Camas, WA — To raise awareness in his fight against obesity, and create unique parks across the country, Camas Football coach Dale Rule walked for 24 hours this past weekend at Doc Harris Stadium.

During that time, he logged 50+ miles, or 100,866 steps in loops around the football field, and got to speak with many members of the community.

“Some may think I’m an idiot for doing this,” said Rule. “I am, but this is what I’m supposed to be doing, and the doctor gave me clearance to do this just a few days ago. I was so happy to make it to the finish line, it was brutal, but I made it!”

Rule, who along with his wife, Lya, have been championing the fight against obesity for several years. At one point, Dale weighed more than 400 pounds, and decided to exercise more and significantly change his eating habits. He was set to walk from Portland to Chicago this past summer, but suffered from a burst colon just days prior to his journey.

VancouverLaser

www.VancouverLaserSkinCareClinic.com

“If it would have happened during my walk, I’m sure I would have died,” said Dale.

Dale spent weeks in the hospital, and it took months to be in shape to even walk for an hour.

Along this weekend’s walk, he spent time with community members talking about his vision to raise funds to build special parks throughout the nation, starting here in Camas.

“I just ask for people to contribute $1.50 a month,” he said. “Building these parks will create jobs, help kids stay in shape, and stay out of trouble. I know this all sounds crazy, but I believe this is why I’m here. We will make this happen.”

During his walk, he spoke with friends and acquaintances about how best to promote what he’s doing.

“There are negative ways to do it that will generate more buzz, but we’re a group of positive, optimistic people, so we’ll just stay on that route — Everyone Walk!” he said.

To learn more, visit www.everyonewalk.com

Gallery

Camas, WA — More than 100 volunteers gathered at Lacamas Lake Saturday for their annual cleanup, which was organized and supported by local businesses and organizations.

The cleanup is scheduled each year to coincide with the lake’s draw-down, which allows Georgia-Pacific to inspect lake dams and perform maintenance. During the draw-down, water levels are reduced by approximately 6 feet.

WaferTech, IQ Credit Union, and Journey Community Church were on hand to provide food and resources for volunteers.

”We found a lot of things today,” said Lamont Warren, who was there with his wife, Sherry, and four of his five grandchildren. “We found cans, bottles, cigarette butts.”

Sherry said they found a grill, an old rusty chair, and a lot of debris along the Lacamas Lake Lodge deck. Local Boy Scout Troop 565 was there to help out.

The Lacamas Lake Cleanup began two decades ago by the Lacamas Shores Homeowners Association. Boaters and trail walkers would pick up litter around the lake, but it wasn’t an official event.

Over the years, the effort has grown to become a community wide event. Volunteers typically collect garbage ranging from bottles and cans to items like rusty chairs and aquatic recreational toys.

Gallery

Washougal, WA — In their ongoing campaign to build a new Washougal Library, branch manager, Rachael Ries, addressed Camas-Washougal Rotary members Thursday morning about their goals and objectives.

The existing 2,400 square foot library, which was built in 1981, is cramped quarters and isn’t adequately serving the local community as Washougal has simply outgrown it. The Washougal Library is part of the Fort Vancouver Regional Library (FVRL) District, which stretches all the way to Goldendale.

“We are getting the word out that we need a new library,” said Ries. “To help us with the constraint, communities members like Alex Yost are putting up pop-up libraries around town.”

New Library Study

Ries reported that a recent study indicated they need a 10,000-12,000 square foot facility, with a projected cost of $4.5 million to build from the ground up. $1.1 million has been set aside by Fort Vancouver Regional Library for the new Washougal building; $157,000 has been raised by private donors; and they raised a little over $30,000 at the 2018 Dinner in White on the Columbia.

A new library would do the following:

  • Provide ample and more comfortable seating.
  • Provide greater community access to technology.
  • Expand book collections for all age groups.
  • Provide good community meeting spaces.

Library

Location

The Washougal Library wants to have a space in downtown, and either wants to build from the ground up, or find a lease to own space in a multi-use partnership.

As part of their fundraising efforts, the Friends of the Washougal Community Library is hosting a book sale on September 28-29, which will be on Main Street at the corner retail space across from the post office. Hours are 9-5 on Friday and Saturday. On Saturday, from 4-5 pm, there will be a bag sale. It’s $3 for the bag.

Why are they scrambling to find money?

