Mission Statement: To preserve and publish citizen correspondence with local government as a public record of civic participation.
Summer Writing, Episode 7: The Art of Follow-Up
I’m Clallamity Jen and welcome back to Summer Writing from Clallam County Letters, where I share tips on building the habit of civic letter writing one week at a time.
This podcast is for Thursday, July 30, 2026.
Today I’m talking about something that may be even more important than writing the first letter: Writing the second letter.
Many people send a message, wait for a response, and become discouraged when nothing happens immediately.
But government processes can move slowly.
Officials receive large volumes of communication.
Projects often take months or years.
That’s why effective civic participation requires persistence.
Not aggression.
Persistence.
A Little Civic Inspiration
History is full of examples of people who changed communities not because they spoke once, but because they continued showing up.
They attended another meeting.
They asked another question.
They submitted another comment.
They wrote another letter.
Meaningful civic engagement is usually a marathon, not a sprint.
Writing Tip #7: Follow Up Professionally
If you don’t receive a response, consider sending a brief follow-up.
Keep it respectful.
Keep it simple.
For example: “Hello, I am following up on my email from July 10 regarding the proposed project. I would appreciate any information you can provide when time allows. Thank you.”
That’s it.
No accusations.
No assumptions.
No frustration.
Just a polite reminder.
Sometimes a follow-up email succeeds simply because it arrives when someone finally has time to respond.
Summer Writing Challenge
This week, revisit a letter you’ve already written.
If you received a response, send a thank-you note. If you did not receive a response, send a courteous follow-up.
Either way, continue the conversation.
Civic participation isn’t a one-way communication.
It’s a dialogue.
Public Records Minute
One of the interesting things about public records is that they often tell stories over time.
A single email provides a snapshot.
A series of emails shows a process: Questions. Responses. Clarifications. Follow-ups.
Together, they create a record of civic participation.
Future residents may someday look back and understand how an issue evolved because citizens stayed engaged.
If you’d like your correspondence considered for publication on Clallam County Letters, remember to include me: clallamityjen@gmail.com
You can CC me, BCC me, or forward messages afterward.
Appropriate redactions will be made when necessary to protect privacy.
Closing Inspiration
There’s an old saying: “Success is often the result of staying in the conversation longer than anyone expected.”
Civic participation works much the same way.
The goal isn’t to overwhelm officials. The goal is to remain engaged.
To ask.
To learn.
To follow up.
To continue participating.
This week, send the second letter.
Sometimes that’s the one that matters most.
Speaking of following up, here is a follow-up about last week’s summer writing tip number 6, asking the right person. That’s something I did this week. I sent two emails to different departments at the City of Sequim; not to city council but to the employees in the departments who do the daily work of making things happen. Here is one of the emails I sent on Monday, July 27.
from: Clallamity Jen<clallamityjen@gmail.com>
to: tsimmons@sequimwa.gov
date: Jul 27, 2026, 11:33 AM
subject: Question re: Agency File No. CUP-26-0001
Hello,
I’m Jen, a resident in the county in the 98382 zip code.
I read today about the notice of application for agency file number CUP-26-0001 (image attached). [Editor’s note: This notice of application was published in Monday’s CC Watchdog article; the notice included an agency contact email address and phone number, and that’s the person I emailed]
I am currently signed up for all the notifications through the city of Sequim on their webpage: https://www.sequimwa.gov/list.aspx
I have not received any email notifications from the city about this notice of application.
Will this notice of application be made available through the email notification system? Or is it available somewhere else on the city’s website?
I don’t receive the newspaper and I have no intention of subscribing to one. I understand if the notification hasn’t gone out through the email system yet; however, if the email notification system isn’t going to be used for notices of application, it appears that the system is not being optimally used and that would be a waste to the taxpayers and the public.
Thank you for your help. I look forward to your response.
