http://disqus.com/by/colleensmidt/enWed, 04 Nov 2015 15:45:38 -0000http://zackhunt.net/2015/11/04/the-suspended-praying-football-coach-a-perspective-you-probably-havent-considered/#comment-2343058025<p>Thank you Zack and thank you Erik from Bremerton, his is an important aspect to bring up. Here is my published column out this week on my perspective as a Bremerton School District resident, voter and parent of a current Bremerton High School student. <a href="http://www.bremertonpatriot.com/opinion/339487791.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" title="http://www.bremertonpatriot.com/opinion/339487791.html">http://www.bremertonpatriot...</a></p>colleensmidtWed, 04 Nov 2015 15:45:38 -0000http://publicola.com/2012/03/30/why-i-like-a-washington/#comment-483948313<p>Thank you Kristin for your support of A+ and for your continued level headed follow through with the discussion.<br> <br>I am fortunate to live within a small, low income district that has had an ever increasing emphasis on pre-K and early childhood education for the past six years.  My district has built a considerable base of community partners that work very hard towards common goals and a more prepared student.  Significant portions of the A+ plan have my support.<br> <br>I am also a very real parent member of the League of Education Voters and a published community columnist.  I work full time in the private sector in an industry that is not connected to public education.  </p>colleensmidtMon, 02 Apr 2012 19:21:47 -0000http://www.portorchardindependent.com/opinion/136458648.html#comment-399859999<p>I noticed that too.  I think it just has to do with the fact that some of the "pages" have not had their settings updated.  For example the home page and the news page are all set to Facebook, but with this "Opinion" page it is a real hit and miss.  Similar thing going on over at the Patriot on certain letters or stories.</p>colleensmidtTue, 03 Jan 2012 16:04:40 -0000http://www.portorchardindependent.com/opinion/133697708.html#comment-367024360<p>Jeff, the community does in fact have a nearly endless choice of ways, operating right now, in which it can engage in lively debate.<br> <br>However consumers have choices on where, how and when they do want to engage one another, in their choice of a diverse variety of environments, parameters, rules and conditions under which they are the most comfortable operating in or adhere the closest to their beliefs.  Choices are an excellent thing to behold. <br> <br>Some consumers want free unrestricted unfiltered speech all the time anytime; others want the freedom from the possible consequences that comes with such unchecked, unfiltered freedom.  Each group is entitled to the environment they want in which they can engage in what they feel is the definition of a lively debate.<br> <br>With today’s technology, anyone can start a blog.  No one is stopping anyone from doing so.  A private business should also not be "stopped" from making a business decision about the way in which it conducts its own business.  A wonderful thing like consumer acceptance or rejection and/or profit or loss will determine eventually if that was the right business decision or not.  It is called the competitive free market.  Each business can have its customized place within that market and thereby serve the entire community with those choices.<br> <br>Colleen Smidt</p>colleensmidtThu, 17 Nov 2011 18:18:17 -0000http://www.portorchardindependent.com/opinion/133697708.html#comment-367012995<p>Jen, I have been "for" this conversion since the beginning and have posted that stance on many related threads here and at other publications.  In fact when I did do just that as the first poster on this story you immediately posted a reply to it and attempted to make a disparaging comment about my marriage and my husband that fell really flat.  My husband did get a big laugh out of it at your expense. Everyone can see above that I thanked you for all of the material you provide for me to work with.<br> <br>I am not an elected official or politician and maybe I do or do not ever want to be.  So what was your point again?  It does not seem to apply anymore.</p>colleensmidtThu, 17 Nov 2011 17:56:28 -0000http://www.bothell-reporter.com/opinion/133985533.html#comment-365206916<p>Hey Robin, I can see how having the comments on Facebook does get "attention" and comments from outside of the local papers traditional geographical area.  My link to this on my Facebook paper has netted a Bothell paper two comments from Bremerton residents. </p><p>I do like your idea too.  Keep fronting it and hopefully someone will pick it up and run with it.</p>colleensmidtWed, 16 Nov 2011 19:15:18 -0000http://www.portorchardindependent.com/opinion/133697708.html#comment-362804779<p>Individuals who do not like the rules set forth here; have many local opportunities available where they can operate in the environment that they choose.  Multiple choices are always best as one size does not fit all.  Some posters like an unfettered free for all environment and the off topic, brutal, offensive offerings that it typically provides.  Others prefer some moderation where threats and offensive language is flagged and removed. Some individuals desire a more controlled space that typically lends itself to a more elevated, polite conversational environment.  <br> <br>Setting up a community blog is rather easy.  Everyone is free to set one up on their own where they can do and say whatever they wish.  No one is stopping them from this freedom, in fact I encourage them to embrace it if their passion and their conscience makes them so driven to do so.