Sax Watch

Test

2007-04-23T15:54:00.000-07:00

This is a test of the new blogger. This blog is essentially dormant, perhaps waiting for Mr. Sax to emerge from his public service work into the public world again.

Election 2006: Take the high road

2006-03-20T23:50:00.000-08:00

Seattle PI Editorial on the phone calls:

"Election 2006: Take the high road
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER EDITORIAL BOARD
It's good to hear GOP senatorial candidate Mike McGavick say he's going to take the high road in his campaign against incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell. Perhaps he'll set a badly needed example for his party.
McGavick, former Safeco chief executive, pledged during meetings Thursday in Washington, D.C., with senior Republicans to shun the all-too-common highly negative campaign approach.
McGavick should call the Olympia-based Speaker's Roundtable. The Republican-linked outfit drew howls of protest in January when it sent phony sex-predator notification postcards to voters saying their legislators had gone soft on sex offenders.
The group was perpetuating the same fraud last week with automated phone calls to 10,000 homes in Snohomish County, warning that a dangerous, unidentified sex offender 'has been released into your community.' The recordings lamented that Democratic Reps. Hans Dunshee of Snohomish and John Lovick of Mill Creek refused to vote on a bill to lock up child rapists for life."

The op-edgoes on to point out that our local legislators voted along with all the others to impose tought 25-life sentences on sex offenders.

Unfortunately, they didn't set penalties for political hate groups.

VanBlog by Vanguard: GOP fake "sex offender" mailing

2006-03-17T19:57:00.000-08:00

VanBlog by Vanguard: GOP fake "sex offender" mailing

This post has nothing to do with Jeff Sax, as far as I know, except that it is the current example of the type of smear tactics used by Republican Operatives in our area, and demonstrates that the telephone calls about a "sex offender" that we all received this week are an attempt to smear our local Democratic legislators as well as others throughout the state.

This type of scare tactics ought to be beyond reputable candidates and their supporters, but unfortunately is not. The best way to combat it is to expose it for what it is: a despicable attempt to scare the electorate into voting for Republicans who will supposedly "protect us". Since it is becoming increasingly obvious that instead of protecting us, the Republicans in power are robbing us blind, driving us into debt, and threatening our rights, the voters are beginning to understand that voting for a Republican will not make us safe from anyone, be they terrorists or sex offenders.

The fact is that the problem of sex offenders is a complicated one, best worked out by neighborhoods with the help of their local law enforcement. The group that is making the phone calls is attempting to stir us all up, to blame our legislators for not "fixing" the problem, and implying that if the other party were elected the problem could be "fixed".

We don't need their interference in our local neighborhoods and politics. We do need more discussion and dialog about how to deal with things locally, and our elected officials and law enforcement personnel are providing that. If we as citizens aren't satisfied with what is being done, we need to work through our local channels.

Council candidate Stephens won't be charged

2006-02-26T23:15:00.000-08:00

HeraldNet: Council candidate Stephens won't be charged:

But Sax is still crying.

"Sax said Friday he wasn't surprised at the outcome of the investigation because of election problems in King County.
'I have no faith in the election system,' Sax said. 'The guy very clearly did wrongdoing that perhaps caused the outcome of an election to be changed.
'If somebody can do that and not be charged with a crime or be penalized, chastised reprimanded or something is beyond me.'
Stephens was investigated after Sax complained to Snohomish County Sheriff Rick Bart. Citing a conflict of interest, Bart asked the Washington State Patrol to investigate.
State Patrol Lt. Greg Miller said he conducted no interviews but did collect and deliver Terwilliger's files to King County prosecutors."

HeraldNet: Sax donor hires him to aid charity project

2006-02-24T22:04:00.000-08:00

HeraldNet: Sax donor hires him to aid charity project:

By Jerry Cornfield
Herald Writer
ARLINGTON - Former County Councilman Jeff Sax is working again, and his first job teams him with a major campaign donor to build housing for homeless teenage girls."

