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EVENTS WILL HONOR VETERANS

Fighter jets will soar over Woodland

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Veterans will be honored this week at the following events which are open to all citizens.

Wednesday, Nov. 10

Assembly, 9:30 a.m. at La Center Middle School gymnasium, 700 E. 4th St., La Center, with band and choir selections and an original video presentation about veterans. 263-3136.

Assembly, 2 p.m., La Center High School gymnasium, 725 Highland Rd., La Center, honor guard, patriotic music and showing of original video production, A Tribute to Veterans' Sacrifices. Guest speaker is Vietnam special forces veteran Richard Jenkins. 263-1700.

Thursday, Nov. 11

Evergreen Aviation Museum on Hwy. 18 at McMinnville, OR, remembrance at 11 a.m. of Vietnam era disaster aboard the USS Forestal. Tours 9 a.m.-5 p.m., $6 admission for veterans, troops on active duty and family members. (503) 434-4180.

Haircuts to benefit troops wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at Hockinson Hair for All, 18105 SE 159th St., Brush Prairie. Minimum donations $5 for haircuts will go to Wounded Warriors Backpack Project, buying comfort items for casualties at Walter Reed Army Hospital and other medical centers. 256-7654.

Woodland Veteran's Memorial service, 100 Davidson Ave., Woodland, starts at 11 a.m. with salutes to veterans, flyovers by fighter jets from Oregon Air National Guard, presentation of colors, U.S. Marines and singer Brandy Lyn. (360) 225-0311.

American Legion Post 14, 4607 NE St. James Rd., Vancouver, sponsoring free soup and sandwich lunches for veterans starting 11 a.m. Veterans will show identification, such as American Legion, VFW, DAV or AMVETS membership card. Active duty or National Guard members welcome. Lunches for non-veteran guests $3.

735-4982.

Saturday, Nov. 13

Community Celebration Honoring Veterans in Amboy, Sat., Nov. 13, at Mt. Valley Grange, 40107 NE 221st Ave. North Clark County Museum fundraising dessert, 5:30-6:30 p.m. in basement, $3 adults, $1.50 for 12 and under. Singer/guitarist Wayne Hoffman in concert at 6:30 p.m., followed at 7 p.m. by guest speaker Eugene VanValkenburg, former chief communications officer on Air Force I.

263-4429.

DISTRICT 17 OPTS FOR EXPERIENCE

Voters choose veteran lawmakers

Bill Myers, staff reporter

District 17 voters elected experienced lawmakers Nov. 2, showing less preference for candidates lacking Olympia scars.

Voters reelected Republican senator Don Benton and Democrat representative Deb Wallace for new terms.

Voters also returned a former state representative to the House in Republican Jim Dunn as position 1 representative.

Benton, reelected for a third term, said it pleased him to see voters appreciate his work and accomplishments. "The voters didn't fall for negative campaigning," he added.

Benton said he was appalled by campaign materials mailed this year by democrats. "The depths to which they will stoop to steal a vote is mind-boggling," he said.

Paul Waadevig, who challenged Benton, said he was outspent 10 to 1. Waadevig said democrats needed a big push but didn't get it in Clark County where a majority voted for a Republican candidate for governor. Waadevig said he may run again, but right now wants to devote more time to his career as a consultant.

"I feel good," said Jim Dunn. Dunn said the campaign went well, except for a last minute "hit piece" that distorted his record.

First elected to the state House in 1996, Dunn was defeated by Deb Wallace in 2002. He said his top priority is to cut government spending and taxes so Clark County families will keep more of their hard-earned money.

"Congratulations to Jim Dunn," said Pat Campbell, Dunn's opponent. "I wish him the best."

Campbell said he and Dunn took the high road during the campaign. He said he regretted one late item mailed from House Democratic campaign headquarters that he never saw before it was mailed.

Recently retired, Campbell said he isn't sure if he will run again. "A lot can happen in two years," he said.