Jen
The response:
from: Travis Simmons<tsimmons@sequimwa.gov>
to: Clallamity Jen <clallamityjen@gmail.com>
date: Jul 27, 2026, 12:17 PM
subject: Re: Question re: Agency File No. CUP-26-0001
Jen,
Public notices are sent out consistent with SMC 20.01.110, which was recently amended, but you can find the ordinance that includes the revised version that went into effect on 7/22/26 here --> LF2746763.pdf. Current projects are posted on our website here --> Active Land Use Projects | Sequim, WA - Official Website. You can also find projects on our permit portal --> SelfService Public Site, the specific project here --> CUP-26-0001. As far as I know, the email notification on the website is not utilized for these, but I’m happy to share your feedback with the team. Please feel free to reach out if you have any additional questions or concerns!
Thanks,
Travis Simmons
Department of Community and Economic Development
Senior Planner
(360) 681-3438
tsimmons@sequimwa.gov
My response:
Thank you, Travis. I appreciate the prompt response and the information; it helps a lot.
For feedback, please let the team know the value of the service provided through email notifications for people who don’t subscribe to the newspapers. It makes it so easy to stay on top of city planning activities with an email in my inbox instead of checking into a website every day to see if something new is listed. I appreciate that the city has an email notification system and I’d love to see it used more for instances just like this.
Please let me know if utilizing the email notification system for notices of applications, and anything else that the public must legally be notified about through your department, will be possible in the future.
Thanks again,
Jen
Next week I’ll share the second email I sent on Monday. I received a response and they are doing some research on the questions I asked, so I’m hopeful by next week I’ll have more information to share on that correspondence. It also relates to the email notifications, or lack thereof.
After talking with people in the community, I learned I’m not alone in thinking it’s a waste of taxpayer money if the website and especially the email notification system aren’t utilized to keep people informed of what is happening at the city. I was glad to read Travis’s response about sharing my feedback with the team. I don’t expect anything to change overnight, but to be told that he will share my feedback with the people who need to hear it is a step in a better direction.
Feel free to leave questions in the comments on Substack, or email me as well.
The ‘Clallam County’ in Clallam County Letters does not mean that the letters must go to local government, but rather the letters come from residents of Clallam County no matter who they are sent to at the county, city, state, or federal levels.
However, if you’re looking for a good place to start writing to local government, at the bottom of all issues of Clallam County Letters are the email addresses of the three county commissioners as well as the clerk, and a link to the county staff directory.
Clallam County Letters is a place for all views from all sides and angles. This is not a right-side or left-side only blog. It is a blog that promotes civic engagement. While I have my own personal views on many issues, I will gladly share all views because I believe in everyone’s right to redress government whether I agree with the view or not.
My professional training and background is in stenography and court reporting; while I no longer work in the industry, I understand and appreciate the importance of guarding the record, including public records. I also believe that letters, whether answered or unanswered by government, should not go unnoticed by the public since they are vital to civic engagement and can provide inspiration to others.
Thank you for joining me for this episode of Summer Writing. I will be back with a new episode next week. Keep writing and have a great day!
From: noreply@civicplus.com <noreply@civicplus.com>
Sent: Friday, July 17, 2026 10:00 PM
To: zpublichealth <web_PublicHealth@clallamcountywa.gov>
Subject: Online Form Submission #10161 for Health & Human Services Contact Form
Health & Human Services Contact Form
Department: Public Health
First Name: [Redacted]
Last Name: [Redacted]
Phone: [Redacted]
Your Email: [Redacted]
Subject: DEA National Fentanyl Free America Intiative
Comments
Why isn’t public health part of the Drug Enforcement Administration 2026 Fentanyl Free National initiative. Did anyone from Public Health attend the Seattle intiative this past week? I request a reply to my questions.
— — —
On Mon, Jul 20, 2026, 1:36 PM Oppelt, Jennifer <jennifer.oppelt@clallamcountywa.gov> wrote:
Good Afternoon [Redacted],
Public Health staff did not attend the DEA Summit you referenced. While we work to prevent overdoses and reduce the impacts of substance use through education, prevention, treatment connections, and community partnerships, law enforcement events are outside the scope of our roles and responsibilities.
