Vancouver, WA –The Building Industry Association of Clark County (BIA) reports trends from a nearly 700 member-wide survey regarding the effects builders, remodelers, subcontractors, and suppliers are feeling from the COVID-19 pandemic.
From the month-long shutdown, to the shortage of appliances, to the soaring prices of lumber adding more than $16,000 to the price of a new single-family home, the housing industry has faced some challenges caused by the pandemic. Specifically, BIA members reported that COVID-19 has had at least some noticeable, adverse effect on the following aspects of their businesses:
93% of respondents reported delays in project timelines due to subcontractor availability and the shortage of building products and materials.
83% of respondents reported shortages of supplies of building products and materials.
80% of respondents reported an increased cost of supplies and building materials.
73% of respondents reported that they faced some unwillingness of workers and subs to report to their construction sites.
70% of respondents reported the length of time to obtain a plan review for a typical single-family home increased.
Despite the negative impacts of COVID-19, members are still reporting strong sales due to pent-up demand, low levels of inventory, and the stabilization of low interest rates. Additionally, 36% of surveyed remodelers have reported seeing more project inquiries with prospective clients mentioning COVID-19 and quarantine as a motivator for a home remodel.
While this seems like positive news for the industry, members are citing concerns over the affordability of housing. Builders are still trying to recover from the loss of revenue related to holding costs on housing developments that were stalled during the work stoppage, inflation of the cost of building products/materials, and the added cost of more than $7,485 per company in adhering to COVID-19 specific safety protocol.
With more than 70% of BIA members classified as small businesses (less than 50 employees), these costs will be hard to absorb. The BIA anticipates that sales prices will continue to climb as the housing inventory in Clark County remains at an all-time low. This means that housing will become less affordable, and more families in Clark County will be priced-out of a home purchase. This is worrisome as the BIA’s most recent estimate of 12,612 households are priced-out of homeownership.
The Building Industry Association (BIA) of Clark County is a nonprofit trade association representing the interests of all businesses involved with real estate, land development, homebuilding, and construction.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/02171008/6AB807E1-0414-4A34-B5B6-FD07F895ACB6.jpeg6151280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-11-02 17:21:442020-11-02 17:22:07BIA: 93% of Contractors Report Delays in Project Timelines Due to COVID-19
Editor’s Note: When Lacamas Magazine covers political events we do not necessarily endorse or condone the content, positions, or actions being reported on.
Washougal, WA — More than 450 supporters of President Donald Trump and other Republican candidates gathered at Limitless gun store Sunday afternoon to address issues of personal liberty, candidate preferences, pandemic mandates, and their opposition to big government.
Patriot Prayer members Joey Gibson and Michelle Dawson, as well as 49th Legislative District candidate, Justin Forsman, among others, addressed the crowd for about 90 minutes before lining up dozens of vehicles for a two-town caravan.
“Unity is the friend to freedom,” said Gibson. “Do you understand that? That’s why they divide us, and divide us, and divide us even religiously … The truth is we have to unite under a common cause.”
Gibson spoke of a trip to Hong Kong where citizens united under a common cause and said “they worked together they fought together, they bled together, and they were some of the hardest freedom fighters I’ve ever seen in my entire life. I believe we can do that in this country if we wake up and fight for each other.”
”I can’t accomplish things if I don’t have love in my heart,” said Gibson. “I cannot find myself to have hatred for other people who are scared, who are lost, who are hurt. These people who hate me and hate you guys, if you ever see them up close then you can understand the truth. The truth is that you should feel bad for them. They are bleeding on the inside. These people are hurting on the inside, they have so much hate and anger. Something happened to them in their lives, and it’s not worth getting mad, it’s not worth losing sleep over it. I came to pray for these people. Love is the most powerful force in this world.”
Gibson has been a controversial figure in local politics challenging government mandates, as well as ANTIFA and other groups.
Patriot Prayer leader Joey Gibson.
Dawson urged supporters to engage more at public events and warned of Portland politics coming into Clark County.