Sax is being funded by the same developers who funded his political campaign through both direct donations and through a PAC. At least we won't have our mailboxes cluttered up with junk mail for awhile (unless he does fundraising for his pet causes).

HeraldNet Posts old Pro-Sax Letters to the Web

2006-01-24T00:01:00.000-08:00

HeraldNet - JEFF SAX : He balances ecology and our economy: "JEFF SAX
He balances ecology and our economy

I was amused by Bruce Barnbaum's broadside against Snohomish County Councilmember Jeff Sax ('Jeff Sax: His actions speak louder than words,' Feb. 22). Barnbaum complains that, 'Mr. Sax apparently believes that only humans count, and his definition of what 'counts' is apparently very limited, indeed.' "

This is the start of a letter from 2002 (after Sax had defeated Somers). It got picked up by my Google notice, and it appears that the Herald is posting it to the Web for the first time, with a 2006 copyright notice (is that legal since it was originally written in 2002?).

HeraldNet: Political donors switch support

2006-01-10T19:14:00.000-08:00

HeraldNet: Political donors switch support: "Political donors switch support
Backers of losing Snohomish County Councilman Jeff Sax give nearly $9,000 to his winning rival, Dave Somers."

Which just goes to show that the developers will support whoever is in power.

The Seattle Times: Snohomish County News: Controversial councilman on his way out

2006-01-09T19:00:00.000-08:00

The Seattle Times: Snohomish County News: Controversial councilman on his way out:

"Jeff Sax can still smile about the political stances and gaffes that may have cost him his job.
Yes, the departing Snohomish County councilman, who lost to former council Chairman Dave Somers in the November election, has worries. One is about his reputation, which he believes is tarnished after what many consider major political blunders."

The Seattle Times does a little retrospective as Sax leaves office, suggesting that he will still be around and

Whatever he does, don't expect Sax to disappear. There's bound to be a land-use policy or political issue somewhere that he and others like him think requires a change.

In the meantime, he'll take the opportunity to get reacquainted with a family life near the Machias area of Snohomish County that's out of the public spotlight, a position in which his two children are glad to see him.

When he's ready, he'll rear that red-topped head of his.

"People will then know that I lead an upstanding, God-fearing life," he said. "So that if I do return to public office, people will recognize that maybe they were wrong last time."

Or maybe we'll remember that we were right. . .

Northwest Progressive Institute: As if we didn't have enough to worry about

2005-11-30T19:31:00.000-08:00

Northwest Progressive Institute: As if we didn't have enough to worry about:

"For the first time in this state, a political action committee has been formed to help elect candidates to the state Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. The Constitutional Law PAC has a right-of-center orientation"

I guess the whole state will have to put up with developer's money next time around.

Crossposted to ThreeLakes.

Sax and Council are trying Railroad on Growth Management Act!

2005-11-29T18:35:00.000-08:00

Jeff Sax and the other pro-development members of the County Council will make one last try to steal our county for the Developers. They plan to hold what they call the "Final" hearings for the Growth Management Act revisions on December 7. If their actions at the last hearings are any guide, they will probably make a lot of changes in the ordinance to help their Developer friends, and they quickly pass it before the New less development-friendly Council takes control at the first of the year.

This Action alert just came through from Kristin Kelly:

Please click the link below and let the county council know that you want a thoughtful growth plan for Snohomish County, not a maximum growth plan at any cost scenario to satisfy the developer feeding frenzy.

On December 7th at 1:30 p.m. the council will hold their final public hearing on the 10-year comprehensive plan update. They have introduced 65 amendments to the County Executive Preferred Alternative. They are also considering changes that reflect the Alternative 3--highest growth scenario that was not advertised as part of this public hearing process. These changes they are considering mean UGA expansions and rezones to every UGA, some of which will impact critical areas, resource lands and rural lands unnecessarily, and transportation impacts and costs that the public has not had a chance to see or comment on. This hurried public process was advertised on the Friday after Thanksgiving while you were no doubt focused on making turkey sandwiches and visiting with friends and relatives.

