Onrushing Civic Improvements for "Vancouver's Pearl" (New Waterfront Development)

FINALLY, SOMETHING HAPPENING AT VANCOUVER'S "NEW PEARL" WATERFRONT SITE

I'm pleased to report that SOMEONE (Councilmember Anne McEnerny-Ogle) has finally listened to my plea for some sort of civic improvement at the former Boise-Cascade pulp mill site (slated to be Vancouver's new "Pearl", or waterfront development). This site, which currently features a graded and open gravelly landscape clear from the train tracks to the Columbia river (and is accessible to the public at both Esther and Grant Streets), is slated for around 24 condominium/apartment towers, retail development, a waterfront park, and (if rumors are correct) a STREETCAR. In short, Vancouver's "new Pearl". 

However, the site currently features a vast blank open-to-the-public expanse, and has done so since contractors finished the cleanup of mill pollution and debris in late May. In June, I posted on here about the City of Vancouver's FAILURE to either block off public access to the site or develop it with minimal civic improvements, along the lines of the Vancouver Downtown Association's development of Heritage Square, at 8th and Washington Streets. Ideally, I said at the time I'd like to see gravel cul-de-sacs for turnaround of cars (instead of orange barricades at the Esther and Grant underpasses) as well as possibly a dog park, or a grassy field, with limited or NO river access (due to liability issues, and possible injuries). 

Eric Holmes, City Manager, indicated to me at the time that the City was waiting for the Port to agree to allow public access (and extension of) Columbia Way from Columbia Street (where the road goes down to the Terminal One amphitheater, just north of Red Lion at the Quay). The Port had held up til July granting the city access to develop this road due to their fits over City Council denying zoning permits for their much bally-hooed oil-by-rail terminal. However, as The Columbian reported, its clear now that City and Port have made kissy-faces (due to the waterfront developers' threats to PULL OUT of the site altogether if the oil-by-rail terminal was built). 

So, Eric, what's the deal? How slowly does the City's planning department and (new) parks department move in either developing the site infrastructure (streets, lighting, paths, landscaping, and the like, including Mayor Leavitt's dream of a lil' streetcar tootling down W Columbia Way)? How much longer does the public have to wait for at least minimal developments to occur on this prime 27-acre site within VIEW of City Hall? 

Currently, what we have are two lovely landscaped and artistically lighted dead ends (Esther and Grant Street underpasses, under the train tracks). These dead ends even feature extensive seating areas (as well as the aforementioned art deco lighting), along with tasteful native landscaping. However, the public at large does NOT use said areas - given they end in orange barricades to nowhere. 

Who does use said dead ends are homeless folks - to drink, eat, sleep, etc. I have NOTHING against anyone homeless (having been recently homeless myself). What I do have trouble with is the City allowing full public access to a 27-acre empty site, including the river, since June - thankfully with no injuries, deaths, muggings, or rapes that I know of. I presume the VPD is "on the job" patrolling the area - but I also have seen firsthand large encampments of somewhat inebriated folks underneath the train tracks at both underpasses. 

Again, I'm NOT being anti-homeless. I am, however, worried about the City's liability in leaving this 27-acre site completely open and accessible to the public - including river access. I'm also worried about someone getting hurt. Finally - and this is where Councilmember Anne McEnerny-Ogle comes in - I'm concerned that the City has SAT ON ITS HANDS on this site, doing NOTHING (presumably they're waiting on funds). Anne, who has recently extolled the virtues of good street landscaping through her virtual presence, found my suggestion comment to DO SOMETHING with the Esther and Grant dead ends to be timely - AND, PER HER, SHE IS GOING TO MOVE AHEAD ON THE MATTER WITH CITY COUNCIL AND MANAGER.

HOW much planning is necessary to put in a gravel cul-de-sac? My business, The Sacred Garden, could likely put one in for the City in a week (if the City were so inclined), at a reasonable price (and NO, Eric, I'm not making a bid for the work). How difficult is it to at least put in a fenced dog park on part of the site (encompassing both street dead ends) so that folks have a destination near to other downtown locales (and there's quite a few folks living in and around the site who would have need of a dog park)? Washougal had NO TROUBLE putting a simple dog park in on a former industrial site there (by the Bi-Mart at 32nd and B). I'm not sure why the City Manager, and city planners, with all their powers at their disposal, can't seem to get it together.

So, Eric: my question to you (and please respond on here if you respond at all) is WHAT GIVES? Why does it take my suggesting it to Anne in a non-public online forum four months after I first bring the issue up to get any sort of movement on the City's part to address this glaring oversight to our downtown core?

County Clerk Scotty Weber and His Fabulous Follies!

County Clerk Scott Weber's New Follies!

O Vancouvria! has some interesting insights to reveal about our Clark County Clerk incumbent, Scott Weber (GOP). Weber, a compatriot of "Whiz" Commish David Madore, is (as readers of this blog know) an incumbent County Clerk who is UNAWARE of both the budget (around $6.5M yearly) of his department and the number of employees who work for him (around 42). 

What's appalling, beyond our incumbent clerk's unsteady grasp of numbers financial and demographic, is his view of what the County Clerk's office should do: readers of this blog also know that Weber has publicly stated that "(victims) of domestic violence are going to have their situations aired anyways" (hence why the Courthouse doesn't need private meeting spaces between said victims and their court-appointed advocates). As someone who has committed domestic violence (against my partner 4 1/2 years ago) and who has DONE their time, probation, classes, and fines, I find Weber's callousness on this matter appalling. 