Wallace, first elected in 2002, said it "feels great" to be recognized by voters for hard work on transportation projects like the intersection at NE 112th Ave. and SR-500.

Wallace said she urged passage of the "nickel" transportation-funding gas tax. She said she set performance standards for the Department of Transportation and wants to use the same approach with other departments.

"It was a good campaign," said Wallace. She said her opponent wrongly accused her of supporting gay marriages.

Wallace said she spent about $180,000 on the race compared to about $25,000 for her opponent, Roy Rhine.

Rhine could not be reached for comment.

WASHINGTON STATE WILL KEEP RESEARCH CENTER

A plan to move Washington State University's research station from its 78th St. location in Hazel Dell to the Vancouver campus of the University has been dropped.

A memorandum of understanding between the University and Clark County to turn over the 79 acres to the county has been cancelled, said Bill Barron, county administrator.

The agreement stipulated that if the county were to sell the acreage, the proceeds would be divided between the University and the county. The University would have used its share to pay the cost of relocating the research station.

"The public sentiment was to keep the land for public use," Barron said.

A community meeting held in October by the county drew nearly 100 people.

"We'll keep everything the way it is," said Lynn Valenter, the University's director of finance and operations.

"We needed about $5 million. That would be our cost to relocate," Valenter said.

The research station sits on property that once housed the county's poor farm. Barron said the county gave the land to the University for agricultural research in 1949 with the provision that if agricultural research ended, the property would revert to county ownership.

Barron indicated that the property might not sell for enough to raise $5 million for the University.

The property is zoned residential, but part of the land is steeply sloped and there is a small wetland in one corner, said Barron. The county had looked at several development options, including a business park.

The University has been researching organic farming methods for a number of vegetables and fruits. Research on raspberries and strawberries is also ongoing.

"We're doing only crop research," Valenter said. "No animal research."

The inability to move is not expected to affect the university's crop research program.

"It's more of a lost opportunity; we lost the ability to move to the main campus," Valenter said.

MARINE VET RECALLS PACIFIC JUNGLES

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Once a Marine, always a Marine.

Like all U.S. Marine Corps veterans, Orchards resident Sherrill Parson keeps a "Semper Fidelis" credo alive in his spirit.

Parson, with thousands of fellow leathernecks during World War II, helped build Corps traditions at Guadalcanal and Bougainville. For good measure, he capped a Pacific islands combat tour in Okinawa.

Born and raised in North Carolina, Parson enlisted in the Marines on Sept. 9, 1942. World War II was on and Marines were badly needed to reverse Japanese successes in the South Pacific. Parson was bussed to Camp Lejeune, NC for a 12-week boot camp.

"We ran obstacle courses, shot for hours on rifle ranges and trained with bayonets," said Parson.

When boot camp ended, Parson and other new Marines were shipped to American Samoa in the South Pacific for more training.

In early 1943, before Japanese air raids and sniper attacks ended, Parson arrived at Guadalcanal. A rifleman with a sharpshooter's badge, he was assigned to the Third Marine Regiment of the 3rd Marine Division.

By mid-1943, as bombings and sniping ended on Guadalcanal, the Third Marines didn't relax. They found themselves in rigorous, intensified training.

Something was up. But no one, least of all a private riflemen like him, knew what. In late October, the Third Marines boarded a troop ship and put to sea.

On November 1, with Parson in the first wave, the Third Marines landed under fire on the beaches of Empress Augusta Bay on the island of Bougainville.

"Our Higgins boat was so crowded we didn't have room to duck until some guys got hit," said Parson.

Defending Japanese troops covered the beach with artillery, mortar and machine gun fire, said Parson. More than 50 percent of Marines in the first wave, and all but a handful of men in Parson's platoon, were killed or wounded, he said.

Parson said he still has memories of nights in foxholes on Bougainville.

"I always had my hand on my dagger," he said.

Nights in the jungle were pitch black and Marines slept with one eye open, wary that an enemy soldier might creep up with a bayonet or hand grenade.

