Charter commission will meet, attempt to close legal loophole that could void election

PORT ANGELES – Clallam County’s Charter Review Commission will have one last meeting today to plug a legal leak in the charter changes they’ve proposed to voters.

A chance exists that it could sink whatever amendments voters approve in the election that ends Tuesday.

The special session will start at 6 p.m. in the commissioners’ hearing room (160) of the Clallam County Courthouse, 223 E. Fourth St.

The problem surfaced earlier this week when Ron Richards, a Clallam County commissioner from 1977 to 1981, sought the wording of how the charter would read if voters adopt any of the five proposed changes.

The charter functions as Clallam County’s constitution.

If approved by voters Tuesday, the changes would:

  • Authorize county commissioners to adopt instant runoff voting, also known as ranked choice voting.

  • Forbid the county to use eminent domain primarily for economic development.

  • Return the director of the Department of Community Development to an appointed position.

  • Bring the charter into line with state law concerning independent candidates in partisan primary elections.

  • Change from five to eight the number of years between charter reviews.

    Although Richards found the proposed changes – also known as ballot titles – he could not find the actual language the changes would produce.

  • More in News

    Rob Birman has served as Centrum’s executive director for 14 years. When the arts nonprofit completes its search for its next leader, Birman will transition into a role focused on capital fundraising and overseeing capital projects for buildings Centrum oversees. (Centrum)
    Centrum signs lease to remain at Fort Worden for next 35 years

    Executive director will transition into role focused on fundraising

    Clallam approves contracts with several agencies

    Funding for reimbursement, equipment replacement

    Mark and Linda Secord have been named Marrowstone Island Citizens of the Year for 2025.
    Secords named Marrowstone Island citizens of year

    Mark and Linda Secord have been chosen as Marrowstone… Continue reading

    The members of the 2026 Rhody Festival royalty are, from left, Princess Payton Frank, Queen Lorelei Turner and 2025 Queen Taylor Frank. The 2026 queen was crowned by the outgoing queen during a ceremony at Chimacum High School on Saturday. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
    Rhody coronation

    The members of the 2026 Rhody Festival royalty are, from left, Princess… Continue reading

    Jefferson considering new site for solid waste

    Commissioners direct further exploration

    Public feedback still shaping Clallam ordinance on RV usage

    Community Development department set to move sections of its proposal

    Jen Colmore, Sequim Food Bank’s community engagement coordinator, has been hired as the executive director. She will start in her new role after outgoing director Andra Smith starts as executive director of the Washington Food Coalition later this month. (Sequim Food Bank)
    Sequim Food Bank hires new executive director

    Sequim organization tabs engagement coordinator

    Sara Nicholls, executive director of the Dungeness Valley Health and Wellness Clinic, also known as the Sequim Free Clinic, inspects food items that are free to any patient who needs them. Soroptimist International of Sequim sponsors the food pantry, she said. (Austin James)
    Sequim Free Clinic to celebrate 25th year

    Volunteer-driven nonprofit will reach quarter-century mark in October

    Weekly flight operations scheduled

    Field carrier landing practice operations will take place for aircraft… Continue reading

    “Angel” Alleacya Boulia, 26, of St. Louis, Mo., was last seen shopping in Port Angeles on Nov. 17, National Park Service officials said. Her rented vehicle was located Nov. 30 at the Sol Duc trailhead in Olympic National Park. (National Park Service)
    Body of missing person found in Sol Duc Valley

    Remains believed to be St. Louis woman

    Dan Willis of Port Townsend, a docent at the Point Wilson Lighthouse at Fort Worden State Park, conducts a tour for interested visitors on Thursday. The lighthouse was built in 1878 when Congress approved $8,000 for the light and foghorns. Although the facility is still an active U.S. Coast Guard station, the equipment is monitored and operated remotely and no keepers are present. Regular tours on Saturdays and Sundays will resume in May. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
    Lighthouse tour

    Dan Willis of Port Townsend, a docent at the Point Wilson Lighthouse… Continue reading

    EMT Teresa DeRousie, center, was recognized for her long service to Clallam County Fire District 2. Presenting the award were Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Denton, left, and Chief Jake Patterson. (Clallam County Fire District 2)
    Clallam 2 Fire Rescue hosts awards banquet

    Clallam 2 Fire-Rescue recognized career and volunteer members during… Continue reading