We do not have a lot of information on this as of yet but Bob Pederson Director of Island County Planning & Community Development has resigned.
We do not know the reasoning behind his resignation but we are certainly going to find out. At one time he had made a threat to bring a lawsuit against Island County but we are not privy to the reasons behind his lawsuit or if there was indeed a threat of a suit.
Supoposedly his last day will be April 1st…April Fools day of all days!
This should turn out to be very interesting…more to come.
Tags: Bob Pederson, Island County Commissioners, Island County Planning & Community Development
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Cliff, That’s great news. Too bad he didn’t take HPJ with him
I was downtown shopping & had a cup of coffee this AM with a friend… he said about the same thing you posted
I called Justin B @ WNT to confirm, but he wasn’t there
I left a message to call me back
I’ll let you know what I get
Sure hope this is not a sick April fools day prank-
Justin Burnett confirmed Monday afternoon that Pederson did give WNT a copy of his April 1 resignation letter
It’s not an April Fools Day Prank
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To say I am overjoyed would be an understatement.
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I noticed that WNT pulled the story about Bob Pederson’s happy retirement and “bucket list” plans. It is also very interesting that there was absolutely no probing questions into the heart of the matter. For instance, why the resignation? Why now? Was there some kind of deal worked out in a back room? If so, with who? “Something stinks in Denmark” kind of fits this story line and I am sure when the facts are finally out, this “semi-retirement” BS will not hold up to the forthcoming scrutiny.
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I find that interesting also. At one time I heard a rumor Bob Pederson had threatened to sue the county but I never could find out just what he would sue for or why…
It is not unusual for someone in his position to be replaced when a new majority is created but it is a bit unusual that this was of his choice not the board of commissioners. He takes the job with the county, moves from Florida to here for 4 or so years and quits with no retirement or no job. Either the previous Commissioners made a horrible choice when they selected him or something is very fishy in Coupeville..
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Cliff,
The previous commissioner AH and current commissioner HPJ thought he was doing such a spectacular job they recently gave him a substantial raise. My guess is that it was because he was doing their bidding and dirty work. I really doubt that he is leaving without a “golden parachute” of some kind because I know that he isn’t that dumb to waltz out without one. With that said, I am expecting some kind of backlash from him on his way out the door , some sort of poke in the eye, even though all we ever wanted was a decision (either way) for over 2 years, so that we could take it to the next level. It will be difficult for the County going forward because all of the case information is in his head and nothing in writing. The facts are; there are still no written policies, procedures, rules, laws, training, qualifications of staff that were implemented or followed during his tenure and these facts will see the light of day soon. Also, it stinks far more than just “fishy” in Coupeville.And for all of you haters out there, I applied for the permit BEFORE the official complaint arrived, paid the required fees, submitted the required “field indicators worksheet” which was summarily rejected for some unknown reason by Bob Pederson, without explanation. He then went up and beyond Island County Code’s limitations on his office to dole out unwarranted and unconstitutional fines for no legitimate reason. That is what remains to be settled.
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Cliff,
A while back, I personally received a phone call (out of the blue) from a credible Whidbey Island Government Official who stated that Bob Pederson, told that person directly, that he would sue both Island County and the Emersons if he lost his job. I am sure that the witness will testify to that. I actually thought that would be good news because the cross complaint I would file against him personally (not the county), would knock his socks off. I still hope he follows through with his threat. By the way, I have hired new counsel, Dick Stephens to represent us, going forward.-
That name sounds familiar. Was he one of Dino Rossi’s lawyers?
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Cliff,
You can find out about his firm and profile at
gskonline.com
He is a serious heavyweight in the property rights / government arena.
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Mr. Emerson: Please ask the Webmaster for my email address. I’d like to talk to you — personally — about your current choice of Land Use Attorneys. I know you got burned on a previous occasion, but based upon PERSONAL experience — you should talk to me about your current choice of legal representation — at your earliest convenience.
You state that: “He is a serious heavyweight in the property rights / government arena”. Well, while that might be the billing — I think we should talk. At least then, you can listen and take what you will from the conversation.
