Cheers: To emergency services. Voters throughout Clark County overwhelmingly approved nine ballot measures related to emergency services in Tuesday’s primary election. For example, 68 percent of voters in Washougal approved nearly $16 million in general obligation bonds to construct and equip a new fire station. Measures regarding public safety also passed in Camas, Yacolt and six Clark County districts, each with at least 60 percent of the vote.
The results should provide a lesson for city and county officials — while nobody likes paying higher taxes, the public will support items related to public safety and emergency services. Providing such services is among the most basic and important functions of government and always should be a priority. Jeers are warranted for a system in which governments are unable to provide funding that keeps pace with inflation — unless they go to voters. But cheers are warranted for voters who recognized the needs created by rapid population growth.
Jeers: To poor county management. According to The Columbian, Clark County Council members were warned by staff lawyers last year about an issue that could have unintended financial consequences. Despite the warnings, councilors approved an ordinance clearing the way for mining permits in the Chelatchie area.
Now, the state Department of Ecology is withholding approximately $6.4 million over five years in grants and loans, saying that the decision does not comply with state law. The issue likely is not settled, but it puts the county in a difficult position. “We need to deal with this in executive session, with our lawyers and find out what the heck is coming, what is going on,” Council Chair Gary Medvigy said.
Cheers: To cleaning up. Numerous individuals and organizations work to clean up roadsides and neighborhoods throughout our community. Now, a group known as Trash-Smashers has joined the effort, working to clean up around the Road2Home Safe Park at the former Evergreen Transit Center.
The safe park provides a space for people living in their vehicles, and some residents have joined staff to pitch in. “This is a way for them to show pride in where they live and in their community,” said Charles Hanset Jr., who helps manage the site. Cheers go to everybody who helps to beautify Clark County.
Jeers: To justice delayed. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, a backlog of criminal cases remains in Clark County Superior Court — and officials say it is unlikely to clear up anytime soon. As of 2023, more than 1,200 cases had languished more than nine months — the recommended time frame for clearance.
“I don’t really think we can do any better than we’re doing,” Clark County Prosecuting Attorney Tony Golik said. “And if we can’t do any better than we’re doing … that backlog of cases in the system is probably going to continue to build.” We hope a solution can be found to effectively serve both defendants and crime victims.
Cheers: To Remi. The K-9 is back on the job with the Vancouver Police Department, after being shot in the line of duty. After being wounded in the tail on July 17, Remi had part of his tail removed and then convalesced before returning to work.
“He’s a very resilient dog, especially from this injury,” said Vancouver police Sgt. Ryan Starbuck of the K-9 unit. “He’s recovered very nicely.” Remi has undergone training to ensure that his performance will not suffer, but officers say his handler will have to learn new tail cues now that much of that tail has been removed.