“In our district, we also have three other building projects — Woodland, Ridgefield, Washougal, plus the library system will have to relocate their headquarters, so there is a lot going on,” said Ries. “The headquarters is being encouraged to move out faster than our lease stipulates. And, we are trying to do this without asking for a bond. We have limited options of where to build it.”

Bucking national trend?

A lot of libraries around the country are closing. Is there a risk of local libraries closing down?

“The answer is no, here locally,” said Ries. “There is more use of e-books, but people will take what’s most readily available. The trend toward ebooks is with an older population. They would also like to have writer’s groups meet at the new facility. Kids are reading many books.”

Ries said they haven’t set an actual goal of when to have monies raised or when they’d like to build it, but they are working hard to get to the estimated $4.5 million cost.

“Every year the cost goes up,” Ries said. “That is from ground to completion — on our own. If we could use an existing shell, the cost would be less.”

To learn more, visit www.fvrl.org/imaginewashougal

 

Washougal, WA — Angela Hancock was sworn in as the new Washougal School Board Director for District #2 at the Tuesday, September 25 board meeting. She replaces Elaine Pfeifer, who resigned in July after nearly 14 years of service.

“I look forward to representing District #2 community members,” Hancock said. “My main priorities as their board director are transparent communications, fair representation, being accessible and continuing to be a vested member of the community.”

District #2 covers areas to the north of Washougal River Road and in Skamania County.

“The Board of Directors and myself are pleased to welcome Angela to her new position,” said Dr. Mary Templeton, WSD Superintendent. “We are excited about her energy and passion for our school district and are eager to have her join the other four board members in the work of guiding the direction of the Washougal School District.”

Hancock

www.McKeanSmithLaw.com

Hancock, a mother of two current Washougal students, has been very active in many areas of the district. She is a past employee at Gause Elementary, Cape Horn-Skye Elementary and Canyon Creek Middle School as well as a long-time volunteer at CH-S. She was a valuable member of the successful Vote Yes for Safe Schools Bond and is a current CCMS Booster secretary. Additional volunteer work in the schools and community have included past CH-S Booster Vice President, Washougal Schools Foundation 2018-19 Stride Volunteer Coordinator, Girl Scouts of America Assistant Troop Leader, Camas Community Education Soccer Coach, West Columbia Gorge Humane Society volunteer, Harold W Busch Alzheimer’s Committee Member and much more.

Hancock said she is excited to work with a group that she respects on what she feels are some of the most important goals in our community. “Being a school board member has been in the back of my mind since attending my second board meeting years ago,” she recalls. “I felt that this was somewhere that I belong and could make a difference when the time was right. Washougal is at a turning point in many ways and I am very excited to become a part of the process.”

Hancock joins board members Teresa Lees, District #1; Donna Sinclair, District #3; Cory Chase, District #4 and Board Chair; and Ron Dinius, District #5.

Camas, WA — At their latest meeting on Monday, the Camas School Board heard from administrators and teachers who discussed major issues, including a bus driver shortage, a comprehensive math study, and budget cuts.

In their Board Communications session, board member Tracey Malone, who also serves on the board of the Cascadia Tech Academy, reports that Cascadia still isn’t getting funds from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), and that the academy leaders are very frustrated. She said certain portions of the academy need renovation. Cascadia provides technical learning experiences for students from all Clark County-area high schools.

Superintendent’s Report

Camas School District (CSD) Superintendent, Dr. Jeff Snell, said they are awaiting their first bargaining session with the local principal’s union. When those sessions are completed, CSD will be able to report a more exact annual budget, and report more details on four-year forecasting.

Snell reported that he spoke with State Rep. Paul Harris, who said he’s very concerned about the small school districts — and that they are nervous about financial sustainability past one year under the new state school funding model.

“There’s a lot of angst out there,” said Snell. “Harris said there is more legislative work to do.”

White

www.MichaelNutterJewelry.com

Snell added: “We have major challenges with recruiting and maintaining bus drivers. It’s becoming a safety issue, and we need to do something about it. Our pay is lower and our bus driver contracts are tied to that. We need to align pay with Evergreen and Vancouver. It’s affecting transportation to athletic events in other districts, and we have mechanics driving now. It’s a fun place to be (as a bus driver), but these are unique hours. It’s a big complex problem that doesn’t have easy answers.”

Snell said he continues to attend staff meetings to reinforce the message about budget impacts from McCleary.

