Tag Archive for: Camas

ELECTION 2023: Jennifer Senescu Running for Full Camas City Council Term

Jennifer Senescu, Executive Director of the Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce, was appointed to Camas City Council in February, and is now running unopposed for Camas City Council, Ward 3, Position 1. Lacamas Magazine asked her several questions, and here are her answers.

What are your priorities as a City Council member?

Public safety. We should not be looking at most consulting contracts that are for wants and not needs when we can’t fully fund our police and fire. Public safety is my highest priority. We need to fully fund our first responders.

Following that is being fiscally responsible, and to be good stewards of taxpayer money.

I also represent my constituents who continually express to me their concerns about budgetary issues. They want us to hold the line on taxes, and work within our budget. They tell me they’re tired of tax increases and many can barely afford to live in Camas anymore. I hear this often from our Camas citizens.

Infrastructure. People are concerned with the streets, storm water drains, which keeps causing basements to flood in certain areas. 

What’s your vision of Camas?

My vision is to act on what the citizens have expressed to me. The citizens want to keep the look and feel of a small town as we rapidly grow.

What have you learned since being appointed to Council?

I’ve learned the department directors work really hard, and I appreciate that. I’ve learned how involved and committed the people of Camas truly are.

Why does the City have a revenue shortfall?

I believe some projects should be put on hold while we prioritize public safety. Our fire and police departments are not fully staffed right now because there’s been a hiring freeze. Camas is growing and we’re not supporting that growth. 

I believe that Crown Park improvements, which will cost $6+ million, should be a phased-in project starting with making the park ADA compliant, as well as building a new bathroom, and new playground equipment. The other improvements can be phased in as we have money to pay for them all.

There is a $500,000 grant to go toward Crown Park improvements, which is a far cry from $6 million. I’m not a fan of saving $500,000 when we charge the taxpayers the remaining $6+ million. 

Looking forward

As director of the Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce, I see daily the true magic of Camas, and I feel a great responsibility to keep what we have for generations to come. I was born and raised here, I raised my family here, and I want families to keep enjoying the spirit of Camas.

I ask for your vote.

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About the Artist: David Gerton and His Exquisite Copper Works Art

Camas, WA — Known for his exquisite copper works, David Gerton grew up in Colorado until the age of 16 when his family moved to the Bay Area in California. Many happy hours were spent fishing with his dad, his grandfathers, and cousins.  They fished all over the state with occasional forays into Wyoming and Montana. They were always chasing the wily trout, and these adventures formed the foundation for his love of the natural world. 

David’s father, mother and grandparents taught him to love his country, freedom and how fortunate he was to be a citizen of the United States, and that patriotism often shows in his works.

David’s professional career was spent in the commercial and industrial lighting industry, but his avocation and passion were always in design and art. His goal is to produce patriotic works of art and works celebrating the wild things found in nature. Included are wild critters, wolves, cougars, bears, fish, turtles, eagles, owls and raptors, and landscapes. A number of pets have been memorialized in copper.

Gerton

Mixed Media Copper is the Medium

So, how does it work? An image is drawn on thin copper sheet with a marker, then by use of a series of small hammers and embossing tools the copper is shaped into the likeness of what Gerton is trying to depict. Once the three-dimensional image is complete, a variety of paints, patinas and washes are used to “antique” and color the copper. A torch is used in concert with color mediums to create subtle colors. A variety of transparent alcohol inks and a couple of special coloring techniques create the final color palette.  

The result: the flat copper is turned into three dimensional “paintings” appearing to have much more depth than they do. The goal is to make the works look like art but as life-like as possible. Each work is signed twice, one visible and one hidden. A wax seal of an American Eagle is applied before pouring a layer of crystal-clear epoxy resin over the finished piece. The resin provides a finish which is clearer and tougher than glass.  No glass is used when framing the art.

Each work contains a hidden heart.  It is up to the viewer to find the second signature and heart hidden in each piece.  

Most works, including the largest, are made of single sheets of copper. High Definition Giclée images of the original copper are available on aluminum in several sizes up to and including 4’ by 8’.  Many large pieces have left the studio with the largest being 5’ x 10’.

Copper Works Art can be found in collections around the country with pieces being acquired by collectors in Europe and the Middle East. Copper Works has participated in many shows, festivals, and Plein-Aire events, and has been honored to receive People’s Choice, Artist of the Month and Best in Show awards. 

The Copper Works Art studio is in Southwest Washington overlooking the Columbia River. To learn more, visit: https://www.copperworksart.com

Gerton
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ELECTION 2023: Bamini Pathmanathan Running For Camas School Board, Dist. 4

Bamini Pathmanathan is running for Camas School Board, District 4 position. She was appointed by the School Board earlier this year to fill the vacancy of Doug Quinn, who resigned to work as Camas City Administrator. She is running for a full four-year term. Pathmanathan answered several Lacamas Magazine questions, and here are her answers.

