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Opinion

July 31, 2012

The tragedy in Aurora, can it happen here?

So many of us send our kids and loved ones off to the movie theater and assume they are safe. After all, this is one of America's favorite pastimes that is cherished by young and old alike. My teenage boys attended a midnight showing of "The Dark Knight Rises." They went with my blessing. Little did I know that at the same time their movie trailers were starting, a horrific tragedy had just unfolded in Aurora, Colo. This incident made me sick to my stomach because of so many reasons. As a parent, it is unbearable to imagine what the families of the victims are going through right now. The senseless and violent deaths of 12 people including children at a movie that was developed from a comic book hero, is unfathomable.

July 24, 2012

Changes needed at Mt. Pleasant School

At the administrative level, the Mount Pleasant School District is broken, and it's going to take some dramatic efforts to fix it. The small school district of 50 kindergarten through six-grade students and approximately three teachers has seen more than its share of challenging times in recent years, often involving conflicts between the district's superintendents and members of the School Board.

July 24, 2012

Be fully informed about EMS levy facts

Recently there was a letter published regarding the upcoming Camas EMS renewal levy, and I want the readers and voters to be more fully and factually informed. Since the late 1970's voters have repeatedly supported the emergency services provided to the community by approving levy ballot measures. The initial rate of 25 cents per $1,000 assessed value, and then a subsequent voter approved rate increase to 35 cents per $1,000 to continue to provide the funds necessary to provide nationally recognized superb care to the citizens.

July 24, 2012

Letters to the Editor for July 24, 2012

Chamber needs to support local businesses For the last six years Kidz with Ice has been applying to get into Camas Days. The reasons are always different as to why the Camas-Washogual Chamber of Commerce and Brent Erickson, its executive director, do not support this small local business.

July 17, 2012

Saving lives after we’re gone

Unless it directly impacts a person's life, organ donation isn't something most people think about on a daily basis.

July 17, 2012

Letters to the Editor for July 17, 2012

No to Camas tax hike Camas residents should reject the Excess Levy Camas proposes to boost Emergency Medical Services taxes significantly from 35 cents per $1,000 of property value for homes and businesses to 46 cents per $1,000 of value. This is estimated to boost Camas EMS funds from about $888,825 to $1,182,775 in the first year and grow for six years.

July 10, 2012

Letters to the Editor for July 10, 2012

City needs to solve Sandy Swimming Hole problems It seems our City of Washougal only talks when it comes to the inconvenience of the Sandy Swimming Hole in the summer.

July 10, 2012

Downtown Camas: Its transformation continues

With a recent infusion of excitement and purpose, the downtown Camas area is entering a new phase in its journey from a sleepy downtown without a whole lot to offer into what many hope will eventually be a thriving downtown that is bustling on a daily basis.

July 3, 2012

A little more stability for Washougal?

Last night, the Washougal City Council voted to have Brent Boger join the group as its newest member. Boger, the Vancouver senior assistant city attorney for the past 13 years and a Washougal resident since 2003, has the skills and background to be a high quality councilman. Maybe most telling in this selection process, when it comes to predicting how Boger might fit in with the new group dynamic, is the fact that the vote was unanimous. He clearly gained the confidence of each member of the Washougal City Council -- a government body that has so often been divided on a variety of issues.

July 3, 2012

Letter to Editor for July 3, 2012

Impressed by David Madore Most elections I look at the candidates and shake my head, wondering why can't we do better? Well, now we have an opportunity in a race for County Commissioner.