Candidate for Washougal Pos. 6 seat supports economic growth

There are three candidates for Washougal City Council Position No. 6 to take over for Dave Shoemaker, who decided to not seek re-election.

Two of the candidates, Julie Russell and Adam Philbin, were quoted heavily in a story in Wednesday’s paper about the upcoming election. The third, Nettie Morris, wasn’t, as she hadn’t returned emails asking her questions about issues facing Washougal.

After a mistake while filing to run, Morris’ email was listed incorrectly online, so she never received the emails. Her email address is listed correctly in the Clark County voters’ pamphlet.

Morris, 67, is a retired mental health specialist, spending time on the executive board for the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill and as a shelter co-manager for the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society.

In an email, Morris wrote that economic development is key to Washougal, as well as making sure essential services — such as police, fire and street services — continue to grow as the city’s population does.

“Washougal is the gateway city to the Columbia River Gorge,” she wrote. “Our opportunity is wide open for tourism and business opportunities. Local art enhances our appeal to businesses looking for a new home. As citizens we should support our local businesses to keep them alive and thriving.”