Why are you running for school board? 

Quality education is the cornerstone of a strong community, and why many of us chose Camas as the place we call home. I am a dedicated advocate for high-quality education and am passionate about our Camas community, as demonstrated by my work on the Camas School Board, the Camas Educational Foundation, the Prune Hill PTA, and the hours I have spent in my children’s classrooms. I am committed to supporting positive impacts for students in our schools, ensuring an exceptional learning environment and enhancing the experience for all students. 

A positive, outstanding, and quality educational experience teaches our students to enjoy learning and empowers them to achieve their goals. It is said that “it takes a village” to raise and educate our children. I understand, first hand, the importance of education, experience of caring teachers and a system that wants every child to succeed. Excitement and apprehension intertwined as I embarked on a new chapter in my life as a young immigrant child, starting in a fifth grade classroom filled with children speaking a language I could not comprehend. I came to this country knowing “Hello, my name is Bamini” and the entire alphabet with the letter “Z” pronounced as “zat.” I was assigned a classmate to be my “guide,” to be my voice. Both my sister and I were provided an educator over the summer and extra help with reading and writing to get us to grade level. We required more and they saw our needs. We were also children of immigrant parents, who were trying to navigate life in this foreign land and provide for their children. The system did not fail us because of the dedicated teachers and the kindness of the community. I have experienced the struggles and isolation that children should not have to experience. In our household, we uphold the value of contributing to the community. When the community gives to you, paying it forward is not just a choice but a heartfelt obligation. It was due to the support from the school and the community that led to our success. 

I understand the importance of a collaboration between the citizens of our community, the school board and district is integral to every student’s success. I believe in being a part of collaborative decision-making processes, with input from our community, our teachers, our students, and outside experts, as needed, to support a positive and successful direction for our district. I want to be a part of a team that helps every student find their success. 

What are your priorities, should voters elect you, over the next four years? 

Adequate funding for our schools is required to ensure quality education and to ensure all students are successful and have their needs met. The goal is to have a sustainable financial foundation that supports the diverse needs of all students and educators. School districts and board members need to advocate for sufficient and equitable funding, particularly at the state level, where over 80 percent of our funding comes from. Working with our legislators is vital to the Camas district’s financial stability and success. The state funding formula aims to ensure a basic standard of education for all districts; however, it is not enough to provide the level of support and teaching on which Camas prides itself and desires for its students in the future. Overall health, including social, emotional, and mental health, of each student will always remain a priority. 

The school board is ultimately responsible for approving budgets. Why do we keep running deficits, and how would you approach the budget should you be re-elected? 

The last few years have been a perfect storm – a worldwide pandemic, slower enrollment growth, and a state funding model change, which negatively affected the money we receive per student compared to previous years and was inadequate to support the structure of the existing Camas educational system. While the school board is responsible for approving the final budget, the school budget goes through various phases before it lands in the hands of the board. As assessments of educational needs and priorities of the district are evaluated, revenue projections are established using state and federal funding, local taxes, and other sources of revenue. Transparency and effective communication with stakeholders are also established to ensure that the budget reflects the priorities of the school community. As a member of the Camas School Board, I intend to continue to work cooperatively with the Camas community, Superintendent, and staff to find creative solutions and commit to advocating on behalf of the District with state legislators. I will continue this important work with the support of this community. 

Many voters blame the school board for the tone of the recent labor negotiations. They say you set a negative tone and drove a wedge between teachers and parents. How do you respond to that? 

Negotiations can take a toll on the community and can cause disharmony. Finding a balance that satisfies both parties, with consideration of their respective needs and concerns can be emotionally taxing. However, through this arduous process, neither of the bargaining teams lost focus on what matters most to all of us, the students. There were lessons learned from this experience by both parties, particularly around proper communication with the community and each other. The district and CEA bargaining teams are currently engaging in an after-action review process, and I support their goal of reflecting on what went right and wrong in order to learn from this experience. It’s this collaboration that will help us return to a negotiating process in two years that more resembles the tone of previous rounds of bargaining. I believe continuing to have open communication, addressing concerns proactively, and analyzing the impact are essential to mending broken relationships and trust. Our community and our kids are watching, and we have shown we can learn and grow as one unified school district. 

Regarding school safety, would you support more School Resource Officers in our schools? If not, what other things should we do to protect our students? 

Schools must be safe and feel safe for students and teachers to achieve their full potential. Promoting school safety and protecting Camas’ schools is a priority. School Resource Officers can help prevent school-based violence, possibly identify and connect at-risk students to needed services, and create safe, secure, and peaceful school environments. Continuing a strong relationship between the schools, its students, and our local law enforcement agency is important to the school safety system. 

How do you address the growing mental health issues affecting students? 

