Mayor Tim Leavitt

City Council to Review a Procurement Ordinance Update that Streamlines Process and Improves Accountability, Encourages Use of Local Vendors

2010-07-19T11:22:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year, I asked the City Attorney's Office to review our procurement policies and provide more incentive for local contractors and vendors to conduct business with the City.
This afternoon, council will participate in a workshop that reviews city staff's work on this effort.

The proposed updates include improvements that streamline the procurement process and make it easier to navigate, provide for greater fiscal accountability and control, and also place greater emphasis on local vendors/contractors and the local tax revenues that are generated with their participation in a contract.
I am extremely pleased that staff has worked to develop this proposal, and that they are making the effort to support local businesses and vendors, to the extent allowable by law, with City contracts and purchases. Staff has been timely and responsive to my concerns and I commend them for working with me on this commitment I've made to our citizens and business owners.
Concurrently, council is also considering land use permitting enhancements and streamlining. We are working hard to enhance the business climate and permitting process. Time is money for developers, and reducing the bureaucratic red-tape will have positive impacts on jobs growth.

If We Must Have Tolls, We Must Fight to Make Them Equitable

2010-07-17T14:19:00.000-07:00

This Bridge Must Not be Paid for on the Backs of Clark County Commuters

Citizens, colleagues and friends--

When I ran for the office of Mayor, I told you honestly and in good faith that I would fight against tolls on the CRC. Unlike others, who were determined to put tolls on the table first and foremost with no regard to the injustice they bring, I was determined to fight them.

I have been working for you for nearly two years, both as a city council member and as Mayor, to try to keep tolls off of the I-5 bridge, because that regressive taxing measure unfairly targets Clark County commuters. Some 51,000+ Clark County residents cross that bridge every day for work, paying Oregon income taxes for which they receive no representation. It is unconscionable to me to think that our commuters will pay the bulk of the local cost for this bridge, even though it is a federal asset that benefits everyone in this region.

But unfortunately, not every battle can be won. It has become apparent that tolling has been widely accepted by the project partners, community advocates, business and economic leadership, and most importantly, our state legislators (who make the final decision about tolling).

This has been a difficult decision for me. I do believe in this project, support the commerce it will allow to flow, the jobs it will create, and the sheer reality that something must be done about this corridor, sooner than later. The stark truth of the matter is that I am one vote on the Project Sponsors Council. I have worked hard for you, trying in council sessions and in private meetings, to convince others to reconsider the tolling issue, to no avail.

I could continue to protest – to throw up my arms and stomp out of the room, as some of my detractors have insisted would be the only proper course. But whether I protest or not, the bridge will go on and tolls will happen.

After much thought, I’ve determined that the worst thing I could do for citizens of Vancouver is to stop participating. As much as I dislike the idea of tolls, if I refuse to participate in the discussion then our fight will have been meaningless.

A New Approach to Tolling

At yesterday’s Project Sponsors Council meeting, I proposed a new way to think about tolls. The CRC “bridge impact area” is fully five miles in both Vancouver and Portland. It is not now, nor has it ever been, just a bridge. Not only will people who cross the bridge benefit dramatically with the improvement, but all people who drive in that 5-mile area, and all people who provide or receive goods and services in the region will benefit.

And so I propose that if we must have tolls, then we must toll fairly and equitably – which means residents on both sides of the river pay their fair share.

There are many, many users of the corridor who may not cross the bridge. They will benefit from the improvements, and should thus share in the local cost. I believe that if we must have tolls, then we should assess those tolls at each on- or off-ramp of the bridge influence area so that all users of the corridor will contribute to the local financing of the improvements, not just those users crossing the Columbia River.

Now, I am sure that my colleagues on the other side of the river, and many of my constituents who were formerly pro-tolls will not be fans of this proposal. But with many more users of the system paying for the improvements, we take some of the burden off of the commuters who are already paying dearly.

And any arguments against this form of ‘corridor tolling’, I believe, highlight the inequity of a tolling system. Over the years I have spoken with and heard from quite a few detractors who say that tolls are fine, since they wouldn’t have to pay them but who, when faced with a toll that accurately represents the project influence area, now feel that tolls are unjust.

Which brings me back to my initial argument, the position I held during the campaign, and the one I continue to hold – we must not – cannot – finance this bridge on the backs of Vancouver commuters.

This project benefits every single one of us in the region. If my colleagues are determined that this federal asset will not be paid for with federal and/or state dollars, if they are determined that there must be a local financing portion and that tolls are how that portion will be paid, then I challenge them to apply tolls equitably and fairly, across the board.

Taking Care of What We Have

2010-06-22T17:39:00.000-07:00

Last summer, as I went door to door talking with voters during my campaign for Mayor, I got to hear what was on the minds of my neighbors and constituents – directly, undiluted, and for better or for worse. Every voter had a different story to tell, but most of them echoed a similar refrain – the City needs to take care of what we already have -- show that it can be managed responsibly and well – before trying to expand and grow just for the sake of being bigger.

It’s true, a larger population means greater federal and state funding. But it also means more citizens who will expect a certain level of service that even now, the City is struggling to provide. Annexing for the sake of annexing, or simply to be able to call ourselves “second-largest” is a hollow goal, if we’re not also aiming to provide the absolute best possible service to our taxpaying citizens.

Our community is still recovering from the major east-side annexation from a decade ago. The residents who were annexed were promised city services and amenities that many of them still have not received. The City owes it to our citizens – ALL of them – to take care of their roads, sidewalks, and services – to provide safe, well-lit, well-maintained public ways.

In the current budget crunch, following through on that commitment is even harder than it was in the good years. But city staff are working hard to make it happen – even as their departments are being cut and their individual workload is increasing, they are doing their absolute best to take care of the City of Vancouver's taxpayers, and to spend your money wisely. Our staff is learning how to be more efficient and do more with less, and I am proud of their efforts. It's what MUST be done. We at the city need to show you that we are getting the most out of every dollar you pay, and we need to be sure that all of our citizens, in ALL parts of the city, are being served.

In some cases, this means letting green areas by the side of the road go untended a bit longer, so those funds can be used on services that are more critical. In some cases, it means loosening restrictions on fees and permitting in order to spur private development, which will in turn create more private as well as public revenue. And in some cases, it means looking for the best deal possible and taking action as quickly as the democratic process will allow.

I'm speaking, of course, of the City’s acquisition of the former Columbian building. The building is no longer owned, even in part, by the Campbell family or the Columbian. The City was able to purchase the building from the Bank of America at a rock-bottom price of $18.5 million. Considering it cost $41 million to build, and was appraised at $29 million, the City negotiated a great purchase price. It's now owned by Bank of America, and has an asking price of $18.5 million. Not pocket change, to be sure – but an amazingly low price for the size, quality and location of the building.
At that price, and given the building's size and location, the City will be able to move all operations to that spot. And with the combination of savings that have already been put aside for this purpose, and a long-term bond, we will actually end up spending $1 million less per year than we currently spend in rent on various buildings throughout town. In a year when we've had to trim multiple millions from city spending, the opportunity to acquire a building that meets our needs and helps us save $1 million annually is one that offers the best possible investment for our citizens.
Taking care of what we have, working to manage the resources that are currently available to us, and seizing opportunities that will help move us forward. That’s what your City leadership strives to do every day, and I intend to be sure it’s what we continue to do.

Paying Tribute on Memorial Day

2010-06-01T16:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I had the great honor and privilege of participating in the Memorial Day ceremony at the Veterans' Memorial at Fort Vancouver. It was a solemn but inspiring occasion, and I am so proud to have been one of the speakers.

Here are my comments from the day:

On thy grave the rain shall fall from the eyes of a mighty nation.
We gather today as individuals with futures of our own determination.
We gather today as shareholders of free will, free speech and freedom of religion.
Yes, we are a mighty nation, but not without significant cost.
Thousands of men and women of our armed forces have fought and died for the inalienable rights we so cherish as American citizens.
And it is at this solemn occasion that we formally honor those who have served our country and sacrificed ultimately for the might of our nation.

To our Gold Star families, President Robert Knight, Colonel Snyder, veterans and active military personnel, honored guests and my fellow citizens, I am humbled to welcome you as we come together this Memorial Day to preserve the memory of those who have fallen in the line of duty. Councilmember Smith, 40 et 8 and the Community Military Appreciation Committee…thank you for your leadership in coordinating this event.