<br> <br>Colleen Smidt</p>colleensmidtMon, 14 Nov 2011 09:43:44 -0000http://www.portorchardindependent.com/opinion/133697708.html#comment-361813490<p>Why thank you for the lovely compliment Jen.  It is posters like yourself that provide a constant stream of material for me in which to choose from and work with.  In fact it was many of your posts on the Port Orchard Mayor’s race that directly inspired me to write the column I did that is currently out in publication this week.</p><p>Thanks again, Sweetie.</p>colleensmidtSat, 12 Nov 2011 08:29:49 -0000http://www.portorchardindependent.com/opinion/letters/133697958.html#comment-361428542<p>Right on Jennifer (Kelly)!<br> <br>Many of us realize that you in fact do NOT tell Tim what to write or say, however what you do to support him behind the scenes is important to him and to the job he has to do. </p><p>Why should community story ideas be restricted in any way?  As a Port Orchard resident, why can't you submit ideas to the editor as well? You just happen to have 24 hour access to him, that’s all.  </p><p>Occasionally I take some of my (Everything Bremerton) published column ideas from my spouse.  Nothing wrong with that, last I checked he is a Bremerton resident too.<br> <br>Thanks for speaking out.  At least one Jen(nifer) in Port Orchard has the right perspective:-)</p>colleensmidtFri, 11 Nov 2011 17:54:16 -0000http://www.portorchardindependent.com/opinion/133697708.html#comment-361422392<p>Thanks Tim.  I fully support this change.</p><p>Colleen Smidt<br>Sound Publishing Community Columnist</p>colleensmidtFri, 11 Nov 2011 17:43:54 -0000http://www.bothell-reporter.com/opinion/letters/131630468.html#comment-359819737<p> Thanks for verifying, in such a random anonymous way,  that I was right on target.</p>colleensmidtWed, 09 Nov 2011 23:20:10 -0000http://www.bothell-reporter.com/opinion/132252358.html#comment-355143339<p>Thank you for writing this Andy.  It applies to many races, not just those in Northshore.</p><p>Colleen Smidt</p>colleensmidtThu, 03 Nov 2011 17:28:30 -0000http://www.portorchardindependent.com/opinion/132745708.html#comment-355119470<p>Jen,  I am a local conservative that is an unpaid Community Columnist for the Bremerton Patriot.  Both the Patriot and the Port Orchard Independent are owned by Sound Publishing.  I have an opinion driven column that appears weekly in both the Patriot and the CK Reporter and I get to write about whatever I want to and have been doing so for nearly two years.  Sound Publishing has never refused to run any of my columns no matter what the topic. </p><p>You are way off base in saying this company attempts to silence the average citizen.  I am the average citizen and I am not silenced in any way. This company is doing exactly what it is supposed to do. </p><p>Colleen Smidt<br>Community Columnist<br>Bremerton Patriot</p>colleensmidtThu, 03 Nov 2011 17:03:07 -0000http://www.bremertonpatriot.com/news/133175828.html#comment-354899709<p>Please vote YES on the council reduction measure.</p><p>More representation does not guarantee effective representation or better decision making by those elected.</p><p>Right now the council can be divided into 3 equal groups on issues banding together and jockeying for the outcome. With seven it cannot do that.</p><p>As far as allowing for poorer districts and working people to serve politically without too much of a burden? Serving politically is a burden and that burden is what you make of it and how you manage it and how the internal operations of the council manage it. You don't have to be elected to a position to engage in and assume your individual civic duty or burden as the "people" part of a government system for the people and by the people.</p><p>Currently the council is large enough to allow for an extensive list of committees and appointments.<br>See here...http://<a href="http://www.ci.bremerton.wa.us/display" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" title="www.ci.bremerton.wa.us/display">www.ci.bremerton.wa.us/display</a>...</p><p>Talk about a burden.</p><p>Are all of these committees effective? Are there viable results that come from these committees that would not also come out in a normal or slightly extended council discussion and vote? Are they the best use of council member time?</p><p>Could the number of council committees be consolidated and or reduced?</p><p>Is it in the best interest of the taxpayers that Department heads are to make themselves available during the course of their work day and after hours to make the exact same presentations to committees for discussion and to then to the full board for the same discussion and then a vote?</p><p>Does the administrative work, tracking, documenting, support and follow up that needs to be completed by City Staff for all of these committee meetings lead to a validation that city support staffing levels need to remain at a higher number?</p><p>Why do we have the Mayor and two council members serving on the Puget Sound Regional Council Executive Board, when we are only allowed (1) vote for our entire area? This ties up the time of multiple elected city representatives for (1) vote. Is that the best operational use of city time?</p><p>These are all issues of efficiency that this community needs to be asking itself? More budget cuts at the city level just came out this week. Should we not as a community look to making our city government as lean as possible while still retaining quality representation and services? Why should the across the board call for reductions and effeciencies only apply to city departments and not to city administration or representation?