Acknowledging the fact that we have these important issues affecting our students is a great start. Promoting awareness about mental health issues to reduce the stigma will create a safe space for this student community. Providing access to counseling services at each school, training educators and staff to recognize signs of mental health issues, and encouraging empathy and understanding among educators are a few steps to addressing the issues affecting our student’s mental health. In order to provide these services, advocating for funding for school mental health providers/counselors at each school would be the ideal place to start. 

The school board pushes for equity across the school district. How does equity differ from equality? 

Equity recognizes that each child is unique in their own way and students have different needs that may require an individualized approach. Treating everyone exactly the same may produce different results. Equity acknowledges there are differences and therefore aims to ensure that everyone has access to what they need to be successful. 

Equality ensures that everyone has the same resources, and opportunities and assumes the “one size fits all” approach. 

What three things do you want to fix in the Camas School District? 

Funding is crucial to all aspects of school. We have amazing educators, support staff, and administration who can produce a top-tier educational experience for each student with the proper resources. Unfortunately, changes to the state funding model in 2018 caused Camas to experience declining state revenue that outpaced our expenses. Financial constraints can limit resources and opportunities for students and teachers. Therefore, advocating for changes to how Camas receives state funding, which accounts for 80 percent of our budget, would make an impactful difference in our student’s lives and experiences. Continuous advocacy efforts are required in this area of securing funds for our schools that align with our expectations for a fair and excellent public education. 

Continuity of care: It is important to continue to focus on seeing and serving each student, from the time they enter our schools to the day they graduate. We need to continue to look at how students and families access learning, resources, and experiences in our district and ensure that a student’s circumstances in life are not a hindrance to their level of success in our schools. Early detection of concerns, timely interventions, and coordinated management become more feasible when there’s continuity in the care of the student. This proactive approach to a student’s educational journey can lead to better outcomes and greater success. Consistent and connected care, attention, and support can profoundly impact every child’s experience and growth in our schools. It is vital to continue our efforts in seeing and serving our students. 

Recent negotiations have shown us the importance of relationships and how easily trust can be eroded. It has shown us all that open communication is key. It is important to listen to the community’s concerns and work collaboratively to rebuild our connections and trust. So improving on transparency and willingness to work out differences for the greater good of the students and teachers is paramount. 

What three things is CSD doing correctly? 

Creating a community within a community: Camas School District’s staff and teachers aim to foster a sense of community within each of our schools. Organized events such as the Track Meet for all 5th graders and Twilight Meet for all middle schoolers, are examples of bringing schools together. DECA and robotics programs, for example, invite and encourage parent and community involvement in learning opportunities for the students. These examples are just a few of the many opportunities for the schools to come together as one. 

Opportunities to learn: Investing in modern teaching tools and technology, finding innovative ways to teach, and providing extraordinary experiences for their students, are all part of the educational experience at CSD. Camas Education Foundation grants opportunities for all schools to further enhance the educational experiences for their students and teachers. There are different school options, various academic program pathways, and the number of clubs and strong athletic programs are all made available here at CSD. 

Community Involvement: Strong community involvement and support also add to the success of this school district. Camas School District can provide a robust educational experience for students with the help of community members, businesses, and parents’ engagement with the school. Connections create a strong bond with a strong foundation for learning and growing. 

What are CSD’s strengths? 

In 2008, we embarked on a cross-country move for a job in Vancouver, WA. With three young kids in the family, where we would reside was solely based on schools. Education in Camas was described as “quality” and “extraordinary.” Camas School District is well known for its excellence in education with possibilities for all students. A key component is the highly qualified and dedicated teachers who provide a positive, impactful learning environment to their students. A place that aims to provide students with a well-rounded education. CSD has a successful system; a system that is intricately woven into the dedication, expertise, and collaborative spirit of its people. It is the collective efforts, skills, and commitment of these individuals that breathe life into the school’s functionality and overall effectiveness. 

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ELECTION 2023: Ry Luikens Running for Camas City Council Ward 2, Position 1 Seat

Ry Luikens is running for the Camas City Council Ward 2, Position 1 seat, which is currently held by Bonnie Carter, who has been in office since 2015. Lacamas Magazine asked Luikens several questions, and here are his answers.

1. Why do you want to be on council?

After living in cities around the world, my family chose Camas as our forever home. This city’s beauty, tight-knit community, and untapped potential captivated us. As parents of young children and active members of this community, we are very deeply vested in our futures here. But Camas stands at a pivotal crossroads and we shouldn’t settle for the status quo.

I’ve put my life on pause to step up, bringing a blend of global insights, relentless energy, and professional experience. With my background in sustainable urban development and helping startups grow and entrepreneurs succeed, I’m passionate about cleaning our lake, safeguarding our drinking water, resurrecting our community pool, and ensuring our small businesses thrive amidst progress. I’m here to serve. Not for a title, but to champion our shared dreams.

