Opinion

Letters to the Editor for April 2, 2013

Washougal should stay neutral on CRC

As a concerned citizen of Washougal, I am opposed to have my city create any kind of a resolution, pro or con, concerning the CRC project. This is a collaborative project that is 11 years in the making, legislatively it concerns the state of Oregon and the state of Washington and our federal government.

• 0 comments
• April 2, 2013

Science of climate change made simple

My greenhouse is covered with a thin plastic film. A few molecules of plastic are all it takes to make it 30 Fahrenheit degrees warmer inside than out. When coal, gasoline, and natural gas are burned, they produce carbon dioxide which traps heat just like the plastic film of my greenhouse.

• 0 comments
• by By Don Steinke Guest columnist
• March 26, 2013

Have the CRC discussions somewhere else

“There is no positive thing that could happen from taking a position [on the Columbia River Crossing].”

• 0 comments
• by Heather Acheson
• March 26, 2013

Many employers can’t afford paid family medical leave

When people who want more government regulations argue in favor of a new mandate on employers, they usually say, “Well, one more rule won’t break the bank.” However, seemingly harmless regulations have a cumulative effect that eventually cripple employers and prevent entrepreneurs from creating the jobs needed to fix our weak economy.

• 0 comments
• by By Erin Shannon Guest columnist
• March 19, 2013

Thinking about running for political office?

This past week, the first signs popped up indicating that election season isn’t too far away.

Port of Camas-Washougal Commissioner Bill Macrae-Smith, wanting to get an early start, announced that he will be running for re-election. Although many of us are still making the transition to a new year and getting used to the handful of new elected officials who just took office in January, the truth is, the filing period is right around ...

• 0 comments
• March 12, 2013

Lawmakers are currently considering important legislation

Imagine a child with a life-threatening food allergy. Now imagine that child having a severe reaction while at school.

If that student is fortunate enough to have an epinephrine autoinjector on school grounds, he or she may receive a dose to help reverse the reaction and potentially save a life.

But what about students with a food allergy who don't have their injector with them? What about students who haven't been diagnosed with ...

• 0 comments
• by By Kevin Dooms, M.D. Guest columnist
• March 12, 2013

A celebration of Women’s History Month close to home

During Women’s History Month in March, we’re often encouraged to remember the people who have left their imprints on the world on a national scale. The names that often come to mind are that of Rosa Parks, Marie Curie, Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, Eleanor Roosevelt, Geraldine Ferraro, Gloria Steinem, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Harriet Tubman, Maya Angelou, Amelia Earhart, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony. And the list goes on and on.

• 0 comments
• by Heather Acheson
• March 5, 2013

Letter to the Editor for March 5, 2013

Coal trains are not wanted

Recently in Hood River, the coal interests with the help of a public relations firm held multiple sessions at a local hotel. There were 10-12 participants per session for what appeared to be an attempt by them to understand why we don't want 1.5 mile long coal trains going through the country's only national scenic area.

• 0 comments
• March 5, 2013

A precious memory of Bob Tidland

I would like to share a special memory of Bob Tidland. This scene can help illustrate his character and community-mindedness. As Camas’ retiring first city administrator, I have had many, many fine days in the past 24 years; the scene I am remembering is among the finest hours.

• 0 comments
• by By Lloyd Halverson Guest columnist
• March 5, 2013

Brunell: People helping people

In November 1982, our state’s unemployment rate peaked at 12.2 percent, the highest since the Great Depression. Interest on a fixed rate home loan was 13.4 percent, and an 11.5 inflation rate burned through our checkbooks. The economy was a mess.

• 0 comments
• by By Don C. Brunell Guest Columnist
• March 5, 2013

Letters to the Editor for Feb. 26, 2013

The realities of gun laws and school security

Laws are nothing but words in a document that the majority of the general public doesn't know exists, or what they are, because they don't need to. And those that do know and choose to obey them are not criminals.

Laws don't stop criminals or people with a mission to commit an unlawful act. They only allow law enforcement agencies to investigate, arrest and ...

• 0 comments
• February 26, 2013

Coalition could have a lasting impact

There is no greater resource and asset in our community than our children.

As parents, they are our everything. They add a new sense of purpose and meaning to our lives. And as a community, children are the future. The quality of their lives today have a very good chance of impacting how Camas and Washougal will look into the future and beyond.

• 0 comments
• by Heather Acheson
• February 26, 2013

Local history: Camas and Washougal’s best kept secret

According to the hard-working volunteers at the Two Rivers Heritage Museum, this facility that holds the historical treasures of Camas and Washougal’s past is one of the area’s best kept secrets.

• 0 comments
• by Heather Acheson
• February 19, 2013

Letters to the Editor for Feb. 19, 2013

No guns in schools

Responding to the Feb. 12 letter to the editor from Robert R. Larimer Jr., he writes in his closing statement, "It is really the only way to save their lives" (with respect to putting guns in the hands of teachers and referencing our children).

• 0 comments
• February 19, 2013

Letters to the Editor for Feb. 12, 2013

Support HB 1788

State Representative Liz Pike’s new Bill, HB 1788, would make it lawful for trained school personnel to carry concealed in public schools, just as one out of 15 Washington state citizens now legally possess concealed carry licenses and are able to carry in public places.

• 0 comments
• February 12, 2013