Tag Archive for: Camas

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. 

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.

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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

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 

Lizzy Jane’s Flower Market, located at Shangri-La Farm, is hosting its first ever Autumn Flower Festival on Sunday, October 22 from 11 am to 4 pm in Fern Prairie. The event is free to the public and Mother Nature promises mild temperatures without rain in the forecast! 

Attendees will park at the rented Grove Field Airport parking lot, located around the corner from Shangri-La at 632 NE 267th Avenue, Camas. From the airport parking lot, follow the meandering trail 1/4 mile through the woods to Shangri-La Farm or take a fun ride on the free Electric Sunflower Mobile shuttle to the farm.

Shangri-La Farm is currently growing about 350 dahlias, encompassing about 70 different varieties. 

“This year’s warm temperatures and mild autumn weather has made for one of the most brilliant dahlia seasons on record,” said Liz Pike, owner of the farm. “I’m thrilled to share the beauty of these flowers with our community. Be sure and bring the kids to this family friendly event!” 

Children will have an opportunity to feed the free-ranging chickens of Shangri-La Farm during the flower festival.

Flower arranging demonstrations will be provided hourly by Pike, who is also a local artist, Clark County Master Gardener and beekeeper. 

“Arranging flowers is a lot like painting in oils on a canvas,” said Pike. “Dahlias offer so many textures and colors in which to work with. One of my favorite times of the day is when I get to design beautiful bouquets of dahlias for my farm stand customers.”

In addition to hourly floral arranging demonstrations between 11 am and 4 pm, Shangri-La Farm is also hosting guided tours throughout the gardens. The public is invited to see organic flower gardens, vegetable beds, a fruit orchard, berry patches, herb gardens, and a brand new 50 plant rose garden and 50 plant English Lavender garden. View the farm’s apiaries and see busy honeybees in action.

Liz’s son, Richard Pike, will also be leading an apple cider press demonstration throughout the day at the Autumn Flower Festival. 

The public is invited to see Shangri-La Farm’s organic apples turned into fresh and delicious apple cider on a turn-of-the-century cider press. 

“We want to share our knowledge about the age-old tradition of pressing apples into cider,” said Richard. 

Free samples of apple cider will be offered to the public.

Several Plein-air artists from the Northwest Oil Painters Guild will also be making art in real time at the Autumn Flower Festival. The public is invited to see artists painting what they see, in and among the lush organic gardens at Shangri-La Farm.

Lizzy Jane’s Flower Market offers custom order dahlia bouquets in season for wedding flowers, all occasion celebrations or bouquets for your home or office. 

“All our flowers are 100% organic. Bouquets of roses, peonies, lilies and hundreds of perennials are also available in season,” added Pike. 

A country style farm stand is open every day of the year. Local residents stop in to purchase farm fresh eggs, flowers, farm-house pastries, raw honey from Shangri-La Farm honeybees, jams made from organic berries grown on-site and seasonal produce. Liz, together with her husband Neil Cahoon, established Shangri-La Farm in 2010, transforming a derelict property into a garden oasis for birds, bees and people. 

For more information, contact Liz Pike at 360-281-8720 or email [email protected].

As the gorgeous colors of summer begin to fade and crisp autumn air starts to arrive, you will need to alter your lawn care routine to prepare for the changing seasons. Washington State has a unique climate that requires you to take specific steps during the fall season to maintain a beautiful and fruitful lawn. In this article, we will learn tips for caring for your lawn in the state of Washington. By utilizing these nine tips during autumn, you can cultivate an attractive green space for the entire year.

1. Aerate Your Lawn

You must aerate your lawn during the fall if you want it to remain healthy and lush. As time goes by, Washington soil can compact, which can prevent water absorption and root growth. You can aerate your soil by perforating it with numerous small holes, which will allow nutrients, air, and water to penetrate the ground. Purchase or rent a lawn aerator and adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure effective aeration.

2. Rake Leaves

The foliage of fall can be beautiful to look at, but fallen leaves can quickly take over your law by blocking sunlight and preventing essential air circulation. Thick layers of leaves can also create an environment in which pests and mold can thrive. Regularly removing and raking fallen leaves on your lawn can reduce the likelihood of these issues occurring. You may want to invest in a mulching mower that can chop up leaves into smaller pieces, which can then be dispersed on your lawn to act as a natural mulch.