My candidacy isn’t about my vision for what’s best. It’s about my commitment to amplify your voice and what you want to see. I believe the people of Camas should lead, and I’m here to ensure your insights ring clear in council chambers. I’m running not as a politician, but as your neighbor and servant leader. My hope, which we’ll turn into a reality, is that my time in service to you inspires a whole new generation of visionary leaders to steer our municipal journey.

2. What are the top issues of your campaign?

Vision for Camas

Safety and well-being are at the forefront of my considerations. This encompasses support for our police and fire departments, dedicated attention to road maintenance, and an unwavering commitment to clean drinking water for every Camasonian. As I contemplate the road ahead for Camas, I’m guided by the Growth Management Act, our 2035 comprehensive plan, the forthcoming 2045 strategy, and emerging pieces of legislation like HB1110.

We stand at a pivotal moment where proactive planning for our downtown corridor is essential. It demands innovative and visionary solutions for the Mill, harmonizing our rich indigenous and industrial heritage with the promise of our bright, holistic future. 

By enhancing density in areas already developed, the aim is to safeguard our cherished greenspace and majestic tree canopy. My mission is to shape a Camas where measured growth aligns with our core values, ensuring every single resident feels safe, cherished, and an integral part of our shared journey.

Cleaning Up Lacamas Lake

Our lakes are more than just bodies of water. They pulse with the heart and soul of Camas, reflecting the peace and tranquility we desire for our community. Ensuring their preservation is absolutely fundamental. As I look ahead, my commitment is steadfast: halt any further environmental harm and enhance accessibility for all.

As Camas grows, so do the pressures on our lake ecosystems. Collaborative, community-led plans paired with decisive action-oriented strategies are imperative to protect their vitality for future generations. I envision a Camas where our lakes benefit from sustainable practices, efficient waste and stormwater management, and partnership between residents and experts.

Recognizing the role we all play in safeguarding our lakes means elevating awareness of their ecological significance, fostering local guardianship, and expanding sustainable recreational opportunities. In unity, we can set our lakes on a trajectory toward pristine conditions, letting them remain treasured reflections of Camas’s soul and splendor.

Bringing Back Your Pool

The legacy of Camas’s Crown Park community pool, a generous gift from the Lion’s Club, is a poignant reminder of our town’s history of communal spirit and service. Its absence over the past four and a half years has left more than just a physical void – it signifies a gap in our community’s recreational and social fabric.

It’s imperative to revive this legacy, but with a transparent and fiscally-judicious approach that involves the community every step of the way. The lessons from the past, including the city’s failed $78M proposal, offer a roadmap of both caution and opportunity. My vision is not just about constructing a new pool. It’s about rebuilding trust, rekindling community spirit, and ensuring that any new facility reflects the desires, needs, and our financial realities.

Restoring our lost pool represents a pledge to health, wellness, and community bonding. With open dialogue, careful planning, and the combined passion of our residents, we can bring to life a new legacy that honors our past while swimming confidently into the future.

Making Your Voice Heard

If you feel you don’t have a voice, nothing else matters. And that is why your voice, and making sure it’s heard is such a crucial pillar of my campaign. Because the role of a representative is fundamentally about listening. And I’m really good at it. So to deeply connect with the essence of Camas, I pledge genuine dialogue with you.

It’s a simple but powerful process: I listen, relay what I’ve heard, prioritize based on collective insights, and then formulate a strategy. But the dialogue doesn’t end there. I’ll circle back, ensuring that what’s been crafted resonates with the voice of the people. This cyclical engagement ensures no voice goes unheard.

Remembering past issues like the utility tax, it’s clear there were times when voices felt overshadowed. I stand for unwavering transparency. If a proposal requires your financial commitment, you deserve a direct say. My stance? Repeal the utility tax until such decisions are made democratically. This method reaffirms that Camas functions for its people, by its people.

But beyond policies and taxes, it’s about cultivating a culture of mutual respect, responsibility, and trust. Relationships are our cornerstone. Together, we will forge a Camas where every perspective influences our collective direction.

3. What three things is the city doing correctly?

Partnership with Downtown Camas Association

The city’s collaboration with the Downtown Camas Association has worked wonders for our downtown, turning it into a bustling center of life and business. We see the city’s dedication to our local businesses, both the beloved staples like Natalia’s and Piccolo, and the fresh faces like Poppy & Hawk and Bookish. Through events, showcases, and the daily hustle and bustle, we come together, celebrating every moment. It’s a fun hub of activity that makes me proud.

Camas Community Garden

The Camas Community Garden is a slice of green paradise in our city. It’s where green thumbs and community spirits come alive, all thanks to our hard-working volunteers. It’s where we learn to nurture, to grow, and to share. Every seed planted is a testament to what we can achieve together. It’s Camas in a microcosm: hard work, community, and a touch of nature’s magic.

