This is Part 1 of a 2-part interview with Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler, a Republican who represents Washington’s 3rd Congressional District. Herrera Beutler answers the first four questions in Part 1.

Question 1: What are the most pressing issues you encounter with voters this Fall?

I think the number one thing is health safety, how to manage COVID and economic safety and security. I think it’s only intensifying. We’ve seen unemployment funds run out, and we’ve seen certain industries collapse and others are near collapse. In the next five weeks or so more companies will be out of business. 

We are taking on the stimulus bill. I think we need additional stimulus to get through this. I’m part of a group in Congress called Problem Solvers with 25 Democrats and 25 Republicans, and we’re pushing for this. We have to have something to help people. We’re not reopening really and much hasn’t changed on that front. 

One of the challenges we’ve had is there are a lot of presidential politics in play, and it’s disheartening to me. Republicans and Democrats are both out of work. This group is still trying to put pressure on the House and the Senate. My sticking point is that we need unemployment benefits and more Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) money in there. A lot of the moderate Democrats have told Speaker Pelosi we need to put something positive on the table.

Question 2: What is the Problem Solvers Caucus?

It’s a group of 25 Democrats and 25 Republicans who work in a bipartisan way to solve big problems, who seek compromise. There is a lot of bipartisan work happening in Congress, it just doesn’t get reported. The Problem Solvers Caucus has driven changes in the minority and majority in our push for compromise. I believe in free markets, and there are so many things that need to be done. We need to be willing to work together on things. 

I do think there are a lot of good people still trying to address major issues in our country.

The Problem Solvers Caucus works under the rules of the majority who rule with brute force. It’s a team sport in the House. We have drafted ways to have the minority have more influence. 

It takes 218 to pass any bill, and there are bills that have more than 218 votes, but if the Pelosi leadership team doesn’t like it they don’t allow it to go to the floor. I think the biggest thing is the pressure from our group is to keep the stimulus talks going. We had enough steam behind it to just not walk away. Because of the pressure Pelosi is still in those conversations with the Trump administration. We have the votes to pass the stimulus bill and they know it. It’s soft power.

Herrera Beutler
www.electlarryhoff.com

Question 3: What are your top legislative priorities in the next Congress should you be re-elected?

First and foremost, we have to make sure we address the health and safety of people here, as well as economic safety. You have to empower the right leaders, like small businesses, into recovery. We need another COVID package. We did the CARES Act, and it needs additional support. 

We have saved 95,000 jobs in the 3rd District because of the CARES Act, which I helped draft. Those figures come from the Small Business Administration (SBA). In my mind, that is stopping the bleeding. We also need put out the unemployment insurance. Carolyn (Long) promises to get rid of the Trump tax cuts, which I think is the wrong approach. Both housing and small businesses will lead our recovery. But, we have to be laser focused on growing jobs. In this pandemic, small businesses are looking for more assistance with PPP. Small businesses don’t want us to raise taxes. My opponent has promised to raise taxes by 20 percent. 

Our hydrosystem has been a priority for me. We have to do something on health care. I am passionate about access to health care. This is part of our working economy. I understand it as a mother as I have a daughter who needed a kidney transplant. We have to replace the ACA because if you need real access it can really limit you. They need access to care. We have to fix that. We need to work on energy, health care, and a good tax and regulatory environment so that small businesses aren’t put on the back end. 

We have to protect trade, as well. It was right to stand up for more fair trade practices. 

Question 4: Why should citizens of this district re-elect you?

I grew up here, that’s part of why I’m a good fit. People here want us to be about solving problems. I know how to move legislation, such as the bill to protect the Columbia River salmon. I was informed that if we didn’t do something about this we would see whole salmon runs go extinct. We worked on this bill for a long time, and by the time we got to the House floor all GOP House members voted for it. I got the administration to sign it.

That’s what I’m good at. I’ve had my own challenges with the Trump administration, but I know because of how I operate I will be successful with any administration. Would Carolyn Long be able to work with the other party? You have to be able to work with people. 

Part 2 addresses more issues, the life of a member of Congress, working with constituents, and navigating political personalities and strategies.

