Russell Addresses Costly Utility Bills in Washougal City Council Campaign

Washougal, WA — With just a few weeks left in the 2017 political campaign season, candidate Julie Russell continues her campaign for the Washougal City Council seat being vacated by the retiring Dave Shoemaker.

Over the past few months, she’s knocked many doors, gone through hip replacement surgery, and attend public forums to discuss her positions. Health wise, she’s recovered from her surgery and enjoys meeting with local residents.

So, what are the top reasons she’s running?

“I’ve always liked serving and making the community a better place,” says Russell. “Plus, I think we need to look at all options to address high utility bills, and do better community planning.”

The high cost of water is a hot topic among Washougal residents.

“So many struggle with high water bills,” said Russell. “I’ve met residents who re-use dishwater just to make ends meet.”

The city made some errors in the past, she said, in dealing with sewer systems.

“They didn’t upgrade sewer facilities in time and fell past state-mandated timelines so they had to build a costly system to keep the sewer safe and sanitary,” Russell said. “We’re currently using reserve funds to pay those bonds.  One option to address is to possibly merge with Camas or Clark County to provide a better water sewer and water.”

She also wants  to look at making improvements to blighted areas in Washougal.

Julie Russell is married to Evan Russell, and they have four children.

“There are areas where clearly code isn’t being enforced, so we need to do that,” she said. “Let’s get grants or set up volunteer community projects to clean up blighted property and spaces. Let’s work together to make these areas look better.”

She also wants to spend time on economic development, and do more to attract and keep businesses.

“The process to onboard new businesses needs to be streamlined so it’s easier to do business in Washougal,” she said.

Russell is running against Adam Philbin. We plan to feature his views in a future article.

Russell also has the endorsement of four of seven incumbent Washougal city councilors:

• Dan Coursey
• Dave Shoemaker
• Michelle Wagner
• Ray Kutch

Russell’s Background

Education

• George Fox University, M.A.  Master of Arts in Marriage, Couples and Family Therapy – 2012
• Brigham Young University, B.S. Bachelor of Science in Psychology, AS Associate of Science in Travel and Tourism – 1983

Career Highlights

• Julie Russell Family Counseling; LMFT, LPC, LMHC, RPT, Self-employed/Owner/Operator.  Offices in Tigard and Vancouver; 2013 – Present
• LDS Family Services – Therapist, Adoption and Children’s Services; 2008 – 2013
• Open House Ministries; 2011 – 2012
• Avanti Destinations – Quality Control, Contract Management; 2001 – 2004

Prior Government Experience

• Tigard Water District Commissioner, Elected Position – July 2007  to Nov. 2016
• West Bull Mountain Planning Technical Advisory Committee – March 2012 to Nov. 2014
• Chair-Washington County Citizen Participation Organization (CPO-4B)- Jan. 2008- Nov. 2016
• Vice Chair-Washington County Citizen Participation Organization (CPO-4B)-July 2005-Jan. 2008
• City of Tigard, White Paper Parks Committee – 2004

To learn more, visit www.julierussellforwashougal.com