My name is Pam Blakeman. I am the 2023 Chair of the Clallam County Republicans. We are one of the 3 counties that share the 24th District, so hello from Clallam County!
I’ve lived in Port Angeles for 45 years with my husband. We raised our 3 children here. I don’t believe there is a more beautiful place to live and explore than the Olympic Peninsula. I worked for over 35 years at the local hospital, mostly as an Emergency Room nurse. This gave me a good eye on who lives in our community. Though this is still a wonderful place to live, the changes I see are disturbing. It is not as safe as it used to be. I see the sad, hopeless vacant faces of drug addicts walking the streets. Children are doing terribly in schools. Overdoses and suicide attempts are common. Working families cannot afford housing.
Something has happened to America and Clallam County. Ronald Reagan said, “Government is not the solution to our problem, Government is the problem”.
I agree. Our decline has come through our lawmakers. We are in a deep pit. But there are also many who want to engage to fix our government but don’t know how.
Here are some starter thoughts. First, decide to never quit. Focus locally, for me, Clallam County.
Grass Roots focus. The slogan “Grassroots Implementing Change Together” fits us. Many of our PCOs/Captains/Volunteers are new in their roles and they are an encouragement to everyone on the team. We want to equip them with how to engage in their neighborhoods. Their efforts will make a difference. Ballots to boxes is the goal.
Increase participation in local government. This includes supporting those who are running but also increasing our visibility at government meetings. We want accountability from them and to speak with influence as a group. Republicans need to be heard.
Increase our voice at the WSRP. They do want to hear from us. They are also our connection to the NRP. I believe the NRP should be holding our elected Republicans accountable to their promises and we should be sure they hear from us.
Being convinced that God hears, I also personally pray for many things.
So what is my ultimate vision? The bellwether county, Clallam County, rings RED! And Jefferson and Grays Harbor likewise.