To learn more, visit www.votejaime.com

VANCOUVER, WA — On Monday, Carolyn Long, candidate for Congress in Washington’s 3rd Congressional District, will host a drive-in town hall at Joe’s Place Farm parking lot to speak with constituents and answer their questions.

Long looks forward to discussing the top issues of the day including the health and economic impacts of COVID-19, the work done to address the pandemic; her priorities and perspective on how to build Southwest Washington for the future, and any other questions the audience may have.

Her campaign staff said Long is committed to transparency and accessibility, and noted this is Carolyn’s 60th town hall since 2018, in-person and virtually. 

Long is running for Congress in Southwest Washington (WA-03) for the 2020 election. She previously was the Democratic nominee for Washington’s 3rd District in 2018. She resides in Vancouver with her family and teaches at WSU-Vancouver. Long has served Southwest Washington for more than 25 years, as a WSU college professor and community leader. 

Monday, October 26th

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (Parking spots open at 5:00 p.m)

Joe’s Place Farms

701 NE 112th Avenue

Vancouver, WA 98684

Washougal, WA — Washougal High School Associated Student Body leaders are putting 21st Century Skills to use as they work to reimagine their role to unite and inspire classmates. Gone are the tried and true pep assemblies, spirit activities, work parties and school events.  

Ethan Mills, WHS ASB President, said it is a challenge for ASB to do their job to help students feel spirit and unite a school community when everyone is learning remotely.  “We have been isolated for a long time,” he said. “For me, I’m definitely more of an in-person leader and it’s hard to feed off the energy of others when you are just on camera. I’ve learned that you just have to put yourself out there and do your best no matter what the situation is.”

According to WHS ASB Advisor, Kyla Ritchey, there were many discussions on how to shift the group’s thinking for this school year.  “Before the school year started the class met to discuss what we should do and how they are going to best serve their students’ needs as well as the Washougal Community,” she said. “What impressed me about the students was their honesty.  They had no idea where to start but felt the need to help. It was from this conversation that the idea of multiple surveys throughout the year would be the best way to gauge the needs of the WHS students.”

The first survey was given out before school started and ASB is using this data to drive the work that is being done.  “The surveys collected different points of views from the student body,” said ASB Senior Senator, Briahna Ruth.  “It was important to us to try and hear from as many students as possible since we are all learning remotely.”  

“A possible benefit to this situation is that, I believe, we are understanding more of our student body’s needs and their expectation,” added Mills. “Through our survey there are more voices being heard.”

WHS ASB students recently split into three project groups that were determined from the collected data. Each group is assigned a specific area of concern that came up frequently in the survey.  They are social opportunities, communication, and resources.  With the help from partner organization, Unite! Washougal Coalition, a “mantra” was created for students to consider as they work on creating their projects.  It is to “connect, grow, and be well.”

“Students will need to be able to explain how each project will help WHS students and staff feel connected, grow as an individual, and continue to be well whether that is mentally or physically,” Ritchey said. “While projects have not been determined yet, there are a lot of great ideas being thrown around right now.” 

Washougal
www.electannrivers.com

A major challenge for the group is getting to know one another and working together in this time of social distancing and remote learning. “Typically, they would see each other every day during class and multiple times over the weekend when working on events,” Ritchey said. “If they had a question, they could find each other at lunch or before school to get the answers. Currently, they only see each other twice a week during Zoom meetings. We are still working on community building and feeling comfortable working together.” 

Students are also being challenged to think outside of the box.  “These kids have great ideas,” said Ritchey.  “Some of the ideas though we just aren’t able to do for a multitude of reasons. Instead of giving up on the idea, I have encouraged them to think outside of the box to make some changes to the idea that would make it work. It may not be the exact picture they had in their heads but at the end of the day, it will accomplish their overall goal.”

“Our role as ASB, especially for the younger grades, is to help them keep in mind that they will be getting back to class,” explained Ruth.  “There are still good things to look forward to.”  For instance, the group is working on ways to celebrate virtual spirit weeks, development of a kindness week, exploring socially distanced events when it is safe to do so and plans to reimagine the annual Stuff the Bus food drive.  

