Thursday, March 31, 2011

Results of State Health Department Investigation.

.
I filed a complaint several months ago alleging that Jon Russell was, in effect, marketing his wife, Sara Russell, as a doctor for purposes of their now-closed clinic, Columbia Gorge Medical Center.

In support of that allegation, I provided my statement which noted that I had heard Russell indicate his wife was a "physician" during his speech at the 18th District PCO meeting held last May; that he had indicated that Sarah Russell, who the state refers to as an "Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner" was, in fact, a doctor during the course of an interview given to the Vancouver Business Journal and in a listing maintained by the Post-Record.

That said, I just received a letter dated March 16 which indicated they had made the decision not to pursue any disciplinary action against either of them, because "no violation occurred."

I, of course, disagree. What the the letter essentially now says is that it's perfectly OK to tell the media that your wife/business partner is a doctor/physician, even if she isn't; that is absolutely legal to list your wife/business partner in a directory as a doctor, even if she isn't, and that it's just really swell to tell anyone who will listen to you that this person is a "physician" when, in fact, she is no such thing.

But I'm big about full disclosure, so, in that interest, this is the outcome of the investigation.
.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Jennifer McDaniel stops by. (Update)

Any elected official who posts here may do so knowing that I will not in any way edit their work.
I reserve the right to comment on their effort, but in this case, I offer up Ms. McDaniel's comments without editorializing in any way.

Anonymous said...

Sorry for posting as anonymous here, (I signed the bottom) but I do not know what a URL is and I am not familiar with how these blogs go:

I see that things have deteriorated here and other sites, and I feel that it is time that I address some of these issues being leveled against me on this and other blogs. First off, my husband is an incredible man and I feel blessed to have such an amazing person in my corner. I think that it is in our nature to defend our loved ones if we feel they are being attacked, even in politics (Clinton defended Hillary, Barbara defended George, etc.) Mr. McDaniel is my partner and my rock, but unfortunately he does not have thick skin. I guess that is why I am the Council Member, and he is not. Having said that, despite what some have said on this blog, I am very competent and perfectly capable of defending my past actions and decisions, if anyone would like to ask me (in person, not on a blog.)

Over the past three years, we have been through a lot of challenges in Washougal, some of it negative. But, I see us now moving forward in a much more positive way. Where we once had looming budget deficits, we now have cuts and a plan for balance to get us through the recession. Where we once had poor communication and lack of accountability from our former administration, we now have freely open dialogues between Council & Staff, and our accountability audits are stellar. The tunnel is complete, and citizens are using this beautiful area. We are rezoning throughout the City to attract more businesses, and E Street is in the works to be a safer, more efficient, more attractive thoroughfare. Washougal is beginning to shine, and I am honored to play a role in this. I serve my neighbors every day as their Councilwoman, and I am running for re-election this year to keep this momentum moving forward. I would be happy to discuss any of your concerns (my number is in the newspaper.)

Just to touch on something that Mr. Briggs keeps pushing: a mysterious group "affectionately known as The Four.” While I thank him for the affection, I want to make it very clear that there is NO voting block of four on Washougal’s City Council. My votes are my own and my voting record proves this. I only answer to the Citizens of this City, not to any one or more Councilmembers, not to the City staff, and not to the Mayor. I am fully aware that I have over 14,000 bosses, and the best interests of our City are always put first before I cast my vote.

Thank you for your time in reading this, and I look forward to serving my friends and neighbors here in Washougal for another 4 years of positive progress moving forward.

Jennifer McDaniel, Council Member, City of Washougal


Here's a question for Ms. McDaniel:

Anonymous said...

Does Jon Russell support you and do you agree with all the terrible things he has been saying in the papers? Is it true that you and Russell confronted Joyce Lindsay on the street and told her to her face, "We are going to bury you"??

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Has Jon Russell gone off the deep end?

This commentary, none of which comes from me, speaks for itself. I discussed this briefly a few days ago, but much more has happened since.

I am told that Jon Russell is a good man. But it's clear that it's almost like he's demon-possessed when he's under pressure.

The following is the ongoing discussion concerning the E Street project in Washougal. Jon and his various alter-egos have a lot to say. That's problematic, because here we have a case of an elected official with a lot on his mind who's talking... but insists on using fake identities, a pattern of Russell's well established, to say it.

I believe that much of what Russell says equates to the ravings of a lunatic. But I readily admit my bias, so feel free to read it yourself.

Cross Posted at Clark County Politics.

Comments

From the musical, "1776": Sit down, John! Sit down, John! For God's sake, John, sit down! Sit down, John! Sit down, John! For God's sake, John, sit down!

I fully expect to see many more antics from Washougal's favorite Councilman/Entertainer, Jon Russell, as he seeks to promote his favorite 3 fellow council people, Michael Delavar, Dave Shoemaker and Jennifer McDaniel. Together they are affectionately known as "The Four". And with these four, as we all know, represents the partisan-like side of Washougal's Council and to further the stark split within our city government which has effectively hamstrung our Council and Mayor from attending to normal business.

I ask you citizens of Washougal, what good has this torn up City Council been for us? The older, more experienced council members, Morris, Greenlee and Coston, along with our Mayor, have ALWAYS been for a fair, balanced and progressive Washougal. But what do we have now with these newer and inexperienced council members? Are we all better off? Are we making huge strides to work through difficult problems?

This latest report by the Post Record is just another high-drama example of how this polarizing faction of our city council does not wish to work with the rest of the council and to hammer out their politics BUT AT OUT COST!

I ask all of you to look very carefully to the November elections and vote for the candidates who are for the citizens of Washougal and NOT for out of state or out of community interests. And if anyone reading this has any interest in stepping forth to right Washougal and get it back on it's feet- please come forward and support the city.

You must ask yourself, does this candidate work for me or for himself and his/her own private, non-Washougal, agendas.

Mike Briggs Washougal

Mr. Briggs, I think it is healthy for our council to be divided on some very heady issues facing our city. Unlike the last four years, we now have a council willing to ask the hard questions and to hold the Mayor accountable. Divided powers are a good thing for the taxpayer and guarantee slow and steady progress. The council and mayor work well together on issues of economic development and cutting the size of government. These are two issues of great importance in these hard years of the recession.

Jon Russell, Washougal City Councilman

Back off Briggs. I know you want to get your candidate elected, but taking personal swipes at Jennifer McDaniel, my wife, is not acceptable.