“We are out there, and it’s scary,” said Dawson. “We’re not asking you to be there on the front lines. Mask up, hide your face, so you don’t get doxxed, but stand back hold the line with us because if not Vancouver will become the new Portland. Rise up, stand up with us so we do not lose our freedom. We are not gonna let it happen.”
Forsman said people should be free to wear face masks — or not wear face masks insisting the face mask mandate issued by Governor Jay Inlsee.
“They don’t want us uniting and protesting,” said Forsman. “It’s your right not to wear a mask. Locking down our economy is another example [of government control.]
While the Trump supporters began their caravan, Lacamas Magazine went to interview Black Live Matters supporters at the Camas Safeway, however, they declined. They held BLM signs and shouted justice for Kevin Peterson, Jr., a Vancouver man, who was fatally shot by Vancouver Police last Thursday.
The Trump caravan, which had dozens of vehicles, went through downtown Washougal, then headed west toward Camas and through the downtown corridor on 4th Avenue.
The caravan included at least one Democrat who said “I’m a Democrat who is proudly voting for Trump. He’s the right person for these times.”
One passerby said Trump supporters called her a child molester, and was angry the caravan kept honking. Another was upset she was caught in the caravan while driving through 4th Avenue.
The election comes to an end on Tuesday, November 3 as voters go to the polls and votes are tabulated.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/02160717/26F5668B-091B-463D-BA0B-F500C2A59DEA.jpeg7841280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-11-02 17:05:512020-11-03 14:21:28Trump For President Rally Cruises Through Washougal, Camas Sunday
Clark County Sheriff Chuck Atkins held a news conference Friday afternoon after deputies shot and killed a Camas man Thursday night in Hazel Dell.
So far, few details have been released by the sheriff’s office or any other law enforcement agency after Kevin Peterson Jr., a 21-year-old man Camas resident, was shot and killed about 6 pm Thursday.
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office put out a news release indicating an officer had been involved in a shooting near NE Highway 99 and NE 68th Street in Hazel Dell.
Hundreds gathered in Vancouver Friday to hold a candlelight vigil to honor Peterson, who graduated from Union High School.
Here is Atkins’ full statement:
I have a statement, and a commitment, that I want to make to the community and to the family of a young man who lost his life last night.
I will start by telling you that there is a lot about this situation that I don’t know. Under I-940 and the state law requirements of an independent investigation, all of which I support – it is not my investigation and that means I am waiting along with you to learn about much of the details. Here is what I do know:
Just before 6PM on last night, detectives from the Clark/Vancouver Drug Task Force were conducting a narcotics investigation in the 6800 block of NE Hwy 99. A foot pursuit ensued where deputies from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office were chasing a man with a firearm. The information I have is that upon entering the parking lot of a bank, the man reportedly fired his weapon at the deputies. The deputies returned fire and the subject was tragically killed. It is my understanding that the man’s firearm was observed at the scene.
The press is reporting that the family has identified the young man involved as Kevin E. Peterson, Jr. It’s important to relate that the loss of a young man’s life likely means there is a grieving father, mother and other family. It is right and correct that the community would grieve along with this family. While I have not spoken with the deputies involved in this matter, I am confident that they are upset at the unfortunate outcome of this encounter. I can say that our agency is grieving as is the Peterson family and the community. Washington State independent investigation protocols require the designation of a law enforcement liaison to Mr. Peterson’s family. It is my commitment to participate as much as I can in ensuring that there is a complete, thorough independent determination of what happened, how it happened and what can be learned from this incident. I believe that it is important that the family be kept updated as much as absolutely possible.
A candlelight vigil was held to honor Kevin Peterson, Jr, a Camas man who was shot and killed by police Thursday night. Photo by Clark County Today.
As the community grieves, I call for there to be a respectful and dignified observance of the loss of life in this matter. There is always the potential for misinformation, doubt and confusion – and there may be those who wish to sow seeds of doubt. I insist that we will ALL learn in time what was lawful and/or unlawful, what was proper and/or improper and what we as an agency and community can learn from this matter.
I am committed to the accountability and transparency expected of this community and by state law and stand prepared to do my part as Sheriff in seeing that done. That said, this matter was turned over to the Southwest Washington Independent Investigation Team last night and is being led by the Camas Police Department for this incident.
