PORT ANGELES — Clallam County Commissioners are supportive of a request to place a memorial on county property to recognize the late state Supreme Court Justice Susan Owens, who died March 28.
“A lot of women in her era were not encouraged to be lawyers, and we believe this is an appropriate way to honor Justice Owens so she can continue to be an example for young women in the community,” said Natelie Columbus, president of the Olympic Peninsula Chapter of the Washington Women Lawyers Association.
Columbus said during Monday’s work session that the group is open to ideas about a location and the form a memorial might take, but it favored a bench and plaque at high-traffic location, such as near the flagpole at the south entrance to the courthouse.
The group also had reached out to the Lower Elwha Klallam for its input, she said, so that part of Owens’ legacy could be part of any recognition.
Owens was the first woman to serve as a judge on the Clallam County District Court, a part-time position, when she was appointed in 1981. She also served as a part-time chief judge for the Quileute and Lower Elwha Klallam tribes.
In November 2000, Owens was elected to the state Supreme Court, becoming the seventh woman to hold that position. She retired in December, when she reached the mandatory retirement age of 75.
Commissioner Mike French said the city of Forks is planning to install a plaque honoring Owens in District II Court, which serves the West End.
“She was a very practical judge. They are very proud of her out there,” Commissioner Randy Johnson said. “I think they would like to have it there.”
Columbus said the group would be willing to support an effort in Forks, while keeping in mind the group sought a memorial that would reach as many people as possible.
The first step in the process, said Don Crawford, the county’s director of parks, fair and facilities, would be to discuss possible locations and address any issues from a facilities standpoint, such as access to electricity, if lighting is desired. They would then return with a recommendation to the board.
Commissioners also discussed the state Parks and Recreation Commission’s intent to purchase 134 acres next to Hoko River State Park for riparian restoration. Of concern to the commissioners is a lack of county policy on land acquisitions that could help them state their position to the Recreation and Conservation Office, which is in charge of the project.
When so much of the county already is in government or tribal hands, county administrator Todd Mielke said, the continued removal of lands its from tax rolls can impact its ability to provide services.
Bruce Emery, the county’s director of community development, said the county’s comprehensive plan would be an appropriate location for a policy to provide general guidance on the financial and land use impact of such acquisitions.
French recommended continuing a discussion about crafting a policy and including it in the next comprehensive plan update.
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Reporter Paula Hunt can be reached by email at paula.hunt@peninsuladailynews.com.
