In the news, a message from the Sheriff:
Guest editorial: Property tax revenue cap for counties needs to change
“Over the last five years, we’ve seen a significant increase countywide in substance abuse. Particularly in the age 18-24 population, chemical addiction has led to an increase in both homelessness and property crimes. Substance abuse greatly impacts how we handle 911 calls and arrests. We need systems in place so when people with addiction issues get out of jail, they can seek inpatient treatment to get well. If we don’t implement long-term changes, we’ll continue to see the same people return to jail again and again.”
2014-
Federal money available to purchase Island County Homeland Security-funded patrol boat-
Island county to purchase new patrol boat to help with Puget Sound security:
Federal grant money goes to “…gain a better grasp on cross border activity and to prevent illegal crossings.”
“Funding for the boat was issued through the Homeland Security Grant Program under Operation Stonegarden.”
If public meetings were held on Whidbey Island & people were asked to state their top law enforcement priorities- would a Homeland Security-funded patrol boat show up anywhere on the list?
If the Sheriff was interviewed & asked for his wish list- is there any possibility that it would include a Homeland Security-funded patrol boat?
Took a quick look on the web to see if there is a post 911 history of maritime “cross-border activity” on Whidbey & could not find anything. If anyone has info, please post in comments.
Recommendation-
Let the Sheriff & the people he serves set funding priorities for the Island County Sheriff’s Department.
Let the community keep more of the cash that goes to the federal government to be wasted on failing programs.
Has the Island County Homeland Security-funded patrol boat been able to intercept any inbound heroin?
Has the Island County Homeland Security-funded patrol boat been involved in any arrest related to the US/Canada border?
Newspeople remain silent.
Related: Puget Sound Coastal Patrol Boats
More here:
Local Money Wasted on Federal Programs?
Coast Guard comes home to Heroin at Port Angeles
Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin
Heroin in Washington’s 6th District – Welcome Home Troops
US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA-
If you run a government operation- these are the reporters you want to see on interview day:
US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA-
A new, $11.9 million, 50 agent facility, secret arrest statistics, denied FOIA requests, heroin in the community & a Border Patrol whistleblower investigation Re: fraudulent overtime that resulted in further suppression of information- keep the focus on asking questions in these areas.
No cross-border USBP arrest has happened here in more than 7 years.
News links: News tip/story idea
Find us on facebook:
Newspeople will not question the US Border Patrol at Port Angeles?
Meanwhile, Heroin-Trafficking Cartels Move Product into Washington State
Our free and independent press has stopped asking questions.
Photo-
Keystone ferry- inbound
Coupeville/Penn Cove is on the eastern shore of Whidbey Island- no ferry link to Port Townsend exists there.