The opportunity is now

The call has been put out by local cities and a school district that are in need of citizen volunteers to immediately fill council, commission and board seats. Camas-Washougal residents who get involved in these local groups truly have the opportunity to have direct impacts on a wide variety of issues that affect their communities. In addition, getting involved presents a chance to have a greater understanding of how local governments really work. Right now, there are four local positions available by appointment. Last week, the Washougal City Council received a bit of a surprise when Caryn Plinski, who is in the middle of her first term in office, announced she would resign her seat as of May 31. She and her family will be moving outside of city limits. The Washougal City Council has shown itself to be a unique government body that has tackled a wide range of issues over the years. Many of its members are known for not shying away from discussing even the most controversial of topics. And as the city of Washougal continues to grow and change, these characteristics aren't likely to change. Applications for the position No. 2 seat, due by June 18, are available at www.cityofwashougal.us. The Washougal School District has been searching for a person to fill the vacancy on its school board for a couple of months, and so far has received limited interest. The District 1 position was previously held by Jocelyn Lindsay, who moved out of the district. The Washougal School District, led by Superintendent Dawn Tarzian, is at a particularly critical stage as the School Board works to respond to increasing enrollment numbers, implement new programs as a result of its recently passed levies and plan facilities for the future. For more information, visit www.washougal.k12.wa.us. In Camas, the City Council recently formed a Parking Advisory Commission and a Salary Commission. A dozen people are needed to fill the seats in both of these groups. The seven-member Parking Advisory Commission was created to help address some of the parking issues facing the city, specifically in the downtown business district. The five members of the Salary Commission will have the opportunity to decide whether the City Council and mayor are paid adequate salaries for their work for the city, and make adjustments if deemed necessary. Applications for both commissions, available at www.cityofcamas.us/index.php/documentcenter, are due by Friday at 5 p.m. For those who have ever wondered what it would be like to serve the community in these unique ways, the opportunity to get involved is now.

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