What's even MORE appalling is Weber's own views on his department, and the Clerk's office. This, from Weber's own Facebook page: 

"I am running to abolish the office. It has no policymaking function. The duties are limited to filing court papers. The office of County Clerk should not be elected."

Apparently Weber isn't aware that the County Clerk's office does things like: 

-record fair and accurate transcriptions of trials, hearings, and civil suits
-facilitates and directs all parties in court matters: judges, attorneys, plaintiffs, defendants
-ensures all parties have access to lawyers, especially if they can't afford them
-handles collection of monies for things like traffic violations and court fines
-ensures all parties are able to access all their constitutional rights

This is very scary that this man has ALREADY been elected clerk, and is running now for RE-ELECTION. I hope voters thinking of pulling the lever for Weber go and give him a VERY CLOSE look-see, given the man a) doesn't know what his office does, and b) doesn't want to be an elected County Clerk. 

OTHER WEBER MATTERS: 

O Vancouvria! is also in possession of these two photos, showing a) how Weber reaches out to "lady voters" (who apparently need Scott Weber to remind them to keep their nails groomed), and b) how Weber reaches out to consituents and possible voters (by doorbelling his OWN HOUSE). I have nothing to say on this, other than THESE PICTURES SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES. 

Scott Weber-themed nail files, previously (until a month ago) only handed out to lady voters. I'd like one: I got nails to keep groomed, Scotty!

Scott Weber's front door, featuring a flyer - perhaps letting him know he needs to vote for himself to abolish his office?

Readers of this blog will know that I have already endorsed Deanna Pauli-Hammond for County Clerk: a candidate with over 25 years management experience in records and financial matters, who is COMMITTED to protecting and enforcing citizens' rights when it comes to navigating legal matters. Deanna is the clear choice to ensure a streamlined and progressive County Clerk's office that works for OUR RIGHTS - not for strange personal ends.

STAY TUNED for next week, when we FINALLY sit down with SHANE GARDNER, candidate for Clark County Sheriff, and find out more about his HERMIT CRAB pets!!!!!

2014 Clark County General Election Voter Endorsements Guide

Voter outreach, Great Depression style

O Vancouvria! Votes: Our 2014 General Election Endorsements

Here follows our 2014 Clark County general election endorsements. Remember to return your ballot by November 4, 2014, or vote in person at the Elections Office, 14th and Franklin, in Vancouver. 

The official voters guide can be found HERE, and read about who donated what to whom HERE. 

3rd District, U.S. House of Representatives

The nod here, of course, goes to Bob Dingenthal. Jaime Herrera-Buetler, most notable for nearly giving birth on the US House floor, has been the GOP Speaker of the House's right-hand gal heading the Transportation committee, as well as voting to SUE President Obama. While you'd think that steering the Transportation Committee would result in increased funding for SW Washington road and transit projects, you'd be thinking wrong - hardly a DIME has been seen from Herrera-Buetler's hands into improvements we badly need (can we say 119th to 4 lanes, anyone?). Even the SR 502 and Salmon Creek improvements were already in the works before good ol' H-B was elected. 

Its time to turn this one-time Clinique counter girl back out of office, and go with a native son who has both the business experience and political savvy to be a good manager of our interests here in Clark County - Bob Dingenthal. Besides, Bob has a handsome gravitas and affable manner (including talking to folks on both sides of the aisle) that the tone-deaf H-B lacks. Bob even says he'll hold actual "town halls" - remember those? They're meetings at which all are welcome to ask questions and offer critique to those who represent us in DC. H-B, on the other hand, keeps on having coffees with small groups of "yes-folks", in such metropolitan places as Chehalis. 

Time for Herrera-Buetler to go back to the Clinique counter. O Vancouvria! thinks that she'd do well running a day care from her Prune Hill McMansion, personally. 

Initiative 1351: 

This initiative, brought to voters by diligent efforts of teachers around the state, is about fully funding K-12 education and keeping class sizes down, per a State Supreme Court mandate and decision. Currently lawmakers in Olympia are busy clucking and feathering, like a nest of hens, refusing to meet the Supreme Court's decision - they're also already held in CONTEMPT. 

ITS TIME TO REMIND OLYMPIA ABOUT WHAT THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE AND THE RULE OF LAW SAYS. Vote YES on Initiative 1351. 

Initiatives 591 and 594: 

This pair of initiatives has to do with background checks on buyers of guns at gun shows and other places, such as licensed dealers. 591 conforms state restrictions to federal ones, while 594 strengthens restrictions. Given that there are already restrictions (including checking for felonies) on gun buyers in our state, and given that most folks committing crimes buy their guns illegally (not at gun shows), and given that gun-related crimes are actually DOWN in our state, it doesn't make sense to have increased restrictions. However, it also doesn't make sense to decrease them either (federal gun background checks are very weak to nonexistent). Finally, 594 would remove use taxes (a form of sales tax) from gun purchases - thus decreasing state revenues. 

Voting YES on the pair cancels the other out, and leaves our current regulations, including tax collection, in place. Its sad that gun activists on both sides of the issue can't come together and find common ground (like Ralph Nader and Grover Norquist). Its even sadder that we the people have to be saddled with their bibble-babble on the ballot. 

Vote YES on the pair of them, and tell both sides to come together. Or at least go back to the drawing board. 

