Cheers: To the Fourth of July. With another of America’s birthday celebrations in the books, we especially offer kudos to those who work and volunteer to help others enjoy the holiday. Tuesday’s festivities throughout Clark County kept police and fire departments busy as officials worked to keep revelers safe. Wednesday morning saw dozens of workers at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site cleaning up after about 45,000 people had witnessed the city’s signature fireworks show the night before.
The Fourth of July is an annual opportunity to celebrate all that is uniquely American, and it offers a reminder of what makes this nation special. But none of it would be possible without the unsung heroes who work for the benefit of their neighbors. Cheers go to those who help to plan, organize and facilitate celebrations throughout the county.
Jeers: To the state Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council. Admittedly, we have mixed feelings about jeering the council that is examining a proposal to build an oil terminal at the Port of Vancouver. It is essential for the council to perform a thorough job in studying the proposal and its vast ramifications, but we must express frustration at numerous delays to that study.
This week, the council pushed back the deadline for its recommendation to Aug. 31 — the sixth extension on a project that dates back to 2013. Once the council finalizes its report, the governor will have 60 days to make a final ruling. A thorough report will benefit citizens in Clark County; we just hope it arrives fairly soon.
Cheers: To Kim Wyman. Washington’s secretary of state has rejected calls from a federal commission investigating alleged voter fraud, saying it is “ludicrous on its face” and denying information that is not already public. President Trump formed the commission after claiming that up to 5 million people across the country voted illegally in last year’s presidential election — an election in which he lost the popular vote by about 3 million ballots.
Last week, commission members requested information about voters, such as the last four digits of Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and phone numbers in an effort to weed out what they claim are illegal voters. In rejecting the request, Wyman — a Republican — joined officials in at least 43 other states who view the request as an overreach by the federal government.
Jeers: To the Oregon Legislature. The House of Representatives in Salem has passed a transportation bill that eventually could lead to tolls on Interstate 5 and Interstate 205, beginning at the state line.
The bill, as of this writing, still must pass the Oregon Senate and be signed by the governor, but it bears watching on this side of the Columbia River. Tolls to cross the river would primarily target Clark County residents, particularly those who work in Oregon. We urge Oregon lawmakers to remove that provision and avoid an ugly and unnecessary battle with their neighbors.
Cheers: To paid family leave. While the state operating budget and school funding plan received the bulk of the public’s attention, the Legislature also passed a family leave measure last week. The new law, which was a bipartisan effort requiring weeks of negotiations, eventually passed both chambers with strong support, but Rep. Liz Pike, R-Camas, complained that “it’s one step toward a socialist state government.”
The new law will allow workers to take time off for the birth or adoption of a child, as well as a serious medical condition. It calls for workers to receive 90 percent of their weekly salary, up to $1,000, and businesses with fewer than 50 employees can opt out. Overall, the bill is a victory for Washington families.