Camas Public Library

Celebrating 100 years, our Library is truly something special. It’s where young minds embark on adventures, where the curious find answers, and where our community meets. Thanks to our dedicated staff and volunteers, it’s a space of continuous learning, sharing, and growth. With every story read, question answered, or event hosted, the library reinforces its place in our hearts, reminding us of the threads that bind us together.

4. What’s your vision for Camas in the next 5, 10, 15, 20 years?

In 5 years…

Camas shines brightly in the Pacific Northwest. Picture our lake, restored to a forgotten glory, families enjoying a brand-new affordable community pool, and a safe, economically thriving city that grows sustainably, rooted in your voice and vision.

In 10 years…

We’ll be the talk of Southwest Washington. Our flourishing lake, bustling pool, and an exciting Mill redevelopment project will be testaments to our dedication to rejuvenate Camas, not just build anew. Sustainable growth and financial prudence will be our hallmarks, and cities will look to Camas as the new gold standard.

In 15 years…

Camas will be known far and wide as the “Gateway to the Gorge”. We’ll strike that perfect balance, where growth does not come at nature’s expense. With every step we take, our city’s beauty is preserved, and property values rise, setting the stage for a prosperous future for all residents.

In 20 years…

The world will see Camas as a masterclass in city development. Where our natural and built amenities serve as symbols of our deep bond with the environment and our community. We won’t just be another city. We’ll be an inspiration. A beacon of what cities can achieve when they put their people first.

Let us view our shared vision for Camas as a journey, one where every resident–old and new– has a real say. This is about creating a Camas that’s financially robust, true to its roots, and where every voice echoes in the decisions we make. 

This vision is achievable, and together, we’ll bring it to life.

To learn more about his candidacy, go to Ry4Camas.com

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LDS Church Hosts Saturday’s Interfaith Event Benefiting Local Community

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is hosting an interfaith event this Saturday, October 28 as part of National Make a Difference Day. Event organizers are seeking volunteers between 2-5 pm this Saturday (any amount of time is appreciated). 

Their goal is to complete the following projects:

  • Sorting 32,000 pounds of hygiene commodities for families in the Evergreen School District (an entire semi-truck load)
  • Tying 75 fleece blankets for Project Linus providing blankets for children seriously ill, traumatized or otherwise in need.
  • 3,000 meal kits that will each feed a family of 6.
  • 500 Valentine’s Cards to bring love to those in assisted living.
  • 1,000 family gathering and educational kits and school support projects for schools in our community.
  • Collect unwrapped toys for the Camas/Washougal Salvation Army.

All projects will directly benefit our local community including;  Evergreen, Camas and Washougal Schools, Clark County Food Bank, Camas/Washougal Salvation Army, Camas/Washougal Interfaith Treasure House, Project Linus, and Local Senior Living Centers.

The event is for women 18+.

Easy project directions, materials and refreshments will be provided by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. 

Sign up here: https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10C0A49ABAB2CA1FF2-interfaith

Saturday, October 28, 2023  2 pm – 5 pm

East Vancouver Stake Center   

18214 NE 18th St. Vancouver WA

If you have any questions please contact:

Caryn Dewey 360.909.3745, Amanda Houston 360.624.4168, or Laurie Kinsey 360.433.7847

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ELECTION 2023: Camas City Council Member Bonnie Carter Makes Case For Re-election

Camas City Council member Bonnie Carter, Ward 2 Position 1, was appointed to council in 2015, and was elected to a full term in 2019. She is now running for re-election, and explains what she has learned and why voters should retain her. Lacamas Magazine asked her several questions, and here are her answers.

What are your campaign priorities?

First, clean water for Lacamas Lake, and improving its overall health, specifically in areas we can affect. In November 2019, I suggested we use Fallen Leaf Lake as a pilot project to see if it would clean up the bigger lakes. Steve Hogan decided to lead that effort. Then we had COVID, and now we have tools and items to start treating the lakes. We have some things to reduce algae blooms in Lacamas Lake. 

Second, we are alsoo dealing with PFAS in Camas water well 13, and when it’s above the recommendation we take it offline and then we work on it. It has detectable levels of PFAS, and we were told by Ecology to notify people that it’s not safe. It’s offline and we’re looking at options to remove the PFAS so we can use it again. Well 13 goes into a collective with all the other wells. We are looking at options on how we can remove the PFAS. We have to hire an expert who specliazes in this clean up so they can monitor this. We do test all the wells. We should also be looking at other entry points into the system.

Third, public safety. Coming up soon we will need to take fire issues to citizens and talking to them about a replacement fire station headquarters as the current one does not meet code. If there’s an earthquake it might be the one to fall down first. It means a capital bond to build a new HQ, and we are looking at sites and how it will work for the community. We have about a year to educate the public on this issue.

We also need to address the agreement with Washougal with the governance of the fire department, and we will launch an RFA Exploration Committee to determine what governance looks like so it doesn’t compete with library or police. It will be funded on a separate tax. That is another year-long education process.