Ladies and Gentlemen, we are reminded today that our freedoms were paid for with the lives of many others. We have a tremendous responsibility, as heirs to their legacy, to preserve this greatest of nations. It is simply not enough to be Proud Americans, but to have the courage and the character to simply do what we know is right – protect the security and freedom of our country and others around our world.
This is our obligation.
This is true respect to the memorial of our nation’s war heroes.
Those who serve our country come from all walks of life, all races and all religions. But they share one common bond -- a deep love of and loyalty to -- our country. This common bond allows diverse groups of Americans to achieve monumental goals. The men and women of our armed forces are the defenders of our liberty, and to each and every one of you, please know how proud and blessed we are of you!
There are many ways of paying tribute to these fallen heroes……..pausing for a few moments of personal silence, attending commemorative ceremonies as we are today, placing flags or flowers at gravesites or marching in parades. Whether commemorated individually or collectively, Memorial Day is a day to remember and be thankful for those who gave their lives in the service of our country.
Recently I was touched by an article that I read in the paper about a mother who lost her son in Iraq. Georgette Frank’s son, Lance Cpl. Philip Frank, age 20, was killed in Fallujuah by sniper fire on April 8, 2004. Here in her own words is what Memorial Day has come to mean to her………

Dear Friends,
In the past, I would look forward to Memorial Day. It represented the beginning of the summer and a three day weekend. Then we lost our Phil in Iraq.
Memorial Day has now become a day of reflection and remembrance. It is a day to remember all of our Fallen Heroes from all of the wars. It is a day to think about the families that will forever grieve for their lost loved one. It is a day to be thankful to those who have served and made the ultimate sacrifice. They fought and died to win the freedom and democracy that we Americans cherish so dearly. They also fought and died to bring that same freedom and democracy to the people of other countries as well.

As the family of a Fallen Hero, we are so proud of our loved ones who knowingly put themselves in harm’s way so that they could make a difference in the lives of others.
I would like to share an excerpt from a sermon by John Hagee:
“I want you to close your eyes and picture in your mind the soldier at Valley Forge, as he holds his musket in his bloody hand. He stands barefoot in the snow, starved from lack of food, wounded from months of battle and emotionally scarred by the eternity away from his family surrounded by nothing but death and the carnage of war. He stands through, with fire in his eyes and victory on his breath. He looks at us now in anger and disgust and tells us this…..“I gave you a birthright of freedom born in the Constitution and now your children graduate too illiterate to read it. I fought in the snow barefoot to give you the freedom to vote and you stay at home because it rains. I left my family destitute to give you the freedom of speech, and you remain silent on critical issues, because it might be bad for business. I orphaned my children to give you a government to serve you and it has stolen democracy from the people.

“It’s the soldier, not the poet, who gives you the freedom of speech.
"It’s the soldier, not the campus organizer, who allows you to demonstrate.

"It’s the soldier, who salutes the flag, serves the flag, whose coffin is draped with the flag that allows the protester to burn the flag!
“Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. I ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.”

Take a moment this Memorial Day to share the pride that we, the families of the Fallen Heroes, feel.
Georgette

I want to thank 40et8, Voiture 99 organization who hosts the Community Military Appreciation Committee, for making this memorial service and other events recognizing our military a reality.
God bless you Vicki Walz and your son Christopher.

Vancouver Needs YOU-- Participate in the "Horizons" Process Tuesday Night

2010-05-10T17:51:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that the City of Vancouver -- like many cities throughout our region and the country -- has been dealing with an ongoing deficit for years. And when the recent recession hit, it made a bad situation even worse. If we made no changes at all, the city's General, Street and Fire operating costs are forecast to exceed operating revenues by an estimated $10 million in 2011, growing to an annual deficit of more than $18 million by 2016.

With that kind of a projection, it's clear that doing nothing simply isn't an option.

But this city belongs to all of us, and we should all have a say in how we move forward. It is clear that we will need to make dramatic changes in how we fund and operate our city. But what does that actually mean? What services and programs should the City provide? At what levels? Asking these kinds of questions, the Horizons process looks to you -- our residents, workers and business owners -- to tell us what are your priorities for our city.

The City has conducted a survey by phone, has posted a similar version of the survey online, and is now asking you to come out an participate in person or online. The "Community Views" meeting will be at 7pm, Tuesday May 11, at the Water Resources Education Center, 4600 SE Columbia Way.

If you can't make it, tune in live on CVTV Channel 23 or stream it from your computer at http://www.cvtv.org/. And you can hook in through your computer or your smartphone, to participate in voting just as if you were there.

At the meeting, participants will get a "clicker" keypad to register their priorities. All of the devices are anonymous, and allow you to give direct, immediate feedback to City staff.

If you want to participate remotely, go to http://www.rwpoll.com/ and use the access code "Vancouver". Follow along during the meeting, and your responses will come in just like those of participants on-site.

Community input is incredibly important to me, as the Mayor you elected to represent you. I hope you'll join the discussion tomorrow night, in person or virtually. It's going to be hard work to make this incredibly important move forward -- but working together, we will get through it and make something even better.

A Leaner, More Efficient Permit Process Will Benefit All Taxpayers

2010-04-20T08:52:00.001-07:00

Throughout my campaign for Mayor, I heard repeatedly from residents and business owners that the City's permitting process is too expensive, too slow, and too difficult to navigate effectively. How can businesses grow, expand, or build new --- and create jobs --- when they've got to navigate a maze—and an expensive maze at that—before they can even begin?

Late last year, I met with City Staff and the Building Industry Association Officials to discuss streamlining opportunities. I and the City Council have directed Staff to find ways to streamline the permitting process without compromising safety and livability – and last night we heard a variety of proposals to do just that.

I commend City Manager Pat McDonnell not only for following through on this direction and guiding City Staff toward a number of solutions, but also for involving the community in the process. A group of local development and construction experts were convened to review the staff proposals before they came before Council, so they could offer practical, hands-on suggestions for improvements.

The proposals we heard are specifically targeted to assist small businesses, to reduce the required process for land use approvals and to introduce additional flexibility in the building plan review process. One proposal, for example, would streamline the process for new projects in key areas where there's already been a lot of planning and environmental work. These areas are not just the waterfront and Downtown, but also Fourth Plain Corridor, Section 30, and the Riverview gateway in East Vancouver.

Other proposals eliminate or modify permit, plan review or inspection requirements for minor work, such as small plumbing and electrical projects, which means time and money saved for homeowners and businesses.

Now that these proposals have gone before Council (and before we heard them they were also reviewed by the Planning Commission and the Fire Code Commission, to vet them for safety and effectiveness), they'll go to public hearings before the Planning Commission, Building and Fire Code Commission, and Council.

Speak Your Mind at the Next Vancouver "Face-to-Face"

2010-04-16T13:29:00.000-07:00

I want to hear what you have to say, Vancouver! This city is great because of the people who live and work here -- and your City Council wants to hear directly from you. Please join us next week -- Wednesday, April 21, from 6:30-8:30pm, at the Hudson's Bay High School Commons.

For more information, the school's street address, and a summary of our last Face-to-Face in January, please visit the City website.

I really do hope to see you there. It'll be Q&A format, so we can really TALK about things. I'll lead the conversation, and my fellow City Councilmembers will be able to join the discussion, too.

Thanks for all you do to make our city the place we want to be -- I look forward to seeing you next week!

Arbor Day Celebration Wednesday April 14

2010-04-13T15:50:00.000-07:00

Join the City of Vancouver this Wednesday from 11am-Noon for our official Arbor Day celebration!

We'll be at the Mayor's Grove in Marshall Community Park, 1009 E. McLoughlin. This year's celebration theme, "Planting Trees Today for our Children's Tomorrow," highlights the benefits of urban trees for future generations.
Featured events include a ceremonial tree planting, giveaway of free tree seedlings, children's crafts and activities, Mac Award ceremony and a presentation of awards for the City of Vancouver and Clark Public Utilities' urban forest efforts.
Vancouver will be recognized as Tree City USA for the 21st consecutive year and will also receive the prestigious Tree City USA Growth Award for further commitment to promoting urban tree canopy.

Commissioner Carol Curtis will also accept an award honoring Clark Public Utilities for TreeLine USA for the 11th consecutive year!

Thank to sponsors US Forest Service, Washington State Department of Natural Resources and Clark Public Utilities, for helping the City of Vancouver celebrate the legacy of urban trees.

For more information and details about Vancouver's Arbor Month events, please visit the Vancouver Urban Forestry website at www.cityofvancouver.us/urbanforestry.

Congratulations and Best Wishes to Mary White!

2010-03-29T15:43:00.000-07:00

This week, the City bids goodbye to one of our longest-serving and most beloved employees -- Council Secretary Mary White. If you follow City Council even a little bit, then you know Mary -- she's the one who keeps things running, manages every detail, and makes sure everything gets handled properly.

Mary, we're happy to see you taking your much-deserved retirement, but we're sorry to see you go. Thank you for all you've done as a City staffer, and for all you WILL do--because we know you're going to stay involved and active in our community.

Last week, the City celebrated Mary with a retirement party that was well attended and showed how loved she is. And on Monday last week, we managed to surprise her (not an easy thing to do!) by slipping this proclamation into the agenda:

Whereas, March 1, 1980, Mary White started her employment with the City of Vancouver; and
Whereas, Mary worked in the word processing department until April 5, 1993 when she was promoted into the position of Council Secretary. Mary continues to serve her role as Council Secretary until March 31, 2010; and
Whereas, Mary has served in her role as Council Secretary with the utmost dedication, attending to the needs of Council, staff and citizens. Mary leaves a legacy of excellence, attention to detail, and friendship; and
Whereas, All employees and community members who have been honored to work with Mary will gather and celebrate on March 24, 2010 at 3:30 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, 210 E. 13th Street; and
Whereas, We request your RSVP’s no later than March 22, 2010 at 5 p.m. to Alexis Bafus at 487-8607 or alexis.bafus@ci.vancouver.wa.us.
NOW, THEREFORE, WE, Vancouver City Council and City Manager’s Office employees, do hereby honor Mary L. White as she sets sail for new retirement adventures.

