeChelan, KPQ radio and other media

Cliff Courtney
Box 36
Stehekin Washington 98852

Governor Chris Gregoire
Office of the Governor
PO Box 40002
Olympia, WA 98504-0002

Senator Linda Evans Parlette
316 Legislative Building
PO Box 40412
Olympia, WA 98504-0412

Rep. Mike Armstrong
426A Legislative Building
PO Box 40600
Olympia, WA 98504-0600

Rep. Cary Condotta
122B Legislative Building
PO Box 40600
Olympia, WA 98504-0600

Posted 2/16/2009
Dear Editor,
We, the Commissioners of Chelan County Fire District #7, want to respond to certain recently published false, inaccurate and misleading statements regarding District business. We have nothing to hide and welcome any and all public scrutiny. We are simply trying to do the best that we can to serve the citizens of our District. Our highest priorities are fire prevention and protection, not debating internal personnel matters.

We stand by the decision we made with respect to the former Chief. There were serious problems in the Department that he had been unable or unwilling to address. He was told that he could commit to a performance improvement plan and work through correcting the problems or resign. He chose to resign, and we think that is best for the District. We are already making good progress with turning things around.

As for the allegations that we have violated the Open Public Meetings Act by exchanging emails, we have been advised that there is nothing wrong with communicating about administrative matters in advance of a public meeting. How else can public officials determine the agenda for a meeting, arrange the schedule and sequence for discussing various issues and otherwise prepare for an efficient and effective meeting? As long as no substantive discussions occur or decisions made, there is nothing wrong with communicating by email before or after a meeting anymore than communicating by telephone or letter as used to occur before email. In any event, we have provided copies of our emails as requested and have yet to hear from either the State Auditor or the Attorney General’s office regarding either the open meeting law issue or the former Chief’s resignation.

We are continuing to do our best to resolve the remaining issues within the District, including the conflict with some of the volunteer firefighters who are supporters of the former Chief. We are exploring an interest-based conflict resolution process using the services of professional mediators. In the meantime, publishing mean-spirited false accusations is not helpful. Thank you for your consideration.

Chelan County Fire District #7 Commissioners

Jim Malvey, Chair



Posted 2/16/2009
Thank you so much for continuing to read about my missing cat Meeko. She has come home!! I really appreciate it!
Thanks again!


Posted 2/12/2009
Where is it the interviewer's right to attack the commissioners? This is obviously bias media broadcasting and you should be ashamed of yourself. This does not serve your listeners with factual information giving your personal views. Thank you.

Posted 2/12/2009
Your interview was fine, you asked questions the public would like answered. The commissioners work for all the people in FD#7 and therefore we need to look at replacing them in the upcoming election with people that have the interest of all of the Chelan area. We need to seriously look for folks that have lived in the Chelan area for many years rather than "newcomers" to the area. Thanks!

Posted 2/12/2009
As a long time resident of the Chelan Valley and sports enthusiast, I am becoming more and more concerned about our sportsmanship. I have always followed the local teams and most recently the winning season of Chelan Goats basketball. With that said, I have a couple of concerns.

Sometimes we foul. That's right, players, fans, parents and coaches; teams are not perfect. Each time we play an opponent and complain after every blow of the whistle against us, it makes us look ridiculous. We have proven we have the athletic ability to rise-up and conquer most teams we meet; so why can't we rise above the occasional questionable call? I am not saying I sit in silence when the guy with the whistle is not watching the same game, however; there is a point at which we can acknowledge that yes, we are fallible and that's human.

I think a cheering section is absolutely wonderful and love to see both students and parents involved in the game. What worries me is when we encourage unsportsmanlike conduct from our players. We need to remember in competitive sports that we are teaching our kids to act and say things that are inappropriate by cheering them on when a foul has gone too far, a bad call is made, or a curse word is shouted. Worst of all, players with inappropriate flagrant fouls I have a problem with. Someone once said, "Sports do not build character, they reveal it." As a parent I would hope that when my children are old enough to play competitive sports and they display any appalling behavior that their coach would immediately escort them off the court, no questions asked.

Thank you for providing an avenue for me to vent my concerns.

A Proud Mountain Goat Supporter

Posted 2/10/2009

Hey Guys! Just checking out the new site. Love the 2nd Cup listings right on the home page - Sweet! :) P.



Posted 1/24/2009
Really LOVE your new website! Really user friendly -- and lots of good info and links! :)

Posted 1/20/2009
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