Letters to the Editor for Aug. 1, 2019

Thankful for Port commissioner's legacy Last week's Post-Record article reporting the passing of former Port of Camas-Washougal commissioner Bill Macrae-Smith tells much of the man and his accomplishments. He was my friend, too, and I will miss him as well. When I think of Bill, I think of kindness, thoughtfulness and honor. He was the truest kind of friend, and a tireless worker on behalf of the community. But the article understates Bill's contribution. It's hard to believe that just 12 years ago our Port was in real trouble. An ill-advised proposal for waterfront development included removing the historic park and marina park. The Port lost the public's support, and their agreement with a developer ended up costing over $1 million in legal fees and other costs. Into this atmosphere Bill Ward was elected to the three-member Port Commission. Two years later, Mark Lampton and Bill Macrae-Smith were elected to join him. The transformation from the "old Port" to the "new Port" was almost instantaneous. At the first meeting that these three men sat together as commissioners, permanent protection was given to the historic park and marina park. Since then, the Port's accomplishments have been many. They gave us the Washougal Waterfront Park and Trail, with the recently added children's natural play area. Planning is underway for development at the waterfront that will be a true asset to the community. The Steigerwald Commerce Center has added many businesses and jobs. The Port is recognized as a leader in the region. We all owe the "new Port" to Bill Ward, Mark Lampton and Bill Macrae-Smith. Today's Port is their legacy. Richard Hamby, Washougal Prohibit military grade AK-47 style weapons An eyewitness to the nation's most recent mass shooting at a garlic festival in Gilroy, California, said: "I could see the gunman shooting in just every direction. He wasn't aiming at anyone specifically. It was just left to right, right to left." The shooter wore combat garb and used a rapid-fire AK-47 style rifle purchased legally in Nevada. I ask Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler this question: Will you offer more condolences or real nationwide gun reform this time around? Ellen Sward, Vancouver Vote 'yes' on ECFR levy lid lift Do you believe in health insurance? We all do. It can save your life. Your vote for the East County Fire and Emergency District levy is the best and lowest cost health insurance you will ever buy. That's how important a yes vote is for fire protection and emergency medical services. Why do I feel so strongly? Because as a retired Commissioner of the State Traffic and Safety Commission, I have seen the difference these services make. If you are injured, and call 911, you want an immediate response. Studies show how critical emergency medical is to survival. Seconds count. Emergency Medical Technicians provide "triage": pre-hospital care such as IV fluid administration, fracture stabilization and bleeding control. They reduce the number of fatalities. East County Fire and Emergency District has not had an increase for the past 11 years. A "yes" vote is the cheapest health insurance policy you will ever buy. And it might just save your life. Liz Luce, Vancouver

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