Please send in the letter. Feel free to edit the letter to reflect your concerns as well. Let the Council know you are not happy with the land grab scenario at the expense of a thoughtful plan on growth.

For more information, visit the county's website at www.co.snohomish.wa.us and click on the 10-year comprehensive plan link.

http://actionstudio.org/?go=1901&i=KjsmUjddXD8qUlw5W1JAICAK

Thank you,
Kristin Kelly, Field Organizer

Sax Loses, Somers Wins!

2005-11-08T23:51:00.000-08:00

Washblog:

"COUNTY COUNCIL- DISTRICT 5155/155
D - Dave Somers 10,909 49.31%
R - Jeff Sax 9,448 42.70%
I - Greg Stephens 1,694 7.66%
Write-In 74 0.33%"

These are unofficial final results. There will be a few more mail ballots coming in that will possibly change things a little bit.

The stack of pro-Sax propaganda that I have piled up on my desk can now be burned (or recycled) and the county is now safer from Developers.

The People have spoken!

Dave Somers Interview Link on Washblog

2005-11-08T10:47:00.000-08:00

Dave Somers interviews with Evergreen Politics
Dave's interview, and Lynn's subsequent post on dirty tricks revealed the last minute barrage of lie-mail from the Sax camp, and the reason Somers decided to run against Sax.

It has been difficult watching Jeff. I think he fundamentally doesn’t believe in government. On land use he seems to do whatever the developers want. When I was on the council I had a sense of really wanting to protect the land, manage growth, and keep the natural environment in good shape. I really wanted us to avoid becoming like the Los Angeles area with its uncontrolled growth.

When Jeff came on the Council it tipped the balance and they undid so many things. It was difficult. My background is in natural resources. I’m a fisheries biologist. When I was on the Council I enjoyed broadening my understanding of other issues and getting into transportation, criminal justice, parks, and other issues. It was a rewarding experience. There are so many aspects of county government. I’m a problem solver; I like to jump in and see if I can help resolve issues.

Now there is not a strong voice to argue the other way on unrestrained growth. I was successful in steering things in a positive direction. I thought about challenging Jeff for 4 years. I’m glad I did it.

Last I heard, Dave Somers was leading Sax narrowly in a GOP sponsored poll, but can't confirm this rumor. Dave will need a big GOTV push tomorrow.

Read TODAY! Make sure you go and Vote!

The Seattle Times: Opinion: Sax's act has grown old

2005-11-04T23:24:00.000-08:00

The Seattle Times: Opinion: Sax's act has grown old:

"Sax's act has grown old
Early in his 2005 re-election campaign, Snohomish County Councilman Jeff Sax sat down for a political roast meant to poke premeditated fun at his bull-in-the-china-shop style. No one mentioned the embarrassing fact that a house was built on his property without a building permit. Ho, ho, ho, ha, ha, ha."

Seattle Times Editorial Columnist socks it to Sax.

Everett Herald endorses Somers: Somers is better bet against volatile Sax

2005-10-31T17:48:00.000-08:00

HeraldNet: Somers is better bet against volatile Sax:

"Somers is better bet against volatile Sax

Politics is often as much about style as substance, and that's the case in the race for the Snohomish County Council's District 5 seat.
The leading candidates to represent the east-county district, Republican incumbent Jeff Sax and Democratic former council member Dave Somers, clearly have differences in substance. Sax, backed by big campaign contributions from developers, puts a premium on private property rights. Somers, whose campaign has gotten most of its money from environmental and labor groups, argues for more controls on growth.
When it comes to style, the two actually share some of the same characteristics. Both are deeply principled, holding tight to their core beliefs. Both have reputations for being strong-willed, sometimes to the point of arrogance. Legitimate questions exist about their open-mindedness and approachability. We have reservations about both."

But they conclude that Somers is a better bet than Sax.