It would be great if we could just finance everything with existing funds, but the reality is we’re having a hard time keeping up with inflation, as 85 percent of City of Camas expenses are salaries. A public entity is forever in the service business. Garbage pickup services, clean water, good roads, public safety, etc. 

We’re not flush in cash. We also have a lot of expenses, and the state issues a lot of unfunded mandates. 

Vision

I still see Camas being an amazing, charming little city it always has been. Enjoying our parks and doing events that bring people together. I see them drawing in families. 

What has surprised you the most being on Council?

Government is slow. Everything has to be a public process and that takes time. We only meet twice a month as a council. We don’t have a huge staff. We have to wait for staff to take the time to do all that. It’s frustrating. An easy fix takes a long time. 

We went fast in 2019 with the pool bond. We set the vote before we had all the information from city staff, and we didn’t have enough time.  Former Camas Mayor Shannon Turk paid the price. All the hate mail, the threats. You can disagree but do you have to be vicious? We all live here together. We’re on the same team. 

We moved here before downtown Camas was fixed. We moved here for the schools, the parks and the location. To be near the airport. Look how our community improved downtown. It took time to do that. But the results are amazing.

Pool bond debacle: what happened?

In retrospect, staff came to us and told us the health department wouldn’t reopen the Crown Park pool and that leaving it as is in Crown Park it was a liability. So we opened up ourselves to kids jumping over the fence. Staff should have come and said let’s come up with a replacement, and we should have done that. We didn’t.

We heard what staff said about the pool, it was beyond its life expectancy and everyone was angry. They told us to leave the park alone. We were told to get away from the park so we left it quiet for a couple of years, and then we went back and did more planning for Crown Park.

The old Crown Park pool wasn’t inclusive. It wasn’t ADA compliant. There were a lot of concerns.

We could have done it differently. We should have had a replacement pool plan in place before we tore it down. We regret that.

Understanding the public process

It’s a tricky process. People want things done quickly, but sometimes I think they’re missing information. People are busy. They don’t want to take the time to understand the public process. To clarify, we have to apply for grants to make all the improvements we want. We plan for 20 years out and update that every 10 years. We make plans to be able to adapt. We wait often for grant money from the state and the feds. The city isn’t flush in cash.

Council members have to learn how these things happen so we can be the voice for the people. We are elected to make budget priorities for the people, because we’re one of the people.

I want to run again because I know the process. Ramp up is hard. It’s never gonna be a good time to leave. When you see all the steps and you have this opportunity to make a vision change. You want to see things come through. That’s what is important to us. Not running again you worry if someone else will have the passion for a project to see it through. A change in council can change how staff does their work.

We are here for streets, clean water, keeping the lights on, public safety, roads, The fun stuff is trails, a new pool, splash pad, those are the fun parts, and we live in a great town.

To learn more about Carter, visit www.carterforcamascouncil.com

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ELECTION 2023: Leanne Williams Running as School Board Write-in Candidate

Educator Leanne Williams is running as a write-in candidate for Camas School Board, District 5 position against incumbent Tracey Malone. Lacamas Magazine asked Williams several questions aobut her candidacy. 

Williams has a Masters degree in Education, and taught Kindergarten at Mt. Pleasant and in the Evergreen School District. She is married to Camas High School history teacher, Bronk Williams, and has two teenage Camas students. 

Why are you running?

First let me say, I appreciate everyone who serves on our School Board. It is a voluntary position and I value civic minded people. I am running because I feel that I can make a difference as a School Board Director. I was very dissatisfied with the strike. I feel the district created a contentious tone during the bargaining and strike. I found it to be very negative. I am concerned about disturbances in our small town school community that feel negative and new. We are packing our classrooms with students and offering less in support and services to our students and teachers. Finally, I am capable and I am willing to serve our community.

We need to do a better job of addressing mental health issues in our students, which correlates to school safety. Camas High School is a great place if you run the line, but if you have anything divert you, if you need extra support, it’s a hard place to be. The surroudning support services are severely lacking now.

If elected, what are your priorities?

  • Help build an optimal educational experience for our students.
  • A system that better addresses and supports mental health issues that affect our students.
  • Analyze budgets and reserves.
  • Work to help improve our funding from the state.
  • Value conference period and creative supports for students.
  • Model an ability to disagree or negotiate with an opposing side with respect and professionalism.

Is the public system broken? 

No, but we have been degrading our educational experience, I believe for multiple reasons. COVID and budget constraints from the state have created a situation where we have defaulted to a less than adequate educational experience. I believe working together to navigate these rough waters is essential for our district. Modeling problem solving, collaboration, asking for help and respect for all, even in tough times, teaches our students many lessons. We are trying to prepare them for life after school as well as educate them in core content.

What are we doing right?  

  • We have hired quality teachers and staff, many club, port and extra curricular activities.
  • Asked for parent or staff perspectives through Thought exchanges. 
  • Parent Square communication is good, for the most part.
  • Legislative committee and good listening opportunities. 

