CW Port continues to hide public information

VS

The Port of CW’s attorney Shawn McPherson is attempting to sue the State Auditor

over public records requests by the Concerned Citizens in Action (CCIA) which supposedly amounts to hundreds of pages of documentation regarding the RiverWalk issue.

McPherson contends the information is “attorney client work” and should not be available for public inspection.

Who is McPherson’s client? You! The public. Yet he is filing an injunction to stop you, the public from viewing public documents.

This guy has got to go. With Riverwalk concluded, he is STILL costing the taxpayers money. So much for a transparent Port.

The Smart Grid – coming to a neighborhood near you

In an article by Libby Tucker of the Colombian in Sunday’s edition, she wrote on a very timely subject for continued discussion and growth possibilities in the Camas Washougal area.

The Smart Grid industry is growing rapidly. I specialize in working for companies throughout the US that need critical staff within energy storage, another key component within the smart grid and positioned for massive growth over the next few years.

Local Camas companies such as Sharp, WaferTech, and UL (notice they are not located in the Port of CW) are well positioned to contribute to the smart grid and thus for growth in the near future.

If you are unfamiliar with the smart grid, it provides consumers – residential and commercial business with the ability to  integrate into the power grid with the internet and consumer products to make energy more efficient. Examples are appliances – imagine your refrigerator having a device on it that allows the PUD to monitor its efficiency, same with your dryer, washing machine, oven, water heaters, air-conditioning. And the PUD’s ability to increase or decrease power to your home based on your usage needs, the weather or outside influences. Imagine that you are out of town and want to monitor and control your utilities from a laptop or iphone. That’s what the smart grid is all about.

The Pacific Northwest is already positioned very well to be a leader in the Smart grid industry  - we have many company resources already in place as well as educational; two of Washington Universities offer master level programs in power engineering (WSU and UW) Gonzaga offers undergrad studies in power. The smart energy industry already accounts for $15 Billion in annual sales. The Pacific NW already has a $2Billion share of the industry. As we continue to create a job rich energy technology sector, Camas and Washougal can continue to be a part of that growth.

One thing to keep in mind as the CW area continues to grow and attract new businesses to the area – it is advantageous for our communities and schools to SELL these companies the land and buildings. Companies moving into the area who are offered a LEASE through the Port does the City and Schools very little in the way of revenues. It’s very helpful to the port in collecting revenue – but NOT our community. When the Port leases land, 73% of the revenues leave the area. 53% goes to the State of WA, 20% to the county. 0 % goes to the local schools. So even when CW attracts new business to our community, it is vitally important to our schools and cities that they buy the land and buildings.

The smart grid concept also has its critics and concerns:

1. The existing power grid, which hasn’t been changed much since the power grid was built – can it handle the smart grid? 60% of the existing power grid needs replaced. With smart grid technologies, much of this can be eliminated with such new technologies as microgrids.

2. Big Brother fears – with all these sensors, monitors on your appliances throughout your home, can the PUD  or government obtain too much information abut our private lives?

3. Will there be an “energy police” that fine people for too much energy use?

These are concerns that will continue to be wrestled with for some time.

The CW area is prime for new business moving into the area. Cities are willing to offer incentives. We have a good talent pool, and cost to business is competitive. The smart grid technology is coming like it or not, and expected to receive a large infusion from the Obama recovery stimulus incentives as well as venture capital companies loosening their purse strings and starting to invest in start ups and existing business again.

Our community can take advantage of this industry by aggressively recruiting businesses like the Sharps and Silicon Electronics – companies that contribute to this growing industry – increasing our employment base, local economy, housing and schools.