State Legislative Races

O Vancouvria! isn't endorsing anyone in the 14th District (which apparently includes a narrow slice of eastern Clark County) and wonders WHY Olympia gerrymanderers are forcing Yakima interests (which is where the 14th is) into our votes. 

District 17 - east Vancouver, Orchards

State Rep Position 1 - MONICA STONIER

Monica has proven herself a diligent servant of the people in her district after her narrow victory 2 years ago. Its time for Madore-ites, backing Lynda Wilson, to simmer down and work with Monica, a centrist, on wisely channeling Olympia funds and policies to bring smart growth to this rapidly urbanizing district. 

State Rep Position 2 - RICHARD MCCLUSKEY

Paul Harris, another Madore-ite (but with actual power as House minority whip in Olympia) needs to be called home. His views are out of line with the libertarian, independent, and centrist district he represents. However, while Richard has plenty of experience on the "front lines" of Democratic organizing (as precinct committee officer) it may be the case that a stronger, more experienced candidate needs to be put in front of voters. We reluctantly endorse MCCLUSKEY for this position. 

District 18 - Camas, Washougal, Battle Ground, La Center

State Rep Position 1 - MIKE BRIGGS

Mike Briggs, a fresh-faced newcomer to Clark County politics, has walked the walk with educating himself on 18th District needs and reaching out to independent and libertarian voters who went with Michael Delavan in the primary. His sales and executive experience, as well as his own independent wealth, mean he won't be beholden to the will of Madore-ites as Brandon Vick so lavishly is. Furthermore, it appears Vick's barely been on the ground reaching out to voters in this increasingly liberal district - a bad sign that his time in Olympia is overdue. 

MIKE BRIGGS wholeheartedly gets our endorsement as the kind of "nuts n bolts" guy that the 18th District needs. 

State Rep Position 2 - NO ENDORSEMENT

O Vancouvria! declines to endorse either LIz Pike or Maureen Winningham for this position. While Liz Pike needs to continue moving towards the sensible center and AWAY from single-minded CRC political red herrings, its clear that she does have the community-building experience to do that. Winningham, a political newcomer from Intel, needs to bide her time doing more "on-the-ground" work in her district, particularly when it comes to reaching out properly to independent voters. 

NO ENDORSEMENTS IN THE 20TH DISTRICT (southern Cowlitz County). 

District 49 - west Vancouver, Hazel Dell (below 99th Street)

State Rep Position 1 - ANSON SERVICE

O Vancouvria! wholeheartedly endorses Anson Service, a fresh-faced newcomer with good moderate ideas for Olympia changes, to the Position 1 seat. Sharon Wylie, the incumbent, has done little or no voter outreach, preferring instead to perhaps run her campaign from her front porch? Anson is out in front of voters as a independent, sensible candidate with strong views on keeping Clark County monies working for Clark County - a breath of fresh air from Olympia politics as usual. We hope in endorsing Anson that he continues his streak of independence, rather than being forced into an increasingly untenable conservative GOP line. 

State Rep Position 2 - JIM MOELLER

Jim Moeller, currently Deputy Speaker Pro Tempore of the State House (the person who controls the House floor and movement of bills to become laws), has been our no-nonsense State rep for nigh on 12 years now. His wisdom, experience, and connections to voters here in west Vancouver is unparalleled. Meanwhile, his opponent Lisa Ross was reduced to reading her answers out of notebooks during their debate on cable television. 

Its clear we DO need to keep Jim in Olympia working for us, regardless of what Madore naysayers think, and say, about him as a person. Jim is our true point man in Olympia. 

O Vancouvria takes NO POSITION on any State Supreme Court races, except to say vote for the candidates who support the rights of the People as enshrined in our Constitution. 

LOCAL RACES - CLARK COUNTY 

Clark County Assessor - PETER VAN NORTWICK

Peter, a Republican, has kept a good handle on getting assessments of property values in line with state laws, as well as working to ensure the County meets similar levels of service on a smaller, leaner budget. 

Clark County Auditor - GREG KIMSEY

The Elections office is BAR NONE excellent, as is Kimsey's ongoing and thorough look-sees into how our County spends its funds. 

Clark County Clerk - DEANNA PAULI-HAMMOND

Its time for a change at the County Clerk's office. Scott Weber, the incumbent, doesn't know how many folks he employs, is unsure of his budget, prefers domestic violence victims to air their dirty laundry in public (he doesn't provide private spaces for them to meet with courthouse advocates), and has personal problems too numerous to count. 

Deanna, on the other hand, has a proven track record in the business world of efficient management and solid records-keeping and accounting, as well as a solid tack on the need for the County Clerk to work FOR the People, particularly with their legal needs. O Vancouvria! can't solidly endorse Deanna's sensible ideas and methods enough here, given the current chaos at the County Clerk's office. 

Clark County Commissioner, District 3 - west Vancouver - CRAIG PRIDEMORE

Craig is the clear choice for someone with leadership and management experience to represent the will of the People in his district. He also has the progressive credentials necessary to accurately represent increasingly progressive and liberal voters west of 205. Jeanne Stewart, meanwhile, is Madore's pick for the Commish seat. 

Craig furthermore is committed to the goals of the new County Charter, including implementation in the face of an increasingly petulant GOP majority on the Clark County Board of Commissioners with regards to giving up their hallowed privileges. 

Let's get District 3 a real voice when it comes to OUR issues. CRAIG PRIDEMORE is the clear pick. 

