Port will fill vacant commission seat

Commissioners Bill Ward and Bill Macrae-Smith had to proceed with Port of Camas-Washougal business during their Aug. 4 meeting, despite the loss of Mark Lampton the day before.

“There is an empty chair,” Ward said, before requesting attendees observe a moment of silence. “We are missing a great friend.

“For six years, he shared his wisdom, energy and dedication,” Ward added, then encouraged port staff to continue to work toward accomplishing the goals Lampton helped set.

Lampton, of Washougal, was diagnosed with cancer in February. He was serving his second, 4-year term.

Commissioners had to declare the District 1 seat vacant, before they could direct Port Executive Director David Ripp to advertise the position.

“We will take the steps forward and fill out the team,” Ward said.

Applications for individuals interested in filling the vacant seat are available in the port office, 24 S. “A” St., Washougal, and online at www.portcw.com.

The deadline to apply is no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 31.

Ripp said interviews will be held in executive sessions during the week of Sept. 14-18. The successor is expected to be appointed during an open, public meeting, Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 5 p.m.

A successor must be chosen within 90 days of Aug. 4, or the Clark County Council could choose someone.

The appointed person would be expected to finish Lampton’s remaining term, through Dec. 31, 2017.

A port district map is available at www.portcw.com/docs/commissioner/district_map3.pdf.

Celebration of Life is planned

A celebration of Lampton’s life will be held Friday, Aug. 21, at 10:30 a.m., in the Chinook Plaza, in Parker’s Landing Historical Park, near the port office.

“It will be a time to reflect,” Ripp said.

A no-host gathering for a toast in Lampton’s honor will then be held at The Puffin Cafe, 14 S. “A” St., Washougal.

“It was of Mark’s favorite places,” Ripp said.

Macrae-Smith visited Lampton in the hospital, the day before he died.

“It’s not something we like to deal with,” Macrae-Smith said.

“He liked the port and liked what he was doing,” he added.

Ward concluded the meeting after he said, “It has been a very sad week for the port.”