-Gary Perman

For more information and resources on this industry:

www.thecolumbian.com

www.climatesolutions.org

Dirty Tactics Hit Washougal

A three page anonymous letter was sent out to Washougal officials today making some pretty accusatory and libelous remarks about Washougal Mayor Stacee Sellers. It is supposedly written by a “good sized group of employees and former employees” of the city who believe the Mayor has “disgraced the city, its citizens” and her staff. Some of the accusations are as petty as running errands for the Mayor, others are as bizarre and liable as accusations about raising her son, and the Mayor’s sleeping habits. What’s interesting about this particular pin headed letter is the underlying threats for the Mayor to pull out of the race “right now there are only a couple of people that this is going to. A few days after that it will go to the newspapers and a number of elected officials throughout the country”.  “the information that we will provide will cause an investigation that you will never survive” – which will be enlightening, as these writers will actually have to sign their names to legal documents then. (they probably didn’t think that part through)

At CWWatch, we are attempting to remain neutral at this point about the mayor’s race, but we felt compelled to speak out about dirty tricks, and extortion.

To make these kind of accusations is low, dirty, and deceitful and has no place in a political race. The only ones who should be disgraced are the employees and former employees of the City of Washougal.

Why bring this issue up now? Why not before candidate filing? Why not during the past four years?  Is this the same group that tried to destroy her during the last election?

We really hope this isn’t coming from the other camp. We hope campaign leaders will encourage their supporters to refrain from dirty tricks, threats, and extortion as well. As campaign signs start popping up in the next couple of months, we also hope opposing camps will respect the other candidate’s signs.

Candidates should campaign on the issues, period. Engaging in dirty campaigning is a sign of fear, panic, immaturity, unprofessional and poor judgment. In attempting to destroy one candidate, this groups actions reflect negatively on the other candidate and in this case, reflects negatively on the entire city of Washougal employees – if they are involved or not.

If a person or group thinks the Mayor or any elected official for that matter has done something wrong, do the right thing – consult with the AG or the State Auditor. Threatening to “go public” only makes you look bad and gives the citizens a sour taste in their mouth about the employees of Washougal.

Gershon

Clark County poised to lead energy system advances in the smart grid

“Southwest Washington’s high-tech industry is wising up to the business opportunities in the smart grid – also called the Internet for the electrical power grid. Many of the region’s largest technology manufacturers, engineers and research laboratories, including Sharp and Underwriters Laboratories in Camas, already have invested in new products and services and are vying for a slice of the $4.1 billion set aside in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to help build a smart grid. Others are brainstorming ways to enter the $6 billion market, estimated to grow 21 percent annually through 2014, according to Specialists in Business Information, a market research firm. For more on how the smart grid will benefit Clark County businesses, read Sunday’s Columbian  -Columbian Business E-Newsletter

July 4th

Will you be one of the brave souls to venture down to CLark Park tomorrow to view the Washougal fireworks?  If so, let us know how it goes. send us photos.

It sounds like it’ll be an absolute madhouse. Since Vancouver isn’t having fireworks, those that regularly attend will be flocking to other parts of the area – Portland, Cascade locks and Washougal. I hope the local and state police are smart enough to gear up for a massive amount of people on HWY 14 and the industrial park. I wonder who is going to pay for the cleanup, the added police, and the fire department (when some pinhead lights the dry grass on fire)?

Well, the writer is going to stay home, drink a few beers, BBQ and sit around a backyard campfire. Pretty dull, but a lot less stressful.

Fiberweb in Washougal Finalizes Joint Venture

Fiberweb has concluded negotiations with Brazilian spunbound fabrics producer Fitesa, a subsidiary of Petropar, over the creation of a joint venture company.

The new company, owned 50/50 by Petropar and Fiberweb, will be called FitesaFiberweb and will focus on markets for lightweight non-woven fabrics, serving producers of disposable hygiene products such as baby and adult nappies and feminine care products

The joint venture will initially comprise Fiberweb’s plants in Washougal, USA and Queretaro, Mexico, land and buildings at Fiberweb’s Simpsonville site plus Petropar’s existing non-woven business.

The joint venture partners have plans to invest in new production facilities in the US in the near future.

Local candidates express their views

A new page has been created ” Local Candidate Statements”. Thanks to public records laws, we were able to obtain Local candidate statements before going to press later this month in the Voters Pamphlet.

we’ll update this page as candidate submit additional information.

