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Commissioners set March 10 hearing after mixed public response to recognizing Justice Susan Owens
Summary
The Clallam County Board of Commissioners voted to call a public hearing March 10 to gather comment on a proposal to recognize Justice Susan Owens at the courthouse after residents and advocates provided both support and objections during public comment.
The Clallam County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 17 voted to call a public hearing for March 10 to receive comment on a request to recognize Justice Susan Owens with a monument or other recognition at the county courthouse or the District 2 courthouse in Forks. Todd, a county staff member who presented the item, said the hearing is intended to “receive public comments” and described an advocates committee that requested recognition.
The hearing follows extensive public comment at Tuesday’s meeting. Mark Curtis, an advocate speaking earlier in the meeting, urged the board to consider options that limit changes to the building itself and suggested naming rooms or installing memorials rather than renaming the courthouse wholesale. "I sat on a board of directors of a nonprofit organization for 2 decades... we were more than glad to name the classrooms after him," Curtis said, urging the board to consider placement that reflects the honoree’s local ties.
Opponents raised procedural and substantive questions during public comment. Jeff Tozer, a Sequim resident, told commissioners he was skeptical of the pace and priorities, saying, "it just seems to me like this is pushed by special interest in your reacting at lightning speed." John Worthington and others urged that West End voices be heard and noted the Forks court is already preparing a memorial inside Justice Owens’ courtroom.
County staff told the board the public hearing is intended to broaden input beyond the advocates and that multiple proposals — including at least five options — will be presented to the board. Todd said the goal is to solicit information from across the county before any final decision. Commissioners voted to schedule the hearing by voice vote.
The board’s next step is the March 10 public hearing, where members of the public and the advocates committee are expected to offer testimony. The hearing will be the forum for commissioners to hear competing views and for staff to present any concrete recognition options and background materials.