There is NO group known as "The Four", other than in your head. Jennifer has voted differently than John on MANY occasions as well as voting differently than Molly. I am not sure what you are implying...but, I suggest you check the votes and stop your false accusations.

I have stayed quiet on your personal crusade to "shake up the council". But, I am now asking you not to drag my wife through your crusade.

Maybe you should just talk to her, instead of blogging about your problems. She said that she just saw you & Molly at Quiznos yesterday, but you never said anything about this to her. Why?

Mr. McDaniel:

Very suave and debonaire, but your wife is in the political arena. If she can't take the heat, then she should get out of the kitchen. Let her speak for herself. Mr. Briggs has valid points. All this whining over a cooperative effort to work with the businesses on E Street outside of the political arena is rediculous. Did any of the whiners make an effort of their own to give some reassurance to these business owners? Not that I saw. Then, when someone else does, they whine about it. I do hope that they recognize the efforts being made and by whom in the next election (which I unfortunately won't be able to vote in, but I will lend my efforts to certain candidates). Heaven help us, but I do agree with Mike Briggs in this instance.

Mr. McDaniel, if I have offended you or Jennifer, please accept my apology. There is absolutely nothing personal in my remarks whatsoever. I do not know your wife personally but only professionally and this with her performance as a city councilman of our city.

As to my crusade to "shake up the council", it is not merely to shake up the council but to right the council. It is not working effectively and has not since Councilman Jon Russell and Michael Delavar, with your wife Jennifer and the rest of the council, all put their hands on the Good Book and swore an oath to abide by the laws of the United States, Washington State, Clark County and alas, last of all, Washougal Washington.

As for me "dragging your wife through a crusade". Well sir, she is an important political figure in a very small, economic struggling community, moving through a transition from a small mill town to a mix of commercial-retail-older manufacturing community, with an increasing multi faceted population and unsure of how to proceed. She has chosen to make herself the center of attention by swaying from side to side with her votes and no one is quite sure where her loyalties and emotions will take her next? Mr. McDaniel, absolutely, to be part of the Washougal City Council these days is a very tiring, frustrating, thankless and exasperating and demanding job. It is not for everyone.

Sir, I believe this community is fed up with a council that is in Civil War and has not been functioning effectively for a long time. I believe this election in November will be viewed as a method to fix this community's government so that it can get something done by working together instead of fighting non-stop in this partisan-like atmosphere. If Jennifer McDaniel wishes to continue on in her role as a city councilman she work to heal these differences not exaggerate them.

Lastly, there is an old saying, "If you can't take the heat.,...."

Wishing you and your wife the best-

Mike Briggs Washougal

What a bunch of fooey! According to my wife, who attended Monday's council meeting, it appeared that it was an interesting exchange. The mayor asked business owners along E Street to attend a meeting about the project, ourselves included. It was a good meeting and we all got a lot of good information. There were no political statements made by anyone.

My wife says that the councilmembers who chose to speak on this Monday, Russel and McDaniel, sounded like spoiled kids. "I didn't get my way or get invited, so I am taking my toys and going home." Nice adult attitude by elected officials. NOT!

And Ms. McDaniel, if you don't think our BUSINESSES along this road are the "public" or are deserving of some "outreach" or whatever you called it, you are simply way out of your depth! We are having a difficult time right now, and YOU are doing nothing to help us. Hopefully someone runs against you this year to get someone in there who cares about Washougal, and not just siding with your other buddies to try and push your very conservative agenda.

Thank you to the Mayor and Washougal for approaching us, talking with us and asking us for our opinions and concerns. It was a good meeting and we look forward to more of them. I just hope certain council members don't attend. You have already let us know how much you don't support us through this childish display on Monday. You only seem to care about getting facetime for votes. we need help, NOT politics.

And Jon Russel, in answer to your post above, I am afraid that now you have a mayor that you cannot control. I have known him for many years and frankly, not sure he is the one who needs control. From all I have read or heard in the last couple of years, he is doing just fine without you holding him accountable. I think it should be the other way around and I hope like heck that he is holding YOU accountable. Maybe your childish temper tantrum is evidence that he is.

Jon Russel, where were you when our last mayor turned massage girl was running amok and creating havoc and allowing funds to be taken from the city? Oh, wait, I remember now. You were on the financial committee that was signing the checks for her!! Hipocrit.

Mr. Larson:

I don't know your place of business in Washougal, but if I did, you could count on a loyal customer from here on out!

Mr. Briggs,

You have offended me. You are making this post a platform for your candidate and there are better places to do it.

I know politics can get dirty. And I see you are not above getting dirty. But, my wife is a caring member of this community and this council. I suggest you spend a little time getting to know someone before you judge them. If you don't get a vote to go your way on something, it does not mean that people are out to get you or that they disagree with your views of the world. It just means they voted differently than you wanted on that occasion.

There is no solid voting block on the council. If there was, then John would get every vote to go this way (or Molly). Be a man and do your research before you blast my wife as "Partisan-like". Understand that, they do a thankless job.

Your vitriol is never ending. What happened to you? You can't blame the council for your changes...the votes do not support it. There is no block of four.

Do not question my wifes resolve in this, you have already admitted you are ignorant about her as you have not taken the time to get to know her. She has earned my respect with her ability to balance a family life with her husband and children, a job at the local church, her commitments to charities in this area like "Meals on Wheels" in addition to her position on our City Council.

As far as getting out of the heat...she is one hell of a cook! It is gumbo season and I am looking forward to a big pot. If you decide to become civil again...I might let you try some ;).

Mr. McDaniel. I judge your wife only by her performance as a city councilperson for my hometown of Washougal.

Thank you very much for your kind offer to sample some of Jennifer's gumbo. That was nice of you to offer.

Again I apologize if I have personally offended you or your wife Jennifer McDaniel. That was never my intent.

I am sure you will agree politics is a rough business and surely not for the faint of heart. I offer Jennifer the best of luck in whatever endeavors she chooses to pursue in or out of the political spotlight.

Wow, finally an issue on this website that is getting some attention! We needed a new blog around here!

I attend many of the city council meetings. I think I am an observant person, have at least an average if not an above average intelligence and I can listen and see very well.

I believe there is certainly a "block of four" in many, many instances. Mr. McDaniels, I don't know if you attend the meetings or not.

