Cheers: To public input. While we oppose Oregon’s plans to place tolls on Interstate 5 and Interstate 205 beginning at the state line, we welcome the opportunity for the public to weigh in. An online survey related to the proposal mostly asks about driving habits, but a couple of questions leave room for additional comment. The Oregon Department of Transportation also recently held an open house in Vancouver for local residents to study and discuss the plans.
Tolls at the state line would inequitably affect Washington residents, but the money would not improve congestion on or near the bridges. In fact, tapping a new revenue source for projects other than the interstate bridges could hamper Oregon’s ability to deal with those bridges in the future. While we stand against the plan, we applaud Oregon officials for welcoming public input, and we encourage Clark County residents to make their voices heard.
Jeers: To undermining open government. Some lawmakers in Olympia are trying to exempt the dates of birth for public employees from the public record. In fact, not one but two bills in the Senate contain provisions to do just that. At its heart, the issue is the result of an ongoing effort led by The Freedom Foundation to undermine public employee unions. The foundation uses personal information to find workers and send them information.
The Senate debate, however, is not being framed in that context. Proponents say the bills would help protect workers from the possibility of identity theft and harassment, but the impact would be to hamper public and media efforts to perform background checks and hold public officials accountable. The bills would undermine Washington’s Public Records Act and provide special protection for public employees — two traits worthy of jeers.
Cheers: To learning about history. An exhibit at the Vancouver Community Library highlights the experience of blacks in the Northwest in recognition of Black History Month. While the Northwest often is viewed as a progressive, welcoming part of the country, the region’s history includes systemic racism. Oregon’s original constitution specifically forbade black people from living in the state.
Racial issues receive much attention on the national level, with talk about Confederate statues in the South and discussion about President Trump’s policies. Regardless of where one stands on the issues, it is beneficial to glean some understanding of how history has shaped modern society. The exhibit at Vancouver’s main library will be on display throughout February.
Jeers: To tainted milk cartons. Several containers of chocolate milk from Darigold have been found to be filled with cleaning solution rather than milk. First noticed by a high school student in Spokane, the incident led the dairy to recall pint-sized containers with a “best by” date of Feb. 6.
Regulations require dairies to use a sanitizer for cleaning distribution lines between production runs, and some of the solution inadvertently made its way into cartons. Darigold apparently has effectively addressed the situation, and state officials have accepted the dairy’s explanation. We won’t cry over spilled milk, but we’ll allow for a few tears over caustic milk.
Cheers: To the Olympics. For a change, we can all be on the same team as the Winter Olympics begin next week in South Korea. Prime-time coverage starts Thursday with figure skating and freestyle skiing, and opening ceremonies will be broadcast Friday evening.
Even in times of global tension and domestic strife, the Olympics provide a source of national pride. The Games inevitably bring us inspirational stories of dedication and perseverance and can bring all Americans together in a common rooting interest.