Thank you, Mary, for your time, dedication, and service!

The Fundamentals of Our City Are Strong

2010-03-05T11:45:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all of you who came out to hear the State of the City address yesterday, and thanks as well to the many thousands of you who work hard every day to make our home a better place to live, work and play.

If you missed the address, you can find a video of it here.

And if you would like to read a complete copy of the text, here it is!

State of the City, 2010

“We Are Vancouver” presented by Mayor Timothy D. Leavitt, March 4, 2010

Good morning friends, honored guests and fellow citizens:
As you know, I grew up in here in Vancouver.
It is very emotional and humbling for me to be standing here before you this morning.
I share your dreams for our community.
I have attended our schools and played in our parks.
And I love Vancouver too much to accept anything less than the best.
We have worked too hard and come too far to go backwards now.
I come before you this morning to report on the State of the City, and to speak both frankly and candidly to the residents of our community, the fine employees of our city, and those at all levels of our government.
I’d like to thank my predecessor, Mayor Royce Pollard, as well as councilmember Pat Jollota for over 20 years of dedicated service to our community.
Now, we enter into a new decade, and for all intents and purposes, with a new City Council.
Your council is comprised of fellow citizens, with diverse perspectives, who are both compassionate and devoted individuals.
Much like the city around us, your council is evolving and adjusting.
Some say we’re experiencing growing pains.
Some say we’re just plain painful.
But regardless, I am confident we will negotiate this transition period effectively, and move on to the important and pressing business of our City.
Indeed the hurdles we face today and into the near future are high, but I am convinced that the fruits of our labor will come to bear…if… we remain vigilant and…if…we pursue a dialogue that is respectful, forthright and constructive.
Ladies and Gentlemen, this is your Vancouver City Council: Jeanne Harris, Jeanne Stewart, Larry Smith, Pat Campbell, Jack Burkman, and Bart Hansen.
Thank you for your commitment to our community.
And to our City employees and City Manager Pat McDonnell:
I commend you for a faithfulness in carrying out your duties with integrity, given both the dramatic economic downturn and ever-increasing public scrutiny.
Although our resources have diminished, there is no less demand for your work.
No less need for police protection, for road repair, for water and sewer, parks and recreation, and fighting fires.
And through it all, you remain dedicated to our community.
2009 will go down in history as one of the most economically brutal years of the 21^st Century.
Those conditions continue today, and have resulted in devastating effects on families, businesses and public agencies, like our City.
The collision of three financial factors – limitations on taxing, loss of sales taxes to Oregon retail purchases, and the economic recession – have mandated both dramatic cuts to and prioritization of city services.
Within the past two years, the City has trimmed $15.5 million in expenses, programs and staff.
And in 2010, we have already cut another $6 million.
And even more devastating is a projected shortfall of $10-12 million over the next two years.
Significant strides have been made to reduce expenses and increase efficiencies, while minimizing noticeable and negative impacts on our community.
In addition to layoffs, a hiring freeze, and the reduction of most travel and training, many city employees have generously and appropriately declined cost of living increases.
Health care benefits have been reduced, merit increases have been frozen, and some staff are accepting voluntary furloughs.
But even with these measures, this economic downturn has intensified the rate of cuts necessary to keep a balanced budget.
The realities are staggering and simply cannot be sugarcoated.
Further deficits equate to more layoffs and more cuts in service.
The hard truth is this: our streets will be dirtier, medians and park lands brown and unkempt, and public access to police buildings limited.
We’ll see restrictions on land use reviews and code changes,
The elimination of some crime prevention programs,
And more reliance on ambulances for medical response, instead of fire department emergency teams.
Without delay, extraordinary action is needed…action by way of policy decisions from your City Council, and implementation through the City Manager.
First, foremost and unequivocally, we will maintain the financial stability of your City.
While it is impossible for me to speak candidly and paint a rosy financial picture, I am pleased to report that the foundation, the very fundamentals of our city, remain strong.
And without hesitation, we remain focused on a vision of prosperity.
And we can achieve this vision because of the strength of our community.
This place we call home is just 2 hours from mountains for skiing and hiking.
Beaches of the Pacific Ocean for picnics and kite flying.
Desert lands and pristine rivers for fishing and camping.
Pacific Northwest wine country and rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula.
We enjoy the amenities of a progressive metropolitan area, but cherish the fact that
We are a community of rich history, tradition…and diversity.
With low crime, strong schools, a bustling Port, and a robust public transit system.
Active, engaged neighborhoods and business associations.
Heralded parks, trails and the beauty of native lands.
And because we know that we are blessed to be in this wonderful place, it is with unwavering pride that we exclaim, “We Are Vancouver!”
It has been proven time and again that no challenge is too great for those who aspire to work together.
With individual fates linked and our futures intertwined, this morning I ask you to rededicate yourself in service to the common good of our community.
“We Are Vancouver” … means that all citizens have a role to play for our future.
“We Are Vancouver” … means that the 9-year old and the 90-year old, and everyone in between, share equal importance, equal responsibility and equal obligation in this effort.
“We Are Vancouver” … means that whether we rise or fall, it will be together.
The sum of our efforts are greater and of more impact than individual ambitions.
As we begin this new decade, we are writing a new chapter in the history of our community.
As a City, we must remain true to the people served and to the organization itself.
Which means we cannot be too timid to undertake calculated risks in pursuit of the proper objectives.
We must begin this era with bold action to protect our community, preserve our foundation and blaze a path toward a sustainable future.
Now is not the time for the faint of heart.
Now is not the time for petty politics and shortness in perspective.
Let it be understood… we will take the right actions for the right reasons.
It’s hard to believe, but the way our city works hasn’t changed
much-at-all since we were first incorporated in 1857.
We must completely re-think these old notions of how government is run.
And right now, we do have a unique opportunity to take a fresh look at how our local government does business.
This is much more than an assessment of expenses versus revenues.
You have made it loud and clear that we need to be a more viable, streamlined and sustainable organization.
And I agree.
This change is not going to be simple or straightforward, and undoubtedly it will be uncomfortable.
But it is clear that “business as usual” will not deliver the outcomes our community deserves.
At this point, we don’t know what this change in local government will look like.
But what do we know?
Forging ahead, we must work together.
In recent months, a high-level budgeting and prioritization process known as Horizons has been undertaken by city staff.
The Horizons process will prioritize spending, help streamline services, and outline a strategy for sustainable funding of core city programs.
It will be presented to the City Manager and City Council for approval.
The end result will be a very different way of looking at government.
Because the changes that lie ahead will affect each and every one of us, we ALL share the responsibility to get involved.
We will be asking for your involvement in the process – and I urge you to participate.
We as a city have no greater asset than the heart, soul and diversity of our citizens.
It is our people – those who choose with passion to live, work and play here… who make Vancouver.
Indeed, We. Are. Vancouver.
Watch CVTV's "We Are Vancouver" video
In our community, we support each other…and are there for one another.
The stories of compassion, partnership and patriotism are too many to count or credit, but I want to share a select few:
Just this week, our very own Clark County Amphitheatre donated 150 thousand dollars in musical instruments to seven schools in Southwest Washington.
Kazoodles Toy Store recently dedicated a percentage of their sales to local charities.
Some 300 children of low-income families received much needed and free dental attention, thanks to an incredible partnership between local dental providers, educators and the Ronald McDonald Foundation.
During the second Saturday of each month, local congregations tackle a community involvement project, motivating some 500 volunteers and donations of materials from over 30 local businesses.
This past Fall, their effort was focused on a mobile home park in the Rose Village Neighborhood.
They built ramps and awnings, repaired gutters and siding, and performed painting and landscaping.
Our neighborhood associations have stepped up as well, giving generously to the people and schools around them.
And of course, there are many local non-profits like the YWCA, Parks Foundation and the Free Clinic – all working diligently and tirelessly to meet a growing need for support.
One of our newer non-profits, Americans Building Community, or ABC, has engaged businesses, churches, schools and community organizations to improve the livability of neighborhoods within the Fourth Plain corridor.
In 2009 ABC harnessed the energy of over 850 volunteers to paint or repair more than 50 homes.
This year, on Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, which has become a national day of service, ABC partnered with the Watershed Council, the City’s Urban Forestry program and Neighbors on Watch.
They coordinated the efforts of 400 hundred eager volunteers to plant 5000 trees along Burnt Bridge Creek near Fort Vancouver High School.
Residents in the corridor are actively involved in these projects, and are working together to renew community spirit and pride.
This is a welcome reminder that volunteering … making a difference for the greater good.…this is patriotism at its finest.
Individually and collectively, we all make a difference …
And tremendous work is accomplished when so many join hands.
We. Are. Vancouver!
Looking toward the future, several matters require immediate and bold action.
Stimulating business growth, jobs creation, and economic commerce must be priority number one.
We cannot wait until the recovery to recover.
A skilled work force and similar industries, low operating costs, site availability, and incentive packages.
These are the conditions that attract and keep the best companies.
In these areas, there is significant opportunity to improve our standing and competitiveness in the marketplace.
And so, I call on our community leaders and state legislators to continue support and funding for our public schools and the Skills Center, for the growth and expansion of Clark Community College, and for the ongoing development of an innovation and research node around the Washington State University Vancouver campus.
I challenge those in the business of economic development, financing, and local permitting to focus effort immediately on lending and fast-track permitting for shovel-ready and accessible land supply.
I challenge our state legislators and the Governor’s Office to continue creating incentives that entice long-term employers to locate here.
I challenge our city council to seriously consider the temporary relief from permitting fees, business license fees, and utility taxes to both incoming companies and growing local businesses.
Already, I am pleased to report that the City is preparing to implement steps to make conducting business here a little easier:

-The permitting process for certain land development projects will be simplified.
-Plan reviews and permitting requirements for certain small residential projects will be eliminated.
-And city staff will be working proactively with those who wish to purchase or lease building space, identifying issues at the front-end to avoid more expensive problems down the line.