Clark County Prosecuting Attorney - JOSIE TOWNSEND

Josie is our choice for County prosecutor. She has the creds, including police credentials, legal credentials, and management experience. She's also a solid moderate who recognizes that circumstances vary with each case, and she's committed to treating folks respectfully - including the mentally ill. Golik, meanwhile, is said by his own staff to lack the management skills necessary to head up his current office. 

Clark County Sheriff - SHANE GARDNER

O Vancouvria! reluctantly endorses Shane Gardner for the important position of Clark County sheriff, with the understanding that he will follow through on his campaign promises to make the Sheriff's office a more progressive and community-responsive place, including improving urban policing conditions and at the Jail. Its clear that increasing urban populations in unincorporated Clark County call for changes to policies in this office that have gone on for too long under Gary Lucas' 32 years at the helm. 

Clark County Treasurer - LAUREN COLAS

Lauren gets our nod for Treasurer, given her 25 years experience investing other peoples' money in Fortune 500 company work. Our current Treasurer Doug Lasher is busy mishandling our funds (our current rate of return on County investments is LESS than what you'd get from a savings account at a credit union). Furthermore, Treasury employees are unresponsive to the public, uncaring about their own jobs, and worry more about nickel-and-dime nitpicking folks over their unpaid tax bills than about being actual servants of the public. Lauren has clear ideas that work about how to manage OUR money. After 25 years of Lasher, its time for a change. 

FINALLY - YES TO THE NEW COUNTY CHARTER!!!!!!!

I don't really need to go into much further detail about why you should vote YES on our new County Charter - which organizes how our County is governed. But, four points that should resonate with any SANE voter: 

-increased representation for both urban and rural areas, with 2 seats to rural/suburban areas, and 2 seats to Vancouver voters. The Chair of this enlarged County Council will be elected by ALL County voters. 

-decreased costs and salaries for County government, thanks to a slashing of Commissioner salaries in half. 

-a hired (by the County Council) County Administrator with direct oversight of County employees (like a City manager, such as how Vancouver does it), thus leaving politics OUT of County hiring/firing decisions. 

-powers of initiative, recall, and referendum that we currently lack. 

Need I say more? If there is ONE RACE you vote on this November 4, vote YES to a sane County government. Please? 

BALLOTS NOW AVAILABLE

Ballots are now available for the November 4 General Election. This election is VITAL to the future of Clark County as we know it - we are voting on a new form and structure of County government (the Charter) that changes the way our lives work here in Clark County. 

The ballots are in the mail, and absentee ballots can be voted on at the Clark County Elections office, 14th and Franklin, Vancouver. PLEASE VOTE, no matter which side you lay on. 

Endorsements will be out this Sunday, October 19.

Library Wades Into Charter Campaign Fray; O Vancouvria! Sits Down With Olympia House Speaker Pro Tempore (and 49th District Rep) Jimmy Moeller!

FORT VANCOUVER REGIONAL LIBRARY GETS "POLITICAL, NOT PARTISAN" FOR COUNTY CHARTER VOTE

 

Informational sign about Charter Info Workshops for Library patrons, entrance to Vancouver Central Library

The Fort Vancouver Regional Library District is going the extra mile to inform Clark County voters about the upcoming new County Charter vote on November 4. 

The new County Charter, a document worked on by 15 elected Freeholders to effectively change the way our County government works, was approved by both conservative and liberal Freeholders, including diverse figures like Rep. Jim Moeller and Sheriff Gary Lucas, on an 11-4 vote to forward for our approval this upcoming election. Given that ballots are already arriving in mailboxes (they shipped from Elections Oct 14) its clear that folks who wish to make an informed choice about a new structure and form of County government should and can be informed. 

This is a good thing, and the Library District is providing a service to the community - which is part of their mission. O Vancouvria!, as readers of my blog know, is a firm and full supporter of the new County Charter, which provides for: 

-5 County Commissioners, 2 from Vancouver and 2 from suburbs/rural Clark County, 1 County-wide elected Chair

- a separation of oversight and administration of County employees from the County Council (think like Vancouver, or Ridgefield's, "Council-City Manager" form of government)

-less expenses in salaries for County Council (each councilmember will now get $53K per year, instead of the current $102K)

-strong powers of initiative, recall, and referendum - which we now lack, and which have led us to the pretty pass of Commissioner David "Whiz" Madore holding petulant petty banana republic-like powers over an unwilling majority of citizens

However, the trouble I have with Fort Vancouver Library District's providing "info sessions" on the County Charter can best be encapsulated in the following email statement from FVRL spokesperson Sue VanLaanen: 


"Mr. Anderson – Following up on our phone conversation this morning:

Attached is a copy of the poster on display in multiple libraries regarding the series of Charter informational sessions.

More detailed information about each session is posted in our online calendar. For instance, here’s the calendar posting for the Battle Ground Community Library session on Oct. 16. You’ll see that the Freeholder presenters are listed in the description.

Mr. Silliman, as a representative of the Freeholders who voted against the Charter proposal, was scheduled to appear at each of the events. Unfortunately, he canceled his appearance at the Ridgefield session Tuesday night and neither of the other Freeholders who voted against the Charter could come, which left just the ‘pro’ Freeholder as a presenter.

As I mentioned in my voicemail to you, Fort Vancouver Regional Library District is steadfastly committed to providing our communities with a neutral forum for information and discussion of issues, including political ones such as the Charter. The library does not take a position on issues."

