The recent handling of the Shore Aquatic Center audit once again highlights a structural weakness in our county’s ability to ensure accountability. Prosecutor Nichols publicly acknowledged a conflict of interest due to two county commissioners serving on the Pool District board while he simultaneously serves as their legal advisor. As a result, the matter was referred to the Attorney General’s Office, where it now sits among tens of thousands of other cases awaiting review.
This is not an isolated problem — it is a predictable outcome of a system that lacks an independent mechanism for investigating misconduct involving public officials, public funds, or entities overseen by county leadership. When conflicts arise, cases are pushed to the state level, where delays are inevitable and local residents are left waiting, often for years, without clarity or resolution.
A Public Integrity Unit established within Clallam County would change that. Such a unit could:
• Conduct independent investigations when conflicts of interest prevent the prosecutor’s office from acting
• Review allegations of fraud, misuse of public funds, or misconduct by elected or appointed officials
• Evaluate violations involving school districts, special districts, and publicly funded programs
• Ensure that potential criminal conduct is addressed promptly and transparently
• Restore public confidence by demonstrating that no individual or entity is “too connected” to be scrutinized
This is not an unrealistic proposal recognizing that local oversight is essential to maintaining public trust. The challenge is not feasibility — it is political will. Convincing county leadership to support such a unit will require sustained advocacy, but the need is undeniable.
Residents of this county deserve a system that does not rely on hope, delay, or distant state offices to determine whether wrongdoing occurred. They deserve a process that ensures accountability is applied evenly, consistently, and locally. Until we establish a Public Integrity Unit, we will continue to see cases stalled, deferred, or lost in bureaucratic limbo, and the public will continue to question whether justice is being served.
And one more comment, why did French pass over the financial report for the month at the meeting yesterday? Considering the fraud found late last year by a state audit, wouldn't now be the time to be even more careful and accountable and transparent?
We appreciate your update on this serious matter and hope that it is soon resolved by the proper legal channels. It is terribly embarrassing for the Port Angeles public pool to have had SO much financial mismanagement, and we are very angry about the pool being recently opened up as a homeless community toilet and shower~! Keep up the great work~!
You can bet that none of these "fake phony compassion" socialists and communists will EVER open their own homes to the homeless for them to use, nor will they or any of their family ever be caught dead using the public pool in Port Angeles (or dropping off THEIR children to use the pool with the homeless drug addicted folks there)! These criminals NEVER have any skin in the dangerous and deadly games that they force "us" to play~! Ha! That is not compassion, that is an assault upon our freedom, rights, and safety~! Be well and stay healthy, because things are going to get weird before they get better~!!!
Obviously he dosnt believe we thr residence of Clallam County deserve accountability and transparency.This is whyself and many others have lost all confidence in Mike French.Its time for change, VOTE JAKE SEEGERS and send Mike packing...
The recent handling of the Shore Aquatic Center audit once again highlights a structural weakness in our county’s ability to ensure accountability. Prosecutor Nichols publicly acknowledged a conflict of interest due to two county commissioners serving on the Pool District board while he simultaneously serves as their legal advisor. As a result, the matter was referred to the Attorney General’s Office, where it now sits among tens of thousands of other cases awaiting review.
This is not an isolated problem — it is a predictable outcome of a system that lacks an independent mechanism for investigating misconduct involving public officials, public funds, or entities overseen by county leadership. When conflicts arise, cases are pushed to the state level, where delays are inevitable and local residents are left waiting, often for years, without clarity or resolution.
A Public Integrity Unit established within Clallam County would change that. Such a unit could:
• Conduct independent investigations when conflicts of interest prevent the prosecutor’s office from acting
• Review allegations of fraud, misuse of public funds, or misconduct by elected or appointed officials
• Evaluate violations involving school districts, special districts, and publicly funded programs
• Ensure that potential criminal conduct is addressed promptly and transparently
• Restore public confidence by demonstrating that no individual or entity is “too connected” to be scrutinized
This is not an unrealistic proposal recognizing that local oversight is essential to maintaining public trust. The challenge is not feasibility — it is political will. Convincing county leadership to support such a unit will require sustained advocacy, but the need is undeniable.
Residents of this county deserve a system that does not rely on hope, delay, or distant state offices to determine whether wrongdoing occurred. They deserve a process that ensures accountability is applied evenly, consistently, and locally. Until we establish a Public Integrity Unit, we will continue to see cases stalled, deferred, or lost in bureaucratic limbo, and the public will continue to question whether justice is being served.
Why don't these people ever go to jail....
And one more comment, why did French pass over the financial report for the month at the meeting yesterday? Considering the fraud found late last year by a state audit, wouldn't now be the time to be even more careful and accountable and transparent?
You answered your own first question with your second question.
Thank you, Patriot Anthony Tomashefsky~!
We appreciate your update on this serious matter and hope that it is soon resolved by the proper legal channels. It is terribly embarrassing for the Port Angeles public pool to have had SO much financial mismanagement, and we are very angry about the pool being recently opened up as a homeless community toilet and shower~! Keep up the great work~!
Sincerely, Mike
You’re so right!!!
Thank you very much, Patriot Ronin Van Sant~!
You can bet that none of these "fake phony compassion" socialists and communists will EVER open their own homes to the homeless for them to use, nor will they or any of their family ever be caught dead using the public pool in Port Angeles (or dropping off THEIR children to use the pool with the homeless drug addicted folks there)! These criminals NEVER have any skin in the dangerous and deadly games that they force "us" to play~! Ha! That is not compassion, that is an assault upon our freedom, rights, and safety~! Be well and stay healthy, because things are going to get weird before they get better~!!!
Sincerely, Mike
Obviously he dosnt believe we thr residence of Clallam County deserve accountability and transparency.This is whyself and many others have lost all confidence in Mike French.Its time for change, VOTE JAKE SEEGERS and send Mike packing...
My confidence in the fiscal responsibility and acumen of French and Johnson is confirmed once again with this debacle.
Well, it’s about time. We got some justice around here! French and Ozias need to be next!