Fire breaks out at Hambleton Lumber Yard

in a short article by John Branton at the Columbian:

“A fire at a Washougal lumberyard early Thursday caused an unknown amount of damage. The blaze was first reported about 12:15 a.m. Thursday.

Minutes later firefighters radioed that a large propane tank was near the flames and a utility pole had a transformer that was burning. The fire happened at Hambleton Lumber Co., 335 S. A St.

Further information will be released as it is made available.”

so if you want to add to the discussion, feel free:

Save Teaching Jobs

I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer, but it appears that others see benefit through investing stimulus spending in our educational system.  Why can’t we take all the steps necessary to protect our local educational staff?  My desire is to recycle a portion of the port assets, and provide a direct benefit to our kids

More Than $1 Billion in Recovery Funds Now Available for Ohio to Save Teaching Jobs and Drive Education Reform

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Application for Part 1 of Ohio’s State Stabilization Funds Approved Today

U. S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today announced that more than $1 billion is now available for Ohio under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. This funding will lay the foundation for a generation of education reform and help save hundreds of thousands of teaching jobs at risk of state and local budget cuts. Ohio will be eligible to apply for another $590 million this fall. Today’s funding is being made available per Ohio’s successful completion of Part 1 of the State Stabilization Application, which was made available on April 1st.

-Gary

Congress is voting on Cap and Trade in the next 24 hrs

Congress is voting on Cap and Trade in the next 24 hrs.  Family energy taxes will rise from $1600 to $3500 per year.  Please act ASAP by signing the petition at: http://www.americansolutions.com/take-action/petition/, and calling your Congressional representatives:

http://www.conservativeusa.org/mega-cong.htm.  In a time of extreme financial hardship, this would further destroy businesses and the money in your pocket.

Here is the summary of what Cap and Trade is:

Tomorrow the United States Senate will vote on S. 2191, better known as the Warner-Lieberman, or “America’s Climate Security Act.” (Cap and Trade) Authored by Senators John Warner (R-VA) and Joe Lieberman (I-CT), the bill would implement a cap-and-trade policy to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 4% below the 1990 level by 2020, and to 63% below the 2005 level by 2050, according to its authors. The bill would cap the total amount of GHGs emitted in America, direct the government to auction GHG permits to American businesses, and set a declining cap on GHGs between 2012 and 2050.

Sounds reasonable right???  Read on:

• Bill Would Cost Americans Over $1 Trillion In Next Decade. From 2009-2018, Warner-Lieberman would cost Americans roughly $1.2 trillion, and discretionary spending would increase by about $3.7 billion.
• Includes Expensive Private Sector Mandates. “The most costly mandates [of the Warner-Lieberman bill] would require certain types of private-sector entities to participate in the cap-and-trade programs for GHG emissions created by the bill. CBO estimates that the cost of those mandates would amount to more than $90 billion each year during the 2012-2016 period, and thus substantially exceed the annual threshold established in UMRA [Unfunded Mandates Reform Act] for private-sector mandates ($136 million in 2008, adjusted annually for inflation).”

EPA Economic Analysis Concludes Warner-Lieberman Would Be Costly. The EPA released a list of key facts of the Warner-Lieberman Bill:

• Warner-Lieberman Would Cost Americans At Least $238 Billion By 2030 and Over $1 Trillion By 2050. If passed, Warner-Lieberman would cause GDP to be between 0.9% ($238 billion) and 3.8% ($983 billion) lower in 2030 than if the bill was not in place. In 2050, GDP would be between 2.4% ($1,012 billion) and 6.9% ($2,856 billion) lower than projected without passing Warner-Lieberman.
• Electricity Prices To Rise Dramatically. “Electricity prices are projected to increase 44% in 2030 and 26% in 2050.”
• Asymmetrical Costs. “The largest GDP and consumption impacts are in the Plains region.”
• GDP would be reduced by $151-$210 billion by 2020; in 2030, GDP would be reduced by $631-$669 billion (in 2007 dollars).
• There would be 1.2-1.8 million jobs lost in 2020 and 3-4 million jobs lost in 2030.
• Manufacturing would slow and shipment values would fall 3.2 % to 4% in 2020; by 2030 the value of shipments would fall by 8.3 % to 8.5%.
• Household income would be reduced by $739-$2,927 in 2020 and $4,022-$6,752 (in 2007 dollars) in 2030.