Herein lies the trouble. As Sue notes, the Library "does not take a position on issues". Yet, as Sue also notes, Freeholders who voted NO on the new Charter have cancelled their appearances at said information sessions - leaving voters to hear ONE SIDE ONLY when it comes to the Charter. 

Perhaps this is not a bad thing. However, perhaps the Library shouldn't be sponsoring, as a neutral party open to ALL in the community it serves, any sort of political information sessions on ANY and all issues or candidates. If the Library is going to hold sessions where only one side of an issue, or one candidate's perspective, is presented, then the Library effectively opens itself up to accusations it is showing support for one side or the other. Sorry to say, but that appears to be the case here - given FVRL's own statement. 

I invite Sue VanLaanen and the FVRL to drastically rethink their fence-sitting that actually isn't fence-sitting, and come down on one side (staying completely neutral) or the other. When push comes to shove, and the FVRL needs voter support for its own continued funding, its best to NOT offend anyone who could possibly give said support. Even if they aren't Charter YES folks. 

 O VANCOUVRIA! SITS DOWN WITH SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE AND STATE HOUSE REP (49TH DIST, WEST VANCOUVER) JIMMY MOELLER!

O Vancouvria! recently had the pleasure of spending quite a bit of time with State House Rep (49th District, Dem) and Speaker Pro Tempore in Olympia, Jim Moeller! Jim, who has been represented by archconservative forces in Clark County as similar to Lavrenty Beria (former KGB head under Stalin in the Soviet Union), is NOTHING at all like what he's made out to be by Tea Party fanatics on the right, from David Madore on down. 

Jim, an addictions counselor for 20+ years at Kaiser Permanente (his "day job") is also the number two man in the Washington State House of Representatives, wielding day-to-day power on the floor of the House. He's been our state rep for Vancouver west of Andresen and south of 99th Street for nigh on 12 years. Jim is smart as a whip, always eager to help those in need, and is compassionate to those, like myself, who have fallen on hard times - while always being mindful of the axiom that you DON'T provide help to those who DON'T help themselves. 

Jim is the right fit for our district and for Clark County as a whole in terms of a quiet, yet firm progressive voice in Olympia. He's someone who stands up for what is right by citizens of our County and City, regardless of the consequences. He also speaks truth to those in power - not from a position of power, but from a position out of his own understanding. His opponent, Lisa Ross, meanwhile, read her responses during their Clark Vancouver Cable TV debate directly out of a notebook, and invited "everyone" to her house (live on TV) for a fundraiser. While Lisa has done good things as a CPA, and its laudable she's lost a lot of weight, its clear that Jimmy (with the weight of conservatives, such as the Building Industry Association, and progressives, such as the unions, behind him) is the RIGHT person to continue strengthening SW Washington's hand over Puget Sound naysayers who would prefer we join Oregon and leave their "turf" alone. 

Below is the text of my sit-down with Jim. Read on til Sunday, when O Vancouvria! goes to press WITH OUR ENDORSEMENTS FOR ALL CLARK COUNTY RACES. 

1) What would you like us to know about yourself? 

I'm a native of Vancouver. Mom and dad were both from North Dakota and moved out west as their family grew and also, mom didn't want to be a farmers wife. 

Attended all public schools while growing up and went to WSU Pullman in the late 70's and PSU Portland in the 80's. I was always interested in policies and politics since a Boy Scout and help out on campaigns to earn my merit badge. 

I was elected 1st to city council in 1995 and reelected in 1999. I filled the open seat from retiring Val Ogden in the state legislature in 2003 and have been elected by my peers as Speaker Pro Tem for the past 5 years. 

2) What would you like us to know about your opponent? 

I don't know much about Lisa as I don't think many don't. I understand she is a CPA and she lost 85lbs walking her dog. Politically, she ran for Vancouver School Board last year (2013) and was a presidential delegate of Rick Santorum (2012).

3) How have you used your experience to help folks in your district?  

Politics is about relationships. I have spent 20 years developing relationships as a city councilman and as a state representative. I hope to continue to use my experience on council and in the state legislature for my constituents in my committees of transportation, healthcare and labor. 

4) What strengths have you gained from this position? 

That's more difficult to say. I believe that as one gets older, your relationships become stronger. First, because of simply the "march of time" but also because they are deeper and broader.

5) What weaknesses do you see you need to work on in this office, if any? 

I think I have difficulty expressing my thoughts/thinking - crisp and clearly. I get too "wonky" feeling that everyone needs to know everything I know to understand an issue or solution - not true and I challenge myself to K.I.S.S. everyday - "Keep it simple, stupid".

6) What changes do you foresee happening next term?  

We need to agree upon new revenue (taxes) to meet the order from the Supreme Court and "amply" provide for k-12 education in this state. My challenger believes we should "Fund education first" a nice slogan but she has no ideas on how. The facts remain that someone will pay the bill and that someone is in the short-term the Washington taxpayer but in the long-term it's all of us.

 

7) What do you like about your work in this position? 

I like the ability to solve problems  for people. Not every solution requires legislation and that requires the ability to listen to others and find the solution that works. 

8) Tell us something humorous that's happened on the campaign trail, this year, or past years. 

Actually, most of the humorous stuff happens while door-belling for other candidates.

9) What's your favorite color/s, and why? 

I LOVE the colors of Fall. The browns and greens and oranges and reds.