Parson and his fellow Marines were relieved in January 1944 by U.S. Army troops and shipped back to Guadalcanal.

A jungle illness soon brought Parson home. While recovering at Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland, he married his late wife, Grace. They had three children and shared 50 years together.

Parson recovered in early 1945. Still a rifleman, he boarded a ship, once again bound for a far-away Pacific Island.

In April 1945, he landed with replacements on Okinawa and joined Marines who still met stubborn resistance.

U.S. casualties at Okinawa hit a high for Pacific island battles, with 12,000 soldiers, sailors and marines killed and 38,000 wounded. The Japanese lost 107,000 men.

When the shooting stopped, Parson, then a private first class, was shipped with other Marines to Tiensen, China. American forces were preparing to invade the Japanese mainland.

Two atomic bombs ended the war with Japan. Parson returned to the United States. and was discharged in 1946.

Parson worked for Standard Oil of Indiana for 12 years. For more than 30 years, he worked as a construction electrician.

Parson, 81 and retired, is typical of veterans who survived bloody combat experiences. He doesn't brag or wave medals about. "I'm no hero," he said.

The Third Marine Regiment, now known simply as the "Third Marines," won a Navy Unit Commendation at Bougainville "for outstanding heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces..."

A commendation letter signed by the Secretary of the Navy after the bloody campaign describes the Third Marines as gallant men who braved fire from pillboxes, bunkers, trenches and foxholes and destroyed an enemy division.

An American flag hangs from Parson's home. In a separate bracket nearby, a dark green semaphore embroidered with globe and anchor signals, "Once a Marine, always a Marine."

AIRLINE JACKET FOUND IN LA CENTER TREE

Airline official says jacket didn't fall from airliner

Bill Myers, staff reporter

A homeowner about five miles southeast of La Center fo;und an inflatable life preserver hanging in a tree.

The life preserver bears United Airlines markings.

Bonnie Anderson said her husband, Keith, found the bright, "like new," yellow life jacket 18 feet up in a tree about 300 feet from their home.

United Airlines spokesman Jeff Green told the Andersons that the jacket could not have fallen from a United plane because doors and windows are not opened while planes are in flight. He said the jacket may have been stolen from the airline and dropped by a private aircraft.

Gas cylinders on the jacket were used, but the jacket can still be inflated by blowing into tubes. The Andersons will keep it as a souvenir from the sky.

CHUCK ANDERSON ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Targets June 30, 2005 as last day

La Center School District superintendent Chuck Anderson announced Oct. 26 that he will retire effective June 30, 2005.

Anderson, a graduate of Washington State University, began a career in education as an elementary school teacher at Chief Umtuch Elementary School in Battle Ground 32 years ago.

After teaching for nine years, Anderson accepted his first administrative position as an elementary school principal in the Raymond School District. He returned to the Battle Ground district in 1982 to accept a principal position.

In 1989, Anderson became superintendent of the Kalama School District. He accepted the superintendent position at La Center in July 1997.

Anderson is married and lives with his wife, Morrine, in La Center. They have three grown children.

Anderson said he would like to stay in La Center and somehow continue to work, even if part-time, in the field of education. "This is my life's passion," he said.

The La Center School District Board of Directors will determine time lines for finding Anderson's replacement.

BOLDT WINS SPOT AS COUNTY COMMISSIONER

Republican state legislator Marc Boldt has won a decisive victory over Vancouver city council member Jeanne Harris, a Democrat, in the race for Clark County commissioner. The commissioner contest between Republican Tom Mielke and incumbent Democrat Betty Sue Morris remained close as votes were counted last week.

"It's close, but I think I'll win," Morris said. "I think we'll know within the next couple of days."

Mielke was also optimistic as he had received more than 49 percent of the vote. Mielke estimated that he would need "11 of every 20 votes" to win.

"I think we ran a very clean campaign in our race," said Mielke. "I just wish I'd had more of a chance to talk about the issues, but I'm basically satisfied with the campaign."

Morris's campaign spending doubled the amount spent by Mielke. She spent $97,000 to Mielke's $46,000.