3. Kill Weeds

No one wants weeds to take over their lawn, and unfortunately for many Washington homeowners, they can be persistent during the fall months. To hinder their growth, apply a pre-emergent herbicide in the early fall months. This can prevent weed seeds from taking hold and germinating. Follow the specific instructions on your herbicide’s label, and choose the right herbicide for your grass type.

4. Fertilize

Many homeowners prefer to focus on fertilizing their lawns during the spring months, but you must do so during fall as well if you want your lawn to get the nutrients it needs to thrive. In Washington, you may want to use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer that contains a ratio of phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium suited to your grass type. Apply a layer of fertilizer in early to mid-fall, using the recommended application rates. This will promote hardiness during the winter as well as steady root growth.

Gary Perman

5. Change Your Lawn Care Routine

As the temperature starts to drop during the fall months, you will need to alter your lawn care routine accordingly. Once your grass ceases to grow, you can reduce the frequency of mowing and focus on other tasks, such as preparing your lawn for the winter and winterizing your lawn care equipment.

6. Water Your Lawn

Washington’s rainy season usually starts in the fall, so you will want to keep a close eye on the moisture level of your lawn. Lawns always require adequate hydration, especially in the weeks prior to winter. Strive for infrequent, deep, watering sessions instead of shallow, frequent ones. Watering in the early morning hours will allow for your grass to dry before nighttime – this reduces the chance of disease.

7. Overseed

The process of sowing grass seeds over your current lawn to fill in bare patches and thicken it is known as overseeding. As a Washington State homeowner, you can do this in the fall since the soil will still be warm and there is still adequate moisture. Select a high-quality grass seed that is appropriate for your lawn and be sure to keep any areas you seed consistently moist until the new grass emerges.

8. Adjust Your Mowing Height

Grass tends to grow more slowly during the fall, so you may need to adjust your mowing height. Adjust your mower to a higher cutting height to ensure the grass remains longer. Longer grass blades offer superior protection for roots and help retain moisture. Avoid cutting your grass down to more than one-third of the grass blade at the time to avoid stressing the grass.

9. Call a Professional

If you are struggling to maintain a healthy lawn year-round, you may want to consider calling in a professional. This may be necessary if you aren’t sure how to perform certain lawn care tasks or you need assistance with more extensive tasks, such as overseeding or aerating.

Maintain Your Lawn’s Beauty and Health

As a resident of Washington State, caring for your lawn during the fall is crucial if you want to maintain its beauty and health. By keeping the essential tips above in mind, you can keep your lawn looking stunning during autumn and ready for the colder winter months.

By: Katherine Robinson, a writer for Bradley Mowers

Lacamas Magazine interviewed John Svilarich, who is running for the open Camas City Council At-Large seat, which is being vacated by Don Chaney, who is retiring. Here are the questions we asked, and his answers.

Why do you want to be on Camas City Council?

Camas is at a critical juncture in its history with many big decisions facing it. These decisions will shape the success of our future and it’s important we get it right as best we can. I believe I have the knowledge, experience, and background to help the Council do its best.

Top Issues

While the City faces many challenges, I believe that infrastructure and revenue sources are two of the most significant. As for infrastructure, we must prioritize what is needed and act on it. Delayed or deferred decision making has cost us time and money. The decisions are not easy but must be made. As for revenue sources, we need to do more work in economic development. This is not easy either, but success is needed here for our long-term financial health.

What is the City of Camas doing right?

Public safety is a huge success story for Camas. Police, Fire and Public works combine to make us all comfortable in our homes and our travels. Collaboration and partnerships such as with the Downtown Camas Association, The Port and the school district have been very successful and beneficial for the community. We have a large and vibrant Parks system that is known throughout the region for its many attractions. We have been stable financially, earning a AAA Bond rating.

In what areas can Camas improve?

Communication is something that needs to be improved. Information is not easy to find, and the city is not consistent with how they get out the message. We need to “push” it out to the citizens, not make them “pull” it out of the city.

