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17th, 18th Legislative District Lawmakers Issue Statement on Measles Outbreak

Olympia, WA — With the measles outbreak in Clark County continuing to grow, Governor Jay Inslee issued a proclamation Friday morning declaring a State of Emergency.

The proclamation directed the Washington State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan to be implemented, which allows state agencies and departments to utilize state resources to assist in prevention and response efforts.

There are now 30 confirmed cases of measles across Clark County. Friday evening, the following lawmakers from Washington’s 17th and 18th Legislative Districts issued the statement below:

  • Sen. Ann Rivers, R-La Center
  • Sen. Lynda Wilson, R-Vancouver
  • Rep. Paul Harris, R-Vancouver
  • Rep. Brandon Vick, R-Vancouver
  • Rep. Larry Hoff, R-Vancouver

“We appreciate Governor Inslee issuing a State of Emergency this morning. The outbreak of measles in our local communities is extremely concerning, but we are thankful every resource has been made available to help the Department of Health respond quickly and effectively.

“The governor’s proclamation not only provides essential resources and personnel, but also brings a heightened public awareness about this dangerous and preventable disease. While this is an uncertain and unfortunate time for many across our county, this State of Emergency will help reduce the spread and length of the outbreak. We will continue to closely monitor the situation.”

For more information about the measles outbreak in Clark County, as well as resources on how you can prevent its spread, click here to visit the Washington State Department of Health’s website.

Town Hall

From left: Representative-elect Larry Hoff, Senator Ann River, and Representative Brandon Vick.

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Clark County Republican Women Present Monetary Award to Pregnancy Clinic

Vancouver, WA — As part of their group meeting at Green Meadows Thursday evening, the Clark County Republican Women (CCRW) presented a check to Pathways Pregnancy Center of Camas and Washougal.

The check, which was presented by CCRW president, Brook Pell, is part of the group’s annual “Impact Award,” which raises funds for local charitable organizations that support women throughout the county.  Funds come from group members, with a matching donation from CCRW.

“CCRW membership is honored to present this monetary contribution to Pathways,” said Pell. “We could not have selected a more deserving organization as the first recipient of our annual CCRW Impact Award. Each year, volunteers and staff at Pathways are saving lives and helping women in need.”

Pathways Pregnancy Clinic provides services to young women who are coping with the fears and anxieties of an unplanned pregnancy. The faith-based organization provides counseling, ultrasounds, and free pregnancy tests.

Pathways is open during regular business hours, and is located at 2926 E Street in Washougal. For more information, call Pathways at 360.834.2829.

The presentation was part of a larger meeting that included a silent auction, dinner, group updates, and a keynote address by expert forensics accountant, Tiffany Couch, who addressed myths about public school funding. She provided information about confusion that surrounds the current McCleary school funding legislation, and its impact on local school districts.

To learn more, visit ClarkCountyRepublicanWomen.org

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Camas Officially Dedicates NW Nan Henriksen Way; Honors Former Mayor

Camas, WA — More than 50 community members and friends gathered outside Discovery High School Thursday evening to officially dedicate NW Nan Henriksen Way, which is named after the former Camas Mayor.

Henriksen officially cut the ribbon following two brief speeches by Camas School District Superintendent, Jeff Snell, and by Henriksen herself. The former mayor received the honor for the vision she had more than 30 years ago to have Camas look beyond the industry of the mill. She was instrumental in creating the Camas industrial park that is now home to multiple high-tech firms that attract living wage jobs.

Snell called her a visionary and heralded her tireless efforts to improve Camas during her tenure as mayor, and to this day.

“I just want to thank all of you for coming and celebrating with me,” said Henriksen. “I can’t tell you how much it means to me and I particularly want to thank my family members who were able to make it here. I wish my dad could be here … he would have been so happy to be here, and I wish he could have been up on the sign, too. I also want to thank Jeff Snell and the school district for this amazing honor.”

“You may think that this is a very short street, but it’s the perfect street for me because of all the symbolism involved. I get goosebumps just thinking about it, because this was Sharp Way and led to our very first tenant in our industrial park that was really only a vision until Sharp agreed to locate here and started to make that vision a reality for Camas. I still get goosebumps thinking about that.”

She spoke of the groundbreaking of the Sharp building, which started the industrial park, and the tree she planted with Sharp leaders.

”Now, this is the street to exciting new learning opportunities,” she added. “It’s so great I can’t think of anything I’d like to see more than these schools dedicated to collaboration, cooperation, teamwork, problem solving, creative thinking, and inclusion of all kids. You don’t have to be a super student or super athlete to be a star at these schools. I’m very proud of this school district.”