Morris said she was not surprised by the close election.

"I had people saying it would be a landslide, but I said, 'No. It will be a close, narrow margin,'" she said.

Boldt, a Republican who spent $70,000 on his campaign, defeated Democrat Harris 53 percent to 47 percent.

Boldt said he believes his opinion on growth issues was a major factor in his victory.

"I think for the north and east county, I had a little better growth stance than Mrs. Harris did," he said. "I knew I'd have to win big in the north and east county."

Harris, whose council term will end next year, said she has not decided whether to seek re-election to the city position.

"I need to focus on my professional life," she said. "I took nine months off to campaign."

Harris is an insurance agent with Farmers Insurance.

Harris said she was not really shocked about the outcome.

"I've learned over the years not to get too excited until you see the numbers," she said. "Mark has won five legislative terms in a row. He has a strong legislative following.

"I knew it would be difficult, but I had hoped for more."

Harris said that Boldt will be a "good commissioner." She said she spent about $15,000 on the general election campaign.

Boldt, a truck driver, said his first concern as a commissioner will be to consider the recent comprehensive plan amendments passed by the county.

"I'm trying to figure out the growth plan," he said. "There will be at least two of us who will want to revisit the plan. I'm trying to figure out if it can come back to the commissioners without costing much money."

If the plan amendment is appealed, a hearings officer or the court could require the county to reconsider certain portions of the plan. The plan is reviewed every five years.

Commissioner Morris said the next major task facing the county is the creation of an economic development plan.

BG RESIDENTS CAN EXPECT HIGHER WATER/SEWER BILL

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

"Pay now or pay later," Battle Ground finance director David Reeves told council members at a Nov. 1 meeting.

Reeves' comment referred to maintenance on a car--costs don't go away, and in fact may rise, if routine fixes aren't done.

That is likely the reasoning behind the council's unanimous vote to increase citizen's combined water and sewer bills by 1.7 percent in 2005.

On average, a current household charge is $55.14. The proposed 2005 increase would bring the bill to $56.06.

The drainage charge will rise 5 percent from $3.95 per month to $4.15. Reeves said the increase is needed to meet increasing demands of a growing city.

There are undefined costs for a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit and meeting the permit's requirements, and maintenance expenses, he said.

Reeves recommends council members consider raising the rate every year to manage the system, at a rate to be determined.

If the fund was not increased, the city would have overspent by $147,000, Reeves said, just to keep up.

In the same way, the water fund would be overspent in 2005 by $121,000 if a 5 percent increase was not okayed by council.

The average charge will rise from $15.25 to $16.05 for residents.

The water fund is the utility that is most challenged by growth, Reeves said.

At the beginning of 2004, there were just over 11,000 residents. The current tally is close to 14,500.

Similar to drainage charges, fees will be used for maintenance on the system, water line replacement and painting the steel tank on the water reservoir.

The sewer part of the bill is more complex, Reeves said.

On current monthly bills, there are charges for both city services and a Clark County fee.

In future bills, the two will be combined to reflect a single sewer service charge, he said.

The city has an agreement with the county's Salmon Creek Wastewater Treatment plant and Hazel Dell Sewer District for services, hence the charge.

Battle Ground waste is pumped from the city and processed at the Salmon Creek plant through a partnership with the Hazel Dell District.

The county portion of the charge will actually be lowered from $10.74 to $8.12 in 2005 because the phase III treatment plant expansion debt was paid off, and administrative services from Hazel Dell are no longer needed.

However, Battle Ground system charges will go up from an average monthly bill of $21.52 to $23.02 because increased lagoon costs are "pretty dramatic," Reeves said. There is an estimated $2 million in fixes to the sewer lagoon on S Grace Ave., Reeves said.

State Department of Ecology officials are requiring the city to line the lagoon which holds serves as a holding area for seweage before it is pumped to the Salmon Creek treatment plant.

