If nothing else is going on and a newspaper inkslinger is in search of material to write about, the police are always fertile territory. Never a dull moment.

I've always been impressed (as in shocked) with how many inches of copy ends up dedicated to our local gendarmes. Is it that we are always picking on them or perhaps just getting even for tickets received? Or maybe jealous envy of their jobs? Whatever - there's always plenty of interest.

The recent flap over smoking in police cars is a case in point. Is it against the law to smoke in police cars? Does a policeman have the right to smoke on the job? Do we have the right to tell a policeman what he might do during his break time?

What if a policeman has the audacity to eat a sardine sandwich in his patrol vehicle? Or worse yet, a peanut butter sandwich. The officer on the next shift might be seriously allergic to peanut butter.

However, does this have much of anything to do with police work?

Am I in any danger as a citizen because the officer is smoking in his patrol car? Probably not much more than if he or she wore socks with holes in them or pants with creases that spiraled down the leg.

But, I must admit, how can they manage to hold a cell phone to their ear (is this still legal?), hold a spit cup for smokeless tobacco, run their computer, talk on their radio and still keep their car on the road?



Music in the air

I never cease to be amazed and thoroughly entertained by the music programs in our local schools. The above and beyond that the school staff members extend of their own time to give these students such valuable experiences is commendable. The benefit to the community could be measured in dollars and cents, in lifelong skills to the students and in quality of life for the rest of us. Kids learning to master an instrument gain self discipline, have direction, experience camaraderie that could be damaged by upcoming budget cuts if we're not careful. To put it bluntly, kids with nothing to do can get into trouble.



The 'brary's back

I haven't been inside the new and improved library since the largely privately funded renovation was completed, but I already know it must be a vast improvement.

When Wife Nancy and I travel, we always like to visit the library. It's a pretty good measure of the community it serves. Intellectual, mover shaker communities tend to have pretty nice libraries that lend themselves as the center of the community.

I see Sequim as a community full of very talented and experienced professionals and artists, far in excess of the story our library tells.



Bunk 'em in homes

When the candidates for our Public Works director position come into town, I hope they get to stay with some of the citizenry, otherwise they may back out. A person who is promised a maximum of $90,000 bucks annually might not take too kindly to paying the high rates our local motels charge for what they have to offer.

I don't mind a room with a view of storage sheds, back alleys or parking lots as long as the price is a bargain but to pay top dollar for rooms with no view, tired paint, yesterday's architecture and very meager amenities is painful.

Our candidates might get a better view of the community if they stay with one of us. Besides, the citizenry of Sequim is definitely its strong suit.



New planner

When our out-of-town visitors come to enjoy the area, they always are completely taken by the scenery and pastoral feelings of the area. But when they inquire as to the local politics, I always point to the good news/bad news. "Well, the good news is we still have things like developers serving on the planning commission, but the bad news is that we still have developers serving on the planning commission.

But finally, we have a replacement to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of above mentioned developer/planner. Jon Wendt, who is truly qualified, will be the new member on the planning commission. Not only is he qualified, but he's experienced in the field. Lucky us.

I never cease to be amazed by the talent that just happens to live here in Sequim.



Jim Follis is a retired school administrator, has published two books, and currently writes three newspaper columns. Eating, drinking, and making merry are his professed hobbies. Traveling, trekking, and observing people follow not far behind.