Math Track Study Update

Dr. Charlene Williams kicked off a conversation about a Math Track Study, in which she hopes will gain support and momentum.

Williams explained the purpose:“Camas School District’s Problem of Practice and Theory of Action are aimed squarely at building the conditions and capacities to ensure that each student is seen and served. Ultimately, our goal is equity, and we will know we have met that goal when the factors that predict any student’s success or opportunity are no longer correlated with any group identity.”

Board

Dr. Charlene Williams explains the study’s timeline.

Dean Strawn addressed tracking and acceleration.

“Tracking places students into different levels of the same course, with the levels identified by tags such as honors, advanced, regular, or remedial.”

Acceleration provides opportunities for students with exceptional mathematical promise, and educators want to ensure that opportunities are available to every prepared student and that no critical concepts are rushed or skipped, Stawn said.

As new common core curriculum enters secondary schools, they are launching this study in our community to address concerns from teachers, families and students about our current math tracking system — and specifically they are addressing a perpetual cycle of math anxiety.

Cycle of Math Anxiety

Lack of confidence > Math anxiety > Avoid math > Poor performance is the cycle that educators see — and it’s one they’re trying to break.

“We have seen the benefits of tracking a small percentage of students who meet or exceed the acceleration expectations,” said Stawn.

CSD teacher, Jenna Lee Harrison, said she learned a lot from math issues affecting San Francisco Unified School District.

“We learned a lot from San Francisco, and we can glean a lot of things from them,”Harrison said. “What is the current research? Marginalized groups fall into lower math tracks. We need a rich math environment for every one of our students.”

The CSD Board agreed to proceed with the study, which will last through the school year.

Monthly Enrollment/Budget Update

Jasen McEathron discussed enrollment and said a revised budget is in progress.

He said the new CSD enrollment headcount is 7,243, which is 2.3 percent higher overall than budgeted, and that the largest growth this year is in 5th and 6th grades. Kindergarten enrollment is the smallest at 458. First and tenth grades were the only grades below budget.

“We have to continue to be diligent in looking at the demographics in the community,” said McEathron. “We need to take a closer look at the number of kids who have left and those who we’ve accepted on boundary exceptions. Special ed is tracking below budget.”

Budget Outlook

  • McEathron addressed the following during his presentation:
  • CSD is expecting a budget extension will be necessary for 2018-19 to accommodate the additional cost of the CEA contract (teachers union).
  • The revenues from enrollment growth, cost avoidance measures, and fund balance will be used to cover the additional cost in 2018-19.
  • Immediate measures to curtail expenditures include 1) non-personnel cuts of 2%; 2) all new hired positions are temporary/one-year that are historically hard to fill.
  • More significant changes will be necessary for 2019-20.
Board

Math Study

Meet Kathy Gillespie.

Her supporters say her education credentials are essential given the flaws in the new state education funding model. Her critics say she’s a hard-left politician masquerading as a moderate who will restrict Second Amendment rights, raise taxes, and hurt businesses.

Undaunted, Gillespie marches forward in her quest for the Washington State House (Legislative District 18, Position 2) seat, which is currently held by retiring Representative Liz Pike, a three-term Republican. Her campaign is determined to knock on 30,000 doors with volunteers working long days, seven days a week to get the word out. They’re determined to flip the LD 18, Position 2 seat from red to blue — from Republican to Democrat — in what Gillespie sees as a “blue wave” across the state.

With Pike’s retirement, LD 18 No. 2 is open seat, and Gillespie is running against long-term business leader, Larry Hoff, who is a newcomer to politics. It’s historically been a safe Republican district, but Gillespie sees an opening.

Community

www.McKeanSmithLaw.com

She’s been here before when she tried to unseat Pike two years ago. She lost that race, earning 43 percent of the vote.

“We did very well in 2016 against Liz Pike,” said Gillespie. “I didn’t really have a good campaign. Didn’t have a manager, didn’t have any money. We got 43 percent. Campaigns are complex organisms and candidates have to learn how to do it right. Sometimes the result is a reflection of a poorly run campaign. I think we’re seeing more sophistication from candidates about how they’re running.”

Gillespie has been actively campaigning against the McCleary legislation, claiming it creates chaos and fiscal deficits in school districts across the state. She’s been supportive of local teachers, attending strike rallies in August and September. And, she’s been critical of legislators who drafted the law.

