PORT TOWNSEND — They came from as far away as Seattle and Carnation to passionately state their cases against and for a state-proposed in-stream flow rule.
But a crowd of at least 300 Jefferson County residents Thursday night made it as clear as the water they consume: The Department of Ecology’s rule aimed at ensuring water for humans and salmon is bad for Jefferson County.
Bad for agriculture, bad for business, bad for water and property rights, bad science, bad public relations and a bad bureaucratic process.
More than 30 speakers testified, mainly to that effect, in a packed Fort Worden Commons as state Rep. Lynn Kessler, D-Hoquiam, listened.
The House Majority Leader, who organized the forum, was joined by North Olympic Peninsula 24th District Rep. Jim Buck, R-Joyce, and Hoquiam Democratic Sen. Jim Hargrove.
Their district includes Jefferson and Clallam counties, as well as most of Grays Harbor County.
“We are here to listen,” said Kessler, who facilitated the forum.