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Cliff, If my memory is correct, Ken Wolf in one of our Public Document Request researches discovered a letter to HR filing a formal complaint against Homola and Price-Johnson, I don’t have a copy of it in my files…We need to contact Ken to see if he made a copy of Pederson’s complaint letter against his bosses
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It may be easier to file a new PDR, I know Mr Wolf has literally thousands of pages obtained previously obtained through the PDR process on this issue and digging through all of them may be problematic just because of the volume…
It may have been from Ken Wolf that I heard about the threat of a lawsuit against the county from Bob Pederson. That does ring a bell. Let me know if you find anything out from Ken otherwise we can craft a new PDR to the county to find out.
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Cliff,
A while back, maybe as far back as 2 years, both Ken Wolf and myself posted comments requesting information from whistleblowers, employees, people who were wronged, and people who just want to get their story out. Well, I can say, we got a lot of response and have a lot of documentation about what is/was going on in our County Government. I encourage that people use the Public Document Request system though and I know there are plenty of documents that can be requested yet.-
I too recieved many of those calls about County (mostly Planning Department related) and used the Public Document Request Law (RCW 42.56) to obtain facts regarding those “whistleblower” conversations
The list of complaints increased to the point where Commissioner Homola publicly complained about me and the number of my document requests in their July 2012 meeting @minute marker 3:39 of this youtube video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioIkaU5xrMo&feature=youtu.be-
Can she publically complain and name a citizen in a public meeting without that citizens’ permission?
Anyone has a right to make public records requests, and Homola’s complaining might not bother you, but a more timid person could be very intimidated if their records requests were complained about in a public meeting by a public official.
Seems like censureship to me.
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mike, Homola’s remarks about all our document requests pleased me. I considered it to be a compliment because it showed we were doing a good job keeping tabs on she and Helen…
…and, we still have HPJ in our cross hairsYou are correct about, “a more timid person could be very intimidated” and most all Pederson types in addition to Homola and HPJ have gotten away with it too damn many times, at least for this old goat
I bet is we’ll nail HPJ during the next 3+ years too
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I just looked on line—the article is still there. It was also in my paper copy of the WNT that I got this evening.
There are a bunch of people in Island County who will be very pleased by his departure.
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Jim,
They took it down and then put it back up a short while ago.-
Pederson’s “retirement” story is gone again on WNT site but is still shown on the South Whidbey Sound Paper
The WNT link provided here also will connect to the original WNT version
There are no comments on the South end facebook version
Guess Sound publishing is waiting until there is a real story to print about Pederson’s
“?retirement?” instead of using Pederson’s “How great I am BS” version of his retirement
The story is also available via a “Google Search” for “Island County Planning Director Resigns”
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From the News Section:
“Island County planning director resigns post”
http://www.whidbeynewstimes.com/news/195458761.html
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Pederson is a bad apple. If I recall correctly he was fired from his last job in Florida.
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Jason,
Yes he was. I called his former employer a couple of years ago to get the real story from them. He was not loved there nor missed. -
Yes Jason, he was and the reason he was fired, (politically correct in Coupeville is “resigned”)
The reason he was fired in Fla was exactly why Homola, Dean, Price-Johnson and WEAN wanted him here…
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“…MANATEE COUNTY – Carol Clarke stepped down as director of the county’s Planning Department on Thursday. So did Bob Pederson, the department’s community planning administrator and second in command.
In a statement, the county called the changes “the latest in a series of moves to make Manatee County a more business-oriented, customer-friendly operation.”
Developers have complained that, in the past, it took too long to get plans through the Planning Department and permits from the Building Department.
Clarke, who has left the county’s employ completely, was unavailable for comment after the announcement was made.
Recently, Hunzeker appointed a new director of the Building Department, John Barnott, to overhaul it. Builders say that department now runs more smoothly.
Hunzeker next wants more reforms in the Planning Department to improve customer service and revise the county’s land development codes and comprehensive plan.”
**********I bet Flordia didn’t give him a big “keep your mouth shut” exit payment probably like County has done???
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A big “keep your mouth shut” payment would be pubic record correct?
