CLAM PIRATE

Submitted to Shelton Blog by Clear Cut

STEVE BLOOMFIELD

Steve Bloomfield does not reside in the Port of Shelton District. Here is his address:

Steve Bloomfield
3890 SE Bloomfield Rd.
Shelton, WA 98584
clampirate@earthlink.net

When considering his self-righteous proclamations, the public might be interested to know a few facts about Mr. Bloomfield, besides the fact he doesn't reside in the port district or vote for OUR port commissioners.

Mr. Bloomfield seems to think he has more rights than the average person. His e-mail screen name, CLAMPIRATE, actually fits quite well! Being from a family with their own road may make him think he is entitled to do all kinds of things...including stealing shellfish off of state DNR lands. However, he is not in the Port of Shelton and thus has no vote.

Next time someone should simply ask if he lives in the port district or if he is just there to cause trouble.

It seems that last year, it was found that he and his company, Seattle Shellfish, were found by Washington State DNR to be growing and harvesting shellfish on State owned public property. Mr. Bloomfield and Seattle Shellfish were fined $75,000 for breaking the law. So the public might want to keep this in mind when they hear him making all kinds of ridiculous statements about OUR port and OUR elected officials.

He has no right to interfere in OUR port, he has no honor, and he is nothing more than a CLAM PIRATE.

Here is the story from the internet and a few newspaper sites:

"June 23, 2010. State settles with shellfish growers over trespass. The three companies - Taylor Shellfish, Seattle Shellfish, and Arcadia Point Seafood - will repay a total of $417,000 to the state. The trespasses occurred on public aquatic lands in North Bay and Arcadia Point in central Puget Sound over a period of five to seven years. Taylor Shellfish will pay the state $225,000 into a state account for habitat restoration projects in Puget Sound. Seattle Shellfish will pay $75,000; and Arcadia Point Seafood will pay $117,000. Phoung Le, Associated Press"

Our Comment: (from http://www.protectourshoreline.org/i_new.html )
Citizens have long suspected that the shellfish companies were not observing boundaries on their aquatic farms. After citizens notified the State Auditor of a potential major trespass by Taylor Shellfish in Totten Inlet and it was confirmed by survey through DNR, other shellfish growing areas were reviewed. Taylor is required to pay $1,500,000 under the settlement agreement for the Totten Inlet trespass. The three companies are required to pay $417,000 for the current trespasses. Thus, the shellfish industry must pay nearly two millions dollars into public coffers for what is being called "unintentional" use. It may be unintentional, but until now, many of the largest shellfish companies seemed to have had the attitude that they could do anything they wanted, anywhere they wanted. Through the unpaid hard work of citizen observers of the shoreline, the watchdogs who so irritate the shellfish industry, the public has rightfully become a beneficiary of the unlawful use of state lands for growing commercial shellfish, and the shellfish industry can no longer profit from sloppy or non-existent attention to property boundaries."

http://www.protectourshoreline.org/i_new.html

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/06/24/1239209/shellfish-growers-settle-suit.html#storylink=mirelated

http://washingtondnr.wordpress.com/2010/06/30/olympian-describes-dnrs-tidelands-trespass-settlements-as-protecting-public-resources/

Clearing the Air!

Submitted to Shelton Blog by Jack Miles

November 3, 2010

To all the Concerned Citizens of Mason County:

I spent the night reliving the horrible and unnecessary comments Mr. Bloomfield brought to the Port meeting on Tuesday. However, it is time I clear the air and address Mr. Bloomfield's question.

After a night of praying for answers as to what to do about Mr. Bloomfield's comments at the meeting, I realized I already knew the answer. So I am writing to clear the air about my Military discharge.

First, I am proud to be an American and I am proud that I served my county in the United States Marine Corps. I was discharged from the Marines under "Other Than Honorable Conditions" and here's the reason why. At the time of my service, President Clinton came into office. One of his campaign promises was to lift the ban on gays in the military. At that time, I had several gays friends in the military, mostly women. I was hopeful that President Clinton would be able to follow through with his campaign promise.

I grew up in San Diego, California and had a few gay friends that so desperately wanted to serve their country too, but had fear they would be exposed if they joined. As did I have friends in the military that were gay and feared being exposed. After President Clinton tried to make that a reality, the rank and file of the armed forces were running scared and began a witch hunt to get as many gay military personnel out as possible before or if this would happen. At the time, I was not shy about where I stood with gays in the military, nor am I now.

The unfortunate situation that resulted from my position was, the military tried to get me to turn over names of all of my friends who were gay and who I thought might be gay....AND I REFUSED! I was told if I didn't provide names, I would be tried for obstruction of justice and conduct unbecoming a United States Marine. Rather than give up their names and put them through the humiliation, I took the deal to leave the Marine Corps under other than honorable conditions. But let me make one thing perfectly clear, that piece of paper does not change the fact that I served my country with honor and I am proud I was able to protect my fellow Marines and I would do it again.