Flippity-Floppity

2005-10-27T11:54:00.000-07:00

WashBlog points out how Sax has spoken with forked tongue about the Brightwater Plant. It's clear that this guy will say whatever is expedious to the audience he speaks to.

Is he for it or against it?

WashBlog: Somers has a chance

2005-10-27T00:02:00.000-07:00

WashBlog: Somers has a chance: "Somers has a chance
The word on the street in Snohomish County is that a recently commissioned poll shows Dave Somers with a slight lead in his race for County Council. This information merely confirms that Somers needs all hands on deck, as he continues to fight a 2-1 money advantage. To turn the tide and retake this crucial county council, the entire progressive community will need to unite and support Dave.
Visit www.djsomers.com and support Dave today!"

The Swiftboating Begins

2005-10-26T23:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I warned you about the mailings that would be starting soon. That was before I looked at my snailmail.

The first in the series is a "Jeff Sax is Great" piece in the style of George W Bush, his mentor and party leader.

Today the series continued with a negative piece, paid for by the "Friends of Jeff Sax" who don't appear to be reporting their expenditures to the PDC. It's in the style of the Swiftboat Veterans for Truth, who in actuality told lies about John Kerry. The FoJS have rented a PO Box in Snohomish and are busy insulting the intelligence of the residents of Snohomish County.

The style of these hit pieces is to lie negatively about their opponent and positively about their candidate, but you can rest assured that both sides are lies.

For example, with respect to unemployment, the economic times were more to blame than either Somers or Sax. Somers was last in office during the dot.com bust, and Sax got into office when things were at a low because of 9/11. The statements on the hit piece are phrased in general terms and thus are less than verifiable.

The Seattle TimesEndorses: Koster, Gossett, Somers for Snohomish County

2005-10-26T23:43:00.000-07:00

The Seattle Times: Editorials & Opinion: Koster, Gossett, Somers for Snohomish County:

"Koster, Gossett, Somers for Snohomish County Snohomish County Council needs an infusion of perspective on the growth defining its future. Population and housing estimates are soaring and there is only increasing frustration ahead with roads, schools and public services unless land-use policies achieve a manageable balance."

About Sax, the Times says:

Sax only lurches from one political pratfall to another; he is unfocused and unpredictable. His deliberate leak of legal details from a recent executive session was the last straw.

Get ready for more Sax mailings

2005-10-25T19:08:00.000-07:00

I thought I posted this already, but it didn't show up. While researching the PDC website to figure out where Sax is getting his money (see the Everett Herald article for their summary) I noticed that they Sax's big PAC supporter has paid a Monroe Printer $20,000, for printing (although it might be for signs).

I suspect that they plan on a pre-election Blitz. From a strategic standpoint, it would probably behoove Dave Somers to wait until the last minute to respond, although if they've already ordered their printing they may not be able to respond to him. On the other hand, most people vote by mail these days, so the election may be already decided before those mailings get out.

If you have any spare change, send it to Dave Somers to help finance a mailing from him.

Welcome to WashBlog Readers

2005-10-25T18:55:00.000-07:00

Welcome to WashBlog readers. I'm attempting to compile as much information as I can about Jeff Sax. If you have any good stuff, put it in a comment here or e-mail it to me at earwicker23@airamericalinks.com

I generally post here in the evening, after the Daily Show.

Daily Kos: Play a part in a local Wingnut takedown

2005-10-24T22:50:00.000-07:00

Daily Kos: Play a part in a local Wingnut takedown: "1)Ovbiously doesn't believe the law applies to him - built a second home on land not zoned for it, and did it without a permit (even though he fought for 3 years trying to get it re-zoned before he got elected in 2001)
2)Leaked confidential legal documents to a NIMBY group which is illegal and being investigated by the WA State Patrol
3)Cut funding to the United Way over a political pissing match
4)Cut funding to stream and rivers that have suffered environmental damage
5)Doctored the Growth Management Plan's buildable lands report in a secret session with land developers to try to gain more land development - circumventing years of work by local city planners and county officials.
6)Has taken in over $300,000.00 in big developer contributions for his re-election.
7)Is a close buddy of scumbag Richard Pambo (R-CA) and has assisted him on a local level to fight against creating the Wild Sky Wilderness."

