PORT TOWNSEND – Mike Belenski does not accept David Alvarez’s apology. Alvarez, Jefferson County’s deputy prosecuting attorney, wrote an e-mail to Belenski, a county political activist, on Tuesday, apologizing for directing profanity and an obscene gesture at him on Jan. 22.
Belenski responded via e-mail the same day and refused the apology, saying that since Alvarez was told to apologize, he was only following a driective.
Alvarez’s e-mail followed an investigation by Jefferson County Treasurer Judi Morris into the incident that took place in the commissioners chambers on the ground floor of the county courthouse.
“Judi Morris recommended that I apologize,” Alvarez said.
He said he had no comment on Belenski refusing the apology.
As for the incident, Alvarez said, “I just think I had a bad day.”
Alvarez’s e-mail to Belenski said: “I owe you an apology. With my outburst on Jan. 22 I failed to treat you with the common respect and courtesy one person owes to another.
“I understand that mutual respect is required although you and I often disagree on the substance of the issues that you raise. In the past we have been able to disagree and yet also civilly discuss our differences.
“Perhaps we can resume those conversations again in the future. Please accept my apology.”
Belenski replied by e-mail to Alvarez: “I stand by the statement I made in my Jan. 26 letter addressed to the Board of County Commissioners and Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.”
That letter stated, “For the record, I am not interested in, nor will I accept an apology from Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Alvarez.”
