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UPDATING THIS PORTION OF SITE..
We are updating our site major so you can keep informed on what's up. READ PETITION Letters from Public DID YOU KNOW... Got any questions,
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Date: 14 May 2008 To: Mr. Brad Gehring, District #1 Bremerton
City Council From: Mr. & Mrs. David E. Rose Subj: CITY EMPLOYEE MISBEHAVIOR and OPEN LOCAL GOVERNMENT After purchasing the former “Cheers” tavern, in September of 2002, we started a major five month overhaul/remodeling effort to transform the seriously neglected building into a modern and upgraded “South Pacific Sports Bar” and restaurant. During the restoration of the building we met with Mr. Gary Sexton and informed him of our purchase, how I was born and raised in Bremerton and what our intentions and goals are. We emphasized our excitement to be part of the revitalizing efforts to help bring Bremerton back alive. Soon afterwards we met with Mayor Bozeman and told him of our purchase and that we were bringing in a “Sports Bar” to downtown. He said and I quote, “… that’s great, we need a good sports bar downtown.” A few weeks had passed and my wife ran into the Mayor and invited him down to see the progress. At that time we heard some scuttle (rumors) of the 1st street block being torn down. We asked the Mayor if any of this was true and he stated “No, I have not heard of anything. There are no plans for this block.” After construction of the new Kitsap Credit Union in 2006, Mr. Gary Sexton said he would like to meet with us. He came to the South Pacific and immediately stated that he needs 40 feet of our building for a pedestrian sidewalk and that it was up to us to meet with the other property owners, work something out or he’s taking our property. He gave us the phone number for the Neman Dockus building, and also the point of contact for the Kitsap Credit Union. Mr. Sexton clearly said that something has to be done within a very short time frame or he would be condemning us all. We told him of our plans for capital improvements including: sprinkler system, new entryways/egresses, elevator, a mural on outside of the wall (already designed by Lisa Sturitt), etc. all sub-area plan items. He told us not to do anymore improvements or remodeling. We spoke with the other property owners and came up with a few ideas. After further discussions, Mr. David Willis from the Kitsap Credit Union and us came up with a plan/drawing. We all think our proposal would take care of the aspects Mr. Sexton talked about. (Sidewalk, outdoor seating area, plants). Mr. Willis later informed us that Mr. Sexton said, “No way!” Soon after Mr. Sexton called again and said the city is going to take our building just like that. I said to Gary that we are not interested in selling; we bought this building with the full intent of being part of the new Bremerton and that we believe in and want to do our part. This is our “American Dream” and we have done nothing but put in 110% since day one (September 2002), not only all of our savings but our retirement as well. Our plan is to retire one day and let our children continue to run the business. They are the new Bremerton. Mr. Sexton said, “then I’ll take it.” The phone calls started coming in almost daily, sometimes twice daily by Mr. Sexton asking, “Have you sold yet? Have you spoken to Johnny from Neman Dockus?” He has stopped by the sports bar numerous times during the busiest lunch time intimidating my wife asking her the same questions (as customers walk by wondering what’s happening). He had the audacity once to interrupt my wife during a meeting to ask the very same question...”have you sold yet”. He has called us at 6:00am at home, waking us both up asking the very same questions. It has gotten to the point where my wife and I have had nightmares, woken up in the middle of the night in sweats thinking and there’s nothing we can do about it. My wife would pray to God for a direction. We both said this is out of hand and we have to do something, this is not right and we shouldn’t be treated like this. We spoke with a Civil Rights Activist group, emailed several organizations and attorneys for advice. The attorney advised us that from here on out not speak with Mr. Sexton in person or on the phone anymore. That everything be in writing and for us to start documenting everything. 03/12/08 4:00pm Mr. Sexton called 04/04/08 Rick D. Wells consulting appraiser came to our business, South Pacific Sports Bar and said he was here to appraise our building. We told him “No, that we needed something in writing from the City.” 04/04/08 Rick D. Wells consulting appraiser came back to the South Pacific with a letter from the City of Bremerton (attached) so we let him do the appraisal. At this point we are starting to feel that Mr. Sexton is getting the right to do what he wants with the businesses of Bremerton. If for some reason he wants you gone from this town, he will make it happen and there’s nothing anyone can or will do about it. We think the behavior of Mr. Sexton has been unethical and unprofessional. We feel Mr. Sexton has deliberately misbehaved and misrepresented the City. We ask that you please investigate his activities and performance and determine whether disciplinary action should be conducted. Keep in mind that the City is liable for the behavior of its employees and is required to act on behalf of the public, not on the behalf of a few elite people. Additionally, the City appears to be operating in a secretive and discriminatory manner regarding the general business situation downtown. There appears to be no due process, no public involvement and the elected representatives responsible for protecting our civil liberties and property rights seem to have abrogated their responsibility. We feel the city has been trying to push us out. Not only from the harassment of Mr. Sexton, but our mailman has said to us numerous times starting over a year ago, I just saw some drawings at the Government Center and this entire block is not on it, only trees. The next day he told me the drawings were gone. A few months later, back up they go. No mention of anything to us from the City. We’ve asked about the beautiful hanging plants, why they aren’t on 1st street but are everywhere else, all the way down to Callow Ave. 3.5 miles away? At Christmas time, lights are up everywhere but not on 1st street. During the various construction phases, signs are posted for potential customers; Hampton Inn, Credit Union, Dining / Shops etc. (turn down 2nd street.) Signs for the Ferry and Museum turn down 1st street. What about the businesses on 1st street (Dinging/Shops)? They don’t exist. All business is being detoured away from 1st street. The revenue would go up on this block if it weren’t being continuously victimized. Our building has so much historical value that it’s absurd to even think about demolishing it! The last bad decision of the Mayor and Council urged by Mr. Sexton resulted in a highly motivated public minded group establishing a Fire Museum downtown which had a viable business plan which would have drawn thousands of people to the downtown area. Instead, at the urging of Mr. Sexton and the Mayor, neither of whom in our opinion know anything about business or generating actual revenue; the building was sold to an out of town landlord to be turned into a Sports Bar which of course never happened because these people don’t know how to run a business! We have decided to get the community involved to help save the “South Pacific.” We’ve contacted various local, state and national historic preservation groups and are in the processes of filing various documents. With an already overwhelming response and support from the community, we feel this is our best course of action. We will present to you, our City Council, the history, the community support, the revenue potential with hopes that you, our elected Officials, will put a stop to Mr. Sextons’ ignorant abuse and authority and help us to retain one of the last historical landmarks and revenue producing businesses that our community wants to keep. Let us continue on with our “American Dream!” In order for a City to truly prosper, a mix of the old and new must be maintained. The old provides history, character, pride and a sense of family. Thank you for your time, David & Mary Jo Rose |
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