For those readers who don't know who Daily KOS is, it is THE Major blog on the Progressive side of the Blogosphere and may be one of the two or three most read blogs on the Internet. This was posted in a "Diary" about a week ago, but it showed up in my search engine and so got us a bit of publicity, and probably got Dave Somers a little bit of money.

WashBlog: Record breaking $750,000 poured into council races

2005-10-24T22:39:00.000-07:00

WashBlog: Record breaking $750,000 poured into council races: "Record breaking $750,000 poured into council races
The Everett Herald points out the painful truth about the 2005 county council races."

Washblog links to a Herald Article, and has lots more Sax information.

jeffsaxfacts.com | What you need to know about Jeff Sax

2005-10-23T21:30:00.000-07:00

jeffsaxfacts.com | What you need to know about Jeff Sax

A new WebSite documenting Facts about Jeff Sax. No relation to this blog, but full of useful information. Check it out.

HeraldNet: Ethics panel clears Jeff Sax [of Breaking the Law, but not of Behaving unethically]

2005-10-22T23:43:00.000-07:00

HeraldNet: Ethics panel clears Jeff Sax:

"Snohomish County Councilman Jeff Sax may have bent county rules, but he didn't break them when he leaked documents marked confidential to opponents of the Brightwater sewage treatment plant.
That was the ruling of the Snohomish County Ethics Commission on Friday."

Well, he squeaked by this time, but

"The commission's 3-1 decision turned on the lack of clarity in county code over exactly what the word "confidential" means, commission chairman Bill Higgins said.

"He didn't break the law, but he definitely broke the appearance of fairness doctrine," Higgins said."

Apparently investigations are still underway on the state level to see if he broke any laws.

Unfortunately, this is one of those difficult issues. Let's face it, if a council member who didn't have the overwhelming support of the Developers had done this, I'd probably support it. The problem I have with Sax is not his support of the Brightwater opponents, but the is his support of the Developers who would like to build this county from one end to the other. And the amount of money that he has gotten from those developers. And the apparent quid pro quo that is evidenced by the weakening of the development regulations by the council.

HeraldNet: Sax leads the way as County OKs more rural development

2005-10-21T19:22:00.000-07:00

HeraldNet: County OKs more rural development:

"County OKs more rural development

By Jeff Switzer
Herald Writer
Urban development should be allowed on more than a thousand acres of rural property, the Snohomish County Council decided on Wednesday.
By adding the properties and changing proposed maps, the county runs the risk of missing a key deadline in adopting the state-mandated plans for population and job increases.
Consequently, the county could face state sanctions and miss out on the county's share of some state tax revenue.
More than 40 individual votes were taken in just one hour to approve special requests to boost development on up to 1,500 acres of properties.
Even Gold Bar should get a few hundred more acres for housing, the council decided in a 3-2 vote, supported by Councilmen Jeff Sax, Gary Nelson and Kirke Sievers."

It's not clear from this article how this fits in with the urban growth plan. Even granting that they needed to do this to meet some deadlines to get State aid, it doesn't make sense to do it willy-nilly per the individual requests.

From my perspective, what we need to do is adopt a long term plan and then follow it. Once the plan is in place and operational, the council should never be involved except as part of the appeals process when there are questions about whether the plan has been followed.

It would be interesting to investigate whether the money from developers that is supporting Sax's campaign had any effect on his votes in this matter. Who are the developers who were requesting these zoning changes, and did they donate to one of the PACs that has paid for all those mailings? Or have another relationship? The corporate veil seems rather thin in the case of developers around here.

More to follow . . .

[Update #1: I misread this. It's worse than I thought. It appears that what they actually accomplished by this slash and burn amending of the plan is to jeopardize meeting the stat's deadlines since they will have to go back and redo all the staff work on the original plan.]