February 28, 2012
Rising gas prices threaten economic recovery
What's that old saying? "One step forward, two steps back." Just as our economy is starting to move again, rising gas prices threaten to put the brakes on the recovery.
What's that old saying? "One step forward, two steps back." Just as our economy is starting to move again, rising gas prices threaten to put the brakes on the recovery.
Deeply concerned about coal train impacts Last week, I experienced a well-over 12 minute delay at a rail crossing in Washougal as a 125 coal car, four engine train grinded slowly past. An additional 20 to 30 trains daily bodes an incredibly negative impact upon local businesses and the extensive redevelopment effort currently shaping Washougal into the premier gateway destination to the Gorge.
In the Camas-Washougal area, volunteer firefighters work side-by-side with paid personnel, and play an integral role in responding to emergencies, saving lives, and lending a hand wherever they are needed. In a statement from Gov. Chris Gregoire that highlighted Washington State Volunteer Firefighter Recognition Week, she said "volunteer firefighters make a huge contribution to public safety in Washington State with more than 15,000 volunteer firefighters representing over 75 percent of the state's total fire fighting resources."
Coal companies don't follow the rules In regards to the article "Coal train issues continue to generate local interest," I want to point out that coal companies are not actually following rules about mitigating coal dust. This certainly isn't the first time "Big Coal" is cutting corners at the expense of human health and safety.
"Poetry, pottery, punk rock. It's all art. The more that we can identify where we all are creatively, and the more we can come together around that, the better off we all are."
Keep school fees and fines process simple I read the article by Danielle Frost in the Tuesday, Jan. 31 edition with some interest. While not a resident of Washougal and not having children in any school district (retired) I believe that the board, superintendent, and business manager are over thinking the collection system.
It's hard to believe it, but in just a few short months Camas and Washougal high school seniors will be preparing for the future as they reach one of the most significant milestones in their young lives so far -- graduation.
On a drizzly, dark day this past Sunday with a rare couple of hours to kill, I decided to take in coverage of the race for the Republican primary in Florida on CNN. While watching clips of Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich speaking and glad handling their way through the crowds, I just had to roll my eyes and shake my head at the sheer absurdity of some of the proposals they were making.
As the saying goes, "Necessity is the mother of invention," and some local parents proved this statement true when they formed Vancouver's first "sensory friendly" Cub Scout group.
With the recent national commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, fresh on the minds of many is how each of us can help others. As stated by Dr. King: "Anyone can be great - because anyone can serve." In our local community, there are many who are taking those words to heart as they use their own talents to give back to the community.
