As the November election nears, residents in Camas are primarily focused on the bond vote for up to $78 million to build a new community center, but there is also a city council race on the ballot.
Councilor Deanna Rusch will seek re-election against Shannon Roberts. Rusch has held Ward 1 Position 1 since January 2018. The two candidates are looking at the bond vote in different terms.
“It’s an expensive project, so I support putting it to a vote of the people,” Rusch said. “The aquatics/community center has been studied for more than two decades. I read reports and received feedback from our residents that they want a recreation pool, competitive pool, fitness opportunities, improvements to fields, etc. I think the proposal that ended up on the ballot doesn’t exactly reflect the vision I’ve been hearing from the people, but I support letting the citizens of Camas have the final say.”
Roberts said she doesn’t support the current proposal due to the cost, location and size of the project.
Deanna Rusch
Age: 38.
Public offices held: Camas city councilor Ward 1 Position 1 since January 2018.
Occupation: Attorney.
Shannon Roberts
Age: 65.
Public offices held: none.
Occupation: Real estate professional.
“I believe this project would have been well supported by a majority of the community if it had been put forward in a phased approach. Build the pool in a location that is traffic smart and built at a more suitable location,” she said. “Get the pool built and paid for. Then build the sports complex. Pay for that, and then build a track. I don’t believe in debt, and we shouldn’t be reaching into citizen checkbooks. We don’t have to eat the whole elephant in one sitting; take it bite by bite.”
Another issue around the community the last few years has been staffing of the Camas-Washougal Fire Department. During a fire on Valentine’s Day 2018, two firefighters rescued a man and his dog from a house fire. State law requires at least three fire personnel on scene when responding to a fire, and the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries’ issued violations against the city and department.
In late 2018, Camas and Washougal officials discussed how to fund additional positions for the department, with Camas and Washougal sharing the cost of two new firefighters for 2019. Camas also fully funded a new deputy fire marshal position in the agreement. Originally, Camas officials wanted to add two additional firefighters for a total of five new positions, but Washougal officials said there wasn’t room in their budget for that many new hires.
Roberts said the two cities shouldn’t put a price tag on protecting lives.
“Communication and collaboration are keys to success,” she said. “I’m sure that Washougal doesn’t want to be fined in a similar fashion if this type of situation happens again, and it’s not out of the realm of possibility.”
Rusch said it has been a focus of hers since joining the council to supporting first responders. She said she has been endorsed by the East Clark Professional Firefighters.
“We need to hire more firefighters. End of story,” she said. “I was proud of the council for including four more positions in the 2019-2020 budget, and I will be pushing to add more in the next budget cycle.”
When asked what other issues they are focused on, Roberts said she thinks that developers can make money while preserving trees and greenery.
“There are beautiful developments around Clark County that have kept nature at the forefront,” she said. “Are there any developers who want to build in Camas that take into consideration the landscape and natural beauty of a place? I’m not strapping myself to a tree here; however, I don’t want Camas to look like the side of a bald mountain that’s been stripped of every tree. It’s got to be about more than money.”
Rusch was also focused on development, primarily looking at the North Shore area. She said she’s excited to talk more with citizens about what they want in the area, and planning for residential, commercial, industrial, recreational and infrastructure in that area. She is also focused on brining more jobs to Camas.
“Camas lacks living wage jobs,” Rusch said. “Having a strong employment base and business base in Camas benefits everyone.”
