Vancouver, WA — The Carolyn Long for Congress campaign announced she raised over $600,000 in the first 12 weeks of the campaign, out raising Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler by $150,000, and setting a new quarter fundraising record for the Long campaign.
The Long campaign was able to do this from 4,782 individual contributions from over 3,200 individual contributors. 90.7% of all money raised from individuals this quarter came from in-state and 87.8% of individual contributors were low-dollar donors. The report indicates no money was donated to the Long campaign from corporate PAC’s.
“I am so incredibly humbled by the groundswell of support we have seen across the district. I am honored to have received the trust and support of over 3,000 people to flip this district bringing effective representative back for Southwest Washington,” said Carolyn Long. “We deserve to have someone in the other Washington who has our back and fights hard every single day for us, and right now we don’t even have someone willing to meet with or hear from her constituents. It’s well past time that we had affordable and accessible health care, lowered costs of prescription drugs and important investments in our infrastructure including bringing high-speed internet to every corner of Washington’s third.”
Herrera Campaign Response
“Carolyn Long and her D.C. money machine will do whatever it takes to grab hold of Southwest Washington’s third Congressional district. We have to show these extremists that our home is not a seat in Congress to be purchased to advance a socialist agenda. Long’s support for a $2,300 tax hike on working families would be just a start, hardly enough to foot the bill for her $32 trillion government takeover of our health system.”
Rep. Larry Hoff, R-Vancouver, has been appointed to the Washington State Building Code Council (SBCC) by Acting House Speaker John Lovick. Hoff, who serves as the assistant ranking member on the House Consumer Protection and Business Committee, will represent the House Republican Caucus on the council.
“As someone with a 35-year background in business, I understand how challenging—and costly—it can be to navigate state agency rules and regulations,” said Hoff. “I look forward to working with my fellow members on the council to ensure the state building code makes sense and serves Washingtonians well.”
The SBCC provides independent analysis and objective advice to the Legislature and the governor’s office on state building code issues. It also establishes the minimum building, mechanical, fire, plumbing and energy code requirements necessary to promote the health, safety and welfare of the people of Washington by reviewing, developing and adopting the state building code.
“The actions we take will affect developers and consumers in both the short- and long-term, so it’s imperative we approach every decision with thoughtfulness and care,” Hoff added. “We must also be mindful of the fact we’re facing an affordability crisis that’s affecting many of our friends and neighbors. We have an opportunity to be part of the solution through the decisions we make as a council, and I sincerely hope we take advantage of it.”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/07082515/3CD50BD1-CFEF-48D4-8A19-6FBDDECDE7EE.jpeg5441125Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-10-28 15:34:302019-10-28 15:34:40Rep. Larry Hoff Appointed to Washington State Building Code Council
Washougal, WA — Washougal area employers, business leaders and educators came together for an evening of collaboration on October 17 at Washougal High School to help the Washougal School District Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department leverage existing school programs to connect with and prepare the future workforce.
“Businesses are asking us for skilled workers,” said WSD CTE Director, Margaret Rice. “We want them to understand the current work being done and the programs offered here to prepare our students for their post-secondary education and careers. An important step in this process is to create meaningful standards that, once met, demonstrate to potential employers that this student has learned the skills needed to be successful in a specific industry.”
Keynote speaker Brock Smith, Executive Vice President of Business Development at Precision Exams, works with local and state education and workforce development agencies to connect workforce and CTE in ways that help students make more informed decisions on their pathway and career options. He explained to the nearly 50 attendees that standards are the common language between industry and schools to help quantify the education experience for employers. One key aspect is then communicating employer information back to the appropriate candidates as demonstrated by individual aptitude. “We need industry to be involved and help to set these standards to assist in shaping curriculum and prepare students to be the future workforce,” he said.
As part of the assessment platform, provided by Precision Exams, employers can signal to students and future candidates which of their earned credentials represent the desired knowledge, skills and aptitude for the positions those employers are hiring. “Employers can use this tool to become a part of the ongoing review and revision of the standards, assessments and available certificates of more than 190 CTE offerings,” Smith explained. “This ensures that by the time a student has earned a certificate, or a stackable credential, that the knowledge and skills employers desperately need are represented and recognized by those very same employers.”
“I love that this Business Connections workshop is becoming an annual event,” said Rice. “Creating meaningful opportunities for business and industry folks to partner with education has not been an easy endeavor, with the typical ask being more than most can give.” Rice pointed out that this industry engagement tool is not only simple to participate in, it’s easy to pass on to others. “It also provides the added bonus of a direct benefit to students by way of certifications,” she said. “It’s a win-win-win all the way around.”
According to Smith, the ability to connect industry and education with a tool to review and give input on standards will result in teachers teaching and students learning the skills employers look for when making hiring decisions. “When businesses dedicate time to review education standards in subjects their future workers are learning, it benefits more than just their business; it helps our local economy, is a tremendous help for educators and is a great advantage for students,” Smith said.