There is currently an earthen barrier in the lagoon, said Ecology spokesperson Sandy Howard. But an impermeable lining is needed to protect ground water and aquifers.

In addition, a ground water investigation was ordered by Ecology to see if wastewater is seeping into ground water, Howard and Reeves said.

City staff is also seeking to cover and enclose the lagoon to keep out stormwater and prevent overflow, said Rob Charles, a city engineer.

Howard said Ecology is not requiring the enclosure.

Sewer expenses also include a pump station upgrade, changing another pump station to gravity flow, public works building improvements, and costs to move a Battle Ground-owned 9-mile pressure main under a bridge in the I-5 corridor due to a road project in the area. Reeves said the move and installation of a parallel line will be about $85,000.

Combining the county's decrease in rates with the city's increase, the sewer charge is $31.14.

As of January, citizens will see one charge each for water, sewer, drainage and tax.

By combining sewer rates, taxes go up 81 cents per month, Reeves said. That revenue will be transferred to the street fund to support the city's street overlay program.

"I do feel comfortable with this," said mayor John Idsinga. "We have facilities that need attention."

City manager Eric Holmes noted that these rate adjustments "presume a series of increases in system development charges, impact fees and other fees to reflect growth," and that developers are carrying their fair share.

RIDGEFIELD TAX LEVY LOSES

The general election failure of a Ridgefield city tax levy came as no surprise.

Even before the Nov. 2 election, Mayor Gladys Doriot said that the increase was not necessary.

The Ridgefield City Council originally proposed the levy increase last June when it appeared that voters might face a tax limitation initiative. The initiative was not approved for the ballot, but the city did not remove its request.

The new levy would have raised the property tax rate from $1.45 per $1,000 of assessed value to $1.60. It was failing at the polls with a 72 percent no vote.

There was almost no publicity and no promotion of the measure before the election.

BG MANAGER GIVEN NOTABLE AWARD

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Battle Ground city manager Eric Holmes has been named one of the top 40 leaders under 40 years old in Clark County.

A sold-out ceremony to honor him and others will be held at the Heathman Lodge in Vancouver Nov. 11, hosted by the Vancouver Business Journal and Leadership Clark County.

"This program recognizes Southwest Washington's young accomplished leaders," said John McDonagh, publisher of the Journal. "It shines a light on a group of individuals who care deeply about others and their community."

Holmes, 35, was nominated by Battle Ground mayor John Idsinga for the Accomplished under 40 award.

"Eric is respected so highly by everyone he interacts with, that he has brought a level of credibility to our city not previously experienced," Idsinga wrote.

Holmes was hired in 1997 as the planning director. He was instrumental in developing the Legacy Standards design for development projects, which Idsinga said has made the city a showcase for other communities.

During that time, Holmes also built a planning department that would handle the challenges of a community growing about 12 percent annually since 1990, Idsinga said.

"Personally, I enjoyed watching Eric grow in the position of planning director as a very innovative person with great ideas to better the future of all the citizens of Battle Ground," Idsinga said.

In February 2002, Holmes became the city manager after former manager Dave Mercier resigned in December 2001.

Idsinga said Holmes has continued to improve his management skills and the quality of the community.

Some challenges Holmes faced were expanding the sewer plant, adding a 2 million gallon reservoir for city water along with new wells, and purchasing the new 31,110 square-foot city hall building, Idsinga said.

Holmes has "graciously led the community through this time of enormous growth with an open mind and clear communication," Idsinga said. "Leading by example and honoring the diversity in our community and staff have brought positive results that everyone can see and enjoy."

PHS BOOSTER AUCTION BRINGS IN CASH AGAIN

An evening of fun and fundraising at Prairie High School Oct. 30 netted some $37,500 as the 11th annual Booster Club auction went off without a hitch, said Club president Kevin Murray.

The amount was down slightly from last year's record high of $42,000. All of the proceeds benefit student clubs, organizations and sports at Prairie.

This year's event featured music by the school choir, an honor guard presentation by Prairie's Air Force JROTC, a gymnasium decorated in patriotic colors, and a barbecue dinner catered by Buster's BBQ Restaurant.

