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Opinion

June 3, 2014

Talent, drive, ambition

If you haven't seen Camas High School junior Alexa Efraimson's race that captured a state title and set a national high school record, you're missing out. It's nothing short of incredible. The teen running sensation owned that race from start to finish. Determination was written all over her face and evidenced in her consistent, powerful stride that never once wavered. It took her 4 minutes, 33.29 seconds to run 1,600 meters (four laps) around the track.

May 27, 2014

The opportunity is now

The call has been put out by local cities and a school district that are in need of citizen volunteers to immediately fill council, commission and board seats. Camas-Washougal residents who get involved in these local groups truly have the opportunity to have direct impacts on a wide variety of issues that affect their communities. In addition, getting involved presents a chance to have a greater understanding of how local governments really work. Right now, there are four local positions available by appointment.

May 27, 2014

The ‘Princess and the Pea’

Let's face it. We're spoiled. Even in our tough economy, most Americans enjoy a myriad of conveniences we take for granted. We awake to a warm house, turn night into day with the flip of a light switch, jump into a hot shower, get dressed and grab a cup of fresh brewed coffee before heading to work in our car or on the bus. On the way home, we stop at the grocery store to pick up a few items from the 40,000 choices offered there.

May 20, 2014

Exhausted but accomplished

Happy and accomplished, but rightfully exhausted faces were on display Saturday during the 11th annual Student Stride for Education at Washougal High School's Fishback Stadium.

May 13, 2014

Highlighting the community’s senior citizens

Senior citizens in the local community are active and vital. Today, people in their 50s, 60s and beyond often are not slowing down, but instead taking on new opportunities to learn, explore and grow. In the Camas-Washougal community, our senior citizens are running marathons, actively volunteering, opening new businesses, caring for their grandchildren, and making efforts to be lifelong learners.

May 13, 2014

Total compensation is key in minimum wage debate

One of the problems with the minimum wage debate is the name itself. If we want to ensure that we don't hurt lower-income workers, we should consider total compensation, not just wages. Case in point: Bill H. earns $15 an hour as a parking lot attendant. Lisa W. earns $12.25 an hour at a fast food restaurant. But Lisa's employer provides merit raises, paid vacations, health insurance, management training, education scholarships, childcare assistance and a 401k retirement plan.

May 6, 2014

Pivotal election season is ahead

In just six days, the filing period for people who want to run for elected office will open. In-person filing begins at 8 a.m. on Monday, and continues through 5 p.m. on Friday at the Clark County Elections Office in Vancouver. Many candidates have already announced their intention to run for office. But filing week will reveal what are likely to be people who have made that late-breaking decision to step into the county, state and federal government elected office spotlight.