Okanogan residents among lawsuit plaintiffs against governor

OKANOGAN – Business owner Patty DeTro, wife of Okanogan County Commissioner Jim DeTro is among two Okanogan County residents listed as plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit filed against Washington Governor Jay Inslee on Friday, May 1. DeTro, owner of Puttin’ on the Ritz salon and Jason Bernica, owner of Sunrise Chevrolet and Xtreme Powersports are named as plaintiffs along with tax activist and Republican gubernatorial candidate Tim Eyman and several others.

The lawsuit alleges that the governor’s actions during the COVID-19 pandemic are in violation of citizens’ state constitutional rights.

Eyman, attorney Stephen Pidgeon and Franklin County Commissioner and lead plaintiff Clint Didier were among the party that filed the lawsuit at the Tacoma courthouse at 12 noon last Friday. DeTro and Bernica were unable to attend the filing.

“This is what it’s all about,” said Eyman holding up a sign during a press conference on the courthouse steps. “All business is essential to someone.”

Eyman accused the governor of unfairly designating which businesses could continue operating during the coronavirus pandemic and which businesses could not.

Pidgeon accused the governor of overreaching his authority under the state constitution and said the lawsuit is intended as a class action representing all non-essential Washingtonians.

The suit was filed two days after all three commissioners issued a letter to Gov. Inslee protesting the continued shutdown of nonessential businesses in the county. The letter also advised Inslee that those businesses so affected may resume operations on May 5, the day the governor announced as the partial opener of state outdoor recreation.

On May 1, Gov. Inslee held an afternoon press conference where he announced that he is extending the state’s stay-home order through May 31, with a phased-in plan to begin reopening business in mid-month.