Area business people, politicians, community leaders and residents attended the gala.

One highlight of the evening was when Prairie athletic director Lee Bradford was honored for 30 years of exemplary service. Bradford was crowned "Mr. Prairie," complete with crown, scepter and cape.

The evening ended with a sneak preview of the school district's play Honk!

This year's auction consisted of more than 450 silent and 60 live auction items.

Murray commended the area business community for its continued generosity.

Over the years, more than 34 student groups have received money from the event. The fundraiser has raised about $338,000 since its inception in 1994.

AMBOY FIRE LOSES SECOND BID FOR ENGINES

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

In the Sept. 14 primary, only four votes stood between Amboy Fire District 10 commissioners' request for two replacement fire engines.

It appeared citizens said a weak "no" at that time, so the commissioners ramped up public meetings and sent fliers to educate the community about the levy request. They gave it another shot on the Nov. 2 ballot.

But in that election, there were 129 more "no" votes than "yes."

"Obviously, we're disappointed," said fire captain Gordon Brooks. "We don't have a clue what happened. We listened to people express their concerns, we thought we'd addressed those issues. We really thought we'd do well."

The levy would have lifted the total property tax rate for fire district funding to $1.10 per $1,000 assessed valuation of property beginning in April 2005.

It would have been an increase from the current rate of $50 per year on a $200,000 home to $220. The measure would have brought in about $125,000 annually to District coffers.

The money would have been used to buy two newer, more reliable and safer pumper trucks that would have cost about $320,000, Brooks said. That would have allowed putting two, aging, 1972 pumper trucks that get about 2 miles per gallon of gasoline, into surplus.

Funds would also have been used to pay for living quarters for two to four firefighters at the Amboy and View stations, he said.

There are no plans to buy those engines or fund those improvements now that the levy failed, Brooks said.

"The funding is just not there, it's not in the budget," he said.

Brooks is not sure when the District board of commissioners will decide to try again. A special election in February is feasible, but there is the chance that the District would have to carry the cost of that election alone if no one else has anything they want on the ballot.

Next steps include reaching out to those who voted "no," finding out why and addressing those issues, said Brooks.

"We'll do the best we can and serve with what we have," Brooks said. "We'll cover our calls and that sort of thing."

CONSERVATIVES KEEP 18TH DISTRICT

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

The Republican bastion that is the 18th Legislative District remains in the hands of conservatives, despite the loss of representative Tom Mielke.

Mielke gambled and lost in a bid against incumbent Betty Sue Morris for Clark County commissioner. His challenge to her opened up his seat in the state house, which went to newcomer Richard Curtis, a Republican.

Curtis, a La Center city council member, faced off with newcomer Democrat Pam Brokaw for Mielke's vacated seat.

In the general election, Curtis handily won the spot by 5,881 votes in an unofficial count.

Curtis said he likely won because of his stance on no new taxes and conservative views on social issues, on which he and Brokaw differed. However, the opponents conducted a clean campaign, Curtis said, so he feels good about his win.

Brokaw and Curtis agreed to keep the campaign clean, he said.

"She earned my respect," he said. "She ran a good campaign. We just differed on social issues."

Curtis also attributes his win to his volunteer team, which met weekly and worked hard.

About $127,000 was spent on his campaign including signs, newspaper advertising and flyers. "Not much" is left, Curtis said.

"We're waiting for the dust to clear," he said.

Zarelli vs. Seabrook

Perhaps the most bitter and expensive campaign was waged by Democrat Dave Seabrook facing off against incumbent Joe Zarelli in the state senate.

Republican Zarelli kept his seat by about 3,800 votes.

Zarelli spent about $325,000 "when all is said and done," he said. "Way too much."

The senator said there is about $6,000 left in his coffers. He wasn't sure how much other group spent on his behalf, but guessed $35,000-$40,000.

Zarelli believes he kept his position because people know him and recognize his hard work for the District.