You can google Cap and Trade to find out more.  Call today to stop more spending and more taxing.  K

CCIA President Throws in Hat for ECFR Position

By June 5^th, the last day of election filing period, no one had signed up to run for Position 3 for the ECFR seat.

The elections department offered a three day filing extension.

5 people have now thrown their hat in the ring including Martha Martin, President of the CCIA (Concerned Citizens in Action) an outspoken  citizens group which focuses on government accountability and transparency.

Other contenders include:

Sheldon Tyler, former Port of CW Executive Director

George Hoober, former ECFR commissioner

Greg Cox and Mike Berg

Saint-Gobain to close plant by September – 58 jobs to be lost in Washougal

thanks to Serious Stuff for alerting us of this article in the Columbian.

Saturday, June 13 | 12:05 a.m.

BY JULIA ANDERSON
COLUMBIAN STAFF WRITER

“A Washougal plant that has produced sapphire substrates for the LED (light-emitting diode) industry is closing.

Saint-Gobain Crystals gave notice Friday to the Washington Employment Security Department that 58 workers at the plant at 750 S. 32nd St. will lose their jobs starting in August.

Liz Garvison, human resources manager in Washougal, confirmed the shutdown and said the plant closure would begin Aug. 10 and be completed about Sept. 18.

“This closure in no way reflects the dedication and effort of the Washougal team,” Garvison said. “The global recession has aggravated business conditions to the extent that we can’t continue operations.”

Established by Union Carbide Co. in the 1970s, the Washougal operation was owned by an interim operator in the 1990s and then purchased in 1999 by Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics Inc., a subsidiary of French-owned Campagnie de Saint-Gobain headquartered in Paris.

The local business is one of several divisions of Saint-Gobain in the U.S., but the only one being closed. Others are in Boulder, Colo., Merrimack, N.H., and elsewhere.

As required by the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the company filed 60-day closure notices to workers and to the state employment department.

The Washougal closure is the latest blow to the manufacturing industry in Clark County. Local manufacturers, who have been battling weak markets, higher operating costs and global competition, have shed 900 jobs in the county in the 12 months through April.

Saint-Gobain produced substrates for LEDs and made wafers for silicon on sapphire applications going into a variety of industries.

Real estate outlook

Saint-Gobain owns the Washougal property, which includes 75,000 square feet in three buildings and the 11-acre site. The property is adjacent to Port of Camas-Washougal’s business park.

Bill Seiberlich, Saint-Gobain spokesman in Valley Forge, Pa., said one of the three buildings was occupied by a lease tenant.

“We do not intend to reopen or reuse the facility and ultimately will try to sell the property,” Seiberlich said. No real estate broker has been selected to market the site.

Dave Ripp, port executive director, said he learned of the closure on Thursday.

“These were good manufacturing jobs,” Ripp said. “Fortunately, we’re working on some projects that may make up for some of these jobs.”

Former Mayor Offers E Street Perspective

I have been asked by a couple people to give some perspective on the proposed E Street Road Diet project, mainly from when I was Mayor and this was first proposed.

This was first brought up in early 2005 by Scott Sawyer, the Director of Public Works for Washougal. Scott came to Washougal from Clark County with a strong background in transpiration and road projects. The model he had followed was the 4th Plain Road Diet that was focused to the area starting at just east of I-5 and going to Orchards.

The original plans that were presented to citizens at the “Taking It To The Streets” neighborhood meetings in the summer of 2005 included the following.