Following the official dedication, participants headed over to Discovery High School for its official dedication by Snell.

”I think my greatest joy is that I’m still alive to enjoy this,” she said. “Usually groups wait until you die and then they say let’s honor her with a street. You guys all get to celebrate, but I don’t.”

 

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Events: Camas School District Has THREE Major Dedications This Week

Camas, WA — Most haven’t seen the interior of the brand-new Lacamas Lake Elementary School, located in Fern Prairie, so Wednesday is your chance! There are also two more dedicatory events on January 24.

All are welcome to the dedication of Lacamas Lake Elementary School, which includes an open house and building tours for current students, former students of Lacamas Heights Elementary, CSD families and friends, and community supporters. It’s going to be a very special night!

What: Lacamas Lake Elementary Dedication
When: January 23 from 5:30 – 7:00 PM
Where: 4825 North Shore Blvd., Camas, WA 98607

For more information, contact the school at 360-833-5740.

Dedication

The Lacamas Lake Elementary library.

 

 

Dedication of Nan Henriksen Way and Discovery High School

All are welcome to the dedication of NW Nan Henriksen Way and Discovery High School on the Camas School District’s Project-Based Learning Campus! Attend one event or both – we’d love to see you there.

ABOUT NAN HENRIKSEN WAY
In honor of Camas School District alumna and former City of Camas Mayor Nan Henriksen, we’ve renamed Sharp Drive “NW Nan Henriksen Way.” This special renaming honors Henriksen’s foresight and innovative thinking, which helped usher in a new technology sector in and around the campus where learning now thrives.

What: Nan Henriksen Way Dedication
When: January 24 at 5:30 PM
Where: 5125 NW Nan Henriksen Way

ABOUT DISCOVERY HIGH SCHOOL
Thanks to the vision and support of our community, in the fall of 2018 the doors to Discovery opened and 115 9th graders kicked off the inaugural school year. DHS is now the third high school option for students of Camas Schools and could eventually serve 600 students. The school offers a small, personalized learning environment and project-based approach, as does Odyssey Middle School, which opened in 2016 and resides right next door.

What: Discovery High School Dedication
When: January 24 from 6-8 PM
Where: 5125 NW Nan Henriksen Way

 

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Rep. Larry Hoff Takes Oath of Office; Will Serve on 3 Committees

Rep. Larry Hoff was sworn in to office Monday as the newest state representative for the 18th Legislative District. He replaces former Rep. Liz Pike, who did not run for reelection.

Hoff, who has lived in Clark County for more than 40 years, recently retired as president and CEO of the $1 billion Fibre Federal Credit Union.

“It is truly humbling to have the opportunity to serve our 18th District communities in this new role as state representative,” said Hoff, R-Vancouver. “I look forward to bringing the voice and perspective of so many of my friends and neighbors to Olympia, and to delivering results on their behalf.”

Hoff has been appointed to three House committees. He will serve as the assistant ranking member of the House Consumer Protection and Business Committee, which considers an array of consumer protection issues, as well as the safety and soundness of state banks and credit unions, the regulation of consumer credit and lending, and the regulation of securities and investments. He will also serve on the House Appropriations Committee, which considers the operating budget, and on the House Labor and Workplace Standards Committee, which reviews legislation related to industrial insurance, unemployment compensation, collective bargaining, family leave, safety and health standards, occupational health, and employment standards.

“Each of these committees plays a vital role in the day-to-day operations of Washington state’s economy,” added Hoff. “The actions we take will affect millions of people, so it is my hope that we work together in a bipartisan way to get it right. We know Washingtonians don’t want tax increases, nor do they want unnecessary regulations that stifle economic growth. We should instead be focused on supporting policies this session that keep Washington state competitive, grow jobs, and encourage entrepreneurship and innovation.”

The 2019 legislative session began Jan. 14, and is scheduled to run for 105 consecutive days.

Photo by Steven Nelson.

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Brook Pell Announces Candidacy for Clark County Council District 4

Camas, WA —  Brook Pell, a Republican living in Camas, announced her candidacy today for Clark County Council District 4.

Brook is the Chief Operating Officer for a family owned construction company which builds residential and commercial steel buildings. Prior business experience includes CRE property manager of a diversified capital management firm where she managed a portfolio that consisted of a 340,000 rsf commercial office campus, several retail centers and residential/multi-family properties.

Pell is a Clark County native having grown up in Washougal, and is married to Sascha Pell. They have five children; four in the Camas School District and their oldest is a freshman at Clark College.

