Q: Mr. Federal Way, I heard that the Pierce County Council chair was upset with the King County Council for making a decision on late Rep. Roger Freeman’s replacement without them. Do you think the two Councils should have voted together instead of separate, which is what Pierce County thought would happen?
A: Pierce County is questioning this legality on whether two counties can hold separate votes since the Washington Constitution requires “joint action.” King County thinks “joint action” doesn’t necessarily mean a joint meeting. However, Pierce County said a 1941 state attorney general decision says otherwise.
Whatever the law is, if Mr. Federal Way was to pin this down to ethics and morality, Mr. Federal Way would likely side with Pierce County. While voting separately saves time and a lot of gas money, one vote before the other could potentially sway future Council votes and lacks true democracy. But the Pierce County Council said because of this, they’ll now wait to vote on Freeman’s replacement until they get an opinion from Mr. Bob Ferguson.
Now, as a Federal Way resident, Mr. Federal Way thinks delaying this decision up until the last minute — Dec. 28 is the deadline — is annoying. Having a joint meeting won’t change King County Council’s vote, so why make them vote again? Why make the 30th District Democrats wait even longer?
Mr. Federal Way has to wonder if this county drama will influence the Pierce County Council’s vote, as the majority of them are Republicans voting for a Democrat. Will they pick the weakest candidate or side with King County in picking the strongest — Carol Gregory? Mr. Federal Way will certainly be paying close attention throughout the next two weeks.
Q: The Bonneville Power Administration is spraying a herbicide called Element 3 all along the BPA trail. I bike along the trail every morning and now wonder if it is safe? What is Element 3 and should I be avoiding the trail?
A: Mr. Federal Way wonders why citizens think Mr. Federal Way is equipped to give medical advice in this situation. If you are worried about your health, talk to your doctor. Mr. Federal Way is merely a columnist and if you’re looking for real advice, it would be to ask a stinkin’ expert in the matter.
Either way, a quick Google search found that “Element 3A Triclopyr Herbicide” controls “unwanted woody plants, non-irrigation ditch banks, perennial broadleaf weeds in forest and non-crop areas including industrial manufacturing and storage sites.”
It’s apparently OK to use for weeds in standing water, ponds or lakes without any restrictions — think fishing, swimming or animal restrictions. According to a 2002 National Pesticide Information Center document, Triclopyr was first registered in 1979 and has been used on rice, pasture, rangeland, rights of way, forests and lawns.
“Triclopyr is low in toxicity when eaten by animals,” the document states, noting it’s mildly irritating to corrosive to the eyes, can affect the skin of guinea pigs and is poorly absorbed through human skin.
It’s not classified as a carcinogen because it’s a group D chemical, nor does it have an affect on birth defects.
For more information on Triclopyr or Element 3, Mr. Federal Way strongly suggests speaking to a doctor, researching the chemical yourself by looking at npic.orst.edu/factsheets/triclogen.pdf and making your own decision before you forego a healthy activity such as biking because of a seemingly insignificant herbicide.
Q: Mr. Federal Way, who is Mr. Federal Way?
A: None of your business.
Got a question for Mr. Federal Way? Email mrfederalway@federalwaymirror.com