Are parents paying enough attention?

I believe most parents are trying to pay attention to what is happening with their students, teachers and the district, which is why many were unhappy with the strike and the tone set by the district. 

How does a write-in candidate succeed?

When enough families and voters in our community send a message, on November 7th, that they want change. We need board members with a student focused agenda, strong problem solving skills, and an ability to differ or negotiate with opposing sides with respect and transparency. I agree with George McCoy that having three unopposed school board positions is not great for our democracy and can make our directors complacent. We, the voters, can make change. Voting is a positive and productive way for our community to signal to the Camas School District that we need change on the school board.

I’ve knocked 500 doors so far, and put up 100 signs. And, we’re putting up two big banners. We have people out there helping out. I do have close friends helping me. 

You may learn more at https://www.leanne4camas.com

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ELECTION 2023: George McCoy Running as Camas School Board Write-in Candidate

Local attorney, George McCoy, is running as a write-in candidate for Camas School Board, District 4 position against Bamini Pathmanathan, who was appointed to the position earlier this year when Doug Quinn stepped down to serve as Camas City Administrator. Lacamas Magazine asked McCoy several questions about his candidacy. 

Why are you running?

I decided to run for school board because of the way the school board handled the recent labor stoppage. The messaging from the board and our Camas School District Superintendent put a wedge between teachers and the community. I don’t think they are transparent in the way they handled the process. I think they could do better.

There was a number of emails sent to parents and the community after the strike were sent to all of our students, as well. 

They sent an email about their last final offer and that wasn’t true. They sent emails about union representatives not meeting in a timely manner.  All of those communications were very divisive in their nature, and it never really felt like the School Board and Superintendent valued the community. They didn’t understand the value of teachers in our community. So many teachers and parents felt this way during the entire process.

I think the current Superintendent is trying to run the district more like a business than a school district. We should treat teachers like people. Now, we have this irreperable rift between teachers and parents. The danger is the lack of trust between parents and the school district and it’s created a lack of trust between voters and the teachers. 

I also feel we’ve gotten a little complacent in Camas about our School Board. We’ve had great schools for a long time, and we have three school board members running unopposed, and that’s not healthy for democracy. Nobody on the school board seems to be comfortable with conflict; they don’t engage in debate. They’ve been given budgets that don’t make sense, so they need to question what’s in them. They don’t do that.

If elected, what are your priorities?

Transparency to the public. Transparency in communications is so vital; it’s about respecting hard-earned tax dollars. If we have contested labor negotiations we need to start those early. There’s no reason why the teachers should have been forced to go on strike. 

We also need to keep all the current high schools open. The alternatives for the community work for them because we have a very diverse community.  There are kids that live very different lives with very different needs. Having Odyssey, Discovery and Hayes gives them the opportunity to learn and thrive.

I think we do need a baseline of equity where everyone has the opportunity to learn and thrive. We need the alternatives and options for those who are highly capable. We’ve seen an erosion of that in Camas schools. 

Class size has to be prioritized. You can’t give attention to the kids when there are so many kids in a classroom. We need to ensure we are able to set up a a diverse curriculum. We are able to do both of those things if we have 1:1 time. I think the adjustments with McCleary have been difficult for Camas and we can’t use levy money for that. On the flip size, we aren’t pushing back on the state. We need to prioritize that. Just accepting that isn’t the right answer, either. The state has too many unfunded mandates and we need to push back on that, and fight for what’s right. We have to fund PE and special education. 

We are in this perpetual situation, and this is not good enough.

Is the public school system broken?

I think the best education is in a public education setting. I don’t think it’s an optimal situation right now, but I think it’s better than the alternatives out there. I think it’s better than a home school setting. I think the social interactions in school are important. 

I think learning from folks with different perspectives is important. Not everything in our schools is academic. One of them in the social-emotional piece. 

I have four kids in this system ages 13, 10, 8, and 6. I want them to thrive. I want all the kids to thrive, but our system needs a significant overhaul. 

I think one thing to fix is uniformed communication between parents and teachers. The communication level you get varies depending on the teacher. I get some communication weekly, some monthly, some never. Maybe once a week we could budget time for teachers to communicate more. It’s helpful for parents to know what their kids are doing.

Ms. Swan is great at communicating. That’s something we could improve upon. Let’s give them an extra 20 minutes a week. 

Second thing: We have to lean into different opportunities available for our children. We can’t talk about removing programs and schools. Students that might be struggling need programs and opportunities to lift them up.

What are we doing right?

We have hired incredible teachers over the years. We have great teachers. I think we’ve had a good job getting folks in the classroom that really care about students and the community.

I think we have great athletic programs. Not speaking to our Superintendent but others have done a good job promoting these programs. 