Stability is another thing that affects us all. We’ve had five mayors in five years. Three City Administrators and numerous department heads turnover. It’s time to revisit our strong mayor form of government.

We need more success with economic development as we need additional revenue sources.

We also need to start addressing our challenges, not kicking them down the road. We have two fire stations that need to be replaced. We need lots of road repairs. We have aging buildings and systems. We have a fire department partnership that is not sustainable financially. We need to prioritize our issues and then take action.

Vision

My vision is one of Camas being a vibrant place to live and work. A place that is healthy both environmentally and economically. And safe and welcoming for all. This will take vision and leadership. It will take thoughtful planning, solid communication, and hard work. If I am fortunate enough to be elected, I will help lead the community by hard work alongside my fellow councilors, open and clear communication, and consistent dedication towards our success.

About John Svilarich

I’m a widower who lives near Prune Hill with my Labrador Retriever, “Frankie the Girl.” I have two grown sons who went to school here and live nearby. I have been in Camas for over 21 years, the PNW for almost 40. Since I first arrived here, I have been active throughout the community including schools, the city and the Port. I’m the head of a large homeowners association which is like a mini city at times. I have a solid historical perspective and knowledge that would be a valuable resource for the Council. In my many decades of life, I have become an effective communicator. I have learned to collaborate with others. I am solution oriented, helping me to be a proven problem solver. I have faced a diversity of challenges both personally and professionally. This allows me to be pragmatic and empathetic, yet productive.

I’ve held management roles in the automotive, environmental and food industries. I have extensive experience with group dynamics and individual motivation. I understand finances, communication systems, marketing and logistics. Lastly, I’m proficient in both planning and regulatory matters. My work is diversified across local, regional, national, and even international channels.

To learn more, visit www.johnforcamas.com

The Camas-Washougal Community Chest launched its annual fundraising drive October 1, 2023 with a goal of raising $120,000 for 2024 grants. In a continuing partnership with CWCC, the Camas – Washougal Rotary Foundation plans to provide additional grant funds. The combined monies are used to fund grants to local non-profit organizations that serve Camas and Washougal residents in need, at-risk youth programs, address natural resource conservation, foster education and strive to enhance diversity, equity and inclusivity in Camas and Washougal. Since 1946 the CWCC has been all about helping local charities thrive

The CWCC, CWRF and Camas Lions Club just wrapped up a successful 2023 campaign which saw them fund 30 grants for a total of $135,500. Programs and projects funded in 2023 included support of the local food bank run by Inter-Faith Treasure House, funding for family support programs run by Children’s Home Society of Washington, funding a portion of Family Promise’s Cares prevention program to help low income families avoid losing their home, funding habitat improvements in the Gibbons Creek watershed conducted by the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership and funding for food and food service supplies for the local Meals on Wheels People program. 

Other grants provided funding for cancer treatment costs and living expenses not covered by insurance; funding for several local reading programs; funding registration fees, transportation costs, and food and housing costs for local low- income robotics team members; and for temporarily housing at-risk youth in a secure facility. A full list of the grants awarded in 2023 is attached. 

Major support for the 2023 fundraising campaign came from Georgia Pacific employees and the Georgia Pacific Foundation. 

Other major donors in 2023 included HP employees and the HP Corporation, Camas and Washougal School District employees, City of Camas and Washougal employees, Port of Camas-Washougal employees, Watercare Industrial Services, Columbia Rock Products (Sauer Holdings LLC) and Waste Connections. The following foundations provided major support: Windermere Foundation, the Tidland Christian Development Fund, and the Hinds Charitable Fund. 

To reach its $120,000 goal for the 2024 campaign, the CWCC needs donations from individuals and businesses in Camas and Washougal. More information and donation forms can be found on the CWCC’s website at: www.CamasWashougalCommunityChest.org 

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The CWCC is a registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization for federal charitable tax deduction purposes. Says CWCC President Mindy Schmidt, “giving to the Community Chest is an easy and efficient way to help people in need in our hometown.” 

