February 7, 2013
‘Did you just say that on Facebook?’
Ever since the evolution of Facebook, I always knew that optimal behavior for myself, my family, and my friends would be necessary.
Ever since the evolution of Facebook, I always knew that optimal behavior for myself, my family, and my friends would be necessary.
The week of Jan. 21, 150,798 registered voters in Clark County began receiving their Feb. 12 special election ballots in the mail. As of today, nearly 35,000 have been returned. School districts around the area, including Camas, Ridgefield, Vancouver, Battle Ground and La Center have submitted levy propositions primarily to fund schools' maintenance and operations and technology programs. Of course, in our community, it's the two levies for the Camas School District that are catching the most attention.
2012. In the small towns of Camas and Washougal, it was an eventful year filled with ups and downs, exciting special events and unexpected tragedies. These important moments were all documented on the pages of the Camas-Washougal Post-Record newspaper, as they have been since 1908.
The citizens of Washington have spoken so this session of the legislature will begin the transfer of precious tax dollars from public education to charter schools. Never mind that charter schools' student achievements are similar to public schools. That is of minor importance. The important item is easy money.
The Washougal City Council is considering a major change to the schedule of meetings and workshops. Presently, council meetings (formal public hearings, actions and votes) are held at 6 p.m., on the first and third Monday. Workshops (staff reports, information and discussion, but no votes) are also at 6 p.m., on the second and fourth Mondays. If Monday is a national holiday the meeting is postponed until Tuesday.
Ask local residents why they moved to Camas or have continued to live in this area for years, and it's likely that the city's high quality public school system would be on the list. And, it's not difficult to see why.
I am writing this letter to encourage Camas residents to show their support for the upcoming Camas School District replacement levies on Feb. 12. As a junior at UC Berkeley I have been living away from Camas for almost three years now. In those three years I have experienced many new things and met many new people, but there is one thing that continually surprises me.
Ask local residents why they moved to Camas or have continued to live in this area for years, and it's likely that the city's high quality public school system would be on the list. And, it's not difficult to see why.
Cats and criminals. It's not the most likely successful combination, but a local program that will soon include participation by a Washougal animal shelter has turned this pairing into a positive experience for both humans and felines.
Utility bills are the big issue in Washougal. They should be. In 2012, the minimum bimonthly residential charge was $174.60. That base charge went up 20 percent ($37) to $211.13 this year. But the Council could take action on Jan. 22 that might keep the increase to less than $10. If the increase is kept that low, it will be the result of a creative Council, mayor, and staff. This would not have happened without hearing from our citizens.