“Helping a student discover an aptitude and area of interest early in their education provides greater purpose, empowers them, builds confidence and brings meaning to learning,” Rice said. “It answers the question every student has, ‘When am I ever going to use this?’ because they apply their learning in a practical way that links to their career pathway which keeps them more engaged. Our State recognizes the importance of this too and has created a variety of Pathways that students can take to graduate from high school related to their post-high school education and career plans.”
That engagement is why research shows that CTE students graduate at a 12 percent higher rate than those students who are not CTE concentration completers (360 hours of CTE instruction in one focus CTE area of study). The positive impact of a high school graduate on a local economy is significant and measurable in increased consumer spending and an increase in contributed state and local taxes.
The evening was sponsored by current business partners; Courtney Wilkinson branch owner of Country Financial sponsored the dinner and Mallorie Henker owner of Outlaw Coffee sponsored the coffee bar. The event was staffed with skilled WHS students from Advanced Culinary who planned, prepared and served the dinner, by members of Future Business Leaders of America, SkillsUSA and our Associated Student Body who welcomed guests and assisted participants with signing in. Even the artistic table centerpieces were created by Fine Arts Woodworking and Metals Craft & Production students.
Talking to CTE members.
“Our goal this evening was to help bring awareness to local businesses of the programs we offer as well as our work to connect classroom learning with the skills businesses are looking for in their employees,” said Rice. “Input from local industry coupled with recognition of the Career Skills certificates adds tangible value for students as it directly ties the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to a pathway leading to high-demand jobs with local employers.”
Rice is working with her teachers to expand WSD local partnerships to gain insight into the needs of industry. One way they are doing this is through their Program Advisory Committees. These committees focus on providing direction, help to set and achieve goals, and assist in accessing resources to support students within specific program areas within the CTE Department.
“We have found that the key to developing the future workforce is partnering with employers to connect them with the right students and job candidates early in their educational process,” Rice said. “We also want employers to see the validity of these certifications and give students who have met the standards they have helped develop an opportunity to show them what they know maybe through a professional interview or internship.”
A Washougal School District teacher and a long-time school volunteer were recognized as Real Heroes of Clark County through the Learn Here project honoring individuals for outstanding service to students and education in Clark County. Dani Allen, art teacher at Jemtegaard Middle School and Rona Ager, parent, Booster Club member and STEAM advocate, were recognized at an award program on October 17 with 21 other honorees.
The countywide program, created by Identity Clark County, recognizes educational staff and volunteers in partnership with educational institutions for their efforts to serve the Clark County school communities. Sponsors of the award program were RealLiving Real Estate Group, Port of Vancouver USA and NW Capital Mortgage.
Dani Allen
Dani Allen is an outstanding art teacher at Jemtegaard Middle School, a position she has held for the past five years. She has worked for the Washougal School District for 12 years in a combination of Special Education and Art positions. Allen is a passionate advocate for public art, partnering with the City of Washougal and the Washougal Art and Culture Alliance to showcase student art through projects like murals in parks, art displays at City hall, and art galleries as part of Washougal Youth Art Month. She and her Club 8 students recently completed a mural on a retaining wall in downtown Washougal at D and Durgan Streets.
Allen cultivates an appreciation for different artistic styles and media, with a program that engages youth in art that is relevant and meaningful to them. Students share that Allen helped them understand art as an idea, and grow an awareness of the importance and beauty of their ideas, and that she helps build their confidence, supports them when they are not having a good day, and teaches them that they can do amazing things with their lives. Allen continues her work with students through projects in the school’s Club 8program, which offers after-school enrichment activities and interest exploration. Allen leverages student interest in technology to expand their artistic skills, with creative lessons involving stop motion animation and film making.
Pork Belly Bites at Tommy O’s at the Camas Hotel. Available during Happy Hour! Visit www.tommyosaloha.com
Allen is a champion for students with special needs and differences, too. She started a Unified sports program in 2014, first with soccer, then later with multiple teams, and eventually multiple sports. The Unified sports teams include students with special needs and abilities, helping them grow their skills so they can practice and compete with other teams around the region. Her soccer team won the silver medal at the state tournament last season. Allen was also a Gay Straight Alliance advisor for students in several schools, recognizing the impact these clubs have on promoting student inclusion and well-being, as well as fostering a safe school climate for all learners.
Rona Ager
Rona Ager has been volunteering in classrooms and supporting the Gause Elementary Boosters for nearly 10 years. She is known for spearheading and taking the lead on numerous Booster projects and is always available to help where needed around school.
Ager created and oversees the grade level enrichment program and Booster supported assemblies, bringing in at least two or more fun and unique experiences for students each year. A personal goal was to help organize with other elementary schools to negotiate discounts when contracting for presentations. This idea paid off with a guest storyteller assembly last year and this year with the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) Museum.
Her special interest in the support of STEAM projects lead her to organize a Science Night five years ago which has become a family STEAM Night. The past two years, the event included a Science Fair with a student science project competition during the school day for ages kindergarten to fifth grade.