The commissioners must be very careful selecting the next planning director. I am sure there are many anti-business individuals pretending to be something else that have a big surprise once appointed.
Perhaps the planning dept. can run much more efficiently without him and we can save money without “real” director for awhile.
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“Perhaps the planning dept. can run much more efficiently without him and we can save money without “real” director for awhile.”
Good idea Jason maybe with him gone there will be some serious “attitude adjustments” by some of the staff fearing they too might be retired if they don’t shift gears from “enforcement” a to “What can I do to help property owners get their building permits”Might even quickly bring an end to the harassmwent of the 6 property owners we’ve been trying to help get their permits; you know, the cases that HPJ claims she knows NOTHING about when she said she had no grounds and could not get 2 Commissioner votes to fire Pederson because Emerson EMERSON WOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO VOTE on the matter and Homola wouldn’t agree to terminating him…DUH, WHERE & WHEN did Price-Johnson get the authotity to not allow Emerson to vote and did she and Homola have an off the record meeting to decide that???
So much for open meeting laws or is it just more of HPJ’s my way or no way BS?
Are HPJ and Homola pushing the envelop and close to experiencing the pains of justice for violating:RCW 42.20.040 False Report,
RCW 42.20.050, Public officer making false certificate, and/or
RCW.20.100, Failure of duty by a public officer, a misdemeanor???I don’t hear the fat lady singing yet on this drama
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Bill, Possible ‘conspiracy’ against certain island county land owners need to be investigated at the state level! We can go round & round, but an independent agency is needed. They can do the forensic computer investigation of deleted e-mails, etc., etc.! If there’s a cover-up or corruption, they’ll find it.
RCW 42.20.040 False Report,
RCW 42.20.050, Public officer making false certificate, and/or
RCW.20.100, Failure of duty by a public officer, a misdemeanor?-
ZANDERZONE. Thanks for your comments and help We appreciate all the help we can muster
We are still digging thru docs etc and will probably request more data before we or maybe will use attorneys to forward a request for legal action
We want to make sure we deal in facts in this matter, especially considering those all who might be involved
I think those 3 RCWs I listed were the ones Prosecutor Banks and Sheriff Brown’s Deputies used to end Larry Kwarsick’s political career
We have learned from past experience that the Attorney General’s office does not have the authority or jurisdiction to involve itself in the internal workings of local political subdivisions -
Please count me in — I’ve been screwed, blued, and tattooed (that’s an old Navy expression) by Angry Homola (sic), Pederson, and one individual at Fish & Wildlife. It all started when I wouldn’t give Homola $300 for her campaign (she asked), wouldn’t let her post a LARGE campaign sign on my property (she asked), and when I told her I was supporting her opponent (she didn’t ask).
I’d be more than happy to share my unhappy experiences — starting in 2009 — with anyone who can and will lower the hammer on these corrupt bureaucrats.
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Contract the work out. There are professional planning companies that do this work. Save money, save time, save litigation.
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Maybe now Island County property owners can take a piss without a permit!!!
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I have used the Island County Building Department under the direction of Mr. Bob Pederson and never had any issues with the Staff or Mr. Pederson. I have read all the commends regarding the issues with Emerson’s and I do not agree that “the mess” should be brushed under the table. I’m sure that she is the Chair person that she will make her presence know in the building department and others will be shown the door because “she can” and not based a persons job performance. She never should have been given the opportunity to Chair until the issues are resolved, don’t understand how she can work for the County and have a law suit against the County…..makes no sense at all. I’m sure there are people ready to face off with her in the next election….she will be a four year Commissioner……and the cycle will continue.
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RS,
2 wetlands specialists said Emerson has no wetlands. The county relied on a hand drawing, said drawing was not signed and not qualified to be a legal wetlands designation.
How is it that you think this is appropriate?
My guess is Mrs. Peterson said “Bob, we are out of here.” Life goes on.
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Correction: Our Wetland and Stream identification reports were prepared and peer reviewed by WA State licensed Hydrogeologists with over 50 years experience between them. There is currently no licensed classsification in WA State for: Wetland Specialists, Wetland Professional, Wetland Biologist, Wetland Scientist, Wetland Expert or any other variant. There are plenty of unlicensed, unqualified, uncredentialed people out there with an opinion and an agenda.
