With a controversial issue, its mayoral seat and several City Council seats set to be on Washougal voters’ General Election ballots this year, it certainly won’t be a boring election season in the small city of 15,000 people.
But on Aug. 6 Primary Election ballots, there’s just one city government issue to decide on, and really it’s a decision that shouldn’t be too hard at all.
For the Position 3 seat, voters have a choice between incumbent Paul Greenlee, city political arena newcomer Lisa Voeltz, and George Kolin, who unsuccessfully ran for Washougal City Council once before in 2011.
With a track record that includes a level headed approach to issues, an outgoing communication style, and a passion for serving his community, the Post-Record supports Greenlee’s bid for re-election.
Greenlee’s two opponents represent diverse viewpoints and backgrounds.
Local lawyer Kolin recently criticized Greenlee for his opposition the City Council taking a position on the CRC. Kolin states on his website: “I will tell Olympia where you stand, even if the City has no say on the issue.” Kolin isn’t the right choice for Washougal. In short, this city does not need another council member who wants to waste time by taking on state and federal issues.
Voeltz has been heavily involved in Washougal school and youth activities, but has little local government experience. While it may not be the right time for her to serve on the City Council, her enthusiasm could be just the right fit for one or more of the city’s other boards and committees. With the right experience, she could be a great addition to the City Council in the future.
Greenlee has been an asset to the City Council since first being appointed in 2007. He has been a strong supporter of trying to find a permanent solution to Washougal’s skyrocketing utility rates, an issue he vows to continue to focus on in his next term in office.
He is on the board of the Camas-Washougal Economic Development Association, an organization that in its short time in existence has already had success, and is gearing up for more. Greenlee is in favor of continued local economic development efforts, ranging from building the right infrastructure to guiding continued downtown revitalization and redeveloping the Hambleton property.
He has also been a voice of reason. When some members of the City Council began focusing time on issues outside of its purview, like the CRC project, Greenlee wasn’t shy to step forward and say it wasn’t the right venue for such a discussion.
In addition, Greenlee, who is now retired, is one of the Washougal City’s Council’s most visible and approachable members. He is often seen at community events and meetings, not necessarily because he is required to be there, but because he views it as part of his job as a city representative.
Paul Greenlee has served the citizens of Washougal well during his time on the City Council, and has earned their vote to serve another term.
