In Our View: Cheers & Jeers

Cheers: To accountability. Clark County has decided to join numerous jurisdictions in suing pharmaceutical companies over an ongoing opioid epidemic that is draining public resources. Details of the suit, as well as the targets, have yet to be worked out, but cities and counties are wise to seek accountability from drug manufacturers.

In a suit filed by the state of Washington against OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma, court documents detail how the company downplayed the risk of addiction while pushing health care providers to prescribe the drug. “Purdue Pharma ignored the devastating consequences of its opioids and profited from its massive deception,” state Attorney General Bob Ferguson said last year. Taking a large pharmaceutical company to court invites a lengthy, costly, and time-consuming process, but Clark County and others are wise to put pressure on drug companies and demand transparency for their practices.

Jeers: To shortchanging local government. When a Vancouver resident is issued a citation for having a vehicle registered out of state, the city receives about 23 percent of the fine. Under parameters set by the state, nearly 50 percent goes to the Washington State Patrol Vehicle License Fraud division, and 28 percent goes to the state’s general fund — even though many of the costs created by scofflaws are borne by the local community.

Out-of-state registration is a particular problem in Clark and other border counties, with many residents scamming the system to avoid Washington’s vehicle tab fees. Citations cost up to $1,122, but the Vancouver Police Department handed out only 66 last year. A recent study found that the city is losing about $600,000 annually because of residents who flout the law. State officials should make changes so that when a fine is paid, more of it goes to the community where roads and services are being shortchanged.

Cheers: To the judicial system. The Washington Court of Appeals Division II will hear oral arguments in three cases during a Thursday visit to Clark College. “We think it is important for the public to see and understand how the appellate courts work,” said Judge Rich Melnick, a Vancouver resident. At a time when American institutions are under scrutiny and the civic involvement of citizens appears to be waning, it is instructive for the public to see the process up close. After the judges hear arguments in the cases, the public will be allowed to ask questions unrelated to the cases.

Jeers: To delayed criminal investigations. A backlog at the state toxicology lab in Seattle is hampering investigations in Clark County and elsewhere. Officials say the median wait for test results grew from 18 days in 2015 to 46 days in 2017. That is largely because of an increased workload caused by legalized marijuana and a jump in impaired driving cases.

Delays in investigations are costly for law enforcement, prosecutors and the accused, undermining Washington’s criminal justice system. Legislators should work to fix it by improving funding and staffing for the toxicology lab.

Cheers: To shelter from the storm. Kudos are warranted to all those who have worked to keep others safe during this week’s winter storms. Extreme cold and a stockpile of snow are particularly trying for homeless citizens. Numerous outlets and many volunteers throughout the county have helped provide a bit of reprieve.

Meanwhile, we offer a reminder to keep an eye on vulnerable neighbors when extreme weather hits, making sure they have enough heat and are not in need of food or supplies.