She organized volunteers to help support Booster and classroom activities, took care of the bulletin boards and display case/communications, led the BoxTops and Labels collection fundraisers (one year bringing in more than $2,000 in box tops), enhanced and organized the Mustang Market, managed and started the monthly birthday display case, and has stepped up to hold various Booster Club officer roles through the years.
When beloved Gause teacher, Alisa Vail, passed after a battle with cancer, Ager organized the purchase, installation and unveiling ceremony of a Buddy Bench to honor Vail.
Ager stepped up to lead the Mustang Hall of Fame Celebrations which rewards positive student behavior, she broadened it from an extra recess to now include shows, games and special activities three times a year. She has also arranged events honoring veterans at the Veterans Day assemblies for Gause Elementary School and Jemtegaard Middle School (JMS) as well as the “Honor roll/On a roll” at JMS. She has assisted with Sport-a-Thon, Family Fitness Night, Artists in Residency and Teacher Wish List programs.
“None of what I have done over the years has been without collaborating with so many other fantastic and committed volunteers and staff doing all kinds of other things as well as backing up and supporting the areas I have led,” she explained. “It truly is a team activity to support our schools and students. It’s been an honor being a part of making great things happen in the Washougal School District!”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/07074751/4795E89C-3311-4D4F-B732-45A931357941.jpeg10352328Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-10-18 15:34:442019-10-18 15:34:53Washougal Teacher, Volunteer Named Real Heroes of Clark County
Camas, WA — A formal Camas Mayoral debate has been set for Tuesday, October 22 at 6:30 pm at the Grass Valley Fire Station in Camas, and the public is invited to attend.
All three candidates for Camas mayor — Shannon Turk, Barry McDonnell, and Melissa Smith — were invited to attend and participate in the 90-minute debate, which is being organized and hosted by Lacamas Magazine and Clark County Today.
Doors for the event will open at 6 pm, and residents are encouraged to come with questions.
“Although all the rules haven’t been set and approved by the candidates yet we encourage Camas residents to attend the event, and come prepared to ask questions,” said Ernie Geigenmiller, publisher of Lacamas Magazine. “It will be a real debate in which the candidates are asked questions by moderators, their opponents will offer a rebuttal, and there will be opportunity for real dialogue between them — as well as an opportunity for residents to directly ask questions. There are also rules of decorum at public facilities like the fire station that will need to be followed. More details to come.”
Mayor Turk and McDonnell have accepted the invitation, while Smith, citing health concerns, said she will not attend the debate.
Turk ran unopposed until early October when McDonnell, a newcomer to politics, announced his write-in candidacy. Days later, Smith, a veteran Camas City Council member, also started her own write-in campaign.
“I am excited that this has come to fruition and am looking forward to it,” said McDonnell. “I think public debate is important for an authentic democratic process and regardless of outcome, this will be a win for the citizens of Camas. I hope we get a great turnout!”
Turk didn’t issue a formal statement, but welcomed the opportunity.
The mayoral race became competitive after weeks of increasing concern about Proposition 2, the community aquatics center and sports field bond, which is on the November ballot.
We encourage you to post your questions in the comments section of this article — or on our Facebook or Instagram social media sites. You may also email us: [email protected]
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/07075335/4A07F9C4-A3D7-4B4C-A140-A751F09BD0B5.jpeg328600Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-10-16 15:01:392019-10-16 15:03:40Camas Mayoral Debate Set for October 22; Public Invited
Washougal, WA — The City of Washougal is inviting local families to the annual Downtown Washougal Pumpkin Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 26 from noon to 3 p.m. at Reflection Plaza. Everyone is encouraged to come in their Halloween costume. The event will take place rain or shine and is presented by City of Washougal.
Nearly 1,000 free pumpkins will be available for children thanks to generous donations from Columbia River Realty, Dental Excellence and support from City of Washougal. A straw hay maze will be created for kids to walk through to select their special pumpkin. Pumpkins are limited to one per child, while supplies last. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
“The Washougal community really enjoys our family fun events such as The Pumpkin Harvest Festival,” said Rose Jewell, event organizer and City of Washougal Assistant to the City Manager. “It continues to grow with more sponsors and partners and each year we add new fun activities!”
The event will feature carnival games with candy and toy prizes, balloon animal makers sponsored by IQ Credit Union, apples donated by Washougal Family Dental, popcorn from the Washougal Fire Department, safety treat bags from Washougal Police Department, a selfie station and more. Other sponsors include Rivertalk Weekly and Washougal Business Association.
Approximately 600 adults attended a #SAVETHEKIDS parent education event Tuesday night in Vancouver featuring Instagram Influencer/Youth Advocate Collin Kartchner and Educator Katey McPherson.
“This has been a year in the making,” said one of the event’s organizers, Greg Gillespie, who introduced all of the local volunteers. “I’ve been following him on Instagram, and Collin started off making fun of social media influencers, but when Hurricane Harvey hit in Texas he realized he could do things that make a difference. They helped big time in Houston. Has helped out with many causes. Then he really started this crusade about helping kids and parents navigate screens, and now he visits schools and communities all over the country. He even has a TEDX talk.”