With City support, it will be the private, job-creating and tax-paying sector that leads the way toward economic recovery. Period.
And as we work together to boot-strap our community out of recession and back into prosperity, I am taking on the challenges you issued to me … to make City Hall more accessible and more responsive to you, and to restore your confidence in all city departments.
To increase access, we have already held a successful Town Hall at the Cascade Park Library.
As I promised you, we will hold more of those across the city on a quarterly basis.
Our next town hall is scheduled for April 12 and I hope to see all of you there.
Also, your City Council will be visible at more events.
We govern as a team, and you deserve to know each and every one of them.
I also intend to increase the use of social media, CVTV and FVTV to create even more opportunities for you to get involved and share what’s on your mind.
To be more responsive, I have proposed increasing citizen’s communication opportunities at our weekly Council meetings.
I will also ask the City Manager to expand the Business Leadership Advisory Council. This group will provide feedback and recommendations about financial and business matters facing the city.
Now, restoring confidence…that will take time.
The men and women of this city organization take their reputation very seriously, especially our Vancouver Police department.
Recent news of internal discord and lawsuits overshadow the fact that our officers and staff work hard every day to protect and serve.
I challenge leadership at all levels of the department to regain focus and perspective.
To reestablish consistent and systematic accountability throughout the ranks.
And immediately implement the Matrix recommendations.
Our city needs a strong and unified police force.
This we all seem to agree on.
And now, I’ll take a few moments to review a little project known as the Columbia River Crossing.
The CRC has been in the news a lot lately, but sensationalized stories and uninformed editorializing is not productive.
So, I'm going to speak simply and directly to you, the citizens of Vancouver, to provide clarity.
For three years, a 39 member task force, composed of a broad cross-section of community, business, neighborhood and elected officials, worked on potential options for improving the Interstate 5 corridor.
Nearly unanimously, that task force recommended the construction of a replacement bridge and extension of light rail into Vancouver.
Afterwards, each sponsoring agency adopted resolutions in support of that recommendation – a replacement bridge and light rail transit.
So, let me be perfectly clear here:
The Project Sponsors Council will not be revisiting the preferred alternative of a replacement bridge and light rail.
These are decisions that have been made and will not be reconsidered.
But those adopted resolutions did include some 140 conditions of support, many of them conflicting with one another.
And although broad discussions about an improvement at the Crossing have occurred for some 15 plus years, only recently have we been presented with detailed designs of a replacement bridge and interchange improvements.
Thus, it is understandable that critical questions are now coming forward as we analyze and absorb the impacts these proposed designs would have on our communities.
Only within the past three months has tangible progress been made to address those 140 conditions, due in large part to a commitment of increased communication amongst the project partners.
Clark County Commissioner Steve Stuart, Portland Mayor Sam Adams and Oregon Metro President David Bragdon are to be commended for their spirit of cooperation, as locally elected officials from both sides of the Columbia River.
Members of the Project Sponsors Council are in agreement and understanding that both philosophically and legally, we are partners in this project.
We have an obligation to each other and to our constituents to work through our differences and bring a project to fruition.
As partners, we are in agreement that an improvement project must be made – an improvement that best prepares our region for the future and best protects our communities from unnecessary negative impacts.
We will continue to ask critical questions of the assumptions, performance and intent of the various designs that have been presented.
And, we will continue to strive for a stronger collaboration with our State and Federal colleagues, including identifying additional federal monies to support construction of this project.
Vancouver does not own this project.
Portland does not own this project.
This is a roadway of international significance.
And failure to do what is right is not an option.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I want you to walk away this morning feeling that “We are Vancouver” is more than just the theme of a speech.
I want you to adopt it as your personal philosophy.
Use it as a motto to help all of us get through this economic crisis together.
“We Are Vancouver” is a commitment to change – a promise to do things differently, and to get involved in shaping our future.
Communities that rely on the same old ways of doing business will fail.
Communities that are nimble and adjust with the times will succeed and prosper.
The state of our city is strong.
And the men and women of the City of Vancouver are working every day to make it even stronger.
Yes, we have a lot of work ahead of us.
But we also have a lot to look forward to.
Thanks to Bank of America and staff at the Fort Vancouver National Trust, this year we welcome back the city’s marquee event.
A brand new, family-oriented celebration…Independence Day at Fort Vancouver.
A new main library is under construction in our downtown.
Business owners are uniting to work together – like the Urban Entrepreneurs Network, the Latino Business Alliance and the Fourth Plain Business Coalition.
In late July, our community will enjoy the first annual international food festival on Fourth Plain.
And, our Visitors and Convention folks have been hard at work.
This June, Vancouver will host both the Washington State Democratic and Republican conventions, the Association of Washington Cities’ annual conference, and the State Municipal Attorney’s Association meeting.
Thousands will be visiting Vancouver with these events.
Long-time investors and builders of our community are still bullish, and for just cause.
We are well on our way to having a world-class, show-stopping development right at our front door on the former Boise Cascade site.
The east entry into downtown Vancouver is graced with a dazzling new Angelo office building.
And plans are underway by Prestige Development for additional improvements in the area.
The Killian’s Grand Central Station is bustling, as is development in the far northeast corner of our city.
Construction projects worth more than $495 million are poised to sprout on more than 1,122 acres along 192nd from State Highway 14 to Northeast 18th Street.
A new Costco store, two medical office buildings, housing for families, apartments for seniors, a bank branch, and the proposed 150-acre campus of offices for Fisher Investments are among this year's projects.
And properties like Evergreen Landing, Section 30 and the former Vanalco site are poised to take off.
Thanks to our Congressional delegation, the Vancouver Police Department will have a state-of-the-art records management system, allowing for improved coordination with regional law enforcement authorities.
And, I’m happy to announce that Vancouver is applying to be a Google Fiber Community.
Google has announced they will build and test an experimental ultra-high speed network in several communities.
This network would deliver internet speeds 100 times faster than what is available today.
Not only would this help solidify Vancouver’s position in the Silicon Forest, it will drive job growth and give people another reason to live, work and … most importantly … stay here in the Vancouver-Clark County region.
On the sustainability front, our city is pursuing funding for the development of an ash recycling system – the first of its kind in the United States.
Significant quantities of energy will be captured and returned to the grid…and ash will be recycled, sold for construction and kept out of landfills.
Very importantly, working relationships continue to improve and strengthen with our Clark County Commissioners, Mayors and City Council members throughout our community…and yes, even with our colleagues south of the river.
In conclusion, I believe in the people, the institutions, and the businesses that make up this place we call home.
After all, you have made Vancouver one of the most desirable places to live and work.
And it is you who will assure continued success in our future.
So today, despite our challenges, I remain an optimist.
Vancouver is resilient.
Our people are resourceful and our opportunities for success are unlimited.
Working together, we will meet any challenge, and ensure a community that offers our children
…and their children …
a place to fulfill their highest hopes and aspirations.
Let history show that in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges… Vancouver did not stand still.
Let history show that Vancouver embraced opportunities to change for the better.
And let history show that the people of Vancouver worked together to lift each other up and out of this economic crisis.
You have entrusted me to take care of our community, and you have my commitment that I will serve you with every ounce of passion and enthusiasm I have.
I am excited about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead of us.
Let us be the architects of change – not its victim.
I know we can do it…all of us working together because
We. Are. Vancouver!
Thank you and God Bless!

Moving the CRC Project Forward

2010-01-31T16:40:00.000-08:00

The Columbia River Crossing project is an incredibly important, incredibly volatile effort that links federal government, two states, and many local cities and county areas. All of the stakeholders involved have agreed that an improvement project for the I-5 corridor is absolutely necessary to insure the economic vitality, public safety, and environmental stewardship of our future.

While there are many aspects of the proposed project that local stakeholders agree on, several important matters remain unresolved in the eyes of the local elected officials.

And because of these differences, progress on the project ground to a halt in December.