“In the school reform bills passed were certain reforms with school funding going forward, and dealing with teacher compensation,” Gillespie said. “The school funding requests are addressed every year, and that will be like it’s always been. But there are concerns going forward, such as the fix, the levy limitations. There are concerns about inequities with the way the levy swap is affecting districts.”

She said, if elected, addressing concerns with the current funding legislation would be a high priority. She touts her eight years serving as Board Director of Vancouver Public Schools as a qualifier for the position she seeks. But, her critics say her lack of private sector experience is a real concern.

“If she’s never signed the front side of a paycheck, she does not know how tough it is to be a job creator in this state,” said Pike. “Her party has crushed business in Washington. In today’s over-regulated business environment, Bill Boeing could not launch his successful aerospace industry.”

So, why is she running? Here are her reasons:

  1. Educational Mandates. She claims many new educational mandates have funding gyrations that sometimes come with strings attached. She says her experience in public policy work can be applied to the legislature.
  2. Excellent Schools. Good schools are the foundation for a good future. Properly educated children become successful leaders of families, businesses and communities.
  3. Jobs. We need to have more jobs based in Clark County and SW Washington. Gillespie says the region needs 50,000 more living wage jobs. “We can do that,” she said. “We have cities with grand ambitions and are led by civic leaders with big plans. State government needs to be there to help them.”
  4. Infrastructure. “The I-5 corridor needs improvement. We need to build new roads, and new bridges, and that builds jobs. I’ve talked with Portland companies about making improvements here so our workers can live, work and play in those cities. New employers are telling us what their workers want. They want more high density near where they work. Washington already has a great economy. We have a great environment here already. The Vancouver waterfront is coming. We should be able to with state government’s attention to fund infrastructure projects. SW Washington doesn’t get its fair share out of Olympia. I think that we’re the southern gateway and we need our fair share of the budget. We need to counter Portland’s weight. This is what we bring to the table. We have awesome businesses over here.”
Gillespie

With campaign volunteers.

 

Is there a “Blue Wave” coming to Washington state?

Gillespie thinks so.

“There’s a great deal of dissatisfaction with the GOP with the major property tax increase,” said Gillespie. “It didn’t have to be in that amount, because it really punishes some areas of the state. It was done in the latter part of a long session. We’re working out some of the problems. The confusion today lies in the way the legislation was written, as it confuses how levies are going to work. At the 11th hour they created confusing legislation. We need to hear from districts about the trouble they’re running into. It will help us get through this easier.”

For the record, the bill was passed with broad bipartisan support, and retiring Rep. Liz Pike voted against the property tax increase. Gillespie’s opponent, Larry Hoff, is against any type of tax increase.

Gillespie predicts a blue wave because she said: “It was a failure to solve our transportation issues, and a failure to put a partnership together with Oregon. I propose we focus on I-5 corridor and see what’s possible by getting back to the table with Oregon. People need to put their marriage back together and start building trust.”

“They are very upset about the tax burden,” said Gillespie. “They are strangled by their property taxes, so they don’t see the fruits of that investment. Public trust in money they send has been violated.”

Speaking Out

“Legislators don’t want to hear about McCleary, but we need to understand the impact of the McCleary reforms,” Gillespie said. “With the levy lid passed it has created inequities, and we need to look into the details of all this. 295 districts are implementing these reforms and aren’t getting good direction from OPSI, and they’re unpacking this individually as districts. Each school district has unique characteristics, and they were passed as one size fits all — and that’s already showing it doesn’t work.”

She wants to make sure the regionalization of pay is having the effect the legislature intended.

There are major concerns, and she breaks them down:

  1. The state needs to make sure they’re paying the full cost of special education, and that needs to be addressed immediately. Local levies cannot be used to backfill special education funding. The state knows it’s not spending enough money on special education. The state needs to step up and pay the full cost. Each Superintendent is dealing with this.
  2. There is also concern about spending on counseling and nursing, and they need to spend more directed resources to pay for those. If we can do those things, it will take pressure off the budget. That will give them some relief. There appears there is bipartisan interest in funding special education, as well as counselors and nurses.
  3. Each district can re-prioritize their expenditures to streamline the budget. The districts need to be challenged about how they’re spending their money. They will need to live within their means, and taxpayers will expect school districts to do that. Each district needs to closely examine the budget and re-prioritize dollars, and everybody has to do that.
  4. The early numbers about funding special ed, nursing, counselors, are about $300 million. “We are mandated by the federal government to do these things, but they haven’t funded that, either,”Gillespie said. It can’t be an unfunded mandate.”