Scope of the project was from 6th Street to the west and extending to 32nd Street to the east.

• Plans called for round-abouts at 17th and 27th Streets.
• 27th Street round-about would be connected to a new overhead that would tie to 27th and B. This was in anticipation of the Highway 14 widening and access project. 27th is set up for a minimum of a half-diamond interchange. This would have eliminated 32nd Street access to Highway 14 and the bottle necks created at the RR crossing, as well as provide another clear path over the RR tracks for emergency services..
• The original rough draft called for 2 lanes, one in each direction, with a left-turn center lane, bike lanes and sidewalks. There would have been little, if any, intrusion in to existing business or homes.
• Total cost in 2005 was estimated at $2.5 million. Scott and Nabiel were directed to start chasing down grant moneys.

In defense of round-abouts, the intent for the one at 17th was to keep traffic flowing. The analogy from WSDOT and engineers was that a light is like a stopped up toilet. You stop traffic in 3 lanes and let it back up and accumulate. Then when it’s your turn, you “flush” the traffic out while the other 3 lanes stop up. You may not go as fast, but the data shows that your total trip time is reduced significantly.

My personal concern now is the huge increase in costs while paring out the 27th Street options. Very short-sighted, but that’s what happens when leadership changes … throw out the vision and early work and start it all over. All I know is the bottle neck at 32nd and Highway 14 is dangerous, and the back-ups at 17th and E are increasing in size.

Jeff Guard

CW Port Race – Dynamics Change

Reinhart drops out from Port Race:

According to sources close to G. MIKE REINHART, he feels the race is well served with Hargrave and Macrae-Smith and has decided to withdrawn from candidacy for CW Port Commissioner.

This will change the dynamics of the race, including eliminating this position from the primaries.

We still hope to hear a position statement from Alan Hargrave, who filed for re-election, but has yet to make a statement as to why he thinks the public should re-elect him.

Waiting with abated breath.

Perman – ‘Yes To Schools’

Most everyone can agree that the school children of Camas/Washougal are our most treasured asset. Yet, these students are being severely impacted by staff layoffs, increased class sizes and more and more program cuts.  Some of this is due to several school bond/levy failures in these tight economic times.

At the same time, the Port of Camas/Washougal collects approximately $2,200,000 per year from your property taxes while sitting on over $5,000,000 in cash reserves.  In addition, the port owns tens of millions of dollars in undeveloped land that has sat idle for decades while they are suppose to be creating jobs for our community.   Our limited tax dollars should be supporting our schools and kids, not rat holed by a port that has been highly suspect in its performance in creating jobs and has lost the significant public trust and support.

As a community we need to ask: “What’s wrong with this picture? Is this the right priority for the use for our tax limited dollars?” My answer is that we need a major change and that is why I’m seeking election to the port board of commissioners. Once elected, I pledge to divest the port of the land assets – and call for an immediate investment of some or all of the reserve funds into the Camas/Washougal school system.  I believe the private sector together with the cities of Camas and Washougal are better suited to attract jobs, manage the marina, preserve the historic park and promote economic vitality.  I question whether this port is a layer of government we need any longer. I say “yes” to schools and “no” to the port. Let’s have a community discussion/debate on our priorities.

IF you have questions, concerns, comments the best way to reach me is by email or phone:

Gary Perman
Candidate for Commissioner
Camas Washougal Port
Permanforport@comcast.net

For more information: www.permanforport.com

360-835-2205

Dave Shoemaker announces candidacy for Washougal City Council Position 6

Dave Shoemaker serves on the Washougal City Planning Commission, and as Chairman of the Washougal City Civil Service Commission.  His wife of 37 years, Lee, who grew up in the Pacific Northwest and graduated from the University of Oregon, is a life-long teacher and educational administrator. Dave is an active member of Saint Thomas Church in Camas, and a recently elected local leader in the Knights of Columbus, a 1.7 million member worldwide fraternity of Catholic men.

