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Newspaper Archive of
Shelton Mason County Journal
Shelton, Washington
February 23, 2023     Shelton Mason County Journal
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February 23, 2023
 
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Page 8 — Shelton-Mason County Journal Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023 Legislators campaign against sex Offender housing By Matt Baidemw matt@masoncounty.com Legislation by Mason County leg- islators to restrict sex offender hous— ing failed to pass out of committee Friday, the final day for policy bills to advance. According to a news release, Rep. Dan Griffey, R—Allyn, and seatmate Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, intro— duced House Bill 1813, which would only allow the Department of Social and Health Services to house sex of- fenders in facilities on McNeil Island or a facility in South Seattle. The bill would also restrict the state from us- ing any new facilities. The bills are in response to a Teni- no residential home run by a private company to house sex offenders. The ' first occupant was scheduled to arrive Feb. 1, but Thurston County officials were able to delay the plan by citing the facility’s lack of water permits. “This is a dangerous practice that leaves children and families at risk. Families —— and law enforCement —— are only finding out about these placements at the last minute with virtually no chance to have a say. The existing policy is unworkable,” Griffey said in a news release. “It is time the state of Washington priori- tizes the public’s safety.” Couture is sponsoring House Bill 1734, according to the release, which would close the public notice loophole in the process of placing sex offend- ers into less restrictive alternative hOusing. “This would immediately end this dangerous, misguided plan’to house sex predators in reach of- schools, parks, and recreational areas,” Cou- ture said in a news release. “This bill would force our state government to do its fundamental job of protecting innocent people from high-risk Sex of— fenders and give us time to develop a reasonable, long-term plan.” Sen. Drew MacEwen, R-Shelton, is sponsoring Senate Bill 5544, which is a companion bill that would close the public notice loophole. “We need an immediate morato- rium on LRA homes until the Leg— islature can come up with a compre- hensive long-term plan that protects our communities from these violent sexual predators,” MacEwen said in ' a news release. Couture said in the release that Gov. Jay Inslee and his staff have ex- pressed interest in assisting with the issue,.but the governor and his staff did not weigh in prior to committee cutoff. The, two local representatives stat— ed that even though they did not get a committee vote in time, they plan to keep pushing the issue and leg- ‘islation and encourage anyone who wants to see the law changed. “I have spent my time in the Legis- lature fighting for survivors of sexual assault, including my own family,” Griffey said in a news release. “The fact that this is the policy we have on the books in Washington state in 2023 is an embarrassment and a threat to all families regardless of what your politics are.” Salisbury honOred Couture introduced House Reso- lution 4612, introduced and adopted Adopt-a-Pet' Meet CHANCES! He is a 74~pound, 1.5 year-old Pit Bull Terrier, who has a beautiful white coat spotted with blue and silver markings, and dreamy green eyes! *” PIT EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED ""* Chances is a friendly and sweet boy with a happy disposition. His best fit would be an active family as he is a rambunciious boy! He loves people, cuddling, car rides, and is a very curious type! Chances would make a great companion and family dog. He is a fast leamer and keeps a very tidy kennel. He likes children, however they should be 13+ as he is exuberant. He is dog social and likes cats, however he may chase them on occasion. Chances loves yard play, especially our tetherball in the agility yard. He loves herding and jolly balls. A secure fenced yard is required to keep him safe and happy! AIIAAP dogs come upcto-date on vaccinations, spayed/neutered and mlc'rochippsd. Qualified applications only. Should your application be accepted, a response will follow within 72 hours. if you have not heard back from Adoptions, your application did not meet the dog’s criteria. if you have any other questions, email is the best method of communication. We are 100% volunteer-um and operated and are open by appointment only. Please send us an email or submit an application ityou’d like to make an appointment. We‘ll be in touch as soon as we can! Thank you for your inquiry! KENNEL QQMIAQI iNEQBMATIQfl Email: adgpiapetedopflgisCngailcom Telephone: (360) 432-3091 Option 5 ' Because they'repart of HIGH VETERINARY HOSPITAL 81 SE. w-Iimr Park ad. - Shanon , (360)426-1840 Feb. 3, honoring former Mason Coun— ty Sheriff Casey Salisbury. The resolution addressed Salis- bury’s tenure at the Thurston County Sheriffs Office and the Mason Coun- ty Sheriffs Office and his time as a substitute teacher. “Sheriff Salisbury always brought his love of people and zeal for teach- ing to every position he held, dedi- cating himself to service, reflect— ing credit upon himself, the Mason County Sheriff’s Office, and all of law enforcement,” the resolution reads. “His efforts ensured that children, adults, residents, and visitors to Mason County were cared for with excellence.” That was the last bill or resolution put forth by Couture as a primary sponsor. He was the primary sponsor on seven bills or resolutions, includ— ing House Bill 1274, which creates a child malnutrition field guide for the state Department of Children, Youth and Families, which passed out of committee Feb. 15. Private law enforcement work Griffey had House Bill 1369 unan- imously approved out of the House Community Safety, Justice and Re- entry Committee on Feb. 13. According to a news release, the bill allows state Department of Fish and Wildlife officers to work private law enforcement jobs, similar to what Washington State Patrol troop— ers can‘do. It encourages its officers to work off—duty law enforcement jobs and directs the agency to create policy guidelines. “As Washington deals with a short- age of law enforcement officers, it is important that those state-trained . officers are protecting the public,” Griffey said in a news release. “WSP and WDFW are the only law enforce- ment agencies in the state with gen- eral authority and statewide juris- diction. This bill will make sure our fully trained Fish and Wildlife offi— cers have the same opportunities as troopers to work private law enforce- ment jobs at concerts, profession- a1 sporting events, and other large events, venues and worksites across the state.” \ WDFW Lieutenant Erik Olson testified for the bill. “Without a certain number of uni— formed officers, the NFL Will not al- low a game to be played. The prima- ry mission of the off—duty officer is to work the games to preserve life, deter terrorism, and to enforce Washing- ton state 1aw,” Olson said in a news release. “To put it succinctly, off-duty law enforcement employment helps ensure the safety of the public.” Griffey was the primary sponsor on seven bills this session. He was the primary sponsor on House Bill 1705, which concerns stormwater control facilities and county jurisdic— tion, which passed out of the House Committee on Local Government on Feb. 17. He was a primary sponsor on House Bill 1766, which creates a hope card program, passed out of the House Civil Rights and Judicia- ry Committee on Feb. 17. The House Appropriations Committee hosted a public hearing on the HB 1766 on Wednesday. "PEN 24/7 360—4264 388 ' 707 SOUTH FIRST STREET SHELTONATHLETICCLUB.COM