Where do you get the extra money to do that?

“The state needs to take responsibility for their own expenditures,” Gillespie said. “So, we need to know what our revenue forecasts are, and then we need to figure out what the funding requests are. We will have a problem because we’re reducing levies and we’re not paying the full cost of special education, nurses, and counselors. Look at existing revenue and analyze that first.”

“I’m not talking about any new sources of revenues until we know our state budget. We will have to re-prioritize dollars. I challenge our priorities to make sure we’re funding the core services of government first. My experience on the school board taught me that we have to challenge the status quo, and to make sure the budgets perform better with existing revenue.”

Pike said “she will vote with her Democrat caucus to further restrict second amendment rights. Her first loyalty will be to the teachers’ union.”

 

Gillespie

Gillespie on the campaign trail.

Background

Gillespie has worked extensively in education and in the public sector:

  • Vancouver School District Board Director (2009 – Dec. 2017).
  • Candidate for State Representative, WA Legislature, 18th LD (2016 & 2018) Position 2
  • Led $80K renovation of school courtyard at Vancouver School of Arts and Academics (VSAA). Led $10K renovation of playgrounds at Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary.
  • Led development of Roosevelt arts space working with school, district staff, community artists and local businesses to complete $7K project.
  • PTA President, Eleanor Roosevelt and VSAA.
  • Member of school committees formed to address budget shortfall, Parent Advisory Council for superintendent and site-based at VSAA, Roosevelt.
  • Active school volunteer, Lunch Buddy, mentor and committee member at all levels – school site, district and regional (2000-2016).
    Participant in Design II: The Art of Imagination strategic-planning initiative study groups with a focus on family and community involvement (2007 – 2009).
  • Participant in three-year School Improvement Plan process at Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary.

“I’ve knocked 7,000 doors, and our campaign has knocked on 18,000,” said Gillespie. “Our goal is to knock on 30,000.”

To learn more, visit www.kathygillespieforhouse.org

CAMAS — They never doubted themselves. That’s what Bellevue’s quarterback, Bryson Sleeper, said after Friday night’s incredible rally late in the fourth quarter at Doc Harris Stadium.

The Wolverines, trailing by 14 points half way through the fourth quarter, scored 24 points on the Papermakers, winning the incredible game with a 41-yard field goal with 1 second left on the clock. Final score: 38-35.

“We’ve known all season that we are we so motivated, and dedicated,” said Sleeper. “We do weight room in the morning, after games, we do conditioning all the time. We practice every single week as hard as we can. We practice every single play. We were down by two touchdowns late in the fourth quarter, but we knew we weren’t going to lose. We came back. We had a strong motivation on the sidelines. Everyone was cheering as loud as they could. Honestly, we couldn’t get ourselves down at all. We were confident, but we knew going into this it would be a close game.”

Community

www.McKeanSmithLaw.com

 

Jed Michael felt confident, but was also shocked he made the final field goal that sealed the deal.

It wasn’t the ending that Camas was expecting.

The Camas defense halted Bellevue on three consecutive drives with fourth-down stops, but Bellevue’s defense, though, forced a punt that was blocked, which set them up for their late rally, with under 5 minutes left.

Bellevue recovered an onside kick and scored on a 53-yard run by Drew Fowler to tie the game at 28.

A Camas pass was then deflected, which was caught by Bellevue, and within three plays, Alex Reid scored for Bellevue, leading 35-28.

Camas executed well deep into the fourth quarter, and when they got behind, they didn’t give up.

Andrew Boyle threw to Jackson Clemmer, who ran 63 yards to score at 2:17, tieing the game. The Papermaker defense forced a punt, but the Wolverines intercepted with 25 seconds on the clock — and they got close enough to score a field goal.

Football

Camas QB Andrew Boyle.

“We just knew Bellevue was going to bring a lot of guys that like to blitz,” said Boyle. “We knew we’d have to throw the ball, so we prepared well this week, and we did make a lot of great plays — the line protected me well. It was just a great team effort. We don’t give up, and it’s a great team to be a part of.”

Boyle threw for 292 yards and five touchdowns. Luc Sturbelle scored three touchdowns, while Clemmer scored two.

“We came out knowing they had a good defense but the corners played soft,” said Sturbelle. “They were just good throws by Andrew really. He just dropped them in perfectly.”

