Coalition of interested citizens forming - Clark County

Written by: John Howes on May 3, 2007 5:54 PM EDT

PLEASE FORWARD TO OTHERS WHO MAY BE INTERESTED IN ATTENDING AN EXPLORATORY MEETING.

For many years concerned citizens have attempted, without success, to communicate to their local government -- appearing before city council meetings, county commissioners by telephone, letters, emails, referendums and petitions.

The concern of citizens has been the on-going increases in taxes in all categories. Also, the never-ending pet projects for a few entrepreneurs desiring public guarantees – such as Esther Short Park, Hilton Hotel, Mayor Pollard’s land bridge, Vancouver Port Authority development and parking garages, to name a few.

On all of these issues, citizens have requested input and/or a vote. The response from local officials has been outrageous in disrespect. The answer is usually, "you elected us, and we can do what we want; or, you are nay-sayers and don’t have the vision we do".

Our system of government is only effective when citizens are involved. It is absolutely imperative that citizens can petition their government.

It has become obvious that our City and County governments prefer to communicate with entities like Identity Clark County, Inter-Act, Chamber of Commerce, Columbia River Economic Council and other special interest groups. These organized groups garner the respect of our local governments and are influential. A perusal of the leadership of these entities reveals that many are leaders in all the organized groups. In other words, these entities including our local governments are organized against us.

Consequently, in our search to more effectively communcate with our local government, we intend to organize a coalition of interested citizens. To this end, you are invited to attend/participate at a citizens’meeting.

If you are interested in attending such a meeting, please e-mail or phone one of the following persons. You will then be notified of date, time and place of an initial meeting.

Stephanie Turlay

883-1361

email: bsturlay@comcast.net

Fran Rutherford

896-2283

email:ivanrus@comcast.net

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Location: Vancouver, WA 98686