From the chairs in the audience, it is very easy to see the looks back and forth among four of the council members, including your wife. It is actually ironically funny when Russell starts a statement with "I think Mr. Delavar has something to say....", or "I think Mr. Shoemaker......", or "I think Mrs. McDaniel has something to say.....". Hmmm. How do you know that, John? How do you know they have something to say unless you have discussed it ahead of time?

It is also funny (ironically, again, and sacrastically) how often Russell speaks up after a councilmember gets their "script" wrong and chimes in with something like "I think what council member so-and-so is trying to say is......" Again, how does he know that unless they have talked ahead of time?

I agree that your wife does not always vote with them. That explains the dagger-stares that she gets from Russell when she occassionally strays from the group or doesn't follow the script. Usually by the next meeting, though, they have her back in line!

I was also at the meeting on Monday. I am pretty sure I heard Russell say something to the effect of "Maybe the four of "us" should call our own meeting (regarding E Street)....." Who is "us"? Sure sounds and looks like there is a block, even if some want to continue denying it. The only ones you might be fooling are yourselfs. From the chairs it is pretty plain to many of us.

Nah. If it looks like a skunk, walks like a skunk and smells like a skunk..........well, I am sure Russell or one of him minions can finish that statement.

Mr Larson,

My family does everything we can to support the E Street businesses. We buy lumber, gas, groceries and dine there all the time.

We all understand that the businesses on E Street are hurting. The whole city is hurting. Do you feel that "the House of Glass" is going to get Mayor Gaurd to have lunch there? Or Washougal Lumber? How is this supposed to work that he is supporting local businesses this way?

It is a crock. Have a big and regular town meeting and let us all vent or get informed. I suggest the up coming Farmers Market is one avenue that should be used (there should also be others...perhaps the community center?). It is around the corner and would be a place that has food and vendors selling their wares. It runs every weekend and could be a great place to get everyone together. Local business should be represented there and maybe the group that handles that can also include E street opportunities this year. Getting 15 customers once a year for a meeting at your place of business is not going to cut it. You need real help and I hope you get it. We will continue to do our part.

My wife and I don't always see eye to eye on every political issue. I think bike lanes are silly on E Street...but the oly way to get the money was to include them. They also got southern sidewalks and new Storm Drainage which I would hazard a guess the businesses and residents on E street needed.

I think Jon Russell has a valid point. The fact that certain council members were specifically excluded is the issue here. Did the meeting go just fine without the full council? Probably. Not the point. I think the issue that is at stake here is whether we have a mayor that is trying to bypass his council. The way that this meeting was handled was disrespectful to our duly elected city officials. I am tired of Mr. Russell being used as the whipping boy. If you stand up for your rights you are suddenly "throwing a tantrum" and dubbed an "entertainer?"

It is interesting that Jon Russell has become the "hypocrite" who sat on the Financial Committee during Stacee Sellers' term in the lore of Washougal blogdom. Jon Russell joined the Financial Committee during that "era" because he saw that expenses were being approved inappropriately and wanted to help solve the problem. Expense vouchers were being pushed through council approval without itemization or backup and Mr. Russell was the one who pushed for reform in that issue. We all know the result of that debacle and now Jon is the fall guy.

We now have another mayor who is trying to bypass his council and true-to-form Jon Russell objects. I applaud that. Thank you, Jon! I am all for transparency and accountability in government.

Wow...the vitriol is really flowing. As far as I can tell, politics is only a rough business when it becomes election time. Otherwise, it is a bunch of people getting together to decide on things. Do they always agree? Of course not. But they don't go and knee-cap each other afterwards.

You want to have a real conversation? Come on over sometime and I will cook us up a bar b-que and we can have a face to face and perhaps get to an understanding. It doesn't always have to be confrontational with you guys does it?

I understand that only 5 people are reading this anyways...but still. Where is the civility?

As stated by the alias dlarson "From all I have read or heard in the last couple of years, he (Mayor) is doing just fine without you holding him accountable." Interesting comment....Holding the Mayor accountable is our job on council. Let's not repeat past mistakes. DLARSON You also state that you have known the Mayor for years, yet when you wrote your attack letter against me last summer, Sean had no idea who you were. No address, no phone number, just signed dlarson.

"Expense vouchers were being pushed through council approval without itemization or backup and Mr. Russell was the one who pushed for reform in that issue."

Posted by Jessica_W on March 23, 2011 at 11:48 a.m.

Jessica, I don't know where you get your information from, but this is total nonsense. And as far as other council members are concerned, there are open meeting laws that must be abided by. Workshops and council meetings and other, larger venues are the places for full council. This was a more intimate meeting with members of the community for their input on a specific activity occurring that directly affects them. Any political needs arising from these meetings would be addressed at other council venues. Tell us, Jessica, which other council members have been addressing this issue DIRECTLY with the E Street business owners, hmmmm? They only wanted to come BECAUSE they weren't invited.

And Mr. McDaniel, how many meetings and discussions has your wife had with the individual business owners on E Street? Buying stuff helps, but it certainly isn't addressing their needs through direct discussion.

Jon Russell, you ABOVE ALL PEOPLE, should not comment about the use of aliases for public comment..... I can't believe you actually knocked this citizen, dlarson, for commenting. Geez- But keep on talking- you are only burying yourself and your associates further...

Wow. You really do amaze me.

Mike Briggs Washougal

Greg Owens (Striker 991) After the Mayor's private meeting, I went and visited some of the business owners who attended the meeting to get their feedback. It was generally positive. The problem rests in the fact that Mayor Guard used the Open Public Meetings Act to keep council members from attending to avoid a public meeting. Mayor Guard also lied to Councilwoman McDaniel by telling her via email that no council members were coming to the meeting.

Really, Jessica? Jon was the one who saved us from the last mayor? Really? I guess maybe we should see how many times he objected and how many times he disapproved all those questionable bills and all those dollars we paid for drink in Las Vegas. Can you say "camera lens"?

You are right, Mr. McDaniel. 15 lunches doesn't amount to much. For that reason, let's ask that the next meetings take place somewhere else. No need to add even one more dollar to any of these businesses. I wasn't even aware that the glass house place and Washougal Lumber served lunch. I do need to get out more.

Yep, Mr. Russell, I do use a pen name here, just as I believe you do on so many issues and forums. But, it is not so easily disguised. I need business coming in, not being black-listed by someone who just came into this town to save us from ourselves.

Ok, off to the city website. I know I saw something about meetings on theer. Time to look back and see how many times our councilman stood up for us. Be right back!