Camas plays at Heritage next Friday.

Photos by Jon Pugmire.

Camas, WA — Camas School District (CSD) Superintendent Jeff Snell and Mayor Scott Higgins addressed the public Tuesday evening at the annual Camas State of the Community presentation at Lacamas Lake Lodge.

It was the final public address for Higgins, who retires his position this month. Camas School Board President, Doug Quinn, served as Master of Ceremonies.

Snell addressed the following:

  • District size
  • State assessments, national assessments, and secondary pathways
  • Beyond the classroom: Student mentoring, student activities, student athletics, intramural options
  • Social-emotional learning
  • The learning experience
  • History and vision of Camas schools
  • Challenges and opportunities
Community

www.McKeanSmithLaw.com

District Size

CSD is now a medium to large school district with 7,100 students, 1,000 employees, six elementary schools, three middle schools, and three high schools.

“We think about the future of our kids,” said Snell. “We want students to feel part of the community, and … we want to inspire kids with their learning. They learn because they’re excited about it.”

Assessments

“Our kids are doing well with the assessments,” said Snell. “But we need to prepare them for the future, and we know they will have 12-15 job changes in their future careers. Kids need to learn how to learn.”

Beyond the Classroom

Snell praised the effectiveness of student mentoring programs, and how student activities and athletic events unite a community. He also said that CSD is introducing an athletic intramural program, and will report on its effectiveness at a later date.

Social-Emotional Learning

Snell said that Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is broadly understood as a process through which people build awareness and skills in managing emotions, setting goals, establishing relationships and making responsible decisions, leading to success in school and life. Research shows that SEL on a large scale supports better performing and more positive school communities.

“It’s one thing to know how to do math,” he said. “But, it’s another thing to learn how to navigate the world, and how to interact with others. To know where your strengths are, to know what your weaknesses are.”

Community

Camas School District Superintendent, Jeff Snell.

The Learning Experience

“In order to engage them, and not just to engage them, but to inspire them, we want them to want to learn,” said Snell. “… We want to connect people with the reason why we are doing things. If we do that, we find that students are way more motivated. Workers are more motivated … We really try to personalize the learning.”

History and Vision

Snell praised former school boards that had vision, which was laid out in multiple phases, starting with Skyridge in 1994-1999 and moving to build multiple schools and the renovated Doc Harris Stadium.

Challenges and Opportunities

Snell outlined several challenges:

Student engagement: Educators continue to look for best ways to engage students.

Preparing our students for life after K12: Wants to make sure that CSD is adequately preparing kids for adulthood.

Social Emotional Health: He said social media puts unnecessary pressure on youth.

Growth and sustainable systems: “The new state funding model doesn’t benefit our community, and other communities will benefit more now. And it’s hard to do, it’s like health care reform.”

Federal government funding: “It has gone down, and I believe that school choice should happen within
public schools.”

Local levy: “We’ve been able to grow with local funds. New model caps the local funding, and we’re not able to keep pace. We’ve always been at the mercy of the legislature and the biennium. If this doesn’t change, then we’re heading for an unsustainable model, and we will need to have a conversation around priorities.”

Experience factor: “We have an experienced staff, and we used to get more funding for veteran teachers. We did well under the old model, but the new model just gives a set amount per teacher, and that’s a real problem.”

Regionalization: “I looked at the cost of living in particular regions. We received the highest regionalization so we got a 12% bump in funding. Other regions got more, others got less. In 2020, they will back off 1% of that, so we see challenges down the road.”

Special education funding: These are students that have the highest needs. We’ve had to use local funding historically to do that, with the levies.”

 

Mayor Higgins

Community

Mayor Higgins giving his final Camas State of the Community address.

 

 

 

Higgins addressed his 17-year history of public service in Camas, and all the changes that have happened during that period, starting with the population. In 2002, the population was 14,085. Today, it’s 23,770.

“Camas will stay special because of the people who live here,” Higgins said. “Jobs is what put Camas on the map, and we’ve always made sure that jobs are an important part of our community. People want to bring their businesses here. I’m also really proud of the families who make up this community.”

Elected to the Camas City Council in 2002, Higgins became Mayor in 2011, and he said during that time he was first elected Camas was working really hard to ensure that downtown was successful — and noted it was struggling at that time.

