Letters to the Editor for Oct. 4, 2011

ECFR incumbents are effective The majority of the East County Fire and Rescue Board of Commissioners is up for re-election this year. Collectively, Gary Larson, John Clancy and Jack Hoober have over 52 years of experience. As a 17-year resident, and a past fire commissioner for ECFR, I witnessed firsthand the exceptional performance of these individuals. Along with past and present ECFR Fire Commissioners Vic Rasmussen and Harry Goodnight, Clancy, Hoober and Larson have committed themselves to providing superior service at the least cost to East County residents. They have consistently sought out solutions to difficult management challenges to preempt crises. Specifically, the incumbents have championed a predominantly volunteer fire and rescue organization that has a reputation for being one of the most effective in the area. They successfully consolidated Districts 1 and 9 to reduce costs to taxpayers, while improving service and efficiency. Gary Larson, John Clancy and Jack Hoober have demonstrated an uncanny ability to focus on the "big picture" and deal proactively with management challenges. They are the heart of an effective management team that consistently reduces administrative costs and preserves outstanding service. In my opinion, they have earned your continued support at the polls this November. Greg Cox, Washougal Joyce is the choice Joyce Lindsay is one of the most honest and caring women that I know. She is committed to her community and sincerely interested in making Washougal a nice place to live. She has served on the executive board of the Camas Performing Arts Series, and independently developed a garden at Hathaway School for beautification of the grounds. She is an active member of Rotary and the Columbia Gorge Women's Association, currently serving as vice president. Additionally, she has chaired the scholarship committee for the club for several years. CGWA raises funds for scholarships to help women enter or return to the workforce. Joyce has worked hard to ascertain the opinions and desires of the citizens of Washougal by ringing the doorbell of over 1,000 homes in the city; talking to all she encounters or, at the very least, leaving information of how they can contact her with comments and/or opinions. This is more than I have ever seen a council member do. Joyce is retired and has the time to devote to serving her community. Vote for Joyce Lindsay for Washougal City Council. Sally Spencer, Washougal Cochran understands fire service I've had the distinct pleasure of knowing Kenny Cochran for 18 years. When I first started as a rookie firefighter for the Vancouver Fire Department in 1994, Kenny was a role model and mentor to me. He has maintained his positive attitude and work ethic throughout the years and proven to be a tireless advocate for public safety and the citizens he is sworn to protect. Kenny has been voted Firefighter of the Year twice during his career and also been a member of the Company of the Year on two other occasions. During the time that I've known him, he has been a founding member of the fire departments Honor Guard, first with Fire District 5 then with Vancouver. He was a founding member of the Washington State Honor Guard Association and has spent countless hours volunteering his time to fulfill his commitment to those organizations. I know that Kenny started his career as a volunteer firefighter and has kept alive that caring giving spirit throughout his life. It came as no surprise to me when he told me that he was going to run for the position of fire commissioner. He has a deep and thorough understanding of the fire service and the needs and duties that it entails. He also understands the challenges that an all volunteer fire fighting force faces. I live in an area served by a combination volunteer and paid fire department. I've also served 15 years of my life as a volunteer firefighter prior to becoming a career firefighter. I can tell you with the utmost sincerity that I would be pleased if he were to be a fire commissioner for the fire district that I live in. I feel that he is a shining example of the best that we have to offer and without reservation, endorse him for Fire Commissioner, East County Fire and Rescue position 1. David James, Captain, Vancouver Fire Department. Ward has integrity It has been a pleasure to observe Bill Ward fulfill his responsibilities as commissioner of the Port of Camas-Washougal. He has always considered all aspects of every issue before making decisions. He has championed open public input. He is a role model of impeccable integrity. Many times he has demonstrated the courage of his convictions always persevering to do what he believes is best for the port and our community at large. Even though we haven't always agreed on every subject, he treats everyone with dignity and respect. I believe we would have a much better world with more people like Bill Ward representing us. Please join me in voting for Bill Ward for Port Commissioner. John Wagoner, Washougal Bill Ward is the smart choice Not too many years ago, the Port of Camas-Washougal was the laughingstock of Clark County politics, and for good reason. Their Riverwalk scandal became a painful lesson in how government should not conduct business. My, how times have changed. Thanks to the current team of commissioners, the Port has made remarkable progress over the last couple years. Their zoning actions will help ensure the preservation of Marina Park. They are maintaining Grove Field's operations without the needless spending of our tax dollars. And, most importantly, they've lead an unprecedented partnership with the cities of Camas and Washougal to bolster local job growth. As one of those Commissioners, Bill Ward has been an integral part of this success. His emphasis on transparent government has restored trust and efficiency to the Port's business. Bill and his fellow commissioners can take credit for a remarkable and welcome turnaround in the Port's conduct. Simply put, the easiest decision you'll have on Election Day is the re-election of Bill Ward to Port Commissioner. Steve Carroll, Washougal

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