The statistics in today's front page article that takes a look into how one woman has worked to combat the sex trade in the United States are enough to make your head spin in absolute disbelief. The article recounts a visit to Camas by Linda Smith, a former congresswoman who founded Shared Hope International, and the War Against Trafficking Alliance to coordinate regional and international efforts to combat sex trafficking.
When it comes to the concept of government working efficiently for the people, very often the first reaction from a citizen and taxpayer is one of skepticism. Too often citizens have seen their government bodies, well meaning as they may be, talk of big plans but then end up only spinning their wheels as they attempt to get even the smallest task accomplished.
Sometimes it takes a single tragic event to realize that changes and improvements should be made. This is the case with the recent death of 22-year-old Camas resident Sami Nesta-Serrano. Although the exact cause has yet to be determined, BNSF Railway officials have surmised that he was likely hit by an oncoming train late Saturday or early Sunday as he stood near or attempted to cross the tracks located at Southeast Sixth Avenue and Franklin Street.
When the new Doc Harris Stadium is officially unveiled to the community on Friday, it will be almost exactly 40 years to the day since an equally important event occurred in local history -- in that very same spot. It was on Sept. 18, 1970, that the stadium was officially named the "Dr. Arthur K. Harris Stadium," to honor the local doctor's significant contributions to high school athletics, and his incredible capacity to give back to the community he loved very much.
Step into the Inter-Faith Treasure House in Washougal, and you'll see people hard at work. They're sorting clothes, putting food on the shelves, arranging donations, answering phone calls, and helping thrift store customers. Every person has a job to do, and they do it well, efficiently and with enthusiasm. And, amazingly enough, the people staffing the facility are doing all of this for absolutely no monetary compesation. They do it because they want to help the community, and filling their time doing worthy, meaningful work has its own rewards as well.
letters to the editor
It's something no woman wants to think is even possible. The prospect of getting breast cancer is terrifying, but unfortunately very real. This year, 207,090 cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the United States. Of those, 39,840 will die.
OK, I know it's hard to find much to complain about life in Camas and Washougal. The streets are clean, the trees are green and our citizens are as polite and friendly as they come. But why, oh why, are we, in Camas and Washougal always so completely and unconditionally satisfied with the way our city governments, our school districts and port district spend our tax dollars? Why don't most of us ever show up at city council, school board or port meetings to express an occasional disagreement with an issue at hand, or ever run for a seat on these boards and commissions?
Another Primary Election has come and gone, and this time around there were only a few surprises when it came to the results. While the Washougal Emergency Medical Services levy grabbed a whopping 74 percent of the vote, the most notable local surprise was the other local levy vote. Despite a poor economy, the majority of voters voiced favor for the Fort Vancouver Regional Library levy lid lift, stating they would like to see their local libraries improve by offering additional hours and more books.
Another Election Day will soon arrive, and with it a slough of candidates who are hoping voters will check the box next to his or her name on the ballot, and government agencies looking for votes of support on local levies.