I want to personally apologize for not being upfront on Tuesday. My hope was that I would not have to tell this story, but it appears Mr. Bloomfield will stop at nothing to spread a horrible lie and make me look bad. So please forgive me from the bottom of my heart. I thought what I said Tuesday was the right thing to do at the time and it was never meant to mislead you in any way. I just thought I could stand by my statement that "I served my country and I did it well" would be enough, however it got the best of me last night.

So to answer Mr. Bloomfields question, I will not resign as your representative. I protected my fellow Marines, this country and I will continue to protect you, "The Concerned Citizens of Mason County".

Semper Fi,

Jack Miles, Commissioner

Port of Shelton

Shelton Blog thought it appropriate to post this excerpt from the Marine Corps website:

SEMPER FIDELIS

More than a motto, a way of life

Semper Fidelis distinguishes the Marine Corps bond from any other. It goes beyond teamwork – it is a brotherhood and lasts for life.

Latin for "always faithful," Semper Fidelis became the Marine Corps motto in 1883. It guides Marines to remain faithful to the mission at hand, to each other, to the Corps and to country, no matter what.

Becoming a Marine is a transformation that cannot be undone, and Semper Fi reminds us of that. Once made, a Marine will forever live by the ethics and values of the Corps.

There is no such thing as an ex-Marine.

www.marines.com

Cartoon for the Day

Submitted to Shelton Blog by Claude

Slash Today, Trash Tomorrow?

MCDCD Requested to Identify Secondary Fuel Sources

Submitted to Shelton Blog by Dick and Jo Curtis

MEMORANDUM

DATE: October 30, 2010

TO: Barbara A. Adkins, AICP
Mason County Dept. Community Development
411 N. 5th Street
Shelton, WA 98584

FROM: Richard K. & JoAnn Curtis

SUBJECT: Comments on Scope of EIS, dated 10/28/10
RE: SECONDARY Source of Fuel(s) for Proposed BFB Boiler

Dear Ms. Adkins,

According to your letter, dated 10/28/10, under the 1st paragraph entitled “Description of Project” you note that the Primary Fuel for the Proposed BFB boiler will be limited to clean woody biomass. This Primary Source is NOT identified as being the “Sole Source” attributed to the project being evaluated.

Under the EIS required paragraph, your office has determined that the ADAGE Proposed Plant/Project is an “Energy Recovery Facility.” Your letter goes on to state that RCW 70.95.030(8) defines energy recovery as a “process operating under federal and state environmental laws and regulations for converting solid waste into usable energy” and thereby can include, but not be limited to, such products as garbage, construction wastes, sewage sludge, ashes, tires and so forth. The project, as currently defined by ADAGE, including the findings in your letter dated on 09/10/10, at no time addresses the Secondary Source(s) to be utilized in the conduct of said project when the Primary source of fuel is not immediately available.

We are requiring that the following actions be taken Immediately by your office:

1. Identify all sources of “Secondary Fuel Sources” to be utilized by this ADAGE plant/project.

2. Evaluate under the EIS and DS all environment impacts based on the disclosed “Secondary sources of fuel to be utilized during the life of the project.”

3. Immediately, Publicly Announce and Disclose these sources of “Secondary fuel” that the ADAGE plant/project will or may utilize during the Entire Course of the Life of Said Project.

Before the Mason County Department of Community Development can Legally open said Project for public comment, the issues of the source(s) for the supply of Secondary Fuel, Tertiary Fuel and so forth MUST be Clearly Identified in all documents submitted for the evaluation by federal and state agencies for compliance of all laws and regulations pertaining to such fuels and the complete environmental impacts of such disclosed sources on all areas of Mason County.

We are requiring an Immediate, in writing, response from you regarding the above mentioned secondary fuel concerns, and the legal issues surrounding public disclosure and evaluation by all authorities of such items pertaining to such within the revised scope of the Project as addressed above. Written disclosure MUST be received allowing the allotted 2 week public review period Only after such disclosures have been made Public for their review and response.

Sincerely,

Richard K. Curtis
JoAnn Curtis

See also related previous post: What? No wood? Let's burn garbage!

Cartoon for the Day

Submitted to Shelton Blog by Claude

Port Sinking to New Lows

How low can he go?

Submitted to Shelton Blog by Tom Davis

When Steve Bloomfield, the five hundred pound darling of the Port of Shelton, stood up at the Port meeting today and announced there was a “rumor” that Commissioner Jack Miles had been discharged from the U.S. Marine Corp under less than honorable conditions, I wanted to puke. Even for the Port, this was a new low.

It was like watching the spectacle of someone setting themselves on fire and then turn to the audience and ask, “So what do you think of me now?”

Well, I thought it was the most disgusting, irrelevant and cowardly act I had ever had the misfortune to witness. And here’s why:

First of all, by Mr. Bloomfield’s own admission, the information he was inclined to share with an entire room full of people was “only a rumor”. That alone should tell you more about Mr. Bloomfield’s character than that of the man whose reputation he was attempting to besmirch. Secondly, given the irrelevance of the “rumored” accusation, what, exactly, was Mr. Bloomfield’s point? Was he trying to ruin a man’s reputation just for the fun of it?