“I am so proud of our community, and I want to serve Washougal as a City Councilman. I have noticed several areas within the city government that can be improved, especially in communication and in building a better relationship with the public. In the coming months, I will outline my plan to facilitate those improvements.”- Dave Shoemaker

Dave has earned three college degrees – a doctoral degree with a focus on organization and leadership from the University of San Francisco, a master’s degree in Modern Far East History from San Jose State University, and a bachelor’s in Political Science from The Citadel where he was a Distinguished Military Graduate.  He also graduated from two senior armed forces management and leadership schools, the Air War College and the Army Command and Staff College (Honor Graduate), and spent 20 years reorganizing dysfunctional organizations.

“I want to bring more checks and balances to our city government; our citizens deserve a more thoughtful approach to decision making and planning. The Council’s decisions impact our daily lives, and residents should feel like they have a Council that represents them well”. –Dave Shoemaker

Dave served in the 101^st (Airborne), 2^nd Infantry (Foot) and 3^rd Infantry (Mechanized) Divisions as well as on high-level staffs in Washington, Europe and Asia.   He also had the benefit of the US Government’s all expense paid jungle adventure tour, serving as an advisor to a Vietnamese Regional Forces Battalion in the field.  He was awarded the Silver Star for valor in action and the Combat Infantry Badge.

Dr. Shoemaker is a former senior project manager for the Little Hoover Commission, a California agency advising the Governor and Legislature on the effectiveness and efficiency of State government operations.

Dave’s first acquaintance with the local area was in 1968.  As Aide de Camp to the Commanding General of Fort Lewis, he brought the general to Vancouver Barracks, then a sub-post of Fort Lewis, to tour local facilities.  The tour included Vancouver Barracks and Camp Bonneville, then known as East Garrison.

In 2005, he was appointed an Adjunct Associate Professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.  In addition to his teaching credentials, Dave is an instrument rated Certificated Flight Instructor.  He is listed in a variety of Marquis Who’s Who and other biographical publications.

CONTACT: Dave Shoemaker

phone:  360-210-4654         EMAIL: daveshoemaker2@verizon.net

Camas Yearbook Oops

Did you get the same grief we did over the CHS Yearbook?  Pay this, don’t miss this deadline, sorry we didn’t tell you, etc?  I know of several who got less than supportive help from staff members trying to make the best of the yearbook for their students.  Never mind that CHS did a lousy job of getting the deadline messages out.  Not to mention on the academic side threats of summer school, special projects and such…

Oh well, the good news is that as much as we paid, it will be a great product right?  Well take a look at the photos here and help us wonder.  Anybody proof this?  Anyone Google “2008” in Roman Numerals?  These photos were snapped from the spine and the front cover.  Think there is any chance the administrators will have to put in a few days of summer school for flunking this easy one? – concerned parent in action

Invitation to area technology folks – East Clark County Technology Summit – Thursday 5:15

Tech Summit is open to anyone involved with social and/or professional technology in East Clark County (East Vancouver, Camas & Washougal) Our purpose is to bring together individuals in the field of technology for networking and sharing ideas.

Our gatherings are informal social hours designed to start creative dialogue and to build professional relationships.

Our first gathering will be on Thursday, June 4th at 5:15pm at Puffins Café located at 24 S a St Washougal, WA 98671

Future gatherings for 2009 will be as follows:

Thursday, July 2^nd 5:15p @ TBA

Thursday, August 6^th 5:15p @ Twilight Pizza  224 NE 4th Ave Camas, WA 98607

Supporting companies: Workshed Creative Agency, PermanTech, Coumbia Gorge Medical Center
Sincerely,

Jon Russell
Washougal City Councilman
Cell: 360-624-4934

Lampton Announces Run For Port Commissioner Seat

Mark Lampton, a retired corporate sales and marketing specialist for a number of high tech corporations, has announced that he will run for the Port of Camas/ Washougal Commissioner for District 1, currently occupied by Jim Carroll.  Lampton is president of the Lookout Ridge Homeowners Association and a licensed Realtor with Windermere Crest Realty in Camas.

