Questioning the Accused

Memes of the Day

I don’t claim to be a traditional mainstream journalist. Instead, my professional background is in another kind of reporting — court reporting to be exact. The years I spent guarding the record, as well as transcribing legal proceedings starting in my teens, gave me much appreciation for the foundational mechanics of American justice.

In criminal law, the Sixth Amendment’s Confrontation Clause guarantees the right of the accused to face and question their accusers. While local politics isn’t a court of law, common decency dictating that you don’t convict someone in the court of public opinion without allowing them a right of response flows directly from that same American principle.

Publishing an exposé built entirely on a Facebook comment and “yet-to-be-proven” assumptions without asking the subjects for comment isn’t reporting — it’s a horrendous hit piece.

So, I took matters into my own hands, because I do not agree with the smear campaign against Jake; nor do I care for the chilling effect that Toxic Salsa is creating by dragging anyone Jake interacts with into a web of unverified accusations.

Last week I sent emails to Jake Seegers and Kelly Kidwell, offering them an opportunity to respond to claims in a recent Toxic Salsa article.

Considering I have been blocked by Toxic Salsa without ever interacting with them, and others have been blocked after leaving comments that call out their published fabrications, I highly suspect that if either Jake or Kelly questioned their spicy accuser in the comments that they would be blocked too.

The day I sent the emails, Jake called me back to talk about it. He was busy being a dad and driving his kids to camp, but he made time to address my questions and I appreciate that.

I fully understand that people who want to believe the lies of Toxic Salsa will not bother reading what Jake has to say. Besides, they only pay attention to what he says when it involves skunks.

However, what matters is setting the record straight.

I also spoke with Kelly Kidwell in person who met with me and my husband last week. Having spoken to both of the accused, I can definitely say they are not working together in a Clallam power grab.

Below is the email I sent to Jake, followed by my write-up of the conversation I had with him.

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Date: July 6, 2026

Hi Jake,

I hope you’re doing well!

I’m working on a new post for Clallamity Jen reviewing that recent article dropped by Salsa Picante Clallam County — the one trying to link your campaign, your family’s real estate holdings near the Sekiu airport, and your public support of Kelly Kidwell into a “secret newcomer alliance.”

Salsa link:

Are Kidwell and Seegers Secretly United by Their Love of Airports?

It really didn’t sit well with me that the article threw around so many accusations and assumptions about you and Mr. Kidwell without ever mentioning if they bothered to reach out to either of you directly.

Since we’ve already done an interview and I value actual fairness over anonymous gossip, I wanted to give you the floor to call out any inaccuracies or false assumptions in their narrative.

I have also reached out to Mr. Kidwell to give him the same opportunity. My plan is to print this email to you along with your full response, unedited, in an upcoming article.

Could you let me know your thoughts on the accuracy of these specific points they threw out:

1. The Sekiu Airport Land: The article highlights your purchase of four land lots near the Sekiu airport and implies a hidden business or political connection to Kelly Kidwell and Citizen Air. Is there any truth to this connection?

2. You have informed me that it is your father’s trust that made the purchase, of which you are a trustee; when Salsa makes claims it is your purchase, I understand that is not accurate. As it is a private transaction, and you are a trustee rather than the owner, you do not have to disclose anything about future plans with the land; but if there is anything you can or want to share about future plans you are welcome to.

3. Campaign Treasurer Context: The piece notes Jeff Tozzer’s dual role as the Clallam County Watchdog writer and your campaign treasurer, referencing a sudden campaign shake-up and his reported resignation. I know that Jeff already addressed his resignation on CC Watchdog, but if you have anything more to add about the resignation you are welcome to.

4. The “Outsider” Label: I know you get a lot of heat from people labeling you an “outsider” or a “carpetbagger” because you moved here in 2019. The Salsa piece leans heavily into that same narrative, framing your campaign as a transplant power play. I want to give you the chance to address that label directly. Do you feel that you are an outsider? Do you think that is an accurate characterization of your connection to the community? What crucial context do you think these critics are completely omitting about your commitment to Clallam County?

Thanks for taking the time to look this over, Jake.

Have a great day!

Jen

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A summary of my conversation with Jake:

Question 1:

Jake has no dealings with Kelly Kidwell.

Kelly Kidwell brings immense professional experience and a love for this area, based on my own research through the Coffee with Colleen video and Jake’s understanding of Kelly that comes from talking with him at one community event.

Jake did share that he has an interest in talking with Kelly, the same as he does with all business owners in Clallam County. Jake appreciates what Kelly is bringing to the county and the vision of economic development that all business owners possess.

Question 2:

There is nothing to report on future use of the land. As the Zillow description stated, and Jake shared as well, the property does have debris that needs to be cleaned up, which was part of the terms of the sale.

Jake’s own business and investing outlook is that buying any property on the Olympic Peninsula is a sound investment, since there is limited land for private ownership when compared to the amount of land that belongs to federal, state, county, city, and tribal entities.

Jake’s love for this area is the reason for any land he purchases. He doesn’t understand why his friends aren’t selling their homes and moving here — that is how much he loves it and wants others to love it too. That is how much he believes in the good that is out here; it is where he is investing not only his energy and money, but his life.

His investments aren’t just for him — they are for his children, his children’s future, and everyone who benefits from improved economic growth.

Question 4:

Jake asks: Are local leaders representing generational values? No matter how long Jake has been here, his interest is in upholding the values that have made Clallam County what it is for generations.

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When it comes to Question 3, Jeff Tozzer shared his view on his resignation in his own writing. If people choose to dismiss it, that is on them, not Jeff or Jake.

Tozzer Resigns as Campaign Manager

My final thoughts on my conversation with Jake:

Economic growth means more homes, more business, more jobs, and more taxes. Those taxes are what all government entities rely on — they could not exist without taxes that are put back into public services, from schools, roads, public hospitals, parks, sidewalks, sewers, and more.

The people of Clallam County deserve more than the same stagnant environment that continues to constrain development, through overregulation and growing taxation of the already existing homes and businesses, without doing more to allow business and residential growth in order to ease the burden on those already here.

To be against economic growth is to be in favor of economic stagnation which is where Clallam County has been for too long.

Thank you for laughing, reading, sharing & subscribing!

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Community Opportunities:

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Clallam County Letters:

New issues published at 6am every Monday and Thursday.

Clallam County Letters accepts emails to county, city, state, and federal government officials.

✍️ Redress State Legislators in District 24:

• Senator Mike Chapman: (360) 786-7646, email form

• Representative Adam Bernbaum: (360) 786-7916, email form

• Representative Steve Tharinger: (360) 786-7904, email form

✍️ Redress Clallam County Commissioners:

• Mark Ozias: Mark.Ozias@clallamcountywa.gov

• Randy Johnson: Randy.Johnson@clallamcountywa.gov

• Mike French: Mike.French@clallamcountywa.gov

• Loni Gores, Clerk: Loni.Gores@clallamcountywa.gov

Find all other Clallam County officials, offices, and employees in the staff directory.

To have your letter published in Clallam County Letters, please include clallamityjen@gmail.com in the BCC field or forward after sending.

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