If so, I can tell you that the only reputation Mr. Bloomfield managed to successfully ruin was his own...maybe.

Because it is well known that Mr. Bloomfield is a member in good standing of the inner circle of Port Commissioners. More clearly, he is a close friend, outspoken supporter and enthusiastic advocate of all things Port.

So the question begs: Did Commissioner Hupp, Wallitner, and Port Director John Dobson know about or approve of his shenanigans? What do you think? I didn’t hear any port official object to, or try to distance himself from, Mr. Bloomfield’s comments.

Here’s the thing: In a civilized society there are rules. Hell, even war has its ‘Rules of Engagement.’ But Steve Bloomfield apparently feels that the rules don’t apply to him. It is reasonable, therefore, to assume Mr. Bloomfield has led an exemplary life, one of self-sacrifice and moderation; and that there are no ‘rumors’ in his past he would not welcome becoming public knowledge.

Not to worry, Mr. Bloomfield. Your secrets are safe. I don’t know anyone willing to sink to that level.

Photo by Christine

Another Cartoon for the Day!

Submitted to Shelton Blog by Claude

Chris Hedges: The Phantom Left

"The American left is a phantom. It is conjured up by the right wing to tag Barack Obama as a socialist and used by the liberal class to justify its complacency and lethargy. It diverts attention from corporate power. It perpetuates the myth of a democratic system that is influenced by the votes of citizens, political platforms and the work of legislators. It keeps the world neatly divided into a left and a right. The phantom left functions as a convenient scapegoat. The right wing blames it for moral degeneration and fiscal chaos. The liberal class uses it to call for “moderation.” And while we waste our time talking nonsense, the engines of corporate power—masked, ruthless and unexamined—happily devour the state."

Link to the entire article

Why Biomass Wood Energy is Not the Answer

Up in Smoke

By George Wuerthner

After the Smurfit-Stone Container Corp.'s linerboard plant in Missoula Montana announced that it was closing permanently, there have been many people including Montana Governor Switzer, Missoula mayor and Senator Jon Tester, among others who advocate turning the mill into a biomass energy plant. Northwestern Energy, a company which has expressed interest in using the plant for energy production has already indicated that it would expect more wood from national forests to make the plant economically viable.

The Smurfit Stone conversion to biomass is not alone. There has been a spade of new proposals for new wood burning biomass energy plants sprouting across the country like mushrooms after a rain. Currently there are plans and/or proposals for new biomass power plants in Maine, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Florida, California, Idaho, Oregon and elsewhere. In every instance, these plants are being promoted as "green" technology.

Part of the reason for this "boom" is that taxpayers are providing substantial financial incentives, including tax breaks, government grants, and loan guarantees. The rationale for these taxpayer subsidies is the presumption that biomass is "green" energy. But like other "quick fixes" there has been very little serious scrutiny of biomass real costs and environmental impacts. Whether commercial biomass is a viable alternative to traditional fossil fuels can be questioned.

Before I get into this discussion, I want to state right up front, that coal and other fossil fuels that now provide much of our electrical energy need to be reduced and effectively replaced. But biomass energy is not the way to accomplish this end goal.

BIOMASS BURNING IS POLLUTION

First and foremost, biomass burning isn't green. Burning wood produces huge amounts of pollution. Especially in valleys like Missoula where temperature inversions are common, pollution from a biomass burner will be the source of numerous health ailments. Because of the air pollution and human health concerns, the Oregon Chapter of the American Lung Association, the Massachusetts Medical Society and the Florida Medical Association, have all established policies opposing large-scale biomass plants.

The reason for this medical concern is that even with the best pollution control devises, biomass energy is extremely dirty. For instance, one of the biggest biomass burners now in operation, the McNeil biomass plant in Burlington, Vermont is the number one pollution source in the state, emitting 79 classified pollutants. Biomass releases dioxins, and as much particulates as coal burning, plus carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, and contribute to ozone formation.

Link to the remainder of the article & pdf for printing

George Wuerthner is a wildlife biologist and a former Montana hunting guide. His latest book is Plundering Appalachia.

VOTE WISELY!

"Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde?"

(Pumpkin carving by Ray Villafane)

HEAVEN or HELL

While walking down the street one day a corrupt Senator was tragically hit by a car and died. His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.

"Welcome to heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you."

"No problem, just let me in," says the Senator.

"Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from the higher ups. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity."

"Really? I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven," says the Senator.

"I'm sorry, but we have our rules."

And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him.

Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people. They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and the finest champagne.

Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy who is having a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are all having such a good time that before the Senator realizes it, it is time to go.

Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises. The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens in heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him, "Now it's time to visit heaven..."

So, 24 hours pass with the Senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.

"Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity."

The Senator reflects for a minute, then he answers: "Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell."

So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell...

Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above. The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulders.

"I don't understand," stammers the Senator. "Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?"

The devil smiles at him and says, "Yesterday we were campaigning, today, you voted..."

Vote wisely on November 2, 2010

(Story forwarded to Shelton Blog by Katherine Price, author unknown)