What I think is really ludicrous is that some council members think that it is not okay for other members to meet with their constituents WITHOUT THEM. How silly is that?
Can we please expect no more silliness, and petty, middle school behaviour from the Washougal City Council? Thank you.

Planning Commissioner Briggs, I am here answer the charges being leveled against council members using my name. Do you want talk issues or just gutter snipe.

dlarson, I know everyone who was at our last meeting (small attendance) and if your wife was there so were you.

Ok, let me see here......what is the score so far?

Councilman Jon Russell, finally using his own name, just called the Mayor of Washougal, Sean Guard, a liar! Wow. Tough words.

And top of this Councilman Russell also just revealed who another alias blogger is in reality! He said that Striker 991 was in reality a Mr. Greg Owens.

Wow. And to think this is actually an elected public servant saying these things about his own Mayor and another citizen? I am simply aghast at this!

I would just love now to hear from Councilperson Jennifer McDaniel. How do you feel about these things being said on a public forum? I mean is this the way you wish to conduct your campaign Jennifer?

I fully realize this puts you in a tough spot but no one said politics is easy...

Maybe we all should just step away from this one for awhile...

I would hate to see an election in November won & lost right here, on one single day, on the public forum!

Eeeck!

Mike Briggs Washougal

Jon Russell (teacherjudybanks et al):

Is it really necessary for an open meeting to be called every time an elected official meets with their constituents? You're being silly again.

"Mayor Guard also lied to Councilwoman McDaniel by telling her via email that no council members were coming to the meeting."

Please provide this e-mail. It is in the public record if it was done on the city e-mail system. We cannot take your statement at face value.

Per your request Greg. Here is the email to Councilwoman McDaniel, which the press had as well at the time they wrote the story. All city emails are public information so I am not in any violation of privacy:

From: Sean Guard Sent: Wed 3/9/2011 4:55 PM To: Jennifer McDaniel Subject: Re: E Street Business Meeting

No cost to the city at all. Everyone who is eating is one their own. Rod will nort be attending. One councilmember already responded that it looked like political election favortism, so I asked him to not attend and he agreed, although not on the part that he was doing it for polictical gain. Rod asked Monday evening to be kept in the loop on the meeting. Sean.

Please everyone note- any statement made by a publicly elected officials is public knowledge using any form of communication if it is addressed to the public using a public conveyance. It does not necessarily have to be on a city owned email account.

I believe this to be true. Any lawyers out there wish to confirm my opinion?

Mike Briggs Washougal

Briggs, Enough with the drama queen bit. Do you want to talk issues or just gutter snipe?

Jon, you crack me up. You really do. You don't need me to say anything............... you are doing an absolute marvelous job all by yourself!

Keep it up Councilman Jon Russell.

Wow-

Mike Briggs Washougal

That's what I thought.

Jon Russell (teacherjudybanks et al):

Your statement was this:

"Mayor Guard also lied to Councilwoman McDaniel by telling her via email that no council members were coming to the meeting."

The e-mail says this:

"Rod will nort be attending. One councilmember already responded that it looked like political election favortism, so I asked him to not attend and he agreed,"

Entirely different statements, meaning entirely different things. Your twist is no surpise at all. By the way, reading Ms. McDaniel's e-mails are we now? No, there's no partisan-like behaviour there, is there.

Furthermore, Sean said this...

"Guard said he asked the public works committee members over the weekend, to attend the merchants meeting."

This would be AFTER the e-mail was sent to Ms. McDaniel, then, right? I mean, after all, what NONSENSE to invite public works committee members to a meeting that involves, um, let's see.....PUBLIC WORKS?

Keep digging, Jon (teacherjudybanks), it is getting rather deep around here....

Delevar, Russell, McDaniel and Shoemaker,

Please stop wasting everyone's time, money and pompus crap. This meeting was legit, you are making the residents and workers of Washougal look like clowns. Please stop the teabagging!

What? Is this the Four that does not exist?

There we go. Union Brother gets to the heart of it even though Briggs and his friends won't come out and say it. Their criticism revolves around some members of the council being political conservatives. Well done union brother thanks for being honest about your views. Remember progressive politics always ends in financial ruin and scandal.

Wrong again, Jon (teacherjudybanks). The behaviour recently exhibited is what is being addressed. Take responsibility for being silly, and then, SIT DOWN, JON...for God's sake, Jon, SIT DOWN!

No actually Jon I am simply saying your partisan politics on a local level is insanely hilarious. You clearly can't hold your own on any level but city government so you bring the big top to council chambers every Monday night and stand on your soapbox pandering to your chronies. I would actually consider myself conservative so you saying I am attacking your ideals is quite commical.

Sure you do union brother, thats why you call people names like tea-baggers? Very conservative of you. LOL. No the reality is that everyone has a political bent even in non-partisan races, to act like that is not so is very naive. I mean take Joyce Lindsay for example she is a big big time donor and fundraiser for Planned Parenthood PAC Abortion Provider and Patty Murry. And she wants to run for council. Hummm and Briggs got her to run and supports her? Come on....

As I have said...the Vitriol is really flowing today.

You want to know what Jennifer thinks? She has a phone...call her. Putting words in someones mouth is something I expect from people who can't look themselves in the mirror.

I have invited you to my house. Please feel free to show up.

UnionBrother, not sure who you are. I also work with lots of Union guys at Pacificorp if that is what your name stands for. If you feel like you need more information, come on by.

When did I call you a tea bagger Jon? I simply said teabagging, this is a verb, not a noun. The problem. I see with the local government is that it is the middle/left vs hard right. Washougal is not a bard right town and Ms McDaniel and possibly Mr Delegates will learn that in November.

Yes if you mean that I don't advance no-growth development policy, federal government welfare for city government, more regulation and environmental pixie dust legislation in city government. You have a point.

Jon:

Did you support the pedestrian tunnel under Hwy 14?

To let everyone here know I in NO WAY speak for Ms. Joyce Lindsay. I did NOT "get her to run" for any office. I do support her however as I think she is a very mature and intelligent person, has excellent experience in politics, and is very capable to speak for herself. In my humble opinion Ms. Lindsay will make an excellent city council person for Washougal and I will enjoy listening to her and watching her when she is elected.

Mike Briggs Washougal

No Greg, I dropped my support for the tunnel once it received federal deficit stimulus funding. It would be inconsistent to be against deficit spending then turn around and take the very kind of money I oppose. As far as constituent response, by counting the number of people who contacted me on the issue it was mixed 50/50.