Seeing this, I personally contacted the three other local elected officials that serve on the CRC Project Sponsors Council: Clark County Commissioner Steve Stuart, Portland Mayor Sam Adams, and Metro Council President David Bragdon.

We have met several times, informally, over the last couple months. The purpose of these meetings has been to chart a course for addressing outstanding concerns and moving the project forward. These meetings were held in public locations, both in Vancouver and Portland.

Through these conversations, each of us clarified specific issues to be addressed, and then co-authored a letter to Governors Gregoire and Kulongoski, the two individuals who appointed us to the CRC Project Sponsors Council.

In this letter, the full text of which is available here, we indicated that the project as currently proposed still results in unacceptable impacts to certain aspects of our region. To be clear, the matters of concern primarily reside within Oregon. I respect the concerns expressed by Mayor Adams and President Bragdon about impacts to Hayden Island, in particular.

We stated that in order for us to best represent our constituents, we are requesting a stronger partnership with our State and Federal stakeholders, including a stronger local role in shaping the CRC project. We remain committed to finding a solution that is appropriately designed, financed and managed.

The Vancouver City Council has taken several formal actions regarding the CRC project – most important of which is the formal resolution endorsing the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA). That resolution states the Council’s wishes for a replacement bridge with light rail transit.

In our letter to the Governors, support for the LPA was re-affirmed, and we explicitly asked for more support of local involvement in the planning. I signed that letter in good faith with the three other elected officials, acting in what I believed—and still do believe—to be the best interests of the people of Vancouver. We MUST have an improvement to the I-5 corridor to maintain freight access, be environmentally conscious, increase mobility and commerce, and be considerate of the impacts to our communities on both sides of the river.

Accusations to the contrary, from the community at large and from my fellow council members, are baseless. I’m hopeful the remarks of consternation are due to lack of attention to the project, to the process and to the letter. Otherwise, ulterior and disingenuous motives may be at play.

I will not tolerate grandstanding by those who seek to use this moment as an effort to dismantle this project and the years and millions of dollars invested in the environmental assessment, public involvement, and design effort. As the tough decisions near, those who seek to scuttle this effort will increase in volume and tenacity. Leadership must stand strong and united in moving forward, effectively.

On Monday at 3pm, the Council and I will discuss the current state of the CRC project with City staff. We will also discuss the letter I co-authored. We will continue to move forward with a majority of supporters, if not a consensus.

Yes to Schools

2010-01-28T17:53:00.000-08:00

If you live in the Vancouver or Evergreen School District, you should by now have received a ballot that asks for your vote to continue the current operating levy.

I urge you to vote YES on that ballot, and send it in.

It's true that times are tough right now, and I am well aware that we need to make our public services more efficient and effective. Every single one of us in public service needs to make better use of your tax dollars and do much more with what we have.

But while we work to do exactly that, we need to remember our responsibility to our children and future generations. A good education is critical to fostering an active, engaged citizenry and a prosperous community. Whether you have children in the schools or not, the quality and effectiveness of our schools affects us all.

These levies are simple replacement levies – our schools aren't asking for new tax monies. They are asking us to continue support for operations and maintenance. For some, due to the tough economic times, your taxes will actually decrease even with the continued levy.

Our community is strong now because of historical support for our schools – they are widely recognized as top-notch, and one of the top reasons people move here from across the river and across the country. I'm proud to be a product of the Vancouver School District, and many other community leaders are able to say the same.

Let's keep our schools strong and our children ready to succeed – please vote YES for Vancouver and Evergreen Schools.

Join Us for a Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday!

2010-01-15T13:00:00.000-08:00

During the campaign, one of the things I heard most often from citizens was a feeling of being disconnected from city government. Because of that, one of the first pledges I made to you was to hold regular town-hall meetings where YOU get to tell US what you're thinking.

The first of those meetings will be next week, Wednesday January 20, at the new library in Cascade Park.

This is a City function, where YOURS is the most important voice. What is and isn't working for you? How can we, as your representatives, serve you better? I and your councilmembers will be there to listen to you and answer your questions, and provide a greater link between our vibrant neighborhoods and City Hall.

Here is the information released by the City:

Face to Face with Mayor Leavitt and the Vancouver City Council

Mayor Tim Leavitt will host an opportunity for informal conversation between the public and the Vancouver City Council from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., on Wednesday, Jan. 20, at the Cascade Park Library Community Room, 600 NE 136th Ave.

"It is important to me to provide an opportunity for Vancouver's citizens to talk to us about what is on their minds in a more casual setting," said Mayor Leavitt.
Light refreshments will be served. Questions will be taken at the meeting or may be submitted ahead of the meeting at mayor@ci.vancouver.wa.us.

The Next Chapter Begins

2010-01-05T13:28:00.000-08:00

Last night, I officially began my term as your new Mayor.

I and my fellow councilmembers Burkman, Harris and Stewart were sworn in, and as a council we selected Larry Smith as Mayor Pro Tem.

We're beginning a new chapter in Vancouver's history, in the midst of great optimism mixed with great anxiety. Our community faces numerous and critical challenges, but we have weathered storms like this before and we will persevere.

The new year brings with it a renewed sense of faith, a conviction in our collective ability to succeed, and a celebration of new beginnings.

I am both humbled by the enormity of the task at hand, and honored to be selected by our citizens to lead the City Council and our community. Your City Council is composed of fellow citizens, compassionate and dutiful individuals who understand that the people's perspective is best represented with respectful, candid, and constructive discourse.

As Henry Ford said, "Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success."

I am pleased to be working with these colleagues as we face very serious decisions about the direction of our community.

We have a lot of work ahead of us, and I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and doing that work with each and every one of you.

New Term Begins Tonight!

2010-01-04T09:46:00.000-08:00

I'm looking forward to starting my new job as your Mayor tonight. I and the rest of City Council will be sworn in at the start of the council meeting, in Council Chambers at City Hall, at 7pm. We'll do it first thing after the pledge, and then we'll have a few minutes after to visit with you, before we dive in to this exciting new term! You are all welcome and invited, and I hope to see you there.

A New Year, and a New Term

2010-01-01T12:28:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, Vancouver!

We had a great New Year's Eve event last night at the Heathman. Thanks to all of you who attended and helped make our first annual NYE Bash a huge success! And for those of you who didn't make it -- we'll catch you next year!

I'm looking forward to starting my new job as your Mayor on Monday. I and the rest of City Council will be sworn in at the start of the council meeting on Monday, January 4, at 7pm. We'll do it first thing after the pledge, and then we'll have a few minutes after to visit with you, before we dive in to this exciting new term! You are all welcome and invited, and I hope to see you there!

A big thanks to our community nonprofit organizations who were selected as beneficiaries for all of last night's proceeds. The Parks Foundation of Clark County and Community Choices are both very close to my heart and do incredible work to help make our community a healthier, greener, safer and more beautiful place to live, where each of us can thrive. And not only do they work hard at their "real" jobs, but Cheri Martin and Sharon Pesut, Executive Directors of the Parks Foundation and Community Choices respectively, threw their heart and soul, staff time and late nights of their own into helping make this event a resounding success. Thanks to both of you and your Boards, staff, volunteers and supporters.

And thanks, as well, to The Heathman Lodge for hosting us and pulling out all the stops for this event. Incredible food, great service, and an absolutely wonderful staff. We also received many, many donations for raffle prizes, decorations, and consumables from so many local businesses and individuals -- thanks to ALL of you!

DJ Randy Mueller spun us through the night, and our volunteer team that included Sharon and Cheri, RaeAnn Clark, Maija Mercer, Lisa Goodrich, and Roy and Cindy Heikkala are the ones who really made the magic happen.

I am continually honored and humbled to represent this incredible community on our City Council -- and I look forward to continuing that service as your Mayor!

Happy New Year, and best wishes to all!

Tickets on Sale Now for Vancouver's New Year's Eve Bash!

2009-12-16T21:43:00.000-08:00

Are YOU Our Next City Councilor?

2009-12-09T12:01:00.001-08:00

As many of you know, my election to the office of Mayor will open up my City Council seat for appointment. In a nutshell, the process is as follows: Vancouver residents apply for the position through December 18. In January, City Council will select "semi-finalists" for interview, and then from that group, select finalists. From that small group, sitting council members will vote on an appoint a new colleague.

By law, any appointed council member must run for the office in the next general election. So that person must campaign for and the office, and run against any challengers, in November 2010.

Then, the winner of that election must run again in the 2011 general election, when that council seat's term expires.

It'll make for a very long campaign "season" for the person selected, but I can say from experience that if you would like to serve your community in this way, all of the effort is worth it.

I (and I'm sure the City Council, too) would be absolutely elated to have hundreds of applications for the vacant council seat.

This is a real opportunity for citizens in our community that have an interest in serving (and working hard) on behalf of our citizens.

If you think this opportunity might be for you, please take a moment to visit the city's website and review the application .

Forward the application to friends, business colleagues, neighbors….anybody who you think may have an interest.

Applications are due by 5pm on Friday, December 18.

Thank you!