The biggest challenge for Ritchey as their advisor is to keep the students motivated. “A lot of them feel overwhelmed and hopeless, this was not the year they had pictured,” she admits.  “I try to keep it positive during class, encourage them, and let them know that even though it may not look the same, we can still create some new experiences and traditions.” 

Overall, the WHS ASB students have shown resilience time and time again.  “Whether it be the laughs we share instead of showing frustration in the situation, or finding common ground when disagreeing on a topic,” said Ritchey. “These kids are really great and impress me more and more every time we meet. Being a student leader during this time is more of a challenge than ever before, but I couldn’t pick a better group of students to work with.”

“This is definitely a challenging year, and everything is harder to get done since we are not all together in person,” said Mills.  “I am learning a lot about leadership and resilience that should help us all prepare for our futures.”

This is our Question and Answer session with Representative Larry Hoff (LD-18), a Republican who is serving in his first legislative term.

Question 1: Why should the people of the 18th District re-elect you?

It’s my experience. There’s a major difference between being a candidate and the experience of working in the Legislature. I’ve worked hard in the Legislature and I brought my experience leading my credit union, when we faced the 2008-09 recession, to work in Olympia. I know how to cut budgets and work through financial challenges. We need that kind of experience in Olympia now. 

We don’t need a college professor. It’s a tough time for a new candidate to be productive. We need someone with budget writing experience. The state budget is $9 billion in the hole. Unless we allow ourselves to be taxed to death, then we have to cut.

Government continues to grow like the blob that swallowed New York. The whole emphasis in Olympia is more. These are good people, they’re just looking out for their departments, but we can still serve our citizens with less money, less taxation.

Question 2: What have your two years in Olympia taught you?

They taught me that a total one-party control of all the aspects of government is not healthy. The ability to find middle ground and common sense solutions doesn’t exist. I’ve introduced bills with Democrat support. Too many bills are straight line Republican/Democrat. If there was more of an ability to form again some compromise solutions the state would be better off. I believe in that strongly. 

It’s too easy to believe one party’s opinions are always right and that there’s no middle ground. 

In 2017-18 there was a GOP majority coalition. Right now, they have 57-41 so some moderate Democrats have been voting with the Republicans. They can let two or three of their moderate Democrats off the hook. Right now the Democrat caucus is split. If we were closer those discussions would have to be stronger. It’s healthy to have stronger dialogue.

If I’ve learned anything, I’ve learned that a majority/minority split makes a big difference. We have factions of the local GOP party that want a Democrat to represent the 18th LD (referring to the Senator Ann Rivers race).

Ann is still a Republican. We need those numbers to balance this whole structure out. If my seat went to a Democrat that would give them a supermajority, which leaves GOP without a real voice in the House. We have some districts where the GOP may take back more seats. We need a more balanced House.

Question 3: What are you seeing in the district as a result of the pandemic?

I’m worried about the mental and emotional well-being of our citizens. Store owners are just trying to figure out what is happening here. When can we get some hope? The science doesn’t support continued partial shutdown.

I met with all superintendents in Clark County and they want everyone back in school, too. They are having challenges with teacher’s unions. There are statistics that suggest a very large percentage of students who didn’t open a laptop in the Spring once they were home bound. 

What they lose is their interaction. You lose the interaction from the instructors and the teachers. Online learning affects parents and the economic impact of that happening.  Mom and dad can’t be at work. It comes back to the emotional leg of the stool on top of all this.

The virus isn’t seriously affecting people that are healthy. We need to open up the rest of our society. I know that our Governor is responding to a small faction of advisors, which is not the Democrat legislature. Key Democrats are calling for a special session, which requires 2/3 of the legislature. There are currently 25 Democrats willing to go against the Governor.  

We need a leader that gives us some hope. I’m just not seeing that from our Governor. He’s very partisan, more so than previous Democratic governors.

Hoff
Rep. Larry Hoff at a #camasunites check delivery benefitting the Camas Food Pantry.

Question 4: What is your position on SW Washington transportation issues?