Kartchner spent Tuesday at Liberty Middle School and Hood River Elementary, and encouraged guests to evaluate individual phone and screen usage.
“First, none of us had any clue we’d be dealing with this when we had our children,” said Kartchner. “We are the first generation of parents figuring this out, and we have to talk to each other, and I want you to understand this is a no-shame evening.”
He showed a video that of three people from three generations, the first two of which discussed a childhood outdoors, close to nature.
“The current generation is obsessed with video games and using their smart phones and tablets,” he said. “So, what if this trend continues? Nature has always been a part of childhood, and we need to keep it that way. Society has changed and we’ve created new systems and tech and now can tell it’s harming our kids. Our kids are creative geniuses if we let them.”
He shared a story about Whitney, a 20-year-old in Utah who committed suicide because of the pain she suffered using her smart phone.
“So, we created a program called #savethekids and as parents we have to lead the way,” he said. “When we have our phones out in front of our kids it means we appreciate the phone more than we appreciate them.”
Citing examples of new baby and toddler toys that incorporate smart phone technology he said “we have traded all this amazing stuff and have converted it all to a digital screen and we’re realizing it’s been a mistake. Inmates get more outdoor time than our children do.”
And, the older generations are doing it, too.
“Parents: this is not a phone, this is a mini-super computer with access to everything,” said Kartchner. “We are handing them loaded weapons and if we don’t teach them they will destroy themselves. You have to parent your kids, you have know what they’re getting into. If you give them a smartphone you’re giving them a ticket to do anything.”
“Parents, we have to intervene,” he said. “We have created a society for our children that is extremely stressful. We can stop ‘still facing’ our kids and their problems. Babies are very responsive to the world around them. Infants really do engage in personal interaction.”
Using images of the pre-frontal cortex slide, Kartchner explained how the brain develops from the rear to the front.
“The pre-frontal cortex, which is the last part of the brain to develop, affects decision making,” he explained. “Your kid isn’t even close to full development. Social media and gaming have negative effects on our children’s brains. Games are more addictive than cocaine. Fortnite, a company that makes $1.8 billion a quarter off a ‘free’ game is also an attraction for sexual predators. We are letting our kids turn their backs on their talents.”
Social Media App Ratings
“Social media app ratings are misleading,” he said. “We’re trying to help the tech companies change how the way apps are rated. For example, lots of porn links are sent through Instagram. Watch out for private DMs. It’s too much for our kids. These phones are destroying our kids. Instagram is a dangerous place for our kids. SnapChat is the worst. They throw out articles to our kids encouraging porn, and 82 percent of porn on Pornhub encourages violence. We have to be careful. TikTok is the next big one and is a place for predators.”
SnapChat is the worst!”
— Collin Kartchner
Easy to find porn on these apps.
“Mom, I Got Bit”
When you hand your kids a snake they’re gonna get bit, and that’s why he will soon be releasing a book called “Mom, I Got Bit.” He likened the dangers of smartphones to having a snake, and explained how to react when your children get bit:
Don’t yell, don’t get mad.
Tell them “I love you, thank you for being brave enough to tell me you got bit.”
Offer assistance: “What can we do to help you?”
Create a “no trouble” bubble, which is a safe place.
Hugs and Signs You Might Be a Lawnmower Parent
“Hugs! Our kids need more of this than ever before,” he said. “Hug your kids — kids need 8 hugs a day for 8 seconds each. 20 second hugs have proven to boost the immune system. Why are they so desperate to be seen and loved?”
In this video, he explained what it means to be a “Lawnmower Parent” (click video link): https://youtu.be/8Q_53e283rA
Katey’s Presentation
“Technology is part of our life but it cannot be our central focus,” she said. “When you hand over your device you’re giving them a medium to share their feelings … Prior to age 2 you’ve taken about 2,000 photos. It teaches them that life is to not be lived, it is to be documented.”
“After Columbine (the school shooting) in 1999 we decided nobody would harm our kids. We’ve taken away from our children the ability to cope with their own pain. Our students are walking around with a thin veil of terror and the device is not going to save their lives.”
Citing increasing national anxiety trends, McPherson said that students need to know they have dignity.
“Students need to know they have dignity,” she said. “Think about adding this to your daily vocabulary.
This generation is over the word ‘respect.’ The reason is because we’ve taken away their dignity all day long. We bring them to this Earth with inherent worth, and we need to stop doing the heavy lifting for them. If we want to stop school shootings we better start with the inside out.”
“Spend your energy on being clear on access and sit down with your family to discuss what’s fair. Sit down and be really clear about what the boundaries are. Create a family data contract. They’re not allowed to share private information. Don’t share inappropriate photos. It has to be an ongoing and pervasive message. This is a parent issue, not a school issue. The goal is self-governance by 17 or 18. It is not easy work, but it is possible. If you stop dancing you will lose your child to pornography or gaming or suicide. It’s time to really step into this. We are here to get you in the know about what our kids are exposed to.”
