Sheila Roark Miller
I became the third Elected Director of Community Development in 2011, and ask again for your vote this November, to continue serving you, while expanding on our Online efficiencies and operating economically lean. I offer you hard work, a dynamic staff of trained professionals, and a background of 24 years in the department–an entire team working for you.
Having lost 10 full time equivalent positions since 2010, every person in the department pulls their own weight, while maximizing our services online, features that you can finally access from your home or office.
Besides looking up Building and Land Use Permits, you can also download As-Built Septic records, interact with our GIS maps, or comment on Hearing Examiner cases. Our website links into Assessor and Auditor Records, too. Goals include electronically connecting building inspectors in the field, and plans to automate correction notices from the job straight to your contractor’s smart phone.
Long Range Planning requires mandatory updates to both the Comprehensive Plan by 2016 (which will address two Urban Growth Areas now served by sewer systems), and completing the legislative process of the Shoreline Master Program this winter.
We are saddled with regulations, too. The State Department of Ecology’s Dungeness Water Rule went into effect January 2013 causing uncertainty to citizens wanting to build in eastern Clallam County, while establishing Senior Water Rights. FEMA was sued over the Endangered Species Act, so we have additional reviews and oversight by the federal government for homeowners wanting to protect their low-bank, beachfront homes from high winter storms.
Voters passed I-502 making marijuana legal, causing a gold-rush of cannabis growers wanting to move their underground businesses, into the Banana Belt of Sequim.
After six meetings, with both the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and the Planning Commission, with a majority agreement from BOCC in April 2014, we’ve been using existing laws on the books alongside the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) process. Some CUP’s don’t fit in with density in the surrounding, rural landscape, while other neighborhoods are tolerant.
By summer, groups formed in strong opposition, picketing the courthouse. Cannabis entrepreneurs needing stronger Land Use guidelines, face both Liquor Control Board licensing deadlines and fear Denial’s from the Hearing Examiner; a business owner’s nightmare.
An Interim Ordinance combining King County’s parcel size and Mason County’s setback, rests with the BOCC as of this writing, showing strong leadership skills under fire, when meetings run hours past lunch, emotions from picketers ignite BOCC bickering, and delayed decisions.
These are difficult economic times, where a balanced budget keeps Clallam County fiscally viable, while employees work without a union contract, are forced to cut their hours, and carry more responsibilities, having faced layoffs in 2011.
After 100 years of my railroad family living and working in Clallam County, and being the first female Clallam County Building Inspector, I use local knowledge of the area, numerous tribal and agency contacts, experience as a Certified Building Code and Fire Code Official, while projecting calmness, as we forge ahead.
Mary Ellen Winborn
Why Mary Ellen Winborn? Because I am the best person for the job and I will never let you down.
I want to be your next Director of the Department of Community Development (DCD) because Clallam County needs a qualified, skilled professional. This position requires someone with a broad range of qualifications in education, training, experience, and interpersonal skills.
Currently, about 30 percent of DCD staff work under the Building Division, which is responsible for issuing building permits and enforcing building codes. The remaining 70 percent, the Planning Division, oversees planning activities and administers zoning, land division, shorelines, growth management and other related programs.
Issuing building permits in a timely manner is important for homeowners, businesses, and contractors. The old saying, “Time is Money”, certainly applies. Code enforcement is vital to public safety and as an architect with 24 years of experience supervising all aspects of design, development, and construction; I understand how important these things are. I understand the building code.
I understand builders and design professionals and am experienced in working with public agencies that regulate development projects. I will ensure that permit and enforcement services work smoothly, efficiently, and timely.
Clallam County is revising its state mandated 20-year Comprehensive Plan (zoning, land use policy) and that revision is due for completion in 2016. The Planning Division oversees and administers the Comprehensive Plan as well as its revisions and updates, and the Director is a key driver of the process.
The Comprehensive Plan determines Clallam County’s future with regards to infrastructure, development, natural resources, industry, jobs, businesses, economy, and quality of life. We need a leader with vision who can see the bigger picture. Someone who can assess how all the components support and work with each other, and who will work with all stakeholders listening to their input, ideas, and interests.
As a small business owner for the past 18 years, I have utilized all of these skills and have the drive and vision to move our County in the right direction and towards a positive future. It is imperative that Clallam County elects a Director with the knowledge, skills, and experience in all of these areas. I am that person.
I have the dedication to service, quality, and professionalism that will make DCD a department to be proud of.
Background:
Personal/professional skill: I have the comprehensive thinking skills needed to balance all varied interests, and enjoy working in collaboration with all interested parties to find the best solutions. I am proactive.
Employee morale: I treat people with respect and listen to them. Under my management, DCD will be the County department that people want to work for, and, the department builders and homeowners want to work with.
Technology: I will improve and expand the online capabilities of DCD to provide easy access to public information, with true transparency.
Education: Bachelor of Architecture
Experience: 24 years design, professional management, site design, structural analysis, construction administration, etc.
Business owner/manager of Winborn Architects: 18 years.