Thanks for your answer Jon. I, too, was opposed to the project; not only was it deficit stimulus spending, but the money could have gone for much more beneficial projects if we really wanted to use the funds. I would be interested to know the number of people that actually use the tunnel as well.

I don't know how many people use the tunnel. The police have a video camera on the tunnel so I am sure we could find some college intern to review the video files and get a count for us.

Mr. Russell, I would think as many times as you have ran for public office you would be better informed. Planned Parenthood is a health care provider that is used by thousands of women and men in Clark County. They provide health care for women at very reasonable costs to their patients. I would think you of all people know how expensive health care can be. What a worthy cause to contribute to.

I am finally finished going through lots of meeting minutes of the city. Wow did the former administration spend alot of money!

Nope, no instances that I found of Save-Us-Mr.-Russell objecting to any invoices on the consent agendas that contain the accounts payable. I admit there was a lot to go through, but I didn't see any.

Sorry, Jessica. He just doesn't quite have a white hat. More gray, turning to a darker shade of charcoal.

Wow, Jon_Russell called the mayor a liar! And then didn't have the stuff to back it up. Naive. Very naive. Stupid. Very stupid. Childish, very, well, you get the idea. Thank you to those council members who have not engaged in such......such.....gutter snipe.

The E street project: Another Sellers POS project supported by a prior Progressive Council. Great for the tweakers who will get their own bike lanes. Can’t wait for a good show fall to block the arterial.

Progressives are so into “Transparent” yet a bold-faced violation of the open meetings law. Ha! Ha! Ha!

Politics? Or is it over the law?
Progressives love to project: They sleaze how their opponents are “politicizing” this issue yet they are the ones behind the curtain.

Nothing new here: just like the crap going on in Oly and DC: Progressives vs. Taxpayers.

I am sure Planned Parenthood would be happy to abort a disproportionate amount of black babies. Staying in form with PP founder Margret Sanger's racist beliefs on African Americans and population control. A worthy cause for financial donors with an extreme view of abortion.

Wow. Not even sure what Jon_Russell was trying to say with that statement, but sounds fairly racist-related to me.

Choice, you may have made a mistake that a few others did in assuming that the real Jon Russell understands / understood health care costs and issues surrounding it. Pretty sure his misunderstanding of the whole issue is what caused him to unfortunately close the health-care-related business that he or his wife owned (never could determine from his statements who owned it or who was a doctor or not). Anyway, I do applaud them for trying to make a go of it. The concept was somewhat unique and alturistic, but I liked the attempt.

Wow...can we get back to topic please?

Mr. Russell you would be the first person to cut any social programs to help these children. When was the last child you carried to term?

Sorry Larson if I was not clear enough for you. My suggestion was that other businesses did not get financial benefit on the same day that Sean's meeting took place...just the one business made any money from it (was it yours?).

The Lumber yard has nothing to offer for a meeting place...do you think it is fair to have the mayor bring business to a single E street vendor when they do not ALL get the benefit of the meeting financially?

A larger venue that is not bi-partisan would make more sense. E Street restaurants could still sell food at the meeting...but I doubt many screws (get the humor?).

If I'm reading The Record correctly, the meeting has taken place.

It's over. Let's move on.

And shame on those who waste our tax dollars by ranting about it in council meetings.

Clearly, communication between Washougal citizens and city government is broken. I honor the Mayor in his attempt to repair this broken communication with E Street businesses, while avoiding the legal entanglements of including all council members in the meeting.

Was it a perfect solution? No. So what? It was an honest effort. We need more of this kind of effort at communication, and less finger pointing.

I can hardly wait for the elections. Washougal desperately needs a better council, one that isn't broken by such profound distrust and disrespect among its members.

Gail Burgess

The council members are not the ones being disrespectful to each other on this post Gail...

No, not council members. Just one councilmember being disrespectful to the mayor. The same thing the same council member accused Mike Briggs of when he was under consideration for planning commission.

That assumes that Mr. McDaniels is postng himself for himself, and not what his wife is telling him to post. Hmmmmm.

From the posts provided above, it looks pretty plain it is not the Mayor who is lying. It is Mr. Russell. Buh-bye, JR.

After a long, busy day I have checked in to the world and wow, have you all been busy as well!

I was also at the meeting. It was surprising to me, even though I too have observed the obvious signs of behind the scenes pre-meeting collaboration among “the four”, when all of them were so incensed and so wrong about the meeting in question. Councilman Delavar mentioned a “lack of trust” but I think it is more than that. Councilman Russell has told me “I have a majority on the council”. I think for Russell it is more about personal ambition and a thirst for power. I credit Councilmember McDaniel for being the least solid member of that majority.

But trust seems to be part of the problem. Councilman Russell told me “I don’t trust ‘em”, referring to the Mayor, 3 council members and key city staff members, when asked to explain the vote by “the four” last August to turn down state funding to improve Hwy 14 through Washougal to 32nd St. This was one of the times when it seemed obvious that discussions had occurred before the meeting, and their block voting did real harm to Washougal. We will be waiting much longer for any improvements because of the vote of “the four”.

Councilman Russell said he voted the way he did because, as I have explained, he doesn’t trust anyone in City government he disagrees with. Councilman Shoemaker told me his vote was because he didn’t trust the state, believing WSDOT might sneak in at night and give us improvements he didn’t like. Councilman Delevar stated that this was a partisan issue, and implied that his vote on this highway funding measure had something to do with who was President at the time. Only Councilmember McDaniel has never tried to explain her vote. But she was one of the “majority” that sent us backwards on this important issue.

In the discussion above, Russell says “the council and mayor work well together on issues of economic development”. An improved Hwy 14, with better access to current and future commercial areas, has everything to do with economic development. The Port of Camas-Washougal would desperately like to get better access to the industrial park. All about economic development. Russell’s “majority” worked in direct opposition to the rest of the council, the mayor and city staff on this.

Washougal desperately needs a city council that is not dysfunctional. The division is so deeply ingrained that it is hard to see this group actually working together for the best interests of the city. There is a huge deficit of trust, civility and respect. This is illustrated well by Councilman Russell’s claim above, “Mayor Guard lied”. As was pointed out by Striker991, this is a false claim. Russell is either distorting the truth or does not understand the concept of chronology. Either way this is a shameful public display of disrespect.

After a long, busy day I have checked in to the world and wow, have you all been busy as well!