The next #savethekids event happens Wednesday, October 16 from 7-8:30 pm at Mannahouse in Vancouver.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/07075322/CBE13058-3CD9-4EDA-8868-301E9770FA01-scaled.jpeg13352560Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-10-16 02:31:542019-10-16 02:32:10Kartchner #SAVETHEKIDS Event: Dangers of Excessive Screen Time, Social Media
Dissatisfied with the direction of City of Camas leadership, 15-year Camas City councilor Melissa Smith officially announced Wednesday she is challenging incumbent mayor Shannon Turk with a write-in candidacy.
“It hurts my heart to have to do this, but I cannot abide by what is going on,” said Smith. “I feel truly bad for Shannon, and this may be uncomfortable for a while, but I just want the citizens to have a voice.”
Smith went on the record for about 90 minutes answering several questions. Here are the questions asked and her direct answers.
Question: Does your candidacy mean you have no confidence in Shannon Turk?
Correct.
I wouldn’t have put in for it if I did have confidence in her. I don’t see any leadership in the current mayor. The appointment process was council’s decision. I knew Shannon would probably get it, but this time is a citizen’s choice and I trust the citizens to make the right choice. This is my home and just like everyone else who lives here, I want to take care of her. I want to see Camas be prosperous and collaborative; a place where opposing views are heard as long as things are done in a civil manner. You can’t totally shut people out.
The October 2 Open House for Proposition 2 was not good for the voters. People were so upset they didn’t have the opportunity to speak. People were angry and residents kept saying they all got different answers from council members. We on council didn’t get any information prior to the meeting. That’s very troubling.
Question: Does this mean you have no confidence in Camas City Administrator Pete Capell?
Absolutely none.
Back in 2016, I begged former Mayor Scott Higgins to fire Pete. I think a majority of council would support firing him. Higgins refused to fire him. That’s when Higgins starting coasting when he went into the real estate business. I know that when we lost Nina Gregore (the prior city administrator) it really affected Scott and when Pete got hired Scott really leaned on Pete, and Pete just picked up the pieces for Scott. And Scott gave Pete complete free reign. When Scott left working as mayor 40 hours a week then Pete ran amuck and just started creating a hostile environment for staff.
Shannon has had a year to deal with him, and she hasn’t. She was supposed to do an evaluation on him with our input and she hasn’t done that. That was due last January.
Question: You said last year that you would spend 40 hours a week as mayor, and that this time commitment is crucial. You said: “We need a mayor who can commit to 40 hours a week. The staff is phenomenal, but we’re at a time in our city’s history where we need a full-time mayor. There are so many important issues happening in our growing city.” Why did you say that, and do you still believe that?
I said that because I look ahead. I talk to staff, I don’t always just rely on the agendas. I’m always researching and connecting with people. What is it that concerns citizens? We are growing and we have to bring in more living wage jobs for families. We do have a great staff. The role of mayor is supposed to be held in reverence. Held in esteem. You set yourself up because you’re the leader of the city or organization. This is regardless of pay — you’re responsible for the lives and the future and the economic development for the city.
Being there 40 hours a week you are more accessible. Shannon works full-time. She works for the city of Vancouver. I like her as a person, I truly do but she’s not very responsive. That’s hard. It has a negative effect. If the staff doesn’t have their leader there isn’t a rudder. That happened with the last 18 months of Scott’s term — he just wasn’t there very often. I can right the ship and create stability. This Prop 2 shows there’s a lack of communication going on. I want to get in there and fix it and correct and move in a positive direction.
From 2018: The four mayoral candidates. From left: Councilor Melissa Smith, Georerl Niles, Councilor Shannon Turk, and former Camas Mayor, Dean Dossett.
Question: What are the top reasons you want the job?
Leadership: I don’t see true leadership in the current mayor, and I think I have the skills sets to do this job.
Life Experience: For me it’s not a status thing, or a money thing. $22,000 a year isn’t much. I have a lot life lessons. I have traveled extensively throughout the United States with my job and personal life. I’ve been to foreign countries. I have a broad outlook on life. I’ve seen a lot. I’ve seen real racist things in the South, and I’ve been serving the city of Camas for many years. I know how things work.
North Shore: We need to build a good infrastructure for that part of town.
Collaboration: Everyone has 24 hours in a day. Because of health issues I’ve learned that how you manage your energy is more valuable in the long-run because it makes you more productive, more efficient, more balanced. Energy is more important than time. I’m very much about closing the loop on projects because of the different work experiences I’ve had. From conception to completion, you need to look at the glitches, then analyze them and so you need critical thinking. It’s having the ability to bring the right people together and do the what/if scenarios.
