Rep. Stave Tharinger, D-Sequim, chair of the House Capital Budget Committee, commented on the Composite Recycling Technology Center in Port Angeles saying that “… Washington State can — and should be — a world leader in cross-laminated timber and composite recycling.
“These new ideas can create good, middle-class jobs in rural Washington, if we have the courage and vision to see them through.”
This quote came from the May 7 news article in the Peninsula Daily News about the visit from Tharinger, Frank Chopp, Speaker of the House; Hillary Franz, state commissioner of public lands; and Rep. Mike Chapman on May 10 to Port Angeles to discuss rural economic development.
Let’s be clear.
It was Jim McEntire who had the vision and courage to establish the CRTC.
In 2015, the Port of Port Angeles requested $1 million from the Clallam County Opportunity Fund in order to help build the infrastructure for the CRTC.
A citizen panel approved the grant (4-1).
The three commissioners — Jim McEntire, Mike Chapman and Bill Peach — approved the funds.
Then, county treasurer Selinda Barkhuis started a six-month battle over release of the funding.
Jim did not let her divisive comments stop him.
Mike Chapman flip-flopped and opposed McEntire’s efforts, siding with Barkhuis, as well as the Democratic Party.
Jim did not let Chapman’s obstructive comments or votes stop him.
It took a great deal of vision and courage for Jim McEntire to stay the course.
He prevailed and today we have the CRTC.
Jindy O’Donnell,
Port Angeles
EDITOR’S NOTE: O’Donnell is an acting chair for the Clallam County Republicans.