Battle Ground Police Chief Mike Fort will be putting out further news releases regarding details of the investigation. No further information is being released now, and I am not taking any questions at this time.”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/31220140/B5ECDB2A-F31B-4421-A2D2-FF96253E2937-e1604206940874.jpeg6381200Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-10-31 22:06:072020-10-31 22:06:35Clark County Sheriff Addresses Death of Kevin Peterson; Candlelight Vigil Held
The Camas School District provided an update regarding their plans to transition to in-person learning, which is being hampered by increasing COVID-19 cases in Clark County. In addition, the administration provided an update on the upcoming February replacement levy. Here’s the direct statement from CSD:
Transition to Increased, In-Person Learning Experiences
Unfortunately, our community COVID-19 Activity Level rates continue to trend in the wrong direction. This is our sixth consecutive week in the high activity level, which continues to delay our transition to a full hybrid model. Current guidance from the Washington State Department of Health in the high activity level is to deliver learning services remotely and identify small groups or cohorts of students for in-person learning services based on those students with the highest need, such as students with disabilities, students living homeless, those farthest from educational justice, and younger learners. Since August, we have increased the number of small groups for in-person learning services throughout the district. Building on that success, we announced this week our next targeted group will be our kindergarten students in groups of 10 or less beginning November 9.
Why Kindergarten? Kindergarten is the foundation and start of the K-12 experience. It is such an important year for our youngest learners, and developmentally there are opportunities we just can’t replicate in a remote environment.
“Bringing small groups of kindergarten students into classrooms for in-person education is a cautious and incremental approach that fits within state health department guidance,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County Public Health director and county health officer in a press release on October 25. “With small group sizes and continued preventive measures, such as mask-wearing and physical distancing, we believe in-person education is safe for both students and staff because children this young are less likely to transmit the virus to others.”
The CDC indicates that in order for schools to achieve the lowest possible risk of transmission, we must implement five mitigation strategies to the extent possible, practical, and feasible, as outlined below:
Consistent and correct use of masks
Social distancing to the largest extent possible
Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette
Cleaning and disinfection
Contact tracing in collaboration with the local health department
Replacement Levies in February
Local levies are an essential revenue stream for our district and are approved by voters for a set number of years. In 2017, our community approved two levies, a programs & operations levy and a capital technology levy, which will expire at the end of 2021. Our School Board continued their discussion about replacing these expiring levies in the upcoming February election. Our school district has long benefited from strong community support. That support enabled us to build the district we have today. In addition to local levies, voters have also approved local bonds that have built the amazing schools and facilities we have in our district. Because of the way we’ve scheduled our bonds, taxpayers will see a reduction in their tax rate even with the approval of replacement levies in February. Our Board has explored two options for the replacement levies and plans to finalize their decision at the November 9 board meeting.
Camas, WA — Grains of Wrath and Fuel Medical are organizing a fundraiser this Thursday to benefit Mariah Corbin, who was recently diagnosed with brain cancer.
All day Thursday (11 am-10 pm) Grains of Wrath will donate 10 percent of the day’s revenue to benefit Corbin and her family.
“On top of that, Fuel will donate three times that amount to help out the Corbin family,” said Brendan Ford, Co-Founder of Fuel. “This is a great Camas family and we need to do all we can to support them.”
Mariah’s father, Derrill, said the the official diagnosis — Anaplastic Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma Grade 3 — came September 16, and they were told that scientifically recovery is not likely.
“We do have good insurance, but there are so many other expenses, such as travel to research hospitals in either California or Boston for treatment,” Derril said. “Support of community is making this work. We are so grateful.”
There is also the additional cost of remedies, alternate treatments, and clinical trials.
Mariah is currently studying theology and is diligently working toward finishing her degree in the midst of this cancer battle.
Brendan Greenen, managing partner at GOW, said Dollar For will have donation stations on Thursday for card donations that will go directly to the family.
Derrill said while the prognosis is hard to bear, they are buoyed by their spiritual faith.