Building the New Camas Pool: I’m very much for a new pool, and I’m very open to the competitive part of swimming. I applaud what they do with football, but there are other sports that need the same support. I think the mill’s R&D property needs more research. There are other properties we need to research. The people don’t want it at Fallen Leaf Lake. We just need to get it done and put together a smarter, cost effective package.
Question: Why are you a write-in candidate for Mayor?
I can jump in and make quick changes. This would be a shock for council if I win but we would come back together whole. I am who I am. I would give Pete Capell the option to resign first, and if he didn’t leave I would fire him. I would go in a different direction. We’ve gone without a city administrator for many months before. I’d be in the office each day to support staff. We’d then get the replacement process started. I would implement business people, development people, school leaders, community leaders to form a diverse group for an interview panel. The mayor stays out of it until you have the final two.
Question: Why did you not file in May and be placed on the ballot?
I wasn’t thinking about it then. I had told Shannon that I would not run a campaign against her. This is really painful to me to break my word. I know she’s hurt by it, but I’ve just been looking back over the past four years and I see the same leadership continuing from Higgins onto Shannon. No one is steering the ship.
Question: Are you upset with the rollout of Proposition 2, even though you voted to push it out as a bond? Did Mayor Turk push it out too fast? Is it too bold of a bond?
Yes, because I didn’t realize everything that had been rolled up into the bond language. The rollout was a 15-minute presentation with so many items on the bond issue, and we needed more time to learn about it. The street signals, for example, should come from public works funding — they shouldn’t be in a GO bond. This bond has too much in it and there is not a clear enough breakdown of why these items are in Prop 2.
Everyone just said $78 million for a pool is ridiculous, but when you see all the line items I would have done it differently. Prop 2 is five bonds in one. It’s too much.
We’re not sure about locations, they said we have multiple sites to choose from. I asked where those sites are, but my question wasn’t answered. To not have anything locked down but to trust them is not acceptable. I take my part of the blame on that.
In hindsight, I would have voted no to the rollout of the bond. I would have looked at different ways to fund this. Swimming and a community center is high on the list. Nobody talked about parking or fixing the street or scalability.
You want to believe in your leadership and believe you’re being told good information. Fault me for trusting the information that was presented to us. That’s why I’m stepping up now because the communication is so lacking. It’s not clear to the community.
The proposed 6+ acre aquatics center site is adjacent to Fallen Leaf Lake, and just across the street from Heritage Park, along Lake Road.
Question: Camas leadership told the pool committee that surveys showed that Camas voters would support a $35 million bond for a new pool. Why did Capell and Turk push for more than twice that?
It’s foolish. Because it means you’re not listening to the citizens. Lack of communication is frustrating a lot of people, and it’s been happening for several years. We’re in a ‘what the hell’ is going on period? I can take criticism from the public. I have no problem with that.
Question: What other concerns do you have about city leadership?
Bad Communication
Lack of transparency
Lack of timely responses
Lack of vision
Lack of planning
Holding back details
Question: What is your vision for Camas over the next 30 years?
I want to see affordable housing for people, and try to work with developers to dive into the codes and see if we’re able to allot so much land through RCWs. I want to bring in more living wage jobs to the area.
I want to focus on a new pool to replace Crown Park and/or build a large pool complex. Having the right pool is good for the economy and for our citizens, but it has to be done through proper processes.
North Shore is my main priority and how we build that out and provide services. We have garbage, water, fire, police requirements, and we need to set up an infrastructure for these services. We need to figure that out quickly because there’s building already happening. Current leadership has no vision.
We just need better, more frequent communication with the citizens. Have a quarterly update from the mayor on what’s going on. Do a city newsletter.
Question: What are your city mismanagement concerns?
For the Bank of America building we paid $1.6 million and that was over asking price. Then we were told we had $400-500,000 for renovations. At our last meeting they said it was more than $1 million for renovations. So we will have spent $2.6 million on the building to simply prepare the building for full occupancy.
We could have built a 14,000 square foot facility on 38th in Grass Valley for $2 million. Pete and Shannon said it would cost $30 million to build a new city hall.
We don’t have the right skill sets for the positions that are in charge of getting the right information to have city council make the correct and true decisions. We have to fix this problem now.
Question: Why are you qualified to be mayor?
Experience on the council. We have a good staff. I have always been a believer in hiring people smarter and better than you.
I will never leave anyone hanging. I will always follow through and come back with an answer. I often don’t hear back from Pete for days or even a week. That’s not good.
Question: Is this vengeance for not being appointed as mayor in 2018?
No. Not getting appointed hurt, but I’m OK now, this is my journey. For me, this is my last chance to show the citizens we can right the ship. It’s more important for the citizens to elect their mayor than to have city council pick your favorite.
Does your experience help or hurt you?
I’m not going in there to make friends and hang out with my council peers. I’m not saying I won’t be social, but that’s not my thing. I don’t share my life stories, but if you need my help, I’m there. I have always gone in with pure intent because I’ve seen how friendships can be used as emotional blackmail to sway votes. I am like the Lone Ranger. I’m just direct.