Thank you,
Jenny
— — —
to: “Oppelt, Jennifer” <jennifer.oppelt@clallamcountywa.gov>
cc: “Krouse, Chelsea” <chelsea.krouse@clallamcountywa.gov>, “King, Brian” <brian.king@clallamcountywa.gov>
bcc: clallamityjen@gmail.com date: Jul 20, 2026, 7:28 PM
subject: Re: Online Form Submission #10161 for Health & Human Services Contact Form
Dear Jennifer,
Thank you for your response.
I respectfully disagree with the assertion that the 2026 Fentanyl Free America campaign is outside the scope of Public Health's responsibilities. Fentanyl represents a deadly public health crisis, and addressing it effectively requires collaboration among public health agencies, healthcare providers, educators, and law enforcement.
Given Clallam County Public Health's mission to prevent overdoses and reduce the impacts of substance use, partnering with federal and local initiatives is essential. Public safety and public health should be complementary efforts in addressing this crisis.
I urge Clallam County Public Health to participate in the 2026 Fentanyl Free America campaign. Our community needs every available resource to combat this crisis and save lives.
Sincerely,
[Redacted]
to: Marcus.L.Pickett@dea.gov
cc: [Redacted] bcc: clallamityjen@gmail.com
date: Jul 22, 2026, 12:45 AM
subject: 2026 Fentanyl Free America initiative
Dear Mr. Pickett,
I am a resident of Clallam County, and I am writing to seek your guidance on how to establish the 2026 Fentanyl Free America initiative within our community.
Despite receiving substantial grant funding and opioid settlement allocations, the fentanyl crisis in Clallam County continues to escalate. There is currently a critical need for alternative approaches, as our local public health leadership strictly prioritizes harm reduction strategies without incorporating comprehensive prevention education or public discussions regarding a recovery-first model.
I would greatly appreciate your recommendations on how to successfully advocate for and implement the 2026 Fentanyl Free America initiative among our county commissioners, Public Health department, and Sheriff's department.
Thank you for your time and assistance.
Sincerely,
[Redacted]
— — —
On Wed, Jul 22, 2026, 7:46 AM Pickett, Marcus L <Marcus.L.Pickett@dea.gov> wrote:
Hi Mrs. [Redacted],
I can assist you with this request. Let’s have a phone conversation later today or tomorrow to discuss options. When is a good time in your schedule to have a conversation?
Have a nice day!
Marcus Pickett, MBA, MS, CRC
Community Outreach Specialist
Seattle Field Division
Drug Enforcement Administration
Email: Marcus.L.Pickett@dea.gov
300 5th Avenue, Suite 1300
Seattle, WA 98104
Cell: (206) 225-6804
Office: (571) 387-4035
— — —
Sent: Wednesday, July 22, 2026 9:42 AM
To: Pickett, Marcus L <Marcus.L.Pickett@dea.gov>
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] 2026 Fentanyl Free America initiative
Good morning,
Thank you for your fast reply. I would love to chat today. How about 3 pm?
Thank you,
[Redacted]
— — —
On Wed, Jul 22, 2026, 10:16 AM Pickett, Marcus L <Marcus.L.Pickett@dea.gov> wrote:
Lets do 4pm if that works?
— — —
Sent: Wednesday, July 22, 2026 10:22 AM
To: Pickett, Marcus L <Marcus.L.Pickett@dea.gov>
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] 2026 Fentanyl Free America initiative
Yes, 4 pm works! Looking forward to speaking with you.
Please call me, my number is [Redacted].
Thank you,
[Redacted]
— — —
On Wed, Jul 22, 2026, 10:50 AM Pickett, Marcus L <Marcus.L.Pickett@dea.gov> wrote:
Sounds good!
— — —
to: “Pickett, Marcus L” <Marcus.L.Pickett@dea.gov>
bcc: clallamityjen@gmail.com
date: Jul 22, 2026, 7:14 PM
subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] DEA 2026 Fentanyl Free America initiative
Hi Marcus,
Thank you for the phone call and for sharing information about the Lucas Petty law signed in 2024.
