While I value our right to the initiative process, I’m also skeptical of the motives of some initiative proponents.  Once, several years ago, I was invited to sign a petition for what I considered to be an ill-advised ballot initiative.  When I refused to sign, the canvasser derided me for failing to participate in the political process.  I reminded the “gentleman” that by choosing not to sign his petition, I was exercising my right to express disagreement with the initiative’s proponents--a right that is every bit as sacred as the right to sign a given petition.

Regarding I-1033, I'm thinking that we elect legislators to represent us in Olympia. It is their job to deal with budgets, and to prioritize programs and funding.  It is our job, our responsibility to communicate our thoughts on these issues to them, and we should expect that, from time to time, their votes will be contrary to our own wishes and concerns.  Such are the workings of representative democracy.  Let us use the ballot box liberally for electing or rejecting elected officials, and sparingly for governing.  My problem with using the ballot box as a blunt legislative instrument is that professional ballot initiative advocates, like Mr. Eymans for instance, are not directly accountable to any constituency.  If the people are displeased with his performance, can we vote him out of office?  No, we can’t.

So my advice is to be skeptical, to do your homework and then to vote with your brain, not your heart.    

--J. Purnell, PLS

To: North Olympic Chapter Members & Associates,

 It is that time of year again, when we are due to select our chapter officers for the coming year. This subject was brought up at our September meeting and since then Larry Pederson and I have been talking to some members, trying to encourage someone to step forward and volunteer to help out with next year's positions.  We have a chapter meeting scheduled for November 19th.  At the November meeting we need to have our new officers selected so the names can be passed along to our executive director, Anne Koenen. Anne has her reasons for requiring this. It will be better for all of us if we just do what Anne requires of us. It really doesn't take that much effort and things go so much better if it is done properly and done when it needs to be done. Such is life.

According to the latest roster I have received from Anne, our chapter consists of 38 members and associates. That is a decent sized group of people for our chapter. We are fortunate to have such a large group. I am sure, at the state level, they also appreciate having another 38 people sending in their dues every year, so we can continue to operate as an organization of professionals with a strategic plan and a meaningful purpose. The LSAW is a genuine, credible and significant asset to the surveying profession. It has accomplished much in the past and has great plans for the future.

But there is more to it than just paying your dues. In order to be an "operative-member" or associate member, one must actually participate in the activities of an organization. Otherwise, it is just another annual bill to pay and a name and symbol to put on your business card or resume. Active participation requires attendance to meetings and performing tasks associated with the organization's business and functions. This is not meant to be complaining, sarcastic or criticizing at all. I would just like to remind everyone that there are chapter duties to be performed. It really doesn't take that much time or effort. It is not that difficult, but it goes so much better when we have a full compliment of active participants to share in the various duties. It can sometimes turn out to be a valuable learning experience, a good way to network with others in the profession and sometimes it is actually kind of fun and interesting.

Everyone has something valuable to contribute. Even if you don't think you're up for the task, your input would be worthwhile and appreciated. Maybe there are some who are standing by and thinking someone else will step in and do the job. Maybe some think they don't know how to do the thing that needs to be done, or they are not good enough.  It is not that bad if we all join together and help each other to accomplish the task at hand. Perhaps, there are those among us who have busy schedules at work or at home. Well actually, most of those who have served as chapter officer's in the past were hard working people with very busy schedules, with businesses to run, families at home and probably other interests in mind as well.  But that hasn't stopped them from participating.  From stepping in year after year and serving the LSAW in some capacity, such as secretary, treasurer, trustee or president, committee chair or volunteer at special functions.  Members such as: Rob Johnston, Jim Wengler, Jack Glaubert, Jon Purnell, Bud Brewer, Ken Clark, Ron Nesary, Vit Liskutin, Stephanie Shannon, Jeff Dugan, Steve Pope, Brian Cays, Brad Lymangrover, Larry Pederson, Brian Van Aller and others, have all given their time and energy in the past to serve the LSAW in some position, some more than once and in more than one position and some continue to be actively involved. These members have all contributed greatly to the cause and their work should be remembered, recognized and appreciated.

And now is a great time for some new people to step in and put their own energies, time and attention in to supporting this great and noble cause. It is not reasonable or just, to expect the same people who have always done it before, to keep stepping in and taking care of everything. As an organization, we would be further strengthened and enriched with more input from a broader range of people with different experiences, ideas and perspectives which would serve to help us to find new and improved methods and solutions, for dealing with the challenges ahead.

Please, I invite everyone to consider what they may have to contribute and go ahead and get involved somehow. We are all paying out money for dues, shall we just drift with the tide and let someone else control what gets said and done in the name of the LSAW?  Or would we rather have some actual and positive input as to what the LSAW does on our behalf? 

Out of our 38 members we usually only see about 6 or 8 show up at the meetings and it's usually the same 6 or 8 people that always show up. That is a rather poor attendance record.  All members have the same rights.  We should all share the same responsibilities.  Sometimes the meetings may seem boring, however sometimes they are quite interesting and useful. It can be what you want it to be. Come to a meeting and take an active role and you can mold it, shape it, make it yours. (well actually the president runs the meetings, so you cant just walk in and take over, but you can participate within the guidelines of our parliamentary procedures)

To be President or Trustee requires being a licensed professional Surveyor with full-membership status.

The Treasurer and Secretary positions can be an un-licensed associate member.

Anyone can volunteer anytime between now and the October meeting, or if you have someone in mind, you can nominate someone.

This business is to be conducted at the next chapter meeting.  If you have any questions, please contact Larry Pederson or myself.

--Robert Bain, PLS

   Secretary, North Olympic Chapter

WSDOT's Steve Palmen says that "lined out" curve data and other data on WDSOT right of way plans SHOULD be used to compute right of way boundaries.  These drawing may show both the orginal right of way center line and subsequent construction centerlines at the same time.  The lined out data references where the right of way is located; the new data references the "as-constructed" centerline.

WSDOT's Steve Palmen is having some success at moving that agency ahead with monument preservation. He cited an on-going changing of the guard, "progressive" new design engineers, and continuing education efforts on the part of on staff surveyors for the progress made thus far.

He also credited a complaint, filed with BOR against WSDOT for bringing about a change in attitude toward monument preservation.

Ok, so here is a start for the North Olympic Chapter's webpage.  This is meant to be a resource for you, the membership.  Check out the calendar for the latest news about chapter or statewide events.  The links page has dozens of entires--but please send in any links you think might be useful for everyone.

Job photos are always interesting--send yours in for posting.  And, if you have a good sturdy soapbox to stand on, you can leave a post on the Members Posted Info page.  This is your website, let's make it the best it can be!