I was also at the meeting. It was surprising to me, even though I too have observed the obvious signs of behind the scenes pre-meeting collaboration among “the four”, when all of them were so incensed and so wrong about the meeting in question. Councilman Delavar mentioned a “lack of trust” but I think it is more than that. Councilman Russell has told me “I have a majority on the council”. I think for Russell it is more about personal ambition and a thirst for power. I credit Councilmember McDaniel for being the least solid member of that majority.

But trust seems to be part of the problem. Councilman Russell told me “I don’t trust ‘em”, referring to the Mayor, 3 council members and key city staff members, when asked to explain the vote by “the four” last August to turn down state funding to improve Hwy 14 through Washougal to 32nd St. This was one of the times when it seemed obvious that discussions had occurred before the meeting, and their block voting did real harm to Washougal. We will be waiting much longer for any improvements because of the vote of “the four”.

Councilman Russell said he voted the way he did because, as I have explained, he doesn’t trust anyone in City government he disagrees with. Councilman Shoemaker told me his vote was because he didn’t trust the state, believing WSDOT might sneak in at night and give us improvements he didn’t like. Councilman Delevar stated that this was a partisan issue, and implied that his vote on this highway funding measure had something to do with who was President at the time. Only Councilmember McDaniel has never tried to explain her vote. But she was one of the “majority” that sent us backwards on this important issue.

In the discussion above, Russell says “the council and mayor work well together on issues of economic development”. An improved Hwy 14, with better access to current and future commercial areas, has everything to do with economic development. The Port of Camas-Washougal would desperately like to get better access to the industrial park. All about economic development. Russell’s “majority” worked in direct opposition to the rest of the council, the mayor and city staff on this.

Washougal desperately needs a city council that is not dysfunctional. The division is so deeply ingrained that it is hard to see this group actually working together for the best interests of the city. There is a huge deficit of trust, civility and respect. This is illustrated well by Councilman Russell’s claim above, “Mayor Guard lied”. As was pointed out by Striker991, this is a false claim. Russell is either distorting the truth or does not understand the concept of chronology. Either way this is a shameful public display of disrespect.

Take a few hours to go to work and this place lights up!

Aborting little black babies, Jon. Are you kidding me!

City council, Post Record, Columbian, somebody! Can you not shut that kind of racist drivel up? Back in the 50's there was a senator named McCarthy. Try this one on, councilmember. "Have you no decency, sir?"

I have lived in this town for nearly all of my life. I have never heard such things as I am reading here and on this guys blog before. This is an elected official? This is someone who professes to care about people? I think this is someone who is just full of himself and a new side is coming to light.

Someone please get him off the stage. PLEASE!

There is no "s" on the end of my name. Mr. McDaniel is posting for himself. Who are you?

I really don't expect a reply...

I'd like to commend Mayor Guard for working towards getting the Business community of E Street and the City Government closer with the current street changes that are going on. I know several of the Business along E street and they all need our support currently.

There is no "s" on the end of my name. Mr. McDaniel is posting for himself. Who are you?

I really don't expect a reply.

I sincerely hope that the citizens of Washougal who have read this blog and it's shameful display of submissions will tell others to tune in too. Ladies & Gentlemen the way you get "your say" heard, LOUD & CLEAR, is to make sure you all get involved on a continual basis with your government. And if you find you cannot do this.............. at the least VOTE this November! If you NO NOT like what this elected city official, Councilman John Russell is saying, and you do not care for those he claims to tutor and mentor- SAY SO AT THE POLLS!

Mike Briggs Washougal

Actually what mike briggs despises is that there people on the council that can think for themselves instead of advancing his leftist progressive agenda. Oh and for Mr. Williams, so there is not mistake of what I was talking about.....It is not me making racist comments its Joyce Lindsay's planned parenthood folks. Here is the link to the story. For what it is worth to you.... http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,338529,00.html

Mr. Russell, Not a surprise your facts have dribbled out of Glenn Beck's mouth. I am surprised that someone working in the health care industry could have so little compassion for people. Ms. Sanger opened a clinic in Harlem for women who were denied access to their city’s health and social services. She was a hero for women's reproductive rights.

No idea, mr. russell. I am still trying to determine what you were trying to say when you say something like "happy to abort a disproportionate number of black babies." Personally, I think you are warped to bring any subject or dribble like that into ANY conversation!

Jon Russell:

Infrastructure improvement to bring private sector jobs into the community is very much a conservative concept. Your unwillingness to move the HWY 14 improvement project forward is counter to that concept. I certainly hope that the voters of Washougal remember that you (and the other 3) did NOT support the necessary improvements to support job creation at the Port and in our community.

And speaking of progressive...

"seeking out the best health care options including natural remedies, preventive care and early treatment of illnesses. Finding the root source for a patient’s ailments is a priority, rather than masking symptoms with medications"

This quote from the Grass Valley Medical Clinic's website seems rather "progressive" to me....

Quick, Jon. Flip-flop, become a democrat and put in for Jim Jack's seat. Go onto the statehouse. Ok, just go anywhere but here.

What did happen on the whole Hwy. 14 plan? I thought is was approved?

"At their Aug. 16 meeting, as part of their required yearly update of their six-year Transportation Improvement Plan, a majority of the City Council voted to take Washougal’s plan for interim improvements off the State’s list."

"Council members Jon Russell, Dave Shoemaker, Michael Delavar and Jennifer McDaniel went their own way"

"Councilman Russell stated that this would only set us back a few years. This will be a few more years of increasing traffic jams and accidents. We have lost a few years and we gain nothing.

Richard Hamby, Washougal

From Letters to the Editor of the CW Post-Record, September 7, 2010.

Thanks, Jon et al, for delaying the progress and potential for jobs in our community. Thank you very much.

VOTERS: REMEMBER THIS!

What? Well, that delays jobs for sure, but also keeps the door (road) open for more fatal accidents. What on earth were they thinking? No wonder none of them are on the public works committee. Obviously they have missed the course on public works. Sorry, but a vote like that makes no sense. Set back a few years in today's economic times = set back a few decades.

Striker, who are you yelling at? Yourself? Only a few are posting here it seems. This "interim" plan for hwy 14 was the roundabouts, right? Glad they got rid of that idiotic plan. Roundabouts in the middle of a 55mph highway is a stupid idea. Now that they used some common sense, what is the permanent plan for the highway? Why can't Washougal get the overpasses like Camas?

Ahhhh, roundabouts. that's right. Now I recall.