Local friends set up a GoFundMe campaign to assist the Corbin family, and they ask for the community to support this cause. Here is that link: http://gofundme.com/f/mariahmiracle
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/27194715/E6380F84-38DE-45CD-AF5C-C4F9817EAEEE.jpeg434640Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-10-27 20:28:282020-10-27 22:19:05Fighting Cancer: Grains of Wrath to Hold Fundraiser for Mariah Corbin
Washougal, WA — The Association of Washington School Principals has named David Cooke, Principal of Jemtegaard Middle School, as the Washington State Secondary School Principal of the Year for 2020! The Secondary School Principal of the Year award is given to individuals who set high standards for instruction, student achievement, and community involvement, as well as advocating for education.
“I am honored to be the Principal of Jemtegaard Middle School,” said Cooke. “It is an incredible place to work. This award represents the culture and efforts of the staff and students who come here every day.”
AWSP leadership joined WSD leadership at a middle school staff meeting to make the announcement to Cooke and his staff. Superintendent Mary Templeton announced the guests from AWSP, who proceeded to share accolades with Cooke.
“Under David’s leadership, Jemtegaard Middle School has gone from a school that was failing to make progress under No Child Left Behind to one that has been State Recognized multiple times for academic performance increases and closing the achievement gap,” Templeton said. “Through this work, Washougal students are rising, and our district with them! I could not be happier for David receiving this great recognition! It is so well deserved.”
Cooke has fostered a culture of support for students and their families, focusing on equity, positive behavior expectations, high engagement, and the whole child.
“At every opportunity, David credits the teachers and staff at Jemtegaard for the school’s accomplishments,” said Kurt Hatch, AWSP Associate Director of Middle Level Leadership, adding “His staff has a willingness to challenge practices, remove barriers to success, and do what is right for students.”
“I could not be prouder of my staff,” said Cooke. “About six years ago, we knew that we needed to make changes to ensure that all students could be successful. It was not easy, but we persevered as a team to make difficult decisions, learn together, and build the best opportunities for all students. As a result, our students have experienced significant growth. We have been supported along the way by so many including our fellow Washougal teachers, staff, District Office and an amazing Washougal community.”
Cooke has overseen implementation of Positive Behavior Intervention Support system at Jemtegaard, featuring common classroom expectations, quick support responses, and a focus on ensuring that students who need help are guided through restorative practices and back in the classroom as quickly as possible. This has led to a dramatic reduction in missed instructional time, and fewer discipline referrals for students.
“David exemplifies the best of the best in school leaders in his relentless pursuit of bringing adults together in a common purpose and mission. Their focus on equity, student achievement, and intentional impact on each and every child is what brought his nomination to the top,” said Scott Seaman, AWSP Executive Director. “Leading educational change that is student-centered takes an entire school community and David’s leadership has fostered that ongoing culture.”
“Our students are caring, hardworking and resilient,” Cooke said. “They support each other in their academic, social, and emotional growth.”
The Spanish Speaking Family Night initiative was started by Cooke in response to feedback from second language speaking families, who wanted to connect with the school and learn how they could be part of their students’ learning. Cooke worked with community leaders and Spanish speaking staff and translators to build relationships with students and their families, identifying resource gaps, communication barriers, and providing support and resources that ensure families and students have what they need to succeed.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/26163628/0160A1BE-1104-47A0-9A6B-7F7ED55AA2AE.jpeg7951280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-10-26 16:44:202020-10-26 16:44:27Jemtegaard Middle School Principal Named WA Secondary Principal of the Year
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.
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.
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.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/08135733/52624496-D0F9-43B2-9C34-2FC44C75DB63.jpeg6861280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-10-24 21:22:172020-10-24 21:22:24POLITICS 2020: Carolyn Long to Host 60th Town Hall in Vancouver
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.”
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.”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/21165022/D050CE50-1602-41A9-AC7E-D107949DD378.jpeg7591182Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-10-21 17:02:442020-10-21 17:02:53Washougal High ASB Approaches Role Differently During Remote Learning
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.
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.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/21162849/3D235ACA-28C2-43F1-8A61-278923F296F7-e1603323479351.jpeg5921280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-10-21 16:40:522020-10-21 16:41:00POLITICS 2020: Q&A With 18th Legislative District Representative Larry Hoff
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