He talked about the excitement of the many downtown events, and how those events unite the community, and addressed success points during his tenure, which include:

  • City expansion east of Lacamas Lake
  • Camas turned 100 years old
  • Green Mountain and North Shore annexations
  • Downtown Camas Association founded
  • Construction of Lacamas Lake Lodge
  • Modernizing city services with new technology
  • The current Parade of Homes

The Future

  • North shore Lacamas Legacy Lands Project
  • Currently 880 existing acres parkland acreage in the Lacamas Lake corridor
  • City staff working to secure another 140 acres for parkland — before they are converted into developments

“Camas is surrounded with good leadership,” said Higgins. “We have an amazing council. They work hard to find common ground. They have a skill and that is the ability to try to find common ground. They don’t get polarized. They have that vision; they have that ability. Your staff at city hall is like no other. They figure out how to save our citizen’s money. They show up.”

“I just want to make sure you need to have tremendous confidence in our city council and staff, and that the city was built to be successful. I’ve had the honor of serving with 15 different council members, three Superintendents, and two mayors. I can say that ‘I love them.’ I love them because they love Camas, and that’s why Camas has been successful. So, I will just tell you I will be leaving some things in Camas, but I will not be leaving my Papermakers. I will always be a Papermaker.”

“We had a lot of changes happen in the city, and we’ve lost many of those mill jobs, and that causes you to be sad. It hurts deeply when those things happen, but we’ll be OK. Camas still has its identity, it still has its heart.”

`

Camas, WA — The public is invited to attend the annual State of the Community address this evening at 6 pm at the Lacamas Lake Lodge, located on Lake Road and Everett.

The annual event is an opportunity to hear from local leaders about the state of Camas, its schools and what is happening with the Port of Camas-Washougal.

The event will be the final State of the Community for Mayor Scott Higgins, who has served as City Councilor and Mayor for 17 years.

Community

www.McKeanSmithLaw.com

This year’s theme is “Celebrating Success.” Mayor Higgins’ speech will take a look back at the City, the changes that have occurred during his tenure, and exciting things that are underway.

The public will also hear from Camas School District Superintendent, Jeff Snell, whose administration avoided a teacher’s strike. It was the only district in Clark County to avoid a strike with the Camas Education Association, which is the local teacher’s union.

Snell will discuss the educational successes this past year, as well as the challenges that Camas Schools face in light of recent legislative changes to the funding model that affects all districts. He has been asking for parent support to deal with these upcoming challenges.

The event will be recorded and available for viewing in the weeks following the event at the City of Camas YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ33V5v1DNIF24opS3mevqg

 

Camas, WA — Longtime Vancouver resident, and retired credit union executive, Larry Hoff, a Republican, is running for the open seat in the Washington State Legislature’s District 18, position 2, which is currently held by retiring Representative Liz Pike, of Camas.

New to the world of politics, Hoff outlined the reasons why he’s running, which are as follows:

  • Common Sense
  • Education
  • Balanced Budget
  • Small Business Support
  • Transportation

Common Sense

“Our campaign has been received quite well by so many here in our area, and it’s a great honor to run,” said Hoff. “I really want to bring a conservative common sense to the legislature. I’ve been in business for 35 years and there are challenges as to how people are going to pay their tax bills these days. There are many pressures on taxpayers right now, and we need to look at things with a common sense lens, and not be so partisan. If it makes sense do it, if not, then don’t do it.”

To learn more his campaign, visit www.ElectLarryHoff.com

Education

“People are at each other’s throats right now,” said Hoff. “Is there a way we can bring our kids back into focus? We need to make sure the kids are a priority in our education discussions. I’m not the polished politician that comes up with lines. I was on the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Foundation board, and I have a passion for kids. I just have a passion for the children. I’m interested in truly keeping them as a priority for us. I would rather meet with teachers directly, and I want to hear what the challenges are in the classroom. I would spend a day in the classroom to shadow teachers. I would more than enjoy that.”

Hoff said he’s been watching the outcome of the McCleary legislative fixes, and said he’s concerned about the impact, but says it’s too soon to draw conclusions.

Hoff

www.MyHeavensBest.com

“I’m not an expert on McCleary, but the legislation has been put to bed and blessed by the Supreme Court, and there will be course adjustments. I’m not sure the ship has sailed enough to make dramatic course adjustments. When the school districts feel there is an inequity they will address what they feel needs to be done — and we will listen.”