As suggested, I will work on organizing a DEA 2026 Fentanyl Free America presentation for our community. We truly appreciate your outreach to the Olympic Peninsula.
To help with planning, could you please let me know:
- How much time you will need for the presentation?
- Your preferred setting for a meet-and-greet?
Since you will be traveling from Seattle, a midweek presentation would likely be best. Do you prefer a morning or evening time slot? For context, previous community events here have been held at 6:00 PM.
Additionally, please let me know if it is acceptable to extend an invitation to our Clallam County Prosecuting Attorney, Mark Nichols; Sheriff Brian King; Port Angeles Chief of Police; Dr. Evan Small, Olympic Medical Center ER Director; and a representative from Public Health harm reduction clinic. We are hoping our elected representatives can engage in a meaningful dialogue with you during the audience Q&A.
Lastly, if you have any YouTube links or videos from your past community outreach presentations, could you please share them?
Thank you again for your time and assistance. I'm very excited about your visit.
Kindly,
[Redacted]
to: clerk@sequimwa.gov
date: Jul 28, 2026, 6:00 AM
subject: Deny Funding Request
As a taxpayer in the City of Sequim, I respectfully ask that you deny the funding request by the Jamestown S’Kallam and the Dungeness River Nature Center of $3739 of City funds. Please deny the request for Municipal Funding Application Review presented during the City’s July 27, 2026 work session. The City should not be supporting this event that is supported by enough other private organizations and non-government organizations. This event will not be held within our City limits. If a shortfall of sponsorships happens, perhaps event planners should ask for admission from attendees or scale back their presentation.
Thank you for taking the time on this issue and not providing taxpayer money to support this event.
[Redacted]
Next Issue: Monday, August 3, 2026
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
✍️ No Hygiene or Harm Reduction programs at William Shore Aquatic Center in Port Angeles, WA
From the petition:
Please sign this petition to demand that the Clallam Department of Health and the William Shore Memorial Pool Board members Clallam County Commissioners Mike French, Randy Johnson, Port Angeles City Council Members Mark Hodgson and LaTrisha Suggs, and Greg Shields reject a hygiene center and shower voucher program now and in the future.
There are 78 Port Angeles Police reports that document the William Shore Aquatic Center generated far more calls related to social disorder, transient activity, mental health concerns, family disputes, and public safety issues than it did to actual swimming or recreation.
🇺🇸 Response from the U.S. Department of the Interior:
From Clallam Freedom Alliance re: Stop the Transfer of Dungeness and Protection Island Refuges (Sign & share petition here):
A physical mail response came in from Thomas A. Blaser, Chief Adminstrative Judge of the US. Department of the Interior.
He told us to send all concerns to the: Northwest Regional Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, 911 Northwest 11th Avenue, Portland, OR, 97232-4169.
As we now know calling is best: 360-291-7684.
✍️ Redress State Legislators in District 24:
Senator Mike Chapman: (360) 786-7646, email form
Representative Adam Bernbaum: (360) 786-7916, email form
Representative Steve Tharinger: (360) 786-7904, email form
✍️ Redress Clallam County Commissioners:
Mark Ozias: Mark.Ozias@clallamcountywa.gov
Randy Johnson: Randy.Johnson@clallamcountywa.gov
Mike French: Mike.French@clallamcountywa.gov
Loni Gores, Clerk: Loni.Gores@clallamcountywa.gov
Find all other Clallam County officials, offices, and employees in the staff directory.
To have your letter published in Clallam County Letters, please include clallamityjen@gmail.com in the BCC field or forward the email after sending.
Public Record Notice:
Published correspondences were transmitted to local government offices and copied, or forwarded by the sender, to the publisher. They are reproduced here as received.
Personal identifiers have been redacted where appropriate to protect individual privacy. No substantive alterations have been made.
Publication of this material is for record-keeping and transparency purposes only and does not constitute endorsement, analysis, or opinion by the publisher.