Ah hangman2, I remember you! You were the same individual who posted so much information about Washougal's Council in the Columbian concerning the Battleground "Mayor Cupcake" article. Remember that exchange hangman2? I sure do. If you like I could easily find that exchange and put in a link here for you to jog your memory if you like. In fact you and I went back and forth quite a bit as I was trying to get you to say to me, "No, I am not a publicly elected official writing with an alias". You wouldn't do that. Because if you were just another poster giving your opinion this would be fine with me.

BUT IF YOU ARE A PUBLICLY ELECTED OFFICIAL here now hangman2, using this alias, would you tell us now? I mean the people are entitled to know, I believe, if someone they elected to office is making statements on a public forum especially about a Washougal issue.

So hangman2, are you a publicly elected official commenting now but using this alias? I think the people of Washougal have a right to know.

Mike Briggs Washougal

Besides, when (and a very BIG if) the money ever comes through for hwy 14 west to the Gorge, it should be a big, wide, 4 lane road. Little one lane roundabouts would just pi** off the truckers.

MB, what is with you? Don't you know that in the blogging world that aliases are the norm, nobody cares what happened yesterday, and spelling and grammar are optional. I wouldn't tell you who I am if you offered me $1M. Get a life dude.

Lol. Jon (hangmebymyfingers) the gorge is EAST. West would be Camas and Vancouver, those liberal leaning, group-think places. Surely you remember which way is up, or are you only looking down these days?

So I'm lousy with a compass, sue me.

Not a litigious person. How can you be lousy with a compass? Yours always points right. WAYYYYYYYYYYYY right.

So hangman2,all you have to tell us here, now, on this public forum, is that YOU ARE NOT A PUBLICLY ELECTED OFFICIAL MASQUERADING WITH AN ALAIS. Can you, will you, just tell us all you are not a publicly elected official???

If you can and do I will leave you alone. Honest Injun. But if you cannot or will not, what are we supposed to believe?

I will even make it easier for you, just tell us YOU ARE NOT A CERTAIN CITY COUNCILMAN OF WASHOUGAL.

This is all it takes.

What do you say?

Mike Briggs Washougal

actually, my compass wavers more in the middle, but WHATEVER. I am not Jon(hangmebymyfingers/abortions for little black babies guy) Really, dude? Im deeply wounded by such a comparison. that dude is poison!

Someone break that record, puleeze.

Oh, gosh. I crack myself up!!!!! After I posted my last post about Jon's compass always pointing to the right I went to the restroom. I was standing there and I could envision him in the forest with a compass that only points right. He is just walking in circles! Back to my business I flush. Bango, Jon is walking in circles, going in circles, going around circling the drain and then wow! He is just gone, flushed away!!!!

Oh, I crack myself up sometimes.

Hangman:

The roundabouts were taken out before the vote by the Washougal City Council. Plus, it was, indeed, an "interim" plan, basically a placeholder to keep our place in the federal funding line. Because of the vote, our place was lost and we have to now wait a couple of years. We could have kept our place and revised the plan long before funding took place.

Well, you do know that council people Shoemaker, Delevar, Mcdaniels and Russel are roundaboutphobics. Just the word or the thought causes them to cover their ears and run. Not the actual design, roadway or anything else. Just the sound or thought of the word. I guess they see or read "roundabout" and to them it looks and sounds like "Stacy".

LMAO Larson. TMI dude, TMI. Yeah MB, I'm official. I'm the president of the"Help find a cure for Mike Brigs diarrhea of the mouth" Foundation. I'm cracking up too, dude.

They think roundabouts sound like "Stacy"? Would this be the same Stacy that took off with a wad of Washougal's cash and opened up a massage parlor in DC? Bitc**n,dude. Maybe she can give massages when she has to do time? That will make her real popular with the "ladies." ROFL

Hey, anybody know the truth about Jacks?

Good to see the Blog back up.

Briggs, you disgust me. I know I don't live in Texas anymore but, you are really stretching the limits of my vaunted Southern Hospitality.

Implying my wife is a liar and a heathen just because you want to have these delusions of grandeur your views will sway public opinion for an election...is the worst possible type of politics.

She did put her hand on the bible and swear to do what she can for this community. Sometimes she votes in ways you like, and sometimes she doesn't. Just because you do not get your way does not make it appropriate for you to talk that way about her.

I know this is the Pacifist North West...I know it is full of Hippies and Lawyers. However, I get the feeling you are the worst kind...a Hippie married to a lawyer. This means you can hide behind her coattails and throw all the rocks you want at people and not have to fear the repercussions that real men would.

I am done with you. Don't ever try and talk to me.

Ewwww, Jon (Hangmanny2). That is just plain creepy. Just remember, you are the one who stopped her by signing all those checks for her. And the jail thing? Who knows. Alot of time has past. I just think it is really odd how you come on here under your alias's just to use crude language (sort of) that you cannot use in the closet.

I noticed hangman2 you did not say you were not a publicly elected official. You said everything but that. If you say you are not a publicly elected official I will believe you. Just say that hangman2. And you know why I am asking this....

Mr. McDaniel, your wife's performance will have to stand on her record as a professional. If you want some advice, I would let your wife run her own show. And for someone with all this southern charm and hospitality I find you rather crude.

Mike Briggs Washougal

I see Brigg's diarrhea is back. What a nut.

larson, stop dancing with me back and forth on these blogs. I don't dance with dudes.

No answers to my question about Jacks? I guess there are no real informed peeps on this place. check baCK l8r

We're all here Jon. And we'll just wait for you to keep on talking, digging, talking, digging, etc.

Mike Briggs Washougal

Mr. Russell, your comment on the political blog in the Columbian on March 25, was another embarrassment for the people of Washougal. What have you accomplished Mr. Russell? I recall you wasting the cities time with your resolution to support Arizona's immigration law. Sorry it did not help you get elected. The article about Ms Coston was a compliment to the city.

I realize I post a lot on this blog. This is not for my own "enjoyment", as many of proposed, but it is because I believe this upcoming election in November will be one of the most important in recent times. As we all know Washougal is not a large or uber-prosperous community but it is one with very solid warm democratic roots filled with hard working people. I do not want to see this change. I feel if we do not all come together and elect the kind of city council people that are strong, genuine, not owing allegiance to any other person or particular political party, be it Tea Party, Democratic or Republican. You see Washougal's local government is NON-PARTISAN. This simply means that all elected officials will do their jobs WITHOUT REGARD TO POLITICAL PARTIES. Right now ladies and gentlemen, this is not happening in Washougal. This must stop! And that primarily is the reason I am on this blog so much. I am fighting for my government to be open, genuine and for ALL the people of Washougal.