More Cheese With Commissioner Madore's "NO on Charter" Whine

THIS just arrived in my inbox, courtesy of Charter YES folks: 

 In the last few weeks the opposition has received nearly $75,000 from only three sources: Commissioner David Madore and two of his Tea Party followers, Clyde Holland and Kanati Falls (who joined lobbying forces with tea party activists Lynda and Tracy Wilson in 2013).
 

Why is one person spending so much money to stop the Charter? Maybe because he knows that this will put an end to the abuse and mismanagement that has allowed him to hire political cronies for key positions, misuse tax dollars without considering the future implications to the County budget and services, and twist the County government to be a bully pulpit for pet projects and narrow ideological interests outside of the County's jurisdiction instead of being focused on the needs of citizens. 

Don't let him get away with it. Please make a contribution to the Charter YES campaign right now.  

Our campaign is proud to have received donations from hundreds of people across the political spectrum and across the county. Your support today goes directly to helping us amplify our message to voters at this key moment as ballots are arriving this week. Now is the time for action. Make a contribution today and then share this message with your friends and family and encourage them to make a contribution, sign up to volunteer, and VOTE CHARTER YES.

Sincerely,

Charter YES Campaign

THE DEANNA PAULI-HAMMOND SOCK CHALLENGE!!!!

DEANNA PAULI-HAMMOND SOCK CHALLENGE!!!! WILL SCOTTY WEBER RISE TO THE OCCASION? 

Deanna Pauli-Hammond, our choice for elegant, knowledgeable, and peoples' rights-conscious Clark County Clerk, has issued something akin to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge to ALL Clark County candidates (Scott Weber, GOP Incumbent County Clerk, had best pay heed here). 

O Vancouvria! finds it admirable that Deanna is committed to working with Share Vancouver (albeit we here at O Vancouvria! - this being ENTIRELY OUR OWN FINDINGS, AND NOT THOSE OF DEANNA OR HER CAMPAIGN -  find Share Vancouver's methods of "sharing", particularly when it comes to accepting donations, getting food to those in need, and distributing rent checks to poverty-level landlords, deplorable). 

I want to INCREASE the ante on this challenge by encouraging Deanna, and all candidates in County and State races, as well as our two candidates for the US House's 3rd District seat (Dingenthal and good ol' Herrera-Buetler), to go ahead and share not only SOCKS but also BLANKETS, long johns, tarps, and other COLD WEATHER gear. O Vancouvria! plans on bringing blankets and tarps, as best I can, to the event. Its important not only to keep WARM this cold, wet winter but also DRY. 

THANK YOU Deanna for giving this challenge to all Clark County candidates. Lets see who stands up to the plate for homeless folks this October 26 - not this Sunday, but the next, at Turtle Place, 700 Main Street in Vancouver, from 12-3 PM.

DETAILS OF SOCK CHALLENGE BELOW:

A race to keep socks on our homeless this year!

                                                                                                                              

Deana Pauli-Hammond, candidate for Clark County Clerk, is passionate about keeping homeless communities warm and dry this winter! She has extended a social media challenge to all candidates running this November; a wool sock drive to help homeless with needed wool socks for the upcoming winter months. All socks will be donated to Share Vancouver for distribution to those in need, for their Sole Mates sock drive! For details on those challenged please see #Deanna4Clerk on Facebook.

For more information about Share Vancouver please visit their website: Soul Mates

Challenge details:

The rules:

Support with socks!

Supporters bring wool socks down to Turtle Place 700 Main in downtown Vancouver, on October 26th from Noon - 3pm and place their donation in the corresponding bin to support for their chosen candidate.  

Announcement of the winner will be on October 30th.

Madore Hides Inside His Secret Livingston Mountain Lair?

Much hay was made in last Friday's Columbian (Oct 10, 2014) about Commissioner David Madore's new refusal to speak to the press (i.e., The Columbian). Instead, reporters are expected to visit Madore's Facebook page to view updates from the Great Whiz of US Digital and Clark County Board of Commissioners. 

O Vancouvria! fully expects future Madore communiques to be accompanied by loud booming voices, clouds of thick, billowy smoke, and fireworks. Lots of fireworks. Given Madore is in a snit because the County's budget director called him on LIES Madore is telling about how the new County Charter (we vote on this one November 4, people) will apparently ¨drastically increase¨ the County budget. 

Per the budget director himself, however - who is NO Cowardly Lion when it comes to standing up to the Whiz Madore - it appears that said new County Charter will instead, due to decreases in salaries and efficiencies in administration (like a separate County Administrator) will instead DECREASE County expenses as a whole. 

Given that Madore himself (with the help of his erstwhile ally, Commissioner Tom Mielke) drastically slashed the County budget through giveaways to his donor friends (developers, corporate hoo-has) to the point where, according to former Administrator Bill Barron, said budget is now 15% under where it needs to be to keep balanced, you'd think Madore would be all about a new Charter that gets County expenses back in line with our new slimmer income. 

However, it appears that, much like the bulimic dieter who is never satisfied with the amount of food available, Madore is fit to be tied that WE THE PEOPLE are going to change a form of government that used to give him the gravy train, on a plate, in terms of power, kickbacks, and patronage (such as the job held by our man in Olympia, Director of Environmental Services/Senator Don Benton, and his understudy, former Seattle gangland nightclub owner Chris Clifford). 