“The Port needs to get back on course in serving their primary mission, and that is to bring family-wage jobs to Camas & Washougal” states Lampton.  He sees the Port lacking in having a clearly defined national marketing plan to bring quality corporations to the area and he wants to use his expertise in helping the Port create one.  Mark supports developing the current unused east end of the Industrial Park into a corporate campus and to attract corporate divisions specializing in research and development.

Lampton also sees the need for the Port to continue to offer quality recreational facilities to local citizens.  This includes keeping the marina, boat ramp, Grove Field Airport and Captain Clark Park as publicly owned community assets.  He further supports the preservation of the National Parkersville Historic site.  “We really need to maintain the current waterfront at the marina for public access to the river.  We are already seeing weekends where there isn’t enough space to accommodate all of the boat trailers.  Demand for this facility is only going to increase,” comments Lampton.  “In my view, Marina Park really is connected to the Parkersville Historic site, because this was the location of Parkers Landing — which still appears on navigational charts” says Lampton.  Lampton sees that use of this area will increase over time by various community groups because of its unique setting on the Columbia River.

Another area where Mark would like to see change is in the area of allocation of leasehold taxes.  He would like to work through the Washington Public Ports Association and the Washington State Legislature to amend the state leasehold tax formula to directly benefit the schools and emergency services.

Lampton recognizes that the success of the Port largely depends on its ability to engage the public in all major decisions and to operate openly and with transparency.  “Let’s face it, the Port is a public entity and the citizens deserve the right to know what major projects the Port is undertaking.  They also deserve the right to voice either their support or opposition before a major decision is made,” explains Lampton.  Lampton also feels that the Port must operate more collaboratively with the Cities of Camas and Washougal and that any development at the Port should not compete with downtown revitalization plans by either city.

Mark is a military veteran, who served in the 3rd Marine Air Wing during the Viet Nam War, specializing in logistics.  After his service,
he attended college majoring in history and education,   Mark’s
corporate experience includes work with National Semiconductor, Raytheon, Advanced Micro Devices and Smart Modular Technologies.

He and his wife, Charlene, recently celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary and they reside at  814 W Y St. Washougal.  You can contact Mark at mlampton@comcast.net or 360.921.3869.

Mark announced that Roger Daniels will serve as his campaign manager.
Roger can be contacted at 360.852.5151.

Washougal City Council Taps Michael Delevar as New Council Person

In a controversial issue of hiring Washougal City Councilman Bivens to the post of Washougal City Finance Director, Jeffrey Bivens left a hole in the city council.

Mayor Sellers accepted applications to fill the vacated council seat last week and today.Sean Guard, candidate for Washougal Mayor, Delevar, Garry Alexander and a few others applied for the position.

In a 6-0 vote of approval from the city council, Biven was appointed to the Finance Director position vacated by Becky Hasart who according to the Post Record “ last day of employment with the city was April 6. The decision for her to leave was mutual. She wanted to leave, and city officials wanted her to leave as well, according to City Administrator Nabiel Shawa.” 5/26/09 edition.

The council has been hotly criticized by Washougal citizens this past week for hiring Bivens who is halfway completed with an 18-month suspension from practicing law. Bivens will be paid $110,000.  Although Bivens suspension was not a criminal offense or conviction, many people are very upset that the council didn’t vett Bivens more closely and that the council accelerated this hire without a due hiring process.

Washougal City Councilman Jon Russell says “Michael Delevar bring a depth on issues, he’s a very thoughtful person, examines the issues very thoroughly, believes in transparency and open government.”

Garry Alexander, another candidate, has filed to run against Delevar in this falls open Council seat. Alexander was convicted of shoplifting at Home Depot will be running against Michael Delevar.

Garry Alexander, was arrested Aug. 19, 2006 for allegedly stealing a cell phone battery charger and a digital camera at a Home Depot store.

This is going to be an exciting election year in Washougal!