Cheers: To discussions about the Interstate 5 Bridge. The antiquated bridge is still a long way from being replaced, but the issue is drawing increased attention from the Legislature. The Senate recently passed a bill that would give the project a gentle shove forward, following passage of a bill last year designed to kick-start the process.
Since Washington legislators scuttled the Columbia River Crossing proposal in 2013, Oregon officials have demonstrated little interest in rekindling the process. Fool me once, and all that. Because of that, it is important for leaders in this state to show a willingness to address the issue. “While we continue to promote the development of a bridge plan, we are also taking pains to make the process move more quickly once that plan is finalized,” state Sen. Annette Cleveland, D-Vancouver, said. When it comes to the I-5 Bridge, even a little progress is notable.
Jeers: To drowning out local radio. KXRW, a Vancouver station that broadcasts at 99.9 FM, might soon be overwhelmed by a signal from Portland. A radio company from across the Columbia River has applied to broadcast at the same frequency, and it is difficult to tell whether that could interfere with the small Clark County station.
KXRW began broadcasting in March and highlights local politics and issues. It is Vancouver’s only local radio station. We hope the Federal Communications Commission will recognize the importance of local radio to a community and send the Portland company to a different frequency.
Cheers and jeers: There is a mix of news coming out of Clark County government. On one hand, the county charter approved by voters in 2013 does not appear to be driving up costs. The county’s ruling board was expanded from three members to five, but salaries were trimmed in an attempt to avoid increased costs. Total salaries for councilors and the county’s top executive are less than they were prior to the charter.
Meanwhile, the councilors are having a difficult time finding a replacement for the county manager they fired in May. After two candidates recently visited the county, officials opted to restart the hiring process. The county manager oversees day-to-day operations while councilors set policy. To ensure smooth-running services, we hope councilors find a strong manager — and soon.
Jeers: To harmful stormwater. A new study from researchers at Washington State University indicates that stormwater runoff is more damaging to salmon than previously thought. The research finds that a combination of motor oil, fertilizers, and other pollutants can cause nerve damage that harms a salmon’s ability to thrive — even if it survives the pollutants.
Local governments in Washington often have difficulty adhering to state regulations regarding stormwater, and the issue often is a source of political wrangling. The new study, in addition to being a fascinating piece of science, reinforces the need to keep stormwater as clean as possible.
Cheers: To an uplifting ride. A 95-year-old Port Angeles man recently got a ride on a tethered hot-air balloon at Sequim Valley Airport. After a short ride about 25 feet into the air, Tom McKeown Sr. said, “It’s the last one on my bucket list.”
During World War II, McKeown fought at Guadalcanal and other battles in the Pacific theater. According to the Peninsula Daily News, “He was a highly decorated Marine whose list of ribbons and medals include the Purple Heart.” The balloon ride was organized as an early birthday present. May we all live long enough and with enough sense of adventure to complete our bucket lists.