Its obvious that Commissioner Madore is TIRED, and is upset that none of us are willing to share our toys with him any longer (or play with his toys, such as the proposed East County bridge that now appears dead in the water). Even Commissioner Mielke, once Madore's bestie, is now taking a step back and seeing where the waters of public sentiment lie. 

If Madore is so TIRED of doing his job that he can't be bothered to talk to the press except through communiques from his Facebook cave (and mouthpiece, Anna Miller), then its clear to me and many others that perhaps its time he took his smoke, loud noise, and lies and headed on back up Livingston Mountain, or deep into his US Digital bunker out on NE 136th Avenue. 

This blogger, for one, has been BLOCKED by Madore from accessing his Facebook page (he believes I'm a 5th Element of Portland Communism - his words, not mine). Not that this makes me all that sad. Its clear that our days of either blindly following Madore like lemmings off a cliff or sticking our heads into the sand like ostriches are over, and Madore himself has perhaps had a little too much County Commissioner candy. 

Given Madore has threatened publicly to resign if the Charter passes, I say this to the Whiz Commissioner: RESIGN NOW and save us all the trouble and agony of your whining. 

Til Thursday...stay dry in our Wet n Wild City of Vancouvria. 

O Vancouvria Sits Down With Lauren Colas, GOP Candidate for County Treasurer; More Insights From Rotting Jail

AN INTERVIEW WITH LAUREN COLAS, GOP CANDIDATE FOR COUNTY TREASURER, AND THOUGHTS ON CURRENT COUNTY TREASURY WOES

 I had the pleasure of meeting Lauren Colas, GOP candidate for County Treasurer (the seat held for the last 25 years by Doug Lasher), outside the Kiggins Theater at Hello Vancouver!'s Sept 24 event. Lauren, an avid gardener from way back (and coordinator of the Crown Park Community Garden in Camas) and I had alot to share on the subject of gardening, and the need for sustainable living and new ways of doing so in our area. 

Lauren and I also had much to say on the current woeful state of affairs at the Treasurer's Office. She mentioned, perhaps most importantly, that the County would currently get a better return on its money by investing in savings accounts at a credit union than its current investments under the longtime tenure of Doug Lasher, current Treasurer. Lasher, who has had his own troubles with employee morale and attendance, isn't doing his best by Clark County taxpayers' money - as our current return indicates. In an age where County budgets are woefully underfunded (former County Administrator Bill Barron left over said financial policies that are currently leaving the County's annual budget 15% in the hole) its important to have someone on top of County finances, doing the best job they can by taxpayers to get us the services as a suburban and urban County of around 500K population that we now need. 

Here's what Lauren had to say to O Vancouvria!, read on:

1) What would you like us to know about yourself? 

From a personal perspective as a resident of the Pacific Northwest, I enjoy hiking, golfing, biking, and I’m also the coordinator of the Camas Community Garden.  After having hiked Mt. St. Helens two years ago, the next challenging outdoor quest on my list is the Cycle Oregon event with numerous friends.  Although I don’t currently have any pets, I do enjoy borrowing my friend’s dogs for an exercise weekend and giving them back tired.  In the many years I have lived here, I have met and made numerous genuine friends who, like me, care about their community, the environment, and the local economy.  I am also an elected Precinct Committee Officer. 

                                                                                          

2) What would you like us to know about your opponent? 

     I applaud my opponent’s 30 years of public service in the same job and hope that he’s planning his retirement party soon.

3) What experience do you bring to this office? 

From a professional prospective, my 25-year business and consulting career includes financial leadership with two public accounting firms, Fortune 100 and privately-held companies in Alaska, California and Washington.  My education includes a Bachelors of Business Administration from Cedarville University, and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Washington. 

4) What strengths do you have for the position? 

In my private-sector career, I have worked with and for a variety of very successful companies.  My specialized skills and experience include business process improvement, billing and revenue management, customer service management, system implementation, budgets, contract compliance auditing and fraud detection.  All of this experience will benefit the county, the taxpayers, and current Treasurer customers.

5) What hopes do you have for this office if elected? 

My due diligence research, conversations with local taxpayers and current Treasurer customers, has enlightened me with several critical issues.  Examples include:

Dissatisfied customers.  The Treasurer has current customers that he hasn’t visited in years, some of whom he has yet to meet, plus two that were so dissatisfied that they took their money and ran (Port of Vancouver and Port of Ridgefield).  The Treasurer’s office should provide the best service and technology possible.  Currently it is not.

Poor investment performance.  The Treasurer is responsible for an abysmal average rate of return in 2013 of .383% on the $550 million dollar county investment pool, plus the ROI has decreased by 24% in the last three years.  Even the local banks and credit unions offer a higher rate of return on a basic savings account. Taxpayers want to be satisfied that their hard-earned money is being well spent and invested.  Currently it is not.

Not a taxpayer advocate.  This county does not need foreclosed homes.  Of the 5,000+ taxpayers who are delinquent on their property taxes, only 36 are on a payment plan.  The Treasurer’s office should be working for the citizens.   It should do everything possible to notify the taxpayers that they do have options, and help those with financial difficulties stay their homes without going into foreclosure.  Based on these dismal numbers, improvements are critically needed.

6) How will you bring that vision (for the office) into action? 

Well-known management consultant and author Peter Drucker said, “If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it.”  With a fresh business perspective, I will instigate accountability and transparency into a stale, local government office.  One example is implementation of strategic planning and performance management systems, i.e. Balanced Scorecard, Six Sigma, etc., that businesses, non-profits and governments around the world continue to use on a daily basis.