An efficient and viable transportation system is essential for the economic and social well-being of our community. One of our region’s biggest transportation challenges is addressing the congestion associated with crossing the Columbia River. Whether making this crossing for commuting to work, engaging in commerce, or for entertainment/social reasons, our citizens are spending far too much of their precious time in traffic. There is no one easy fix to this problem, but rather a series of immediate and long-term decisions and actions.

Our local State Legislators have initiated the first step to disentangle this knot by coming together and passing legislation that begins the process of replacing the inadequate and outmoded I-5 bridge. They also, in this legislation, provided a pathway to address the very real long-term need to begin the discussion and planning for additional crossings and corridors for the future.

I whole heartedly support these efforts, and look forward, as your next State Representative of the 18th District, to collaborating with the rest of our local delegation (and Oregon, who now seems willing to join us at the table) in the pursuit of solving our transportation challenges.

Question 5: What’s your position on taxes?

I believe that we already pay enough taxes within a variety of categories. I also believe that many elements of our state government can be examined with the objective of saving taxpayer dollars. My business background gives me the ability to dig into cost cutting objectives while making sure that when we spend money for essential services, it is done in a fiscally responsible manner.

To learn more Hoff and his campaign, visit www.electlarryhoff.com

This is our interview with Donna Sinclair, a Democratic candidate running for Washington’s Legislative District 18, Position 2.

Question 1: What are the top reasons you are running for office?

My top reasons are related to watching the partisanship divide all around our community, and I want to bridge the gap between the GOP and Democrats. I’m prepared to do it. 

I am super resistant to labels, I care about this district. I care about the future of Clark County. I’ve done a lot of work with the Clark County Historical Museum. If we talk to each other one-on-one, then we can put aside the partisan blinders. What matters is our families, our jobs, our health care. I think I can bring people together. I don’t like the labels.

My family is very Libertarian, especially my East Coast family.

I want to start with building a vocational technical center out in the north part of Clark County. That will help us. I currently serve on the Washougal School Board. I know what’s happening at all levels. I want to build this center as an infrastructure investment. That would be a priority for me for a lot of reasons. 

We need to improve our infrastructure, increase broadband capacity so people have better access to the Internet. Affordable health care is a priority. 

We need an economy that will work for all of us. My background is from a working class family. I grew up waiting tables. I know what it’s like to be a waitress. I will advocate for small businesses.

Question 2: How does your experience qualify you for this position?

I’m an Oral Historian and ran a business out of my home, and I’ve juggled multiple part time jobs, so health care is a big deal for me. I will advocate for health care. Right now, I have health care because I teach at Western Oregon University and that’s very helpful.

The state passed the public option last year, and that was a good thing. My opponent voted against it. Those are the kinds of things we need to do with this complex health care system that is such a mess. The cost of insurance has gotten really high. 

Question 3: How do we get past this pandemic?

I see that most people are wearing face masks, but not everyone is wearing them, and some aren’t wearing them correctly — pulled down below the noses. Most of transmission is happening in small groups. I see people in small groups taking photos, but they get spread and don’t even know it. We are living it right now. We know what the patterns are. 

Question 4: You work as an Oral Historian. What does your job entail?

An Oral Historian is someone who records the memory of people about past experiences. It’s a great job, I love it. As a young single mom and I went to school and learned about public history and I made money by transcribing oral history interviews. I ran major oral history programs. I have learned so much. They go into archives and get preserved for hundreds of years. 

Question 5: What has serving on the Washougal School Board taught you?

I have been there since 2017 and I think that it’s prepared me to understand the complexity of education funding. I know what it’s like to have a child here in this school district. These are the kinds of experiences I can add to the table. I see how it works.

Question 6: Why should citizens of the 18th Legislative District vote for you?

I hope that people will consider voting for me because I understand communities. I have a working class background that is combined with policy education. I have lived through poverty, a lack of access to health care, and I think I can hear people differently than perhaps other legislators that haven’t experienced those things. 

I want us to be able to work together. 

I think it would be beneficial to the 18th to have a Democrat in the legislature who could bring issues on behalf of our district to the majority party. I think I would be able to work with Ann Rivers (if she wins), because I’ve met her. She’s a former teacher and has been willing to work across party lines when it benefits the public. I appreciate that. I think that would be possible because, as a school board member, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with her several times and have had experiences in which we seemed to be connecting on issues that could help with problem solving. I think it would be possible to get to know one another better and put forward some legislation that would benefit the district. 