Responsible Management of Your Tax Dollars

2009-12-08T14:00:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all of the citizens who came out last night, and who have written and called, to express their feelings about the City Council’s proposed 1% tax increase. As those of you who saw the deliberations know, it was a difficult decision for the council. We were faced with weighing the burdens on our struggling citizens and the burdens on a struggling budget, for services that serve those citizens.

I and some of my fellow councilors voted against the tax increase, because the revenue for the city would be a drop in the bucket. But the message sent by increasing taxes in such tough times would be terrible – it would be like saying, “we know you’re struggling, but we’re going to ask for more taxes anyway.”

When I campaigned to become your Mayor, my first and primary pledge was to examine city spending and make better use of your hard-earned tax dollars. We cannot continue to raise your taxes every time City Hall sees a shortfall – that is an attitude of the past. It is our responsibility, as your elected representatives, to spend your money wisely and in your best interests.

There will be some difficult decisions in coming months, as we reinforce and clarify our city’s priorities. But you have made yourselves heard and your wishes are clear: just as you, in home and business, are being forced to do much more with much less, so must your government.

Thanks once again to all of you who made yourselves heard, in person and in letters and phone calls. We need your input and participation on this and all matters. I and many of your council members make a solid and concerted effort to get out into the community and talk with and listen to you. But we need you to reach out, too—so thank you for doing so, and for helping us make informed decisions.

***
To shift gears a bit now, I am very excited to announce a couple of upcoming events on New Year’s Eve and January 20. More on these to come very soon … but let me just say right here, that if you don’t have plans yet for New Year’s Eve, you do now! Stay tuned …

The REAL Story on Leavitt's Tolling Plan

2009-12-02T13:48:00.000-08:00

A well-designed Columbia River Crossing (CRC) project is crucial to our entire region’s economy. Allowing for ease of movement and flow of freight, goods and people through our metro area is in the best economic interest of all 2+ million residents who call this seven-county region home. As we begin 2010, I am committed to working collaboratively with our project partners on both sides of the Columbia River to ensure that such an improvement is delivered to the citizens of our region. The need for this project is fairly easy to define:

Very simply, an upgraded crossing means better safety and travel throughout our region—for trucks, commuters, travelers, bikers and pedestrians.

Very simply, less traffic congestion means lower transportation costs, which results in a more affordable gallon of milk from the grocery store.

Very simply, less traffic congestion means less environmental pollution, which results in a cleaner Pacific Northwest.

Very simply, less traffic congestion and light rail transit means a more reliable commute for all workers on both sides of the river, which results in greater productivity.

But, very simply, we MUST have a project that is both affordable and financed fairly—resulting in a stronger partnership for our region.

The proposed project continues to be refined. Initial cost estimates were as high as $4.2 billion. Now, in response to concerns raised by much of our community and several project partners, CRC staff have proposed refinements and cost savings alternatives, shaving some $650 million off the price tag. This is a great step forward.

Now with a price tag of $3.6 billion, another big step is necessary – pinpointing appropriate and equitable financing to see this project come to fruition.

Our project partners must stand together, helping each other move this project forward without losing sight of its purpose. Locally, we must stand behind our state and federal representatives as they fight for transportation dollars for our region. In order to be successful they will need our support. But at the same time, our local officials must have the same support from these representatives as we work diligently to protect our local commuters and businesses from the project’s potentially significant and detrimental impacts.

Fortunately, there have lately been rumblings in Washington, DC, about possible stimulus funding for projects just like this one. Although the CRC project is not ‘shovel ready’, its status as a federal interstate and its potential impact on the entire region make it increasingly identifiable as a prime candidate for a stimulus-type project.

I continue to maintain that this project is a federal interstate project, and needs significant attention from the federal transit and highway administrations. Using the current estimate of $3.6 billion, the following is the breakdown that I feel is most equitable and appropriate for this project:

Federal: $2 billion.

Oregon: $500 million.

Washington: $500 million.

Local: $600 million.

The local portion could be financed by tolling, with exemptions to local commuters who must cross the bridge for work, and exemptions to local businesses conducting commerce between our two states.

This scenario establishes appropriate financial responsibility for the project and doesn’t penalize our commuters or businesses, but also requires an investment for all involved, that will ensure a commitment to seeing that the project is done right, and serves all of our needs as effectively and efficiently as possible.

If the project price is right; if we work together as regional partners; if we can fight on behalf of our communities without fighting amongst ourselves….we can get this done. I’ve got my work gloves ready.

Celebrating Community over the Holidays

2009-11-30T22:18:00.000-08:00

I hope that all of you had a warm, wonderful holiday weekend with your friends and family.

I had the great pleasure and honor of volunteering at the local Eagles Lodge on Thursday, scooping out green beans to about 100 visitors who were there for a free, hot meal during the hour I was there. At that rate, they served hundreds of people and had dozens of volunteers on-site throughout the day.

We have so many people and organizations in our community who really care about helping others, and I was so pleased to be able to be a part of it.

Giving thanks and giving food were a naturally strong theme this holiday weekend, with the Festival of Trees hosted by the Vancouver Rotary Club. Events for the festival were free , with cashiers taking donations of non-perishable food.

On Friday night, we got the holiday season off to a great start with the Community Tree Lighting in Esther Short Park. It was a huge crowd and a gorgeous night. Thanks to everyone who attended, and to the Rotary Club, Clark PUD, the sponsors who made it possible, and Santa!

This weekend, don't forget to keep the spirit going by contributing the Walk & Knock. Leave a bag of non-perishable food at your front door on Saturday morning by 9am, and volunteers will pick it up for delivery to our area's food pantries. And if you've got some time on Saturday and are able to volunteer, contact Walk & Knock to find out how you can help!

Giving Thanks

2009-11-20T16:37:00.000-08:00

What a year this has been!
While it's exciting to be closing our 2009 as the City of Vancouver's Mayor-elect, it's also incredibly humbling and heart-wrenching to know that it's been a difficult year in many other ways, for so many of us.

In these tough economic times, we've got more people out of work than any time in recent history, and more and more families across the country are going hungry every day.

As Thanksgiving approaches, I hope we'll all take a look at what we can do to help others in our community, however we can -- and to keep that community spirit going throughout the year.

On Thanksgiving Thursday, I'll be joining the Vancouver Eagles at their lodge Downtown to give away free meals to those in need. This is a great service the Eagles provide every year, from 8am to 2pm, serving about 1,000 people. I will be heading over about 11am. if you've got some time and want to lend a hand, please give them a call at (360)693-8119.

And if you know some hungry people who could use a free meal and some good company on what can be a very lonely holiday for those without, please tell them to visit the Eagles on Thursday. 107 E. 7th Street.

Thanksgiving weekend also brings another community tradition, the Festival of Trees. I'm looking forward to the Community Tree Lighting on Friday night, and decorated trees at the Quay all weekend. This year, they've waived the admission fee and are asking guests to bring non-perishable food to donate to our food shelters and the Share backpack program. I hope to see you there, welcoming the Christmas season and joining with the community to help our neighbors.

Looking Forward to a Bright Future for Vancouver

2009-11-12T07:47:00.001-08:00

Friends, thank you for electing me to represent you as Mayor of Vancouver. I am honored and humbled, and look forward to working FOR you and WITH you as we begin our city's next chapter.

Yesterday afternoon I spoke at the Firstenburg Center. Thanks to community blogger Ruth Zschomler, you can see the press conference here:

Vancouver Mayor-elect Tim Leavitt

Beginning Vancouver's Next Chapter

2009-11-06T17:42:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

3:15pm, Firstenburg Community Center

On Wednesday, please join me as I officially accept victory in this Mayor's race and discuss plans to move forward once I assume office on January 1, 2010.

This is an important time for Vancouver, and I am honored and humbled by the outpouring of support I have received. Royce Pollard has been an important part of Vancouver's progress through the last two decades, and I am very happy that he will continue to be involved in and engaged with our community.

At Mr. Pollard's Friday press conference conceding the race, the incumbent Mayor expressed his intention to ensure a smooth transition.

I share this goal with Mr. Pollard.

My transition team and I will be working diligently for the next two months, and conversations with Mr. Pollard will be a part of that if he is willing. And, as he said at his press conference, he will be Mayor through the very end of December. I have no intention of stepping on his toes.

At Wednesday's press conference, I will discuss my plans for the new administration, including:

-City Council meetings that occur throughout the city,
-Quarterly Mayoral town halls,
-A thoroughly vetted and streamlined city budget,
-Reviewing city permits and fees to help local businesses to be more successful, and
-A continued fight against tolls on the I-5 bridge while also fostering better communication between project stakeholders.

Please join us at the Firstenburg Center on Wednesday. Now is when the real work begins, and I look forward to working with and serving you in the exciting time ahead!

Reflections on the Last 10 Months

2009-11-03T16:06:00.000-08:00

Well….here we are. The BIG day!

I’d like to thank all of you --- supporters, friends and residents of our fine city – for your kind comments, words of encouragement, and enduring support.

I’ll be candid here – the past couple weeks of this election season have not been very pleasant. But, I’m extremely proud of our campaign team and our supporters.