7) Why are you running for this job? 

Government can learn a lot from successful businesses.  As a business leader, I know that I will bring to this office extensive, real-world experience and qualifications necessary to benefit our county. 

Additionally, our founding fathers did not intend for political positions to become a lifetime career, and it’s time for a change.

8) Tell us something humorous that's happened on the campaign trail. 

My first fundraiser was an ice cream social.  That afternoon a flash storm caused power outages in most of the Camas area.  While traveling home from work to pick up the ice cream for the fundraiser, my garage door opener did not work.  I quickly devised Plan B, so fortunately I located a grocery store in Vancouver that was open.  Thank goodness I was only 20 minutes late to my own event.

                                           

9) What's your favorite color/s, and why? 

     Mint and spring green have been my two favorite colors for many years.

CONTINUED WOES AT ROTTING CLARK COUNTY JAIL

O Vancouvria! went to press two days ago on new and intriguing insights into conditions at our overcrowded County jail. The jail, owned privately by a consortium of Superior Court judges (and contracted out to the County by their holding company) currently holds, on average, 2.5 to 3x its capacity of around 275 inmates - giving it the "worst in the state" rating by state Dept of Corrections, and causing the ACLU to investigate its infringement on inmates' rights. 

Jail officials, including Press Sgt Fred Neiman and Sheriff Gary Lucas, had nothing to say to O Vancouvria! for this article. Neither did Shane Gardner, the "progressive" candidate for Clark County Sheriff in this November 4's elections. In fact, Neiman is "out of the office", per his automated email response. 

What's clear is that the jail, as is, no longer works properly for a County of 500K people. Below, point by point, is a list of why things are failing to work at said overcrowded jail. 

-Jail is at 2.5x - 3x capacity, every night: this means around 600 inmates, or over 40 to a "pod" (capable of holding, on average, 20 inmates), plus 4-5 inmates in one solitary cell (with either 2 beds or no beds), plus around 10 inmates, on average, in the holding cell (where one is processed for booking). 

-Overcrowding has resulted in a crisis in providing nutritious food to inmates, leaving inmates to enjoy American cheese and bologna sandwiches, plus an apple, a cookie, and milk, for both breakfast and lunch - at an average cost, wholesale, of 6 cents per meal. No telling what the consortium which owns the jail charges retail to the County. 

-Overcrowding, and improperly maintained jail facilities as a result, has led to automated toilets that DON'T flush automatically after each inmate uses the restroom, including "number two". This leads easily to unsanitary conditions. 

-Jail HVAC, struggling with dealing with the huge numbers of people inside, is breaking down, causing horrible humid conditions 24/7, along with cold, wet air (or warm, moist air) inside the building - leading to black mold in all the cells, as well as in the fingerprinting and medical processing areas. 

-Jail inmates use the staples (that hold jail paperwork together) to routinely tattoo eachother (per Deps. Ragan, Costello, and Bond), in said unsanitary conditions: leading to infections and worse. 

-Jail staff (Dep. Ragan) blame inmates for bringing black mold, fungus, and fleas into the building, but refuse to have "trustee" inmates do anything about it (like mop cell floors regularly with bleach water, or scrub toilets).

-Holding areas, and jail pods, routinely place sober and clean inmates together with inmates coming down off of crystal meth, IV cocaine, and other drunk and drink binges, leading to severely unsafe environments for those trying to stay clean and sober. Interestingly enough, jail staff, under Sheriff Lucas in the late 1980s, actually closed our Clark County detox center (where Clark College's "T" Building is now), choosing instead to place these dangerous folks in with other inmates. The Jail also does not stock Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous literature, nor allows meetings of AA/NA to take place inside - thus leaving inmates trying to stay clean on the verge of relapse when released. 

-Inmates in holding are routinely denied water for upwards of 8 hours at a time. Jail staff routinely ignore requests for water, even when its clear inmates are suffering from dehydration. 

-Inmates have regular Internet access at kiosks inside pod cells, where they're allowed to view, and download, salacious music videos, photos, and the like (minimal Internet filters). Inmates are also allowed to rent Ipads, for $50 on their account. Meanwhile, the Jail charges $5 for inmates who want a toothbrush/mini toothpaste, soap, and a drinking cup. Inmates share an electric shaver - a practice which spreads disease. The Jail contracts with an outside company, Getting Out, to provide these "services" - at taxpayer expense. 

Now I know Sheriff Lucas is tired, and wants to retire after 32 years of service to our County. I understand jail staff aren't pleased by their jobs, routinely having to deal with hostile, depressed, or otherwise upset inmates inside the jail, as well as with a bureaucratic maze of regulations imposed by their own holding company (that owns the jail services), County, State, and federal government. Jail staff routinely swill Red Bull on shift just to keep up with the craziness. I am not here to contribute to that craziness, nor point fingers. I'm here to constructively critique, and open dialogue, on a building and Sheriff department which NO LONGER WORK for we the people. Given the Sheriff's office consumes 76% of our County budget, you'd think we the people could demand, and insist, on fixing what's wrong with the Jail - particularly facilities conditions and lack of detox, access to nutritious food and water - and move forward more efficiently. Perhaps jail staff, including Sheriff Lucas, lack the will to see this done. I'm not sure. In the end, this is a sad state of affairs that needs fixing.