</p><p>As a citizen/resident/taxpayer do you feel that if and when you petition the City Council on an issue that concerns or affects you, that you are getting a better response or result collectively from 9 members instead of what you would get collectively from 7 members?</p><p>Really think about this and then vote YES.</p><p>Colleen Smidt Chairman of the Committee "For" the Council Reduction Measure</p>colleensmidtThu, 03 Nov 2011 14:20:40 -0000http://www.bremertonpatriot.com/opinion/132789038.html#comment-354895566<p>Robin, don't be such a "girl".  LOL</p>colleensmidtThu, 03 Nov 2011 14:14:08 -0000http://www.bremertonpatriot.com/opinion/132789038.html#comment-353949580<p>This is actually my column.  I am not Adele.  Adele did not write this.  I have asked for a correction.</p>colleensmidtWed, 02 Nov 2011 12:32:06 -0000http://www.bothell-reporter.com/opinion/letters/131806113.html#comment-341011800<p>Thank you for this very well stated and thoughtful letter John.  You are correct.  Elected School Board Directors, no matter what their district, are in place to be a part of some very critical and necessary checks and balances between the other groups of stakeholders within education. </p><p>When one group of stakeholders attempts to manipulate another group in a way that makes it less independent, honest and transparent, then that manipulation creates an imbalance that is not healthy or worthy of any open public system.</p><p>Colleen Smidt<br>Bremerton Community Columnist</p>colleensmidtFri, 21 Oct 2011 18:04:29 -0000http://www.bothell-reporter.com/opinion/letters/131630468.html#comment-340754009<p>I am not a parent in the Northshore School District.  I am a parent in the Bremerton School District.  However, I am a citizen/parent education advocate that follows what goes on in other Puget Sound school districts.</p><p>I care very much about what goes on in other districts because the publically accepted lowering of the bar in any aspect of education simply creates a new "normal" that is more and more destructive and even harder to overcome as time goes on. Districts continually compare themselves to what other districts are or are not doing and base many of their own decisions so that they are within the acceptable tolerance of that majority. You do not have to “be” in a particular district to have that districts decision making affect the education of your own child in your own district all without the benefit of any elected representative vote. </p><p>I have been in a unique position over the last year, to have been able to get to know Dawn through her education blogging and writing.  I find her to be very informed, involved and knowledgeable about education.  How much she cares about what she is doing permeates her conversations and posts.<br> <br>It is rare that there are School Board Directors, like Dawn, who are so willing to open themselves up, participate beyond the Board Room and Board Meetings in so many other venues of education that need attention and truly decide our children’s future.<br> <br>While the teachers very much have a right to put forth such a letter to the editor, I find their language and tone to be in rather poor taste and it smacks of being more about a personal livelihood agenda instead of a student or education improving agenda.<br> <br>I would encourage the voters of Northshore to be very appreciative of having such a committed leader as Dawn in their community who has proven to be so effective, knowledgeable, passionate and open.<br> <br>Colleen Smidt<br>Bremerton Community Columnist</p>colleensmidtFri, 21 Oct 2011 11:35:56 -0000http://www.bremertonpatriot.com/news/130863858.html#comment-323993582<p>Thank you Kristin, for the great write up on this very important issue.</p>colleensmidtFri, 30 Sep 2011 14:54:50 -0000http://blogs.portorchardindependent.com/rhodes/awesome-ride-time-change-directions/257/#comment-248083578<p>Good Luck to you Jeff.  I have very much enjoyed reading your material over the years that you have produced for the Port Orchard Independent and Sound Publishing.  The Freedom Foundation is dang lucky to have you and I know you will embrace your new adventures.</p><p>Colleen Smidt<br>Bremerton Patriot Community Columnist</p>colleensmidtMon, 11 Jul 2011 17:51:23 -0000http://www.bremertonpatriot.com/opinion/124090594.html#comment-232108714<p>Thank you Larry!  I can't believe I have been cranking out columns for a year and a half now.  It is fun!</p>colleensmidtWed, 22 Jun 2011 14:29:07 -0000http://www.bremertonpatriot.com/opinion/123666869.html#comment-225945870<p>Hey, I get to add my own by-line this week.  Andy, they really need to get you some help in the layout process, buddy.<br> <br>Colleen Smidt<br>Bremerton Patriot Community Columnist<br>Writter of "The king is dead, long live the king"</p>colleensmidtTue, 14 Jun 2011 17:34:47 -0000http://www.bremertonpatriot.com/opinion/122681249.html#comment-212501392<p>Awesome Robin.  I think we should petition the Mayor to start a citywide campaign that makes school zone and playground marking/striping a priority in the coming months. So that maybe we can start the next school year out with as many visible student/kid crossings in the city as possible.</p>colleensmidtThu, 26 May 2011 19:27:29 -0000http://www.bremertonpatriot.com/news/122355193.html#comment-212272466<p>Excellent Article Kristin!</p>colleensmidtThu, 26 May 2011 12:51:29 -0000http://www.bremertonpatriot.com/news/122355193.html#comment-212272432<p>Excellent Article Kristin!</p>colleensmidtThu, 26 May 2011 12:51:25 -0000