Indeed, politics is a contact sport and debating the real issues is fair game. But, when attacks become personal, when the truth is distorted, and when outright lies are freely tossed about – we must ask the question: Who wins?
Certainly, it isn’t our community that gains.

There were some who insisted we sling mud right back at my opponent.
There were some who encouraged our campaign to ‘fight fire with fire’.
And there were some who demanded that we respond with our own negative website, mail out ‘hit pieces’ and produce negative television and radio ads about our opponent.

I know the folks who made these recommendations meant well, and want to see us win.

But when it comes to dirty politics ...
Absolutely not. No question in my mind about it.
If those actions are what it takes to be elected the Mayor of Vancouver, then I’m not the right candidate for the job.

I’m really looking forward to 8:31pm tonight. That is one minute after the County Elections Office is scheduled to announce the first results of this mayoral race.

8:31pm is the first minute that our campaign team, our volunteers, our supporters – and you, the voters of Vancouver – can release that long-held breath in anticipation of a movement forward.

8:31pm is the first minute of the beginning of the real job – bringing our community back together, healing the wounds of a decade of divisiveness, and wiping the slate clean of business-as-usual.

8:31pm is the first minute of the beginning of transition -- a transition that includes placing Community at the forefront – where all of our neighborhoods and all of our citizens have a voice in our future. Where new attitudes, fresh perspective, and leadership that IS looking out for OUR best interests takes the reins.

At 8:31pm, regardless of the outcome of this mayoral election, we will be able to look each other in the eye, knowing that the Leavitt campaign debated the issues, maintained our integrity and upheld our personal character.

Leadership by example.
Our Community deserves nothing less.

Jobs: What Got Us Here Won't Get Us Where We Need To Go

2009-10-29T19:09:00.000-07:00

Next to tolls, this election is really coming down to one issue: reviving our sagging economy.

My opponent has been bragging about his “Jobs Plan,” but no one seems to be asking the obvious question: where has this plan been for the last 14 years?

According to my opponent, he himself has brought 14,000 jobs to Vancouver in the last 14 years. Even if you accept the flawed idea that the mayor, not business, creates jobs, that number is embarrassingly low. In the last 14 years, our population has doubled. By adding 14,000 jobs, that means Mr. Pollard is boasting about just 2 jobs for every 10 new residents.

And to put that number into even sharper perspective, in the last year alone, Clark County has lost nearly 9,000 jobs!

We need a better idea.

If you read my opponent's “jobs plan,” you'll see that what he's essentially saying is “keep doing what we've been doing.”

But if what we've been doing had been successful, would we be in the same mess we're in now?

If we had enough jobs on this side of the river to employ the 60,000 people who have to commute to Portland every day, we might not have been hit so hard when the economy did crash last year. And if we had those jobs on this side of the river, you can be sure that the argument about tolls would be a different one. What if Mr. Pollard had worked to create a business climate that benefited all of our local companies instead of just a few big ones? We certainly wouldn't have been so deeply affected when SEH went through a major series of layoffs, when Nautilus repeatedly verged on bankruptcy, or when HP started stripping down its workforce.

I don't begrudge my opponent his position – having never worked in business, his perspective is understandably limited.

He simply doesn't understand that government doesn't create jobs; businesses create jobs. And in order for businesses to thrive, government needs to get out of the way.

I've been working with local business owners for years – local people who own businesses of all sizes and industries. And what they want is simple: streamlined permitting processes, taxes and fees that are reasonable and legitimate, and a city that prioritizes its commitment to basics like police, fire, and infrastructure. They want to know that their storefronts, warehouses and offices are safe, and they want the sidewalks and roads in front of them to be accessible and free of cracks, dips and holes.

By listening to our business community, and working with them to help them be successful, the City will benefit. Those businesses will grow, new businesses will be established, and City revenue will grow accordingly.

This is a time of much uncertainty, but there's one thing we do know for sure: what got us here isn't going to get us where we need to go.

The Campaign Season's Final Forum was a Great One -- Too Bad My Opponent Missed It!

2009-10-28T15:00:00.000-07:00

Last night, I had the great pleasure of speaking with a group of high school students and parents at Evergreen High School. Teacher Patty McMaster and her “We the People” students put on a wonderful event that was attended by close to 200 people, with students from three area high schools. The students asked some great questions and really did a top-notch job of running the forum.

It's a shame my opponent missed it!

My opponent sent a substitute to the event, the employee who is out doing Mr. Pollard's doorbelling. Eric did a commendable job in attempting to represent his boss's positions. However, many attendees expressed disappointment afterwards -- saying they'd have preferred to actually hear from the candidate instead of a representative.

He'd have been wise to rearrange his schedule, as I did. Not just because of the great experience, but also because his staffer made a few statements that I hope Mr. Pollard will want to clarify for the voting public:

In response to school funding:
Pollard would support city management staff pay cuts in order to supplement state-funded educational programs at the District.

In response to the future of Joe’s Place Farm:
Pollard is “proud” of the 18th Street project, which according to the owner of Joe’s Place Farms, will destroy his business and, according to the residents of the area, rip the neighborhoods apart.

I did my best to help him out, explaining the differences between School and Municipal funding sources, and the actual ramifications of the 18th Street project. But I didn't want to speak for Mr. Pollard. Perhaps these are messages he wants to send.

After the event, I stayed behind to talk with a long line of students and parents – even chatted briefly with one of my former classmates from the Engineering program at Clark, who's now working for the District. As is usually the case, I was the last to leave the event!

We're all incredibly tired at this point in the campaign, but it was invigorating to talk with of these interested young people who really embrace the potential for positive change and are looking forward to helping build a stronger, more inclusive Vancouver.

Have a Great Meal, Help a Great Cause!

2009-10-28T09:55:00.000-07:00

Hey folks!
Come on out to Lapellah, and join me when I go for a late dinner around 8pm.

Owner Brad Root is doing a great thing and donating 100% of today's lunch and dinner proceeds to the Free Clinic.

So head over to Roots, Lapellah and/or 360 Pizzeria.

Have an amazingly good meal, support a local business, and help one of our community's stellar non-profits. And if you can't join us for dinner tonight, try to get to one of these spots for lunch!

Press Conference/Rally with Vancouver Police Officers Guild and Moms for Leavitt

2009-10-25T18:03:00.000-07:00

Join us at noon on Monday!

We'll be having a short press conference outside City Hall at noon Monday.

Ryan Martin, President of the Vancouver Police Officers' Guild, and other Guild members (all off-duty!), will be joining us to talk about why they are endorsing me for Mayor of Vancouver.

As the saying goes, if you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always gotten. And for Vancouver, it's time to more forward!

We need a police force and fire department that have the resources to do their jobs and be PROactive instead of REactive.

We need a City Council that has the leadership to ask tough questions when it comes to budgeting and priorities.

We need a Mayor who actually understands business and can foster a climate that helps our local businesses, of all sizes, succeed and thrive.

We need a Mayor who will stand up to the status-quo forces that are pressuring Clark County commuters to pay the majority share of costs for an interstate bridge.

And most of all, we need a Mayor who fosters a spirit of collaboration and communication in our community — someone who listens to our citizens even when they disagree, and who works to build relationships, instead of tearing them apart.

I look forward to serving as your Mayor, and to working with City Council to make our government accountable to the people we are elected to serve. For too long, we have been dictated to instead of engaged, and we are now seeing the desperate machinations of a man who approaches his office as a right, rather than a privilege.

This has been a long, tough battle and I suspect that in the coming week we will only see my opposition grow uglier and fiercer in their attempts to scare you. Even as their campaign digs deeper and deeper into the mud, we will continue to engage you on the issues, not scare tactics.

Please, if you can, join us on Monday afternoon for a brief press conference and rally. The Vancouver Police Officers' Guild will speak about their support for me, you'll hear from a mother who is supporting me, and we'll take the opportunity to de-bunk some of the lies my opponent has been circulating.

If it's clear out, we'll be on the steps at City Hall. If it's raining, we'll be under the overhang.

Thanks once again for your support.

Please call 10 friends and remind them to vote, forward this message, and tell people why you are supporting Leavitt for Mayor: A Better Idea for Vancouver's Future.

We can do better. And starting November 4, we WILL!

The Plot Thickens -- Negative Campaigns, Part 2

2009-10-22T08:20:00.000-07:00

It has come to our attention that within 48 hours of our initial release of the news that Royce Pollard did not sign the LWV campaign ethics agreement, my opponent's name somehow appeared on the list.

Lest anyone think we are making false claims, we printed the list two days ago. A scan of that printed page, which does not include the mayor of America's Vancouver, is below. (And for anyone who might think we doctored it, we'll happily show you the original print, or you can visit Google's cached list page from last month.)

To give my opponent the benefit of the doubt, it's entirely possible that Mr. Pollard did sign the agreement and a simple oversight meant that it wasn't posted online in the many months since the campaign season began.

But if he did sign the agreement to campaign ethically and honorably, then that very much begs the question --

Why Hasn't He?

It remains unclear if it would have been better for Mr. Pollard to stay "unsigned," or to now be effectively admitting that he has broken the oath.