Local non-profit organizations planning to apply for a grant can download the 2024 application form from CWCC’s website after October 15, 2023. Applications for 2024 grants are due by no later than December 15, 2023. Applicants will be informed during March 2024 as to whether their project or program is funded and at what level. Grant payments are made quarterly beginning with initial payments in March 2024. 

To be eligible for a grant, applicants must provide services in Camas and/or Washougal, be a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization and provide service in one or more of the following areas: education, youth activities, aid to people with special needs, natural resource conservation, health and welfare programs, crisis and emergency services and diversity, equity and inclusivity. 

2023 Grant Program Summary 

Total number of grants awarded – 30
Total value of grants awarded – $135,500
Estimated number of individual services funded by grants – more than 19,500 

Camas, WA — Perfect Harmony is a music academy in Camas, Washington, with youth and adult rockstar programs where students are taught music, how to play instruments, how to play in bands, and then play live concerts. They will be performing hits of the nineties, such as the Goo Goo Dolls, No Doubt, Sublime, etc., at the Fern Prairie Grange on October 28th for a Halloween spooktacular where costumes are encouraged.

About Perfect Harmony Academy of Music


Perfect Harmony Academy of Music has been teaching students for close to 10 years. It is located in Camas, Washington and serves students in Camas, Washougal, and Vancouver. Three time Best of Camas award winning music education. We also have programs where instruments are donated and scholarships are given.

You may learn more at https://camasmusiclessons.com

Camas, WA — Friends and family are paying tribute to Marquita Call, longtime Camas Gallery owner, resident, and friend to many, who passed away in late August, at two Saturday events.

Call, known for her infectious smile, listening ear, honest advice, and love of family and friends will be honored Saturday, October 7 at a 2 pm memorial at Journey Church in downtown Camas. The public is also invited to a celebration afterwards at Shangri-La Farm in Fern Prairie (details below).

Call was born on April 23, 1943, in Vancouver, WA to Art and Lenora Gaiani (Bennett). She graduated from Camas High School in 1962, and forever be a Papermaker. She frequently spoke of her love for Camas, and never hesitated to share that love to anyone who entered the gallery. Family and friends often referred to the talk as the “Camas Wellness Talk.”

“Camas has a sense of wellness,” she always said. “People here care for each other, and support one another. My heart will always be here. I will forever be a Papermaker.”

And, she loved to sing the Camas High School Fight song.

Call owned the Camas Gallery for the past 14 years. She welcomed visitors to her gallery, located on 4th Avenue, with warmth and enthusiasm and freely shared her historical knowledge of Camas. One visitor claimed Marquita is to Camas what Dolly Parton is to Pigeon Forge, TN.

Call’s first job was at the Ideal Corner Cafe at the age of 15. She also worked at Dairy Queen with classmate Denis Hayes, the International Chairman of Earth Day. She and her friends started the first recycling center in Camas in the late 60s. She taught Sunday School at Zion Lutheran Church for 20 years, where her mother Lenora Gaiani served as superintendent. Her dad, Art Gaiani, built more than 50 homes in Camas. Her grandmother Marie Eymer played piano at the Liberty Theatre when it opened in 1927.

This reporter will always hold a special place in his heart for the great friend that Marquita is. Although she has left mortality, she is not gone, but simply ahead in the journey. She taught people to be strong, resilient, and brave. She was honest and forthright, and I loved giving her the scoop on breaking stories. We will miss her greatly.

She is survived in death by her husband of 28 years, Dennis, her two children, Tom Johnston (Tracy), Jennifer Senescu (Jim), 2 stepchildren Darren Call (Tekla), Denise Hibbard (Joe), sister MelodyGood, and brother Art Gaiani (Karen), and several grandchildren.

Immediately following Call’s service at Journey Church, guests are invited to Shangri-La Farm to celebrate her life. Park at rented Grove Field Airport parking lot in Fern Prairie, 632 NE 267th Ave., Camas, WA. Walk or take a ride on the Sunflower Mobile on a short trail through the woods to Shangri-La.

Lacamas Magazine asked businessman, Gary Perman, about his campaign to win the Camas City Council seat, Ward 1.