You have to listen to people. We have to recognize people are human. We need to see across the spectrum regardless of who we talk to you. 

Question 7: What is your position on transportation issues?

Transportation is another reason I think it would be beneficial to have a Democrat in the 18th – to bring the resources back to the district. I know that bipartisan efforts have begun on the I-5 bridge. That needs to continue. I’d like to see an east county bridge to Gresham, eventually, but it doesn’t just happen because we say we want it. That sort of long-term transportation planning requires developing partnership relationships across the river and getting buy-in. I understand those planning processes and would initiate it when elected. As someone who has spent hours sitting on the bridge, wasting my time and money, I am committed to doing what it takes to reduce the waste. 

To learn more, visit www.sinclair4state.com

OLYMPIA, WA – Governor Jay Inslee announced new COVID-19 restrictions Tuesday to slow the spread of coronavirus at college residential facilities, including face masks in living spaces, limits on visitors, and on the number of people allowed in sleeping rooms.

“We’ve just got to get these spikes under control,” Inslee said during the afternoon news conference.

He cited 800 new coronavirus cases tracing back to college dorms and apartments at the University of Washington campus, Washington State University and at other colleges statewide.

As of Monday, 601 University of Washington students have been diagnosed with coronavirus, including 295 cases at 18 fraternities and sororities on the university’s Greek row, which Inslee addressed today.

Washington State University administrators have been cracking down on large parties.

The new mandates announced Tuesday by Inslee include:

  • Face masks are required at all times at college residential facilities, except outside dorms or bedrooms.
  • No more than two people are allowed per bedroom – no congregate sleeping porches are allowed.
  • Visitation is limited to five people outside of the house at one time (must be masked and physically distanced).
  • Only one visitor is allowed in a dorm or bedroom (must be masked and physically distanced).
  • Only five people or visitors are allowed at one time in one place. He said there will be no Apple Cup watching with more than five people (must be masked and physically distanced).
  • Colleges must provide isolation and quarantine facilities to Greek system houses, off-campus congregate houses, students living in dorms and personnel if they don’t have a place to go.
  • For institutions without residential facilities, plans must be developed with the relevant local health jurisdiction to address isolation and/or quarantine needs among any of their staff and students who are unable to isolate or quarantine in their usual residence.
  • All meals must follow current guidance – grab-and-go or single tables.
  • The new measures also include suggestions on public safety enforcement agency partnerships.

The Department of Health warns of a possible new wave of infections this Fall and Winter if people do not take necessary precautions.

The All Paws On Deck Camas Mayor voting officially opens today, and will run through October 30th, according to the event’s organizers.

 This link takes you to the donation site: https://wa-camas-lite.intouchreceipting.com/DECA-AllPawsOnDeck

Citizens can vote October 20th-30th: You can cast your vote for the 2020 Camas Dog Mayor by donating a sum of money towards your favorite candidate. The winner will be determined by which dog has raised the most money. All proceeds will be donated to the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society, and the Southwest Washington Humane Society. On November 2nd, the 2020 Camas Dog Mayor will be announced at the All Paws On Deck website, and all of their social media pages.  You can take a glance at dog candidates by clicking here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16ao9-_qPZz4p5Pq8_Chn8m7nuocwGGTn/view and get to know them a little more by clicking https://all-paws-on-deck.webnode.com/dog-mayor/

During our campaign we will also be having challenges, treat recipes, contests, and activities on our social media pages! You may even be featured on our social media pages. Click HERE to see a more detailed description of each day’s activity. 

Mayor
www.artfuljuxtaposition.com

As part of its on-going work on equity, diversity, and inclusion, Washougal School District is seeking up to a dozen community members to serve on its Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Team. This team will advise district leaders in identifying and eliminating systems, policies, procedures and practices that create inequities among students and staff. 

Once the team is formed, it will begin an Equity Audit, supported by Assistant Superintendent Aaron Hansen, who will guide the group. The results of the audit are expected in early 2021, and will shape the plan for the team’s work moving forward.