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Good greif…
“don’t understand how she can work for the County and have a law suit against the County”
Kelly Emerson has no lawsuit against the county.
We have consistently pointed you to the facts in this case and I guess you just refuse to acknowledge them.
That means that in THIS county we have people, like yourself, that just refuse to acknowledge the facts and will public denigrate someone repeatedly. Obviously someone has told you your “facts” you listened to them and then are now parroting those “facts” on with utter disregard for the truth. Check your sources…
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Cliff, re RightSide, an internet troller, i.e, someone who posts inflammatory, extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community, such as this forum, chat room, or blog, with the primary intent of provoking readers into an emotional response, or of otherwise disrupting normal on-topic discussion
It’s a waste of time to introduce any facts for RightSide to consider or acknowledge
HE has answers for everything i.eHE believes everything HE thinks
HE admits nothing, denies everything and makes counter-accusations
HE never learned to not tell any big lies; small ones can be just as effective…
…and HE should follow Mark Twain’s advice, “First get your facts; then you can distort them at your leisure.”
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I don’t believe he fits the internet troll label. I think RightSide, like others, is just misinformed. The local press and liberals have demonized Kelly Emerson to the extent that it is known by everyone that she is “sueing the county” or so the story goes…it is rather sad the liberal propaganda has been accepted by so many. All’s we can do is keep pointing people to the facts, it is up to them to read those facts.
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WrongSide,
Nobody has been trying to sweep “the mess” under the table other than Planning. Quite the contrary, I would like to shine the spotlight on the whole matter and planning department, but the ball is in Bob Pederson’s court. It will be interesting to see how the county can move forward without Pederson’s input, as everything is in his head and undocumented. This is a case of “Official Misconduct” if there ever was one and I expect him to file something on his way out the door as a final act of malice.
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I thought this website was to comments, CLEAN and FRIENDLY…not bad mouthing others regarding their feelings or comments, and name calling…..I do not appreciate your comments “BILL” toward me and feel you owe me an apology…..My understanding of this web site was to bring on discussion and learn but people who talkthe way yhou do should be removed from being able to use the web site…….to bad you can’t understand people do have feelings….but then again..maybe not….
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Everyone has a right to vote for whoever they feel are qualified, you can vote for who ever you want and so can I….I am not a supporter for Emerson…she does not even live in the district she serves….
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“she does not even live in the district she serves….”
See what I mean? You make wild unsubstantiated statements that are not based on facts. And you do it repeatedly. I can certainly understand why Bill thinks you are a troll by your comments.
If I may ask just where do you get your information from? It seems that you must be close to someone who feeds your mind with these little falsehoods you are parroting here. Who told you that Kelly Emerson does not live on Camano Island?
Did you ever think to look her address up? She is a frigging commissioner you know, it IS easily verifiable.
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Hey, Wrongside
Would you like to make our house payment for our Camano Home? How about paying for our inflated property taxes too? Get you facts straight before posting your nonsense.
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Bill – in case you forgot the blog rules I have provided them for you:
Blog Commenting Rules:
This blog aims to be a forum for lively and spirited debate and discussion. We encourage visitors to our blog to get involved, and share their thoughts on important issues. We do have basic rules to keep the exchange civil and constructive. These rules are:
1. Please be respectful. No personal or transparently spiteful attacks.
2. Spam or solicitations of any kind are not allowed.
3. Comments with profanity and slanderous remarks are not allowed.
4. Please stay on subject. No blatantly off-subject comments please.
Any comment found violating the rules set forth above will be removed without notification by the administrators.-
Rightside…you need to learn one thing real quick. This is Bill’s blog, he is an equal as all of us authors here are. He can make it so you never comment here again if he so wishes. He may break the rules here, that is the benefit of having your own blog. And besides your comments are exasperating.
And if you continue to ignore the information that we supply you here and continue to make uneducated unsubstantiated claims as you do you will be continued to be ridiculed. At least do some basic research on the issue before posting attacks on others.
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