Having said that, nobody has said to me directly they’ve been offended by me. They haven’t told me. If I need to improve myself, I’ll do it but you have to talk to me.
I’m saying that I don’t like the mayoral appointment process. It’s a popularity contest. It’s not based on competency or skills.
Question: What is the role of a City Council person?
To create policies, collaborate on ideas and vision of how we want to see things brought to light. We hold the purse strings for funding as the legislative branch. A lot of ideas should come from the city administrator, then investigate and create a policy around it. I think a lot of things get stopped at his (Capell’s) door that we don’t get to see them on council. I’ve tried for years with this current leadership to get more details. They don’t provide them.
They think we’re not trusted enough. We need to demand it back. That’s why I want to be mayor to have more transparency. I’m starving for information and I got tired of asking because we don’t get it. I want good debates. I want good discussions.
We need to be able to speak up, instead we do too much withdrawing and retreating.
Question: What would you do on day one?
I would meet with staff and ask about their concerns. I would meet with citizens and do the same thing. I would reach out to former Camas Mayor Nan Henriksen and Washougal Mayor Molly Coston and get their input. I would work closely with the port. I would reach out and learn from them. I don’t take elections personally. People say I’m divisive. I’m not divisive on council. I was part of a Facebook group that was very outspoken, but I was a moderator on that. I know how to handle divisive people. I’m tired of tolerating lack of administration and operations. Paul Dennis and Lloyd Halverson were our last good leaders.
The mayor at this point needs to be the focal center of a lot of communication. I know well enough what type of information needs to get out.
Question: How are you getting the word out?
I’m not going to do signs. I’m going to use media, Facebook, and other social platforms to get the word out. Website is coming. This is truly grassroots. I think I have a good chance of winning.
In response to this news, Turk said the following:
“Melissa has previously indicated her desire to be Mayor and sought appointment to the position less than a year ago. It doesn’t surprise me that she would run for the office. Melissa is a good person and I have enjoyed working with her, first as a city councilor and now in my role as Mayor. I look forward to discussing the issues with both write-in candidates in the short time remaining before the election.”
Turk also said she’s open to debating Smith and the other write-in candidate, Barry McDonnell.
“Yes. I had mentioned that I had a write-in at the Camas youth advisory council meeting when they were discussing the upcoming candidate forum (date is the last two weeks of October, not firm yet) and they added the mayor position to the lineup.”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/07075349/0C345247-FC11-4B79-88CD-2585C28F2DC5-scaled.jpeg14672560Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-10-09 17:21:422019-10-09 17:42:32Councilor Smith: ‘No Confidence in City Leadership’ — Runs for Mayor as Write-In
The City of Camas released this operations analysis for the Community Aquatics Center, known as Proposition 2, which is coming up on this election season’s ballot.
The City of Camas has been working with Ballard King & Associates, a recognized recreation consulting firm, to project potential operational costs, revenue, and a fee structure for the proposed Community Aquatics Facility.
The consultant created a basic operations analysis for a facility that is approximately 78,000 square feet and includes a recreation pool, lap pool, gym, track, two group exercise rooms, weight/cardio area, community room, and child watch area.
The figures used to calculate the operations analysis are projected estimates for 2022, based on community center/aquatic center facilities that are similar in size and scope. Certain costs, including those for facility user fees and programs, will be subject to the discretion and approval of the Camas City Council and will have a direct impact on the operational budget summary listed below.
Operations Analysis Assumptions:
The first year of operations will be late 2022 or later. The budget represents the second full year of operation.
The operations plan includes a basic assessment of staffing needs and rate of compensation for full-time and part-time staff. Revenues are based on a general fee structure only with an aggressive rate of utilization/sales.
The minimum wage in Washington will be at least $14.32 an hour in 2022.
This operational budget represents the full anticipated expenses and revenues for the center.
The center will be operated by the City of Camas.
This operations estimate is based on a basic program and concept plan for the facility only. This operations plan will need to be updated once a final concept design has been developed.
The center will be open seven days a week for a total of at least 105 hours a week.
Indirect city overhead costs have been figured at 18% of total operating costs.
Notes About the Information
Interior of proposed pool.
Indirect costs of $476,473 are those services provided by the City such as human resources and financial services. The facility would benefit by sharing existing resources.
Admission revenue assumes non-city residents paying 25% more.
Annual Passes equal 10% of the households in the service area.
Operational Budget Summary
Expenses: $3,123,542
Revenues: $2,280,047
Difference: ($843,496)
Recovery %: 73%
Note: The City currently provides recreational services with a budget of approximately $400,000 per year with revenue of $84,000 in 2018. The Camas outdoor pool was subsidized about $100,000. Combined, these could help offset the operational deficit, bringing the difference down to approximately $343,500.
Frustrated with Proposition 2, the demolition of Crown Park Pool, and the overall direction of city leadership, Barry McDonnell, 41, a newcomer to politics, is officially a write-in candidate for Camas Mayor.
