City Council candidates eye economic development

Both candidates for the Washougal City Council Position 4 seat have an interest in economic development. Joyce Lindsay, the incumbent, is being challenged by Jason Dodge, a Washougal planning commissioner, in the Nov. 3 general election. Lindsay, 76, would like to see apartments and a grocery store in downtown Washougal. "You can live in downtown Camas without a car," she said. "You can go to see movies and restaurants. "In Washougal, you could not fulfill all your needs without driving," Lindsay added.Dodge, 39, said city leaders need to actively seek businesses that share the same vision of Washougal that the majority does. "They are not here to just run a business," he said. "Make them not only feel wanted, but involved in the community." Dodge said business owners can get involved in the Downtown Washougal Association, sponsor local youth sports teams and participate in the lighted Christmas parade. "The downtown core still has a lot of growth potential," he said. "Taxes and fees need to be kept low, so the businesses can be successful. "I'd love to see some more restaurants to give people some options, with some shops alongside there, so you can browse a store after you eat -- make a date of it," Dodge added. He appreciates the good food served at the local breweries, but he would like to see the addition of affordable family dining options. "That type of growth is essential for community building and identity, and they employ people and bring people downtown," Dodge said. Lindsay is hopeful a new location for a larger Washougal Community Library will be determined soon. "I see a big library with community rooms and community space," she said. "I think that will make a big difference downtown. We don't have a community center really." Lindsay said she has received good training, including sessions provided by the Association of Washington Cities, during her four years on City Council. "It's important I use that information and serve again," she said. "There's a lot to learn. The budget is our main responsibility -- learning and understanding the budget. It's complicated. It takes time." Dodge said he would bring an energy and excitement to the city council. "I have a passion for small town living," he said. "I'd like to see our small town grow, but it should be smart growth with fiscally sound spending. "I'd love to see Washougal grow a little bit, but not blow a budget at the expense of just saying we want to grow or change," Dodge added. He would like to see some money invested in parks improvements, so that fields can accommodate soccer, baseball and lacrosse. "It gives people the opportunities to use the same resources," Dodge said. He is a consultant for The Intelitech Group, an analytics company in Camas. Dodge has more than 15 years of management experience. In addition to serving on the board of the Sunset Ridge homeowners association, he is a youth softball and basketball coach, Boy Scout leader and Sunday school teacher.Lindsay previously owned and operated a wine and beer making supply shop in Woodinville, Washington, and Lindsay's Flowers, in Camas. She was also a fundraisinig consultant for more than 24 years in Seattle. Lindsay is a member of the Camas-Washougal Rotary Club, the Columbia Gorge Women's Association and the Friends of the Washougal Community Library. She is also a member of the Washougal Arts and Cultural Alliance. Lindsay spearheaded the efforts to collect financial contributions of approximately $7,400 and have Heather Soderberg-Greene cast a life-size bronze of Seaman, the Newfoundland that accompanied Lewis and Clark on their journey from St. Louis to the Pacific Ocean and back. "Raising money for the dog has been one of the funnest things in my life," she said. "It's art in the community. Kids are on it, getting their picture taken. It's a nice historical piece to have in our city." Lindsay has served on the Clark County Community Action Advisory Board and the Port of Camas-Washougal heritage trail committee. Dodge said he supports the concept of smaller government. "Government is essential and necessary, but it should not be intrusive," he said. "I'd like to see council be the least amount intrusive into our lives."We need to be friendly to each other," Dodge added. "I can work with others." Lindsay described herself as a "thoughtful and deliberate member of the council." "I try to approach each issue on its own merits as it is," she said. "I try to take each issue separately and how it would affect the people who live here. Everything we do affects the citizens, and we're spending their money. It is a very serious and important responsibility."

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