PORT ANGELES — Republican Clallam County Commissioner Mike Chapman clashed with his fellow Democratic commissioners Monday over alleged partisanship in Planning Commission appointments.
Specifically, Chapman asked whether it is necessary to interview eight county Planning Commission applicants — including two Republican incumbents seeking new four-year terms.
Chapman accused Democrats Steve Tharinger and Mike Doherty of political favoritism. He contended that they should give Planning Commission members Teri Schwiethale and Gary Gleason first consideration because they have served the commission well.
Schwiethale is vice chairwoman of the commission and two years ago ran unsuccessfully against incumbent state Rep. Lynn Kessler, D-Hoquiam.
“You would never support Teri, and you would never support Gary,” Chapman told the two Democratic commissioners.
The matter flared Monday during routine work session discussion of county advisory board and commission policies. The policies are being crafted by county Administrator Dan Engelbertson.
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The rest of the story appears in the Tuesday Peninsula Daily News Jefferson County edition. Click on SUBSCRIBE, above, to get the PDN delivered to your home or office.
