Activist attorney from Port Townsend considering challenge as a Democrat against Dicks

[uppityperson]

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20080302/NEWS/803020303

Activist attorney from Port Townsend considering challenge as a Democrat against Dicks

Ask Paul Richmond if he thinks a run against U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks is a David-versus-Goliath challenge, and he kicks back a smile and a quick response. "David is my middle name," said the 46-year-old Port Townsend attorney, who is considering taking aim at upsetting Dicks, D-Belfair, from within Dicks' own party.

Richmond, who said he would run as a Democrat, plans to announce his candidacy for the 6th District congressional seat this week — if he decides to take the political plunge for the November election.

"The congressman usually doesn't comment until the opponent files for the office," said George Behan, spokesman for the North Olympic Peninsula's congressman, who has served in the House since 1977. "He expects that there will be competition, and he looks forward to a race on the issues and on his record of service to the 6th District."..(more)

I first heard of this guy when there was a local thing going on to ban homeless from camping in a city park. He went up in arms against the idea, with the result that it is on hold for now. I do not know him personally, but got a few emails from him, probably through local peace group, when this ban the homeless camping OMG we're scared thing was being (in my opinion) railroaded through without a need. He spoke up against it. Loudly.

Here's a link/story to that:

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20080206/NEWS/802060306

Port Townsend delays ban on camping in city parks

By Jeff Chew, Peninsula Daily News

PORT TOWNSEND — Hearing several advocates for the homeless plea for compassion, City Council members delayed consideration of an ordinance that would prohibit camping at Kah Tai Lagoon Nature Park. (clip)

The council unanimously voted to refer the Kah Tai camping ban to the council special projects committee, made up of council members Dave King, George Randels and Laurie Medlicott. The council asked that the committee hear more from the public and bring the matter back to the council by the end of August.
(clip)
"You're making it illegal to live here and have no money," shouted resident Paul Richmond, who ran over his allotted three minutes of speaking time and challenged Mayor Michelle Sandoval, who asked him to wrap it up, to have him arrested if she didn't like it.

"You're treating the homeless like dirt," he said. "We're shoving them aside. We're bulldozing them over."

Richmond, who obtained statistics through a city public records request, said there were 44 incidents reported over three years in which police were called to the park. He said there were 20 calls in 2006 and even fewer in 2007, showing that the problem was diminishing...(more)

[ptvet]

1. Hey Uppity

I've met him a few times at events...and I think you and I must be on the same email list!

[uppityperson]

2. Hi, what do you think of him?

I really liked that letter he sent out (actually I sent it back with some typos corrected, but hey, that's my obsessiveness). I haven't met him yet, but liked what he wrote and that he stood up and got others standing up saying what the heck to the railroading/fear mongering of Kah Tai homeless campers.

[ptvet]

3. Hello......

I really only talked with him for a moment. Said hello at a couple of events and realized we lived here in the same area. Sounds like he did a good job at the meeting you referenced. As for running against ol entrenched Norm Dicks, I don't know. I think Norm is going to be hard to unseat.