Update Now that's an oxymoron From The Puget Sound Recreational Fisheries Enhancement Program Oversight Committee (RCW 77.105.160) held its quarterly meeting last night at the Lakewood Hatchery Complex. One of the topics on the agenda was the status of the WDFW Audit, a section of which is looking at the funding and expenditures of the program.

In December, we were told the draft report would be done by mid-January at the latest. Then the date was changed to February 1st. The date was changed again, based on one of the auditors having a family emergency to March 1st. We were advised by the program coordinator, Steve Thiesfeld that he had been in contact with Ms. Harriet Richardson who told him that the SAO has re-prioritized their work load and the audit completion has been moved down the list for completion. She did not a have date for when the report would be presented to WDFW for a review.

To say that we were and are frustrated with the inaction of the SAO would be an understatement. We want to be good stewards of the public money expended in the PSRFE Program. We’ve been waiting two years for the results of the audit. The state has spent $400,000, not counting SAO time, for what? The mis-management of this audit process leaves with little faith in the capabilities of the SAO to be a steward of our money. Deadlines for the contract were established, reports, of what quality we have no idea, were presented to the SAO, the private contractor was paid for most of their work and we’ve been waiting for the SAO to tell us, the public, what the results are. That hasn’t happened and it appears it is going to be a long time until we see anything.

Now for my personal thoughts. This has been an abomination to say the least. State Government Ineptiness and Arrogance. We elected this Moron by a very wide margin. We sure as heck got what we paid for. I sincerely hope that when Mr Sonntag comes up for re-election that each and every one of us remembers this partisan fiasco. And not only remember it, but more importantly educate your voting neighbors and local print media.

Do you all remember how quick the State was to fine those of us who did not turn in their Crab Catch Record Cards???? Ten bucks a head fine. The State estimated that those ten buck penalties would generate $1.3 million bucks to the State Coffers (a Financial Impact Analysis performed on all Bills and posted on the Legislature's website). That financial analysis further stated WDFW planned to hire 3 FTE's, one LE, and two statisticians for around $345,000. Makes yah wonder what they (the State) are going to do with the remaining $950,000???? That got me to thinking because thats what got me first interested in the CRC $3 fee and the legislative restriction. That restriction clearly states without any latitude for interpretation, that the CRC $3 fee can only be spent on developing and operating the Sports caught Dungeness crab counting process to enable the WDFW to more accurately allocate between Sports Caught Crab and Commercially Caught Crab. Now you all have to ask your self, "If that $1.3 million bucks penalty fees are directly as result of the CRC, why isn't the $1.3 million bucks penalty have the same legislative restriction????"

In these slashing budgets times, make us CRC Fee Payers wonder Where Will The $1.3 million bucks Be Spent/Squandered????? Please remember this crap next time you step into the voting booth, or like me make out my mail in ballot.

[Rant Off] boy I feel better now