I find it interesting that after several invitations to the table, beginning with the (GMA) Brinnon Sub-Area Planning process in the early 2000s, tribal concerns about historical significances of the Pleasant Harbor Project property are now just surfacing, according to media reports.
In addition, I am perplexed by the fact that most, if not all, of our regional tribes are in the process of expanding their hospitality capacity with casino-hotel development.
I think they are developing and planning their local economies to ensure future opportunities for their tribal members.
Developing and planning for a healthy future is exactly what we did during our Brinnon subarea planning process.
The Statesman Group is offering a “super green” development that will offer local folks jobs and create an economy that will benefit all of Jefferson County and the Olympic Peninsula, also according to media reports.
I have been impressed with tribal initiative and focus on economic development.
The Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe has taken a leadership role in Clallam County.
The Elwha Tribe’s vision of a hotel-convention center in downtown Port Angeles is another example of future thinking.
An outsider looking at the current issues stalling the Pleasant Harbor Project might view it as an attempt by tribal interests to monopolize the hospitality industry on the Olympic Peninsula.
I see it as a “last-ditch” attempt by the few people who oppose the project to stop it.
Joe Baisch,
Brinnon