Dear Friends,

We can certainly say that time is dispensed equitably to everyone. It does not discriminate, even though it seems that someone put a “fast forward” on the weekend for me.
 
This week is very busy. I will describe that shortly, but I first wanted to share about last week’s resolution, Resolution No. R2022-82, “Peace Officers Week” in Pierce County, Washington; and Commemorating the Service and Sacrifice of Peace Officers Killed in the Line of Duty. The wife of fallen Deputy Dom Calata attended the meeting. My heart was focused on Mrs. Calata given her recent tragedy and how she so gracefully handled her loss. I was reminded of Jacqueline Kennedy in her dark hour back in 1963.
           
In hindsight, I realized I had neglected to recognize the many other wives and husbands, children and parents and best friends who have also experienced a loss of their beloved peace officer. We know life is full of risks. That’s just the way it is, but to intentionally choose a career that puts you in harm’s way to protect others requires a person with a special kind of courage and a servant’s heart. I want to pay homage by expressing my humble gratitude for their sacrifice of life and to their families, who now carry their memory.                                 

We have another packed week at the Council. There are two main ordinances scheduled for Tuesday’s 3 p.m. council meeting.  Resolution 2022-77 is of particular interest. Please review the staff report.  It refers to Ordinance No. 2021-8s2, “Sustainability 2030”, Pierce County’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan.
 
The Sustainability 2030 plan outlines a ten-year goal and actions to take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across Pierce County government operations and the larger community. Ongoing community engagement and updates are planned as we work together to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and improve the health of Pierce County residents and our environment.
 
The proposed Resolution is intended to ensure the County’s greenhouse gas reduction policy objectives are integrated into the 2024 Comprehensive Plan update. Please see Exhibit D to Ordinance No. 2021-8s2 for information regarding projected fiscal impacts associated with the Sustainability 2030 Plan. Unfortunately, this isn’t something the public gets to vote on.
 
As an FYI, I happened to learn of an interesting comparison from meteorologist Joe D'Aleo, one of the founders of the weather channel. Graphs (below) of Northern Hemisphere Snow Extent come from the Rutgers Global Snow Lab. Alarmists at NOAA climate.gov use only the first, which seems to fit their narrative. Real scientists find both graphs fascinating. Climate always has and always will be abnormal if it varies considerably, because we live on a fluid planet with vast oceans and atmosphere that are never in equilibrium.

I have never been a fan of the United Nations and their IPCC. The NIPCC, Nongovernmenal International Panel on Climate Change is the polar opposite, and they don’t receive taxpayer funding. If you are inclined to comment on R2022-77, go to the resolution and look at the upper right corner. I have read that the UN believes agriculture is the biggest threat to forests. That idea concerns me.
 
The second piece of legislation is regarding safe parking, 2022-36. This is a new ordinance on an evolving issue. The Council is looking to have a pilot program to authorize safe parking facilities for the homeless. I am reading the few public comments that have been made. Please take some time to share your thoughts as well.
 
Wednesday morning, our Performance Audit Committee will be interesting. The committee will review the Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer Office property tax exemptions for seniors and people with disabilities as well as a brief review on police pursuit policies.
 
Grateful for you,