Letters to the Editor: Feb. 20, 2025

In support of light rail on I-5 Bridge Recently, an article was published in the Camas-Washougal Post-Record titled, “Camas opposes light rail on I-5 Bridge.” I am disappointed that our council unanimously declared opposition to the project and wanted to be clear that this Camas resident wholeheartedly supports light rail on the I-5 Bridge. This Camas resident understands that every person on the train is a car taken off the road, making transportation more efficient for those that do decide to drive. The only way to improve car traffic is to provide reasonable alternatives to driving. This Camas resident sees transportation spending as an investment. This kind of spending “will yield a 2 to 1 return while helping to generate income for local businesses, its workers and their neighborhoods,” according to the American Public Transportation Association. This Camas resident supports sustainable transportation at a time when our climate decisions are crucial for the future health of our planet. Almost a third of U.S. CO2 emissions come from motor vehicles, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, and we won’t be able to reduce these emissions without investments like this light rail project. This Camas resident supports the freedom to not have to own and maintain a motor vehicle, especially in an era of skyrocketing costs of living, and knows that getting Washingtonians into Portland for work on light rail is crucial for making that possible. This Camas resident recognizes that an unseen 40 percent of disabled people are unable to drive (Streetsblog), and that these people deserve dignified transportation options, too. This Camas resident is dismayed that pedestrian deaths are at a 40 year high in the U.S. (NPR) and that automobile crashes are responsible for one-third of all adolescent deaths in our country (CDC). We need to invest in modes of transportation that make us safer. This Camas resident agrees with the majority of residents surveyed — 57 percent of Clark County excluding Vancouver and 69 percent in Vancouver, according to The Post-Record article — that also support light rail on this bridge. Let’s support the plan preferred by the vast majority of residents and planners and bring our area the transportation options we want and need. In short, this Camas resident, and many more, supports the development of light rail on the I-5 Bridge. Tyler Sanders, Camas Reader ‘thoroughly entertained’ by Camas High School concerts I would like to express my appreciation for the music program at Camas High School. I have had the pleasure of attending two high school concerts recently. My husband and I were left amazed at such professional performances. The students were serious musicians who were enjoying what they were doing. Mr. Mancini made excellent choices in music. We were thoroughly entertained. There was music from the concert band, symphony band, jazz band and wind ensemble. It was delightful music that blew us away. Entry is free and open to the public. Don't miss out — support our students by attending in the future. Mirta Spencer, Stevenson

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