Does this mean they can't order a BLT?

Using acronyms and abbreviations in the Kitsap County Courthouse is DOA, and anyone using them better stop, ASAP.

No MVET, no EIS, no WSDOT. Don't even think about PUD or PSRC.

The Kitsap County commissioners have blown the whistle on the acronym alphabet soup that often clutters government business. Anyone caught using one in a meeting gets fined a buck.

"One of the things in our mission statement is to make government more accessible for citizens," said Commissioner Chris Endresen. "We realized when we're having discussions about a lot of different issues, they are so full of acronyms the average citizen does not have a clue what we're talking about."

The commissioners decided during a January retreat to fine every commissioner and department head $1 each time they used an acronym. In January alone the commission raised $100, which was donated to tsunami victims.

Endresen, herself, had to toss in a buck Wednesday when she referred to the Association of Washington Cities as AWC. She figures she has contributed $10 since the acronym ban went into effect.

When a commissioner or department head uses an acronym, someone will chime in: "What did you say?" which is code for an acronym violation. Citizens aren't charged.

"We're all getting better," said Endresen, "but it's hard."

She said the fines are voluntary, although everyone pays, even though sometimes it's with an IOU, er, I Owe You.

Susan Gilmore: 206-464-2054 or sgilmore@seattletimes.com