Pell’s priorities are policies that attract job creators to Clark County, transportation solutions that are supported by the taxpayers, lean and efficient government, policies that respect the rights of urban and rural land owners, good roads, adequate funding for law enforcement and infrastructure to support growth.

“Clark County is growing and along with that comes the challenge of providing the services that citizens need and want. As a small business owner, I know from experience how decisions made by government can negatively impact the economy or encourage prosperity. When I hear that people are forced to sell their homes due to higher property tax, I know we need a better solution. Focusing on what matters most to the people in Clark County is my pledge to the voters.” said Pell.

To learn more, visit her website at www.electbrookpell.com

The website isn’t yet up and running.

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Local GOP Seeks Nominations For Clark County Council District 4 Seat

Clark County, WA — This notice is to solicit nominations for individuals who wish to appear before Clark County Republican PCOs to present themselves as candidates for the position of Clark County Council for District 4. Nominees must reside in County Council District 4 and be of the Republican Party.

Self-nominations should include full contact information and a statement that they are of the Republican Party and live within District 4. Nominations that are not self-nominations should include full contact information of the nominee with the attachment of a signed statement from the nominee that he or she agrees to serve if nominated.

The Clark County Auditor has certified the 2018 elections results and Eileen Quiring has been elected to the position of Clark County Council Chair. Ms. Quiring will take office as Clark County Council Chair on January 1, 2019, and at that time, she will vacate her seat as County Councilor for District 4.

Pursuant to Article II, Section 15 of the Washington State Constitution, the Clark County Republican Central Committee is required to nominate three (3) individuals as candidates. Pursuant to the state constitution, all nominees must: 1) reside in County Council District 4; and (2) be of the same political party as Ms. Quiring, namely the Republican Party. Nominations will be voted upon by Clark County Precinct Committee Officers on January 15. The names of the three individuals nominated will then be forwarded to the Clark County Council. Upon receipt of the names of the three nominees, the Clark County Council will review the nominees, conduct interviews in an open public session, and appoint one of the individuals to the office of Clark County Council District 4.

Any person interested in being considered for nomination by the Clark County Republican Party Central Committee must notify Clark County Republican Party Chairman Earl Bowerman in writing, and must be received no later than January 10, 2019 . Email notifications to [email protected] will be accepted and must be received no later than January 10, 2019. All nominations will be acknowledged within 12 hours with further information on the ensuing process; if acknowledgement is not received, notify Chair Bowerman by email. The mailing address of the Clark County Republican Party is P. O. Box 205, Vancouver, WA 98666.

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“Main Street” TV Host, Film Crew To Visit Camas This Week

Camas, WA — Amanda Brinkman, host of The Small Business Revolution’s “Main Street” web TV series, and several members of their talented film crew will be visiting Camas this Wednesday and Thursday to see what makes Mill Town tick.

As part of their visit, city leaders will host the “Main Street” team at 6 pm Wednesday at Grains of Wrath, which is located in Downtown Camas. The public is invited to attend.

On December 11, Camas became a Top 10 contender to be chosen as the focus town for season four of their ground-breaking series, which is helping to reinvigorate small towns and businesses across the United States. They’re coming to Camas to learn about its accomplishments, history and current struggles. Following their visit, they will travel to Arlington, WA, another Top 10 contender, and all other cities on their list. Camas is their first stop.

”We have such a compelling story to tell,” said Carrie Schulstad, Executive Director of the Downtown Camas Association. “We have a great history and we’re also a town in transition with the mill closing in the next couple of years.”

Schulstad said she hopes that Camas will make Top 5. Once that happens, those five cities will be subject to national voting. It’ll be a matter of which city gets the most votes.

It’s also one reason why Camas citizens have been posting #MyCamas on their social media posts and sharing stories about what it’s like living in Mill Town. It’s also a reason why Lacamas Magazine continues to produce the #MyCamas videos.

”It’s about getting the word out about what an amazing place this is,” said Schulstad. “We also have many businesses who could use the help that the Small Business Revolution provides.”

The winner of the contest will be featured in Season 4, in which six businesses will receive a total of $500,000 in revitalization funds. The show features Brinkman, and Ty Pennington, of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” fame.

”I’m so excited they’re coming,” said Camas Mayor, Shannon Turk. “I really look forward to meeting them, and showing them what we’re all about.”

The crew arrives mid-day on Wednesday at a private reception, and then they will be visiting local shops and store owners to hear their stories.

Schulstad is also grateful to Maria Gonser, owner of Attic Gallery, who nominated Camas to appear on the show.

”Camas would be great for Season 4 of ‘Main Street,’” said Gonser. “There’s so much to see here, and we have some real struggles.”