With his write-in paperwork with Clark County just confirmed, McDonnell, who works in Loss Prevention for Sephora, admits it’s a long shot bid to unseat incumbent Mayor Shannon Turk but feels this is a worthy endeavor.
“Three or four weeks ago it popped into my head and I knew this was something I would be doing,” said McDonnell. “I was talking about the community with Anastasia (his wife), and felt this is something I could do. I want to protect Camas.”
Protect Camas from what?
“The reason we moved to Camas three-and-a-half years ago is because we were looking for a place to settle down,” he said. “We were so excited and we feel so lucky to have found it. But now we are seeing a lot of changes. There’s been frustration with those changes and the way communication works between the city and its citizens. There’s an opportunity here to change this.”
Top three reasons he’s running:
1) Bring transparency to city government.
2) Be fiscally responsible for taxpayer’s money — “I think when we ask for money we just have the base level of the project be more clear. They should have their details more pronounced.”
3) He wants to be a voice for the people.
McDonnell said his view about Camas leadership started with the Crown Park pool process and the ensuing demolition.
“I wanted to protect it and understand it,” he said. “The process didn’t feel right — I felt like there was another agenda. I look at the amount of time we pulled together as citizens and the research we did, and how we shared that information. But, when we attended the city council meetings it felt frustrating that we didn’t get any responses in those meetings. Randy Curtis (the City of Camas Parks and Rec Board Chair) told my wife in conversation during a P&R meeting that in closing the Crown Park Pool, they were hoping it would create a sense of urgency and enthusiasm in the public for a new community aquatic center. In our family, and our community of friends, it’s served to do just the opposite.”
McDonnell said the city rushed to build the community center outlined in Proposition 2.
“Looking at the big picture they’ve been trying to get a new pool for 18 years,” he said. “They’ve spent so much money trying to build a new pool, and we’re not any closer to it. It’s somewhat embarrassing. Between demolition costs and all their research I think we’ve spent $687,000, and that shows we’re not being very efficient. I still don’t think we’re any further getting the community a new pool.”
The projected cost of Proposition 2 is part of what is driving his candidacy.
What does he thinks the community wants?
“We want a pool,” he said. “We all agree on that. The location and the price tag of Proposition 2 are red flags. If we change the structure I can find out what the community wants. Then we can change the way the city interacts with the people.”
How would he change the structure?
“First, change the formats of the city council meetings,” he said. “Be more interactive with the people in the council chambers. Explain why we’re going in a certain direction. For example, Proposition 2 doesn’t make sense to me. There’s a lot of public frustration. I don’t know where the vote is going to go. If it passes you go with that, but I feel like the city has lost its way.”
“I think there’s a lot of different things that happen. As mayor I would hold myself accountable to the people. I would encourage participation. It’s about bringing people together to formulate the ideas and have them bubble up from the people.”
If elected, McDonnell would start by getting a feel for what the people are looking for. Then he would get to know and understand city staff, understand the expectations, and take the time away from his family to be successful in the job.
Aware of the demands and responsibilities, he said his experience in Loss Prevention is a great asset because it helps to evaluate stressful situations and find the best solutions.
He knows that change is inevitable, and he sees the growing frustration in city limits about trees being removed, along with crammed and poorly designed housing developments — but how would he navigate the Growth Management Act?
“We know the GMA is a big obstacle, it is something my wife and I have looked into, and honestly, been overwhelmed by. The overarching theme of our campaign is to have a community driven focus for the future, and there are many things that I would need to call on our community members to help us, as a city, navigate and challenge together. I’ve heard from folks about how the neighbors in Sunningdale Gardens studied these laws and went to bat to challenge the developers. They were able to get more green spaces and parks than were originally planned, and I think that’s great and it’s important to me that we live in a city where both our government and the people are on the same page when it comes to being willing to challenge and have high expectations of developers who work in Camas.”
Creating a 30-year vision
“I will work with the community to help put that vision together. I don’t have all the answers. Working with them the vision will come forth. Listening is being a leader. Have a discussion. Understand what the situation is. The community is the one trying to create a vision.”
What’s his vision for North Shore?
“I couldn’t tell you. I’ll assess the situation. We’ll figure it out — at the end of the day we would like a pool. I would like to understand what all the options are. I don’t really know. I’m not going to have all the answers. My skill set is in helping identify the direction we’re going to take, and make sure there are check-in’s all the way.”
McDonnell insists he isn’t funded by any large or small interest group.
“I have a 30-day campaign,” he said. “It’s a last minute kind of thing. It’s just friends and ourselves. We’ve had a few people donate.”
Learn more at www.writeinbarryforcamas.com where he also has a podcast discussing this journey. He is hosting a candidate Meet and Greet at Crown Park this Sunday from 2-4 pm.
Originally from Ireland, he, Anastasia, and their four children have lived in Atlanta, Florida, Colorado, and Camas. He has the support of his whole family.
Is he opening to debating Mayor Turk?
“I’d be open to a debate with Mayor Turk,” he said. “I think it would be healthy.”
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