Why do you want to be on council?

I grew up here in Camas, and things have changed over the years. I have several issues I’m addressing in this campaign, like open communication, taxes, attracting new businesses and jobs to Camas, a common sense business approach, addressing budget issues, and preserving our city’s character and livability.

Taxes going up and nothing seems to stop it, and I think the current and previous councils haven’t paid enough attention to the taxpayer. We don’t pay enough attention to the people with limited incomes. Taxes on utilities keep going up. That’s very concerning to me.

I have the experience and skill sets to do this job, and can bring a strong business perspective to Camas City Council.

What are the top issues of your campaign?

Open Communication

Open communication channels and regular updates on City initiatives and decisions are crucial to rebuilding trust. Residents should have access to information about City government operations, budget allocations, and development plans. Additionally, City officials must ensure that their decisions are fair, unbiased, and align with the best interests of the community.

Taxes

Taxes are a big issue, and it is vital to make Camas an affordable place to live. City officials need to prioritize responsible budgeting and spending to minimize the tax burden on residents, especially those on fixed incomes. Fiscal responsibility and prudent financial management should be the norm to ensure that tax dollars are utilized efficiently and effectively.

Attracting new businesses and jobs to Camas 

It is crucial for economic growth and sustainability that we attract new businesses and jobs to Camas. City officials should actively engage with local businesses and create an environment that is conducive to attracting and retaining businesses. Streamlining regulations, providing incentives, and fostering partnerships with local stakeholders can facilitate business growth and job creation.

Commonsense business approach 

Good business approaches should guide city growth and infrastructure management. Development plans should be balanced, considering the needs of the community, protecting the environment, and promoting sustainable growth. City officials should work collaboratively with developers, residents, and other stakeholders to ensure that growth is managed responsibly and in line with the community’s vision.

Budget

Adherence to the city budget is paramount to maintain financial stability. City officials must prioritize accountability in budgeting and avoid unnecessary expenditures. Transparent reporting of budget allocations and expenditures should be readily available to residents to ensure that the City’s financial resources are managed responsibly and in line with community needs.

Preserving Camas’ character and livability 

Preserving our city’s character and livability is crucial for maintaining the unique charm of the city. City officials should take steps to protect natural resources, preserve historical landmarks, and promote sustainable practices. Inclusivity and community engagement should be fostered to ensure that the needs and aspirations of all residents are considered in decision-making.

What is the city doing correctly?

The Parks and Rec department is a good thing. We have an excellent parks system here, and the city has worked hard to lower the homeless issues, like the one we had at Good Park, where we had a lot of homeless people and needles laying around, which became a danger to children, and really everyone. The city’s work eliminated a big mess. 

Now, our neighbors can have picnics there again. We’ve had two this year already.

Who is Gary Perman?

I’m a life-long Camas resident, I graduated Camas High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Washington University. I’ve been married to Becky for 39 years, and we raised our two sons in Camas. I’ve owned and operated PermanTech Search Group, a successful Camas based recruitment business specializing in finding critical talent for the U.S. electric and alternative vehicle industry.

I’ve been a recruiter for 27 years, and it’s taught me how to talk to people, and I feel all people deserve respect.

I’m a member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran here in Washougal, and I work on the civil service commission.

If elected, I will prioritize open and transparent communication with citizens, ensuring that important information is shared in a timely and accessible manner. I will work towards increasing citizen participation in public meetings, allowing for meaningful engagement and input on decisions that impact the community. I will also be diligent in managing the city’s budget, prioritizing spending, and opposing unnecessary tax increases.

Furthermore, I will leverage my experience in business and economic development to attract living wage jobs to Camas, promoting economic growth and prosperity for the community. I will also work towards protecting the safety and well-being of our neighborhoods by supporting our law enforcement officers and public safety personnel.

I recognize that the $78 million pool bond and the approval of a rehab center near an elementary school are contentious issues that have raised concerns among citizens. If elected, I will ensure that decisions are made with careful consideration of their impact on the community and with a strong focus on listening to and representing the needs and priorities of the citizens of Camas.

To learn more about Perman’s campaign, visit www.votegaryperman.com