In February, Commissioner Dudley-Nollette and Jefferson County Aquatic Coalition (JAC) representatives hosted a forum in Quilcene to discuss the release of a survey regarding public interest in a county aquatic facility.

During this meeting, JAC representatives stated that the survey was intended to be completed once per household. This restriction was supposedly enforced via electronic IP address limitations.

Concerns were raised about the lack of clear instructions indicating only one response per household and households typically have access to multiple internet-enabled devices — smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers capable of submitting independent responses. Additionally, users could bypass IP-based restrictions by using incognito browsing or switching networks, effectively allowing unlimited submissions.

Access was not restricted to personal devices; it could be completed from any internet-connected source, including work computers, public libraries, community centers, and even motels. Individuals on both sides of the issue would likely submit multiple responses. Given these significant design flaws, the survey data is inherently unreliable and cannot be corrected through statistical methods.

Continued representation of this dataset as a valid and uncontaminated reflection of public opinion, raises ethical concerns. Reliance on this flawed survey by BoCC to justify the formation of a Public Facilities District (PFD) could be construed as misfeasance — the improper performance of a lawful act. Further, moving forward with a PFD based on knowingly flawed data may rise to the level of malfeasance, implying willful misconduct in office. The JAC proposal outlines a substantial public financial commitment: an estimated $1.7 million annual tax burden to support a $34 million, 20-year bond. If this decision is driven by biased data, it undermines public trust and accountability.

BoCC is urged to prioritize transparency and accuracy by insisting on a professionally designed, well controlled, and independently administered survey.

Community decisions of this magnitude should be grounded in reliable data, not flawed methodologies driven by special interest.

Roger Sorensen
Quilcene