“The alternatives are the school district will ask for more money. Increasing taxes is not a good option. They will have to look at cost cutting. They will also see how this course proceeds and then make legislative adjustments. The levies are cut. I’m not sure now is the time to make dramatic moves. The influx of cash for has been drained through these last union negotiations. I would imagine the unions and districts have to see what is the longevity of this plan. I don’t see the children being mentioned a lot. We have to ask ourselves: ‘In all of these discussions what does that mean to the kids?’”

He said if he wins the seat, his objective will be to listen than to throw out political rhetoric, and will listen to the districts and see what’s been done in the past.

“I will understand the challenges and will listen to all sides. Right now, I believe the legislation has been enacted and we need to see how it plays out. I’m not the type of candidate that will sit here and promise you I have the silver bullet, but I can promise you is that I will lead us in the right direction.”

Teachers

Hoff is a big advocate of education.

Balanced Budget

“It’s not what you make, it’s what you spend,” said Hoff. “It’s a simple, but profound statement. The legislature needs to practice good financial practices — and they’re not. There’s no more appetite from the public for anymore tax increases. The Legislature has to live within its means.”

Small Business Support

Hoff has worked in small businesses for 35 years, and he sees the challenges they face.

“I’ve seen what regulations and taxes do to small businesses — L&I, B&O taxes, environment and all of the challenges builders have with those regulations are astronomical.”

He promises to be an advocate for small business.

Transportation

“We have to apply common sense to the transportation issues we face, and figure out the congestion/bridge issue, and we in the Legislature need to assist in that. Congestion, in general, is really bad on the Oregon side. We need to seriously discuss the topic of adding more bridges. We need to make decisions that are more than just answer today’s issues. I imagine the I-5 bridge issue is the most fixable one. You can replace it to eliminate some sense of congestion. But, if we don’t start making decisions for 20-30 years out we will fail the future. We failed 20 years ago when we didn’t make key decisions then.”

Listening

He did address the concerns he hears from school districts about the growing school levy issue.

“The people are justifiably concerned about this levy swap but it was a Supreme Court edict that attempted to equalize the funding model,” said Hoff. “The legislature crafted the legislation and it is now the law of the land. We understand there might be some course correction somewhere. I’m struggling with the course corrections before the ship even sails. Course corrections are increased taxes or decreased costs. School districts will come with several solutions. If indeed they recognize that there are some inequities they will present those to us.”

He’s taking a listen and learn approach.

“We make a mistake if we forget about listening and learning,” said Hoff. “I’m struck with the fact that McCleary has yet to be fully implemented, and we’re already wrestling with changes. It just seems to me that the Legislature did their work, and the Supreme Court did their work, and now we’ll see if their policy becomes as successful as anticipated.”

Hoff said he will look out for the taxpayer at every turn.

“We have to find other ways to resolve these financial issues,” he said “It’s always on the backs of the citizens. The Democrats want a state income tax. That’s not a good option.”

Background

Hoff has lived in the 18th district for over 40 years where he and his wife, Renee, raised their son, Tracy. Their son and their daughter-in-law, Helen, have one son, named Preston. Hoff grew up in a small North Dakota town where he worked on neighboring farms. After high school, he proudly served in the U.S. Navy, and after serving he obtained a degree in accounting from the University of North Dakota. Shortly after, Larry and Renee moved to Clark County, where he joined the Credit Union industry and attained the position of Interim President at Columbia Credit Union. He continued to dedicate a career to growing the financial health of the community, recently retiring as President/CEO of the $1 billion Fibre Federal Credit Union, after having left the credit union through 15 years of solid growth and expanded service offerings.

“I retired on January 1, 2017 and to tell you the truth I didn’t feel like I was contributing in retirement,” said Hoff. “I was searching for a purpose. I love my family and they keep me busy and fulfilled, but I wasn’t giving back to the community as I wanted to, and I learned Liz was retiring, and the position was open, so here I am.”

Is there a blue wave in Washington state?

Data from the primaries show a blue wave is coming, and that the GOP is worried about losing typically safe seats, including LD 18, Position 2.

“We were surprised by the primary results,” said Hoff. “Our effort is to work on promoting the positive parts of what we believe in — and working hard at talking to folks. I’m on the streets every day. I’m getting people to know who I am. I’ve called and knocked on 3,000 doors. We now have teams going on, and that will quadruple.”

We will feature Hoff’s opponent, Kathy Gillespie, a Democrat, on Wednesday.