To apply, interested community members are asked to complete a short application, including an interest statement, agree to the participation requirements, and return the materials by November 13. Applications are available at: www.washougal.k12.wa.us/equity

Camas, WA — Julie Bonaci Scordino got a surprise visit from Camas Police Sunday morning, who handed her three voting ballots that had been stolen from her Parker Estates mailbox.

Officer Debra Riedl brought the soaked ballots, which had been found early Sunday morning — with other stolen mail — by a resident near Klickitat Park, the Camas Police said. In total, nine ballots were found and returned.

“They opened up every individual mailbox door and my neighbor got footage on her Ring at 5:30 on Sunday morning and the guy opened every single one,” said Scordino. “Our ballots were in there. The police said they were tossed out at a local park along with the mail from several other neighbors. The police said four community style mailboxes were broken into throughout the neighborhood.”

The police said they were contacted by neighbors and they viewed surveillance video of the possible suspect. 

“The suspect has not been identified at this time and the investigation is ongoing,” said Alisha Stevens, of the Camas Police. 

How did they open up the mailboxes? 

“They took a vice grip and put it on the locking mechanism to twist it,” said Scordino. “You can see marks on where they spun the locks on every single mailbox.”

Now, Scordino has to get new ballots from the Clark County Elections Office in downtown Vancouver. 

Police
www.resultsfitnesstraining.com

“They are all wet,” Scordino said. “To get new ballots we have to go there in person, or we can print them out from their website, but I’d rather get them replaced. They didn’t offer to mail us new ones. At least nine ballots that I know of were stolen. And, now our mailboxes cannot lock.”

Scordino received much attention Sunday when she posted about the theft on her Facebook page. Some of the response was quite negative, which surprised her.

“My intention is for people to watch out for their mail,” Scordino said. “I give major kudos to the Camas Police, it was well handled by them.”

The Camas Police said mail theft is not uncommon and Camas officers responded to similar calls several times a year.

“In general, the suspects are looking for mail items that can be used for financial gain (checks, credit cards, personal info that can be used for opening fake charge accounts),” said Stevens. “In these cases the unwanted mail is often dumped nearby, just as the ballots were in this case. Camas Police would like to remind citizens to be vigilant and observant, especially with the upcoming holiday season. Be aware of your mailbox and those of your neighbors. Immediately report any suspicious activity to the authorities.”

Police
The suspect and suspect’s vehicle caught on surveillance video.
Police
Broken into mailboxes.
Police
All the locks were twisted and broken.

This is a message from the All Paws on Deck Team and Camas DECA team regarding the Camas Dog Mayor Contest:

Our All Paws On Deck team would first like to thank each of the 35 dogs who applied to be 2020 Camas Dog Mayor. It was a very difficult decision and we wish we could have all 35 dogs be finalists. However, all dogs went through an extensive voting process in which our team narrowed the applicant pool down to 10 finalists.

We are absolutely thrilled to announce the final 10 candidates. You can take a glance at them by clicking ​https://drive.google.com/file/d/16ao9-_qPZz4p5Pq8_Chn8m7nuocwGGTn/view and get to know them a little more by clicking ​https://all-paws-on-deck.webnode.com/dog-mayor/

Starting ​October 20th-30th​, you can cast your vote for the 2020 Camas Dog Mayor by donating a sum of money towards your favorite candidate. The winner will be determined by which dog has raised the most money. All proceeds will be donated to the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society, and the Southwest Washington Humane Society. On ​November 2nd​, the 2020 Camas Dog Mayor will be announced on our website and all of our social media pages. During our campaign we will also be having challenges, treat recipes, contests, and activities on our social media pages! You may even be featured on our social media pages. Click ​https://all-paws-on-deck.webnode.com/products-/ to see a more detailed description of each day’s activity.

Again, we would like to thank each and every dog that applied. We are looking forward to seeing who wins the title of the 2020 Camas Dog Mayor! If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact either Esha Minhas or Ryley Anderson at ​[email protected]

Sincerely, The All Paws on Deck Team/Camas DECA

Mayor
www.champpizza.com
Mayor
Camas Dog Mayor candidates.