"They saw through the rhetoric that tried to keep me out of office," he said, referring to mailers sent by Seabrook that Zarelli said were inaccurate accounts of his voting record.

"I feel pretty good considering the nastiness of the campaign," he added.

What's next for Zarelli is waiting to see "who's running what" with a new governor, a Republican caucus, the loss of Mielke and the undecided race between incumbent state senator Don Carlson and Democrat challenger and county commissioner Craig Pridemore.

Zarelli will keep his position on the Ways and Means Committee and join in budget discussions soon, he said.

This was Seabrook's second failed attempt at a position in the 18th District. In 2002, he challenged incumbent Ed Orcutt and lost.

The defeated Seabrook believes the biggest contributing factor to his loss is people's perception about moral values and the party he represents.

"There is a misconception that Republicans have higher moral values than Democrats," he said. "Perhaps the voters didn't see mine. I am a church-going, Christian with strong, moral and spiritual values. It's not true that the only party with morals is Republican."

Although his disappointment stings--Seabrook spoke of wanting to roll up his sleeves and use some innovative ideas--he has no regrets, he said.

"I'm proud of the campaign we ran," he said. "It was very strong. I have no regrets about running or that I wasn't running strong enough."

Seabrook guessed he spent about $250,000 making sure people got his message and wasn't sure about how much is left. He estimated that the state Democratic party spent about $80,000 on his behalf.

Does he plan to try again?

"I have no plans at all of considering any campaign in the near future," he said, adding that as Clark County "moves further to the right," a Democrat doesn't stand much chance to be successful.

Orcutt vs. Beecher

The race between incumbent Republican Ed Orcutt and Democrat Brian Beecher had the widest margin in District races, with 8,424 voters wanting Orcutt to stay in office.

Two years ago, the "yes" for Orcutt was feeble, with just 2,327 votes edging him over Seabrook.

Orcutt believes his firm win this time is because his constituents know him better than they did two years ago.

"I think I'm more knowledgeable about the issues and am able to articulate solutions to problems in the state better," Orcutt said.

In addition, there were more campaign finances available this time around and he was able to meet with more voters, he said.

Orcutt figures he spent about $70,000 campaigning and has $3,000-$4,000 left.

What's next?

"Turning my focus to the reason why people elected me," he said, "doing legislative work with my constituents and various interest groups."

"And," he added with a laugh, "picking up my signs."

On election night, Beecher found himself on the losing end of the campaign, but he took it in stride.

In fact, he proposed to his girlfriend that night in a room full of people in a hotel in Vancouver.

Beecher said Orcutt out-spent him two-to-one. Beecher exhausted his coffers of $30,000, and isn't sure how much is left.

Another reason he lost, he said, is that there was no big push for the presidential race to get voter turnout higher than it was, he said.

"I fought hard, and I'm going to keep at it," Beecher said. "I'm too young to stop now. I will run in the future."

"But what's important to me now," he said, "is working on my family and spending time building my family."

VOTERS TURN DOWN C-TRAN TAX HIKE

SERVICE CUTS ARE SET TO BEGIN IN JANUARY

General election voters turned down a proposed sales tax increase designed to stabilize and improve C-TRAN transit service, leaving the agency to make service cuts starting in January.

The measure failed to gain the needed simply majority with 54 percent voting against the tax hike Nov. 2.

"What this means is that the community will start to see service reductions every quarter, beginning in January 2005," said C-TRAN executive director Lynne Griffith. "The reductions are necessary to balance C-TRAN's budget by January 2006."

"Our goal at this point is to educate our riders on upcoming service changes so they are able to plan appropriately," added Griffith.

Service cuts would be phased in, according to C-TRAN spokesman Scott Patterson, with the first cuts in January 2005, then more cuts in May and September, and final cuts in January 2006.

Under plans developed by the C-TRAN board, commuter service to Battle Ground and downtown Portland will end in January, along with Sunday service and a route to Camas.