It is no secret I wish to see Molly Coston and Rod Morris keep their seats and Michael Delavar and Jennifer McDaniel to be replace with better people. If this can happen I believe you will see our local government become much more open, responsive to change and the voting block of FOUR we currently have will be gone. This is my goal. This is what I want as a citizen for my community.

If what you read in this blog, in our local newspapers, IS NOT WHAT YOU WANT- you must stand up for yourself and VOTE COME THIS NOVEMBER.

STAND UP FOR YOURSELF. BE HEARD.

Mike Briggs Washougal

Choice, I cannot agree more. I just posted on the Columbian's site as well.

Mr. Russell is a total embarressment. He needs to be voted out and censured by the council for such hate as he is spewing out. This is just disgusting and embarressing for the whole community.

Sit down Briggs.

You say "I feel if we do not all come together and elect the kind of city council people that are strong, genuine, not owing allegiance to any other person or particular political party, be it Tea Party, Democratic or Republican"...however, what you REALLY want is the block of 3 that is Molly Rod and Paul to win more than the block of 3 that is Jon, Delavar and Shoemaker.

So I know it is pointless to try and convince you to stay on one side of the fence...you have been pro Stacey, anti Stacey, anti Sean, pro Sean, pro Jennifer, anti Jennifer. Lets face it...you flip flop more than a fish in the bottom of a boat.

Were you bullied growing up? This might explain why your attacks are personal in nature ("replaced with better people"...really?). You seem to desire the public's attention...anyone's attention.

The issue of the vote by Councilmembers Russell, Delavar, Shoemaker and McDaniel to remove Washougal’s Highway 14 improvement plan from the State’s funding list needs to be better understood.

Referring to this vote, Russell said it would only set us back a couple of years. This assumption was based on the fact that their plan had only been on the list for a couple of years.

The reality will be much different. Most of a year has gone by since their action last summer. I understand that Washougal’s staff is preparing a new plan to submit to the Council. I’m not sure how they are doing on this, but all the while the clock is ticking. When they produce a plan that gets Council approval it can be submitted to WSDOT.

In the current economic climate, being on the funding list for a few years is bound to be preferable to being on the bottom of the list with a new plan. How much we have been set back is anybody’s guess, but it will be more than a couple of years.

Those, like hangman2, who think the issue was about roundabouts can be excused for their confusion. The plan that was removed from the funding list did include roundabouts. But nobody was suggesting we keep them in the plan, which could have been changed as it worked its way up the list. This was very clearly explained by Mayor Guard, council members Morris, Greenlee and Coston, and public works director Evers prior to the vote. (Councilman Russell told me later he didn’t believe or trust any of them.) The Council also had the advantage of presentations and discussions on this issue at previous council workshops. I quote my own comments to the Council at the meeting following their vote; “It was painfully obvious to all that were paying attention, and I assume that includes all of you, that the issue was not roundabouts or no roundabouts. The vote by the majority of this Council seemed to be designed only to allow the false claim to be made that ‘I voted against roundbouts on highway 14’.”

I find it interesting that when Councilman Shoemaker, representing both Camas and Washougal on the RTC board, voted against funding for infrastructure projects they felt were important, Camas said they were having none of that type of representation. But when the vote of this majority of our Council actually sets us backward on a project critical to our future safety, livability and economic vitality no one seemed to notice. The voters of Washougal need to pay more attention.

I see Mike Braggs is up to his eyeballs in giving "self" pats on the back, and pandering to his "audience" of "ladies & gentlemen" again. This guy has been at this for years, and seems to have nothing better to do. Seriously, anyone that uses uber in a sentence when discussing us out here in Washougal needs a reality check. To tell the truth, this guy has always been this way, even back in the CW Watch days when he would say ANYTHING on a post.

Here is my Mike Braggs past quote of the day for the local "ladies & gentlemen" of the MB Fan Club: "10/7/09 - Recently I ran into some other people who have moved into this area from Seattle and their comment to me was, "Well, more and more people are moving here from all over. Soon, the population base will change from that of people who were born here, lived and died here to others like us, who want to become part of this community, have a possibly larger perspective of things, and will not put up with inefficient, unfair, or too small-town like attitudes." In looking around me and some of the new neighborhoods springing up and in looking at some of the new faces on the sidewalks- I have to think they are right."

WAKE UP PEOPLE! This man is NOT your friend, and he could care less about your community. He wants change. He wants to bring his high minded ideas to our little town, so that it is NOT our little town anymore - but a facsimile of Seattle or P-town.

Aint happening.

Ladies and gentlemen, if Mike Braggs tells you to vote one way, run the other - fast. Take it from someone who knows...

RichardHamby - None of the people on the city councils from the past have bothered to question these roundy-rounds on hwy14. As a matter of fact, they spent thousands and thousands of dollars sending Mayor and city staff to Washington DC to lobby for this brilliant "idea." What a crock. Little towns with budget issues like Washougal, should not be wasting taxpayer $$$$ on fancy trips to DC so they can schmooze with the big wigs.

Roundabouts are not appropriate for hwy 14, and many, many intelligent people in our town know this. By voting it down, it won't happen. Smart. The thing you seem to be leaving out, but which WAS in the Post Record article and everyone but you seemed to have read, is that there is a long-term plan still on the WSDOT list for widening the road adding interchanges to hwy 14 through Washougal. Oops, I guess you forgot.

RichardHamby, who are you, and why do you think you speak for the residents of Washougal. Oh, that's right, you don't even live in Washougal. Sounds like a poser just flapping his gums.

MIke Briggs was born in Hillsboro Oregon and lived there until 2006. Richard Hamby was I believe born in Washougal and now lives just off the edge of Washougal near Steigerwald.

Both of us have very strong and genuine feelings for Washougal. And readers, please take note: the two damning paragraphs before this are brand new to this blog- "dtlarson" and "mike braggs"

These two new authors- I will let you think on who they might be...

Jon Russell, you are so obtuse. Adding more names to your alias's (d1larson & mike braggs). You know what they say about imitation........best form of flattery. Ahh, Mike, Jon-boy likes us!

Seriously though, Mike. I think it is working. He is cracking up like a box of peanut brittle.