Pinpointing the wrong turn in our district is difficult. I think complacency has built up over time. It’s been a bunch of small things over the years that have taken us in the wrong direction. Like the frog in a pot of boiling water. 

Are parents paying enough attention?

They are paying attention to the information given them. 

How does a write-in candidate succeed?

I think people are fed up, and we’re getting the message out. I’m reaching out to people on Facebook. I put up campaign signs. We are walking neighborhoods. I have a small group getting the word out. We are trying to do everything we can in a short window to win this campaign. We need people showing up at school board meetings and talk about what they’re doing wrong. 

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Tales of the Oregon Trail to be Presented at Historical Society Annual Meeting

Camas-Washougal, WA — Local storyteller Pepper Toelle Kim will recount the real events of her ancestor’s 1844 wagon train journey along the Oregon Trail at the annual meeting of the Camas-Washougal Historical Society.  The free CWHS program is open to all on Saturday, November 4 at 2pm at the Washougal Community Room at 1681 C Street, near City Hall.

“Like many Oregon Trail journeys, the saga of my ancestors’ wagon train seems like a novel, with its array of trials, sorrows, and triumphs,” said Kim.

Kim’s ancestors traveled alongside historic settlers David C. Parker, Michael Troutman Simmons, and George Washington Bush in their seven-month passage. Parker was the first permanent American settler in Washington and present-day Washougal.  He created a dock, ferry service, and the town of Parkersville on the north bank of the Columbia River where the Camas-Washougal Port is now located.

Kim hopes her presentation will provide the audience with a deeper understanding of pioneer experiences in general, and the particular challenges experienced by David C. Parker and other early Washington settlers. 

“Hearing the tale of a particular group engages one more, especially if the storyteller has a personal connection,” she explained.

Dabasinskas
Visit www.stephen4council.com

The sheer courage that pioneers demonstrated moving to an unknown area is impressive to Kim.  

“Especially if you had children to care for,” she said. “To me, the most difficult times were the deaths of fellow travelers, especially the Sager parents of seven children.”

Kim is a retired alternative high-school teacher who taught at Evergreen ALC/Legacy High School from 1986 to 2011. She earned her BA in English and teaching credential from Mills College, and her MS in (Alternative) Education from Western Illinois University. She is a member of the Daughters of the Pioneers of Washington, Ft. Vancouver Chapter #19.

In 2004, Kim also was awarded a Confluence Project in the Schools grant. Her community liaison for that project was the Clark County Historical Museum, where her students’ art creation was displayed. She has volunteered for CCHM ever since.

As a grandparent, Kim is inspired to bring her ancestors’ stories to life. 

“I am a Portland native, yet I had no idea I had connections to SW Washington until I started learning local history,” Kim said. “We are all more connected than we realize!”

The CWHS operates the Two Rivers Heritage Museum, 1 Durgan Street in Washougal. It is currently closed for winter maintenance and will reopen March 2, 2024.  Private group tours, for more than eight people, can be arranged by contacting the museum.  Prices are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and just $2 for students.  

CWHS members can visit for free. 

Join the CWHS to help support additional historic presentations and preservation of local history. Membership information will be available at the presentation.  Learn more about the museum and volunteer and membership opportunities, visit www.2rhm.com and follow them on Facebook.

Oregon Trail
Pepper Kim
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Liberty Theatre Welcomes Filmmaker Signet Baumane For Saturday’s Screening

The Liberty Theatre will welcome filmmaker Signet Baumane to host a screening of her new film “My Love Affair With Marriage,” on Saturday, October 21 at 7:30 pm.

Signe Baumane is a Latvian-born, Brooklyn-based independent filmmaker, artist, writer, and animator. She has made 16 award-winning animated shorts and is best known for her first animated feature “Rocks in my Pockets”.

The film covers a 100-year history of depression and suicide of women in her family, including herself. It premiered at Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in 2014 where it received a FIPRESCI Award. “Rocks in my Pockets” went on to over 130 international festivals and opened theatrically in the U.S. through Zeitgeist Films.

Signe’s new animated feature “My Love Affair With Marriage” fuses animation with music, theater, science, photography, three-dimensional sets and traditional hand-drawn animation to tell the story of a spirited young woman’s quest for perfect Love and lasting Marriage.

“My Love Affair with Marriage” premiered at Tribeca Festival 2022.

Liberty

Premiere

MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH MARRIAGE  NR $8, $9 on Saturday at 7:30, $7 on Tuesday.

Official website: https://www.myloveaffairwithmarriagemovie.com/

RottenTomatos: 88% Fresh https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/my_love_affair_with_marriage

October 20 Fri at 7 pm. 

October 21 Sat at 3:15 pm – (7:30 pm filmmaker Q&A)   

October 22 Sun at 5:30 pm 

October 23 Mon at 4:30 pm 

October 24 Tue at 6:35 pm 

October 25 Wed at 4:30 pm 

October 26 Thu at 4:30 pm 

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