Patterson said C-TRAN officials will analyze the election results precinct-by-precinct to identify voting patterns, such as rural versus urban areas, or areas presently served by C-TRAN versus areas not presently served.

"This (vote) is not a statement that transit is not important," said Patterson. "People have an appreciation for the role that public transit plays."

Patterson noted that the C-TRAN measure was one of several tax issues that failed.

When service cuts are fully implemented, C-TRAN employment will decline from 388 people to about 224, said Patterson.

Had the three-tenths of one percent sales tax increase passed, it would have doubled C-TRAN's sales tax revenues from about $13 million to $26 million.

The money would have allowed C-TRAN to continue its 26 fixed routes, eight routes into Portland, and 7-day a week service.

The tax would also have meant an extension of service to about 10:30 p.m. from the present 9:30 p.m., and more weekend runs.

Service to Ridgefield, La Center and Yacolt/Amboy would have been considered, officials said, had the taxed passed.

Reserves used to balance budget

C-TRAN lost about 40 percent of its revenues when the state eliminated the motor vehicle excise tax in 1999. Since then, C-TRAN has used reserves to balance its budget.

The C-TRAN budget for 2004 is about $32.9 million, of which about $5.8 million came from reserves. Another $4.2 million from reserves was budgeted this year for construction projects.

Patterson said the agency had about $72 million in reserves in 1999, a fund that stood at $66 million in December 2003 and $59 million on May 31, 2004.

Revenues from fares

Since 2000, C-TRAN has increased its in-county, adult fare from 60 cents to $1. Total revenues from fares in 2003 were about $3.6 million, or 18 percent of total revenues.

About $1.88 in sales tax revenue is used each time a rider boards a C-TRAN bus.

The fare from Vancouver to Portland is $1.75. Monthly passes are offered at reduced fares.

Public hearing slated

The C-TRAN board of directors will hold a public hearing on service cut options on Tues., Nov. 16, 6 p.m., at the Fisher's Landing Transit Center, 3510 SE 164th Ave., Vancouver.

Following public comments, the board is scheduled to adopt a final plan for service cuts.

The board consists of three Vancouver city council members, all three Clark County commissioners, plus three representatives from smaller cities in Clark County, including Bill Ganley from Battle Ground and Jim Irish from La Center.

Patterson said all five urban transit systems in the state have increased their tax rates following the loss of motor vehicle excise funds. Voters in four jurisdictions approved taxes on the first attempt, while Spokane voters approved the tax on a second ballot, said Patterson.

Patterson said the board would consider whether the money measure would be put before voters a second time.

Information, Scott Patterson, 696-4494.

Skyview High School is located at 1300 NW 139th St., Salmon Creek.

Advance tickets are $15, available at Music World, 717 W Main St., Battle Ground, and 7916 NE 6th Ave., Hazel Dell, and Beacock Music, 1420 SE 163rd Ave., Vancouver. Tickets at the door will be $20.

Information, Cindy, 891-0908.

ROBINSON TO LEAVE COWLITZ UTILITY

Dennis P. "Denny" Robinson has announced his intention to retire as general manager of Cowlitz County Public Utility District.

Robinson as been general manager since December 1998, and will leave Dec. 31, 2004.

"Denny successfully steered the PUD through some of the most difficult years un the utility's history," said Ned Piper, president of the board of commissioners. "He is highly regarded by his peers in the electric industry and greatly respected by the board and his co-workers. He is an outstanding manager and will be missed."

Robinson graduated from Oregon State University and joined the Cowlitz utility in May 1973 with a master's degree in business administration and a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering.

Robinson worked as a commercial engineer, then as assistant commercial manager, conservation manager and power resource engineer. He was promoted to power manager in 1992 and became assistant manager in 1997.

Robinson is completing his tenth year on the Public Power Council Executive Committee which included two years as chairman. He also served on advisory groups and technical committees for other regional utility organizations, including the Public Generating Pool.

Robinson is a member of the Longview Early Edition Rotary Club. He and his wife Jo have two grown children.