CONDEMNATION:
THE TAKING OF PRIVATE PROPERTY
FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PUBLIC
THE TAKING OF PRIVATE PROPERTY
FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PUBLIC
Submitted to Shelton Blog by Jack Johnson Mason County Progressive
Belfair is a small community, so when we were approached by Mason County in 2008 to provide property for the Belfair Sewer pump station #3, including the conveyance system, we cooperated.
It was explained that Mason County needed to add a pump station, mid elevation, to convey all Phase 1 sewer hookups to the new plant. During this process Mason County appraised our property, and on October 5th, 2009, offered us $26,300. As the property owners, we felt this offer was low and hired an appraiser to review their offer and countered at $38,640.
Mason County refused to negotiate with us. At the Mason County Board of Commissioners' meeting, January 5th, 2010, the Board of Commissioners signed the order of condemnation, beginning a lawsuit against its own citizens and taxpayers.
At that Commissioners' meeting, we pleaded with the Commissioners for settlement to try to avoid litigation. The order was signed, and on January 13th, 2010, a lawsuit was filed in Mason County Superior Court, Mason County vs. Clifton Heights LLC et al.
On March 10th, 2010, we requested a meeting with Mason County in an attempt to work out the issues and avoid litigation. Mason County refused to meet with us and sent a letter from their attorney Dan Lossing saying, “Your email also conveyed your clients’ request for a meeting with the County to review the items in the report. Because we see do not see the need or benefit for such a meeting, we respectfully decline the invitation.” (Direct quote)
On February 2012, the case went through a 5 day jury trial in Mason County Superior Court. In that trial, Mason County’s appraisal exceeded our original offer of $38,640. The Jury awarded Clifton Heights LLC roughly $145,000 plus interest of around $25,000. Last week Mason County Superior Court awarded Clifton Heights LLC roughly $210,000 in attorney fees. It is understood that Mason County paid their Inslee Best attorneys from Bellevue around $200,000 for their involvement in this case.
Rough totals of this lawsuit cost Mason County around $575,000, not to mention all the time and expenses in a lawsuit that do not get compensated for. All for only a $12,340 appraisal difference in January 2010, that Mason County could of settled but instead forced litigation.
Elections are coming up, so please keep in mind that "decision" and "buck" stop at the top! In Mason County, it is the County Commissioners. If you are thinking of voting for Tim Sheldon or Lynda Ring-Erickson, please think again.
Clifton Heights LLC
Steve and Lenny Johnson
Jack and Kathy Johnson
Les and Betty Krueger
Photo: www.photosearch.com
SHELTON BLOG NOTE:
Link to KMAS News Voters Guide:
http://masoncountydailynews.com/news/voter-guide-2012
Link to Progressive Voters Guide: 2012 Primary Edition, Mason County
http://progressivevotersguide.com/2012/washington/primary/county/mason/35th
The editorial is eclipsed by the photo, which pretty much says it all.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Tom, the above photograph is pretty explicit.
ReplyDeleteAs a Mason County resident and taxpayer, I wish to express my dismay with our Commissioners and their heavy-handed, "my way or the highway" running of our county which repeatedly results in taxpayers footing the bill for their behavior.
In three days we will know whether or not the citizens of Mason County have had enough.
If the citizens are tired of paying for lawsuits our Commissioners inspire by their outrageous and arrogant behavior, then Tim Sheldon and Lynda Ring Erickson WILL NOT be on the November ballot.
It's my birthday month... and I cannot think of a better early birthday present than to see these two incompetents taken out in the primary.
Vote wisely Mason County: This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to hire three professionals to help Mason County meet the challenges of the future.
http://masoncountydailynews.com/news/citizen-editorial
ReplyDeleteCommissioner (wanna-be-legislator) Lynda Ring Erickson would not respond... but:
Senator/Commissioner Sheldon opened his mouth and I think may have managed to get both feet and a knee in there.
Hope everyone checks this out, including Tim's accusations against Hood Canal residents Les and Betty Krueger.
Really, Tim... at least this time you were hopefully speaking as a citizen, and when Les and Betty file their lawsuit against you it is personally, and does not include the citizens -- again.
What a circus!