07/31/2022
We hope to see you all there!
We need to have some tough conversations in this County. As a community, we need to stand up and demand better from our local government.
Let's have another PackTalk on Sunday, how about Noon? Does that work for you?
We need to talk about what our responsibility as a community is, in making sure we are provided the services we need from those who are supposed to serve us with our tax dollars, to take care of the animals in this community.
As much as you have heard me complain about animal control and it's issues, the issue is much bigger that just that department. As an organization, we rely on agencies such as Animal Control to support our Community so we can supplement where there are gaps.
Listen folks, this County, Clark County, with a population of more than 508,683 people in it currently has 1..........you heard me right... 1 animal control officer. This is not an AC Manager problem (no matter what our differences may be), it isn't a Code Enforcement Manager issue, it is a TOPs down issue with our County Councilors, County Manager, and Community Development Director that do not feel like this County needs to protect the animals in it.
This is not a new problem. The last three AC managers tried vigorously to get support and were met with brick walls.
5 years ago, when you called to report animal abuse, there was no prosecution, no punishment, no accountability because that costs the County money. Same with 10 years ago. Same with now.
A big part of this problem is US. We as a community have been silent. We keep voting in folks without asking them what they stand for in this realm. We bury our heads in the sand and just expect things to happen as we think they should, and when they don't, we blame everyone but ourselves.
We need to break the cycle. Animals are suffering. Humans are suffering. There is no help coming unless we rise up and start the conversation. Demand accountability. Demand Change.
"1" animal control officer, for 656 square miles. "1". That should really p**s you off. The sad fact is, there have been great potential officers working and this County has burned them out instead of doing right by them. The one officer employed at this time, Russ, has 13 years of experience and is pretty damn great. If you think we won't lose him to being overworked, underpaid, and underappreciated, you would be wrong. There is one trainee but with only one officer, there is no training.
From the top down, things need to change. We would never tell you who to vote for, but what we would say is if animal lives in this community (or whatever community you live in) matter, NOW is the time to stand up, email, call, meet those who you would vote for and get it in writing what they stand for. Do they stand for supporting this community and the animal welfare needs a community this size requires? Find out, in writing, what they will do to support us. Don't accept the fluff. ASK the HARD questions.
County Councilors decide how these departments can be staffed.
Our County Manager takes home more than $180k per year according to the public pay scale. Our Prosecuting Attorney, who does not want to try Animal Cruelty cases took home more than $200k in salary in 2020 according to openpayrolls.com. Director of Community Development is making more than $120k/yr based on the County public pay scales. You can see all of these numbers yourself at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/exempt-pay-plan
Why can't we demand accountability? Why do we allow them to NOT meet with us, NOT respond to us, NOT make time for us? Our tax dollars are paying their salaries, not including medical, dental, 401ks, so much time off, etc.
Organizations like us who are meant to support existing departments not BE their departments, can not do it all.
See you Sunday, at noon. Bring a snack and questions! 😲
Live Event is here: https://fb.me/e/2GcfIUYeT