To learn more, visit www.smallbusinessrevolution.org

 

 

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Update: California Fire Victims Receive RV From Camas Families

Camas, WA — “Mission accomplished,” said Ed Fischer, owner of Camas Bike and Sport in Downtown Camas. “We wrapped up with the local adopt-a-family here in Washougal, and what a nice family! And with the RV camper, the trip went smoothly and after the Chico DMV visit, we got the trailer up there right before nightfall and it was placed on the house pad where the lost home once sat. We did not get much of any time to take a look around, but the devastation was real and evident, and the recent flooding there really left the roads in shambles.”

When Fischer first heard about the Paradise, CA fires he became a big advocate in helping out, so he spent considerable time and money trying to locate a family that needed help, and would purchase an RV camper. But, even though his heart was in the right place, it ended up being a major challenge.

”I learned that it’s not easy to do all that stuff,” said Fischer. “It was very hard to organize, it took a lot of coordinating, planning, and communicating. There’s a lot more than the monetary portion. Procuring the trailer was very challenging. There were a lot of scams and misleading people out there, but ultimately we found a good trailer that would really help out this family.”

Fischer said about two-thirds of the cost of the RV was received through local donations following its purchase. He said many donations were $10, and one man gave $300.

Humane

www.McKeanSmithLaw.com

”Every amount helped,” said Fischer. “And, it was great to see all the support. All of it made this possible.”

Community members are contributed home essentials to fill the trailer, which was delivered several days ago.

Jeff Paul accompanied Fischer to California to deliver the trailer, and the two witnessed the fire’s devastation.

“It was amazing to see the random destruction, the fires took a few homes, then you’d see a couple that didn’t even look touched, then back to piles of debris where houses once stood.” said Fischer. “It really gave me a flashback to the fire’s I worked in back in Malibu in 1993, same thing happened where floods would come in soon after and reek further havoc on the area. In the end, the camper is now helping the family live on the property and rebuild, and it felt like we did the right thing for the right people! And last, could not have done it without all the support and contributions from so many that rallied around the cause. I didn’t get a lot of pictures because I want to respect people’s privacy. It wasn’t a staging photo moment. We got there kind of late, and the whole family wasn’t there.”

He also appreciates the local support of their adopt a family, who lives in Washougal.

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City of Camas Seeking Applicants for Vacant City Council Seat

Camas, WA — The City of Camas is now seeking eligible applicants from Ward 3 to fill the City Council vacancy left by Shannon Turk, who is now our Camas Mayor.

Think you might be a good fit? Please apply!

To be considered, your application must be complete and received by the City staff at Camas City Hall (616 NE 4th Avenue) no later than 5:00 pm on January 11, 2019. Additional written information after this date will not be accepted, unless requested by the City Council.

Please personally submit the following items:

  1. Signed application (see page 3 of link below).
  2. A one‐page cover letter indicating your interest and general qualifications for the position.
  3. A resume of no more than two pages.
  4. Answers to the Supplemental Questions of no more than two pages total (see page 4).
  5. Declaration and Affidavit of Candidacy

Inquiries and questions pertaining to this process or documentation should be directed to:

Peter Capell, City Administrator
616 NE 4th Avenue
Camas, WA 98607
Contact Phone: 360-834‐6864 Email Address: [email protected]

Eligibility, Requirements & Public Disclosure

To be eligible to be appointed to the Camas City Council, you:

  1. Must have continuously resided within the Camas city limits for a minimum of one year prior to your appointment to the Council.
  2. Must reside in Ward 3 where the opening exists.
  3. Must be a registered voter in the City of Camas.
  4. If you hold, participate in, or are involved in any contract(s) with the City of Camas, please explain your
    involvement in your cover letter.
  5. If you hold any other elected public office, please state what office and where in your cover letter.
  6. Please note that: Once a Council Member application is filed with the City, it is a public record available to the public.
  7. The applications received from all candidates who meet the minimum requirements of state law will be
    posted on the City of Camas website as part of the Council’s meeting packet the week of the initial
    interview.
  8. If appointed, you will be required by state law to file a personal financial disclosure statement with the
    Camas City Council Application. Washington Public Disclosure Commission (www.pdc.wa.gov)

> Full Details: https://goo.gl/SGMkdz

> Find Your Ward: https://goo.gl/PZR4C3 – Just click the Search tab and enter your address

> Map of Ward 3: https://goo.gl/frSwe7

> City Council Info: goo.gl/HN4qqx

Questions? Please contact City Administrator Pete Capell at 360-834‐6864 or [email protected]

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