Cheers: To Camas. Residents in Clark County’s second-largest city are a happy bunch. Or, at least they are happy with their city government. A survey sent by city leaders to 3,000 randomly selected homes revealed strong satisfaction with government services in Camas. For example, of those who responded, 85 percent said they were “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with the overall quality of services.
The survey also asked about specific items as officials prepare the city’s strategic plan for 2018-20. While most services received high marks, residents largely focused upon street maintenance as an area in need of improvement. Regardless of the responses, Camas leaders deserve cheers for asking the questions. For government to be responsive to the needs of citizens, it first must have an understanding of what those needs are.
Jeers: To distracted walking. With inattentive driving in the news lately — and with new statewide restrictions on cellphone use behind the wheel going into effect Sunday — we would be remiss to ignore distracted walking. In a recent survey by PEMCO Insurance, more than 50 percent of pedestrians in Washington and Oregon admitted to using their phone to talk, text or read while on foot.
Predictably, that has helped to create dangerous situations. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, nearly 6,000 pedestrians nationwide were killed last year, and the numbers are rising. When a car collides with a walker, the pedestrian is going to come out the loser. Walkers should employ the same strategy as drivers — be cautious and never assume that the other person is paying attention. In other words, heads up!
Cheers: To reliving the past. Vancouver is celebrating its history this weekend with several events at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site (tinyurl.com/ydgygukv). A World War II encampment, with equipment and vehicles from that era, started Friday and will continue from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today just west of Pearson Air Museum. A similar Civil War encampment will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today. In addition, a game of 1860s-style base ball will take place at 6 p.m.
All events are free and open to the public as Vancouver harkens back to its early days.
Jeers: To smelly industry. Thanks to a potato dehydration plant, residents in Stanfield, Ore., have been reporting a “dead flesh” smell hovering over their town. Yes, “dead flesh.” Several citizens say the stench in the Eastern Oregon community has caused asthma attacks or vomiting. The city council voted Tuesday to seek a court order shutting down the plant, with Mayor Thomas McCann saying, “Nobody in their right mind should have to put up with that in their city.”
Company officials say a fire in February damaged equipment used to mitigate the smell, and the replacement equipment has been inadequate. They expect to have the problem solved by November. Meanwhile, residents are learning the costs of allowing industry to operate with deficient environmental regulations. The benefits of a few extra jobs in the area often do not outweigh the detriment to the quality of life.
Cheers: To opportunity. According to Seattle-based Code.org, a record number of girls — more than double the previous year — took the Advanced Placement computer science exam this year. Meanwhile, the number of minorities taking the exam, which is used to demonstrate proficiency in a subject and can result in college credits being earned, more than tripled.
Computer science traditionally has been the purview of white males, and efforts to open doors in that field will have long-term benefits. There is no telling where the next brilliant innovation will come from.