Royce Pollard, as the candidate, has the power and ability to stop this negative campaigning. Even those attacks that are coming from independent organizations -- he has the ability to stop them and he is choosing not to.

We've only got a couple weeks of this campaign left, and I urge all of you to examine the disconnect between my opponent's words and deeds, and know that I will continue to operate above-the-level and treat the office I am running for with the dignity and respect it, and you, deserve.

Thank you for your support.

Negative Campaigns and Dirty Politics

2009-10-19T19:36:00.000-07:00

Last week, the League of Women Voters held their final candidates' forum for the Vancouver Mayor and City Council candidates.

When I began my campaign for Mayor, I signed the League of Women Voters’ campaign ethics agreement without reservation. I intended to debate and deliberate with my opponent on the issues of our community, a task that would require no unethical behavior.

After weeks of increasingly negative attacks from my opponent and his supporters, I am not surprised to learn that Mr. Pollard did not sign the agreement to campaign ethically and honorably.
Negative campaigning hurts everyone —- not just the target of the attacks. In assaulting my character, allowing and encouraging the fire union and electricians’ union to dig up “dirt,” distorting the truth, and manufacturing lies that he tries to pass off as truth –- one is naturally led to question the ethics behind these acts of desperation.

Politics is a contact sport. And aggressively defending one's positions and vision for our future is to be expected. But….

My opponent and/or his supporters have vandalized our campaign signs, threatened and harassed my supporters, sent unidentified canvassers door-to-door in my name in order to lie about my platform, broken campaign finance laws, and misused private mailing lists and contact information in continued efforts to smear my name and mislead the public.

There is no place for this behavior in Vancouver. This is not respectful of the people we have been elected to represent.

If this is politics-as-usual, then we definitely need a new direction.

Royce Pollard, as the candidate, has the power and ability to stop this negative campaigning. Even those attacks that are coming from independent organizations –- he has the ability to stop them and he is choosing not to.

In fact, the Columbian reported on October 14, he thinks the attacks are funny and has no intention of putting a stop to them.

Well, I have a different sense of humor, a different level of respect for the office of the mayor, and a different approach when it comes to setting an example for and listening to the people of Vancouver.

When campaign tactics sink to this level, who benefits? Certainly not the community.

And the citizens of Vancouver, frankly, are my greatest concern. I refuse to stoop to the level my opponent has sunk to. I will continue to defend my name, my positions, and the people who have made the courageous choice to support me even in the face of harassment and bullying by representatives of the status quo.

But I will not sling mud, nor will I lie or distort the facts.

One candidate behaving that way is one too many. It is now long past time for my opponent to act in a way that is respectful of me and of the citizens he is supposed to represent, and to denounce and retract the assaults that he is making and others are making on his behalf. When this is the game we play, everyone loses.

I will not become a part of the circus he is building around him.

We've only got a couple weeks of this campaign left, and I urge all of you to examine the disconnect between my opponent's words and deeds, and know that I will continue to operate above-the-level and treat the office I am running for with the dignity and respect it, and you, deserve.

Thank you for your support.

A Weekend on the Campaign Trail

2009-10-19T10:20:00.000-07:00

We're quickly closing in on election day!

This past weekend was quite busy both with events and campaigning. I attended a couple of great events on Friday night:

Korean American Celebration: Hosted by the Korean Society of Vancouver, the purpose of the event is to celebrate Korean culture and American citizenship. There were a number of Korean speakers, including Yeong Han Choi, the Consul of the Republic of Korea. The evening included performances by the Korean School of Vancouver Choir, Tae Kwon Do Master David Han, Nanta, and traditional Korean dance and drum. Korean dinner also was served. It was a great event, and packed with an enthusiastic crowd.

Silver Buckle Fundraiser: Also on Friday night was a fundraiser for the Silver Buckle Equestrian Center . This non-profit has the mission to improve the quality of life of young people by teaching life skills to help them become productive members of society. The mission is accomplished through horsemanship, with lesson plans designed to assist youngsters to achieve personal growth and responsibility. I am proud to support this group and the work they do -- they've made incredible impacts on the lives of so many young people here in our community.

Courtyard Coffee Lounge: Thank you to the Courtyard Coffee Lounge in the Academy building for opening up on Saturday morning and hosting our candidate coffee talk. Some 20 participants engaged me with questions and conversation about important issues in our community, including matters of leadership by example, communication with our citizens, and the affordability of living in our city.

Doorbelling: On Sunday, we spent nearly 4 hours in east Vancouver saying hello to residents at their doorsteps. Much appreciation to my supporters who joined. We had quite a productive day, visiting some 250 doorsteps. The reception was fantastic! Many folks have already submitted their ballots and are in favor of a new perspective at City Hall! Thank you!

Leadership for Now, AND the Next Generation

2009-10-15T18:12:00.001-07:00

At yesterday's Lincoln Neighborhood Association forum, an audience member recited a quote that is really very telling for this race:

“A politician thinks of the next election. A statesman thinks of the next generation.”

She used this quote to set the stage for a question about leadership. As it turns out, leadership has become a crucial aspect of this election. My opponent and I are both leaders in this community -- the question in this election isn't about who IS a leader. It's about what TYPE of leadership we as a community are looking for.

I've said before and I'll say again – I have a great deal of respect for Royce Pollard. He served his city well, and has helped us move forward.

But this is a different world and a different city than it was 20 years ago when he first took public office. What got us here isn't going to get us where we need to go.

When I'm asked the "leadership" question, my reply is:
I listen, I collaborate, and I communicate.

I don't have all the answers, and I would never presume to say that I did. I seek the opinions of many others in order to make informed decisions, and don't shoot from the hip.

As a public servant, entrusted to be a steward of your city, I take my role very seriously.

I'm an engineer by training, and at times may be a little dry and analytical. But that is a trait that has served me well in public service. Bringing diverse interests together, building on common ground, and moving forward in a positive direction toward a collective vision – that is how I strive to lead, and that is why I have dedicated my life to helping make our home a better place for every single one of us.

My opponent has a military background, and used a military analogy to frame his leadership style:

“I told my men, 'if you do what I tell you to do, without question, you'll get through this alive.'”

While that's exactly the right direction for a battlefield, it simply is not appropriate for public service. There is far too much at stake for our leadership to be tossing out orders and treating civic responsibility like an armed command.

I have incredible respect for my opponent’s military service – I am honored to know him, and thank him and every active and veteran soldier for their service to our country.

But Vancouver needs a leader who is prepared for the challenges of today and looking toward tomorrow, not one who is focused on waging a battle.

My opponent has repeatedly said that he only wants another four years. While he and I agree that the next four years are important to Vancouver, where we disagree is that I am also concerned about the next four years, and the four years after that. I intend to live here for a very long time – and am looking out for the future that my children, and my children's children, will inherit. Folks, to me…each and EVERY year is important for our community.

We can't just be focused on the next four years – our lives are on a continuum, and our leadership should be, too. Vancouver needs a Mayor who is prepared to lay the groundwork for the next 40 years, not just the next four.

We can do better!

Together, when you elect me Mayor, we WILL do better!

LOCALS Moving Our Community Forward

2009-10-14T18:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, the LOCALS (Lower Columbia Alliance for Living Sustainably) unveiled a campaign to promote local business in our community.

Some 35 community advocates were present, including myself.

I applaud LOCALS and Bruce Lyons of Vancouver Woodworks for this undertaking, and their recognition that it is in all of our best interest to be local and buy local.

The LOCALS effort will include raising awareness of the economic importance of shopping local (in tax revenues to our struggling public agencies), and informing our community of what local shopping options there are available right here in Vancouver.

Now, more than ever, we as a community must look out for each other.

Renowned economists are predicting this economic recession will continue until at least the end of 2010.

There are many options for shopping locally that we must consider, before crossing into Oregon.

Shopping local provides tax revenues to public agencies, and income revenues to local businesses so they can keep their doors open, and maybe even create a new job or two!

I spoke to the group about my vision for Vancouver's future with local business, and where the City must be a stronger partner.

We can do better.

Local business owners that live in our community, are vested here, raise their children here and volunteer here….they deserve more attention and cooperation from City Hall.

The City must make it easier for business owners to chose to expand operations, produce more…and thus create more jobs, right here and right now!

The City can make further improvements in the permitting process -- further cutting red tape to gain building and land use permits. I know this can be done -- recent conversations I've had with City Staff have proved fruitful and I will pursue all avenues to implement streamlining efforts.

The City can ease the high cost of impact fees, development review fees, system connection charges, business taxes and utility taxes. I see these options as a short term 'stimulus' package, that will reap benefits on the ground -- right here, right now.

The City can work closer with property and building owners, to support façade and tenant improvements, all through some local monies, and state & federal grant dollars.

We can do better to support local business.

We can do better to support efforts by LOCALS.

We will move our community forward more sustainably.

POLLARD – BEHIND IN THE POLLS – BASHES VOTERS UNDER THE AGE OF 4O

2009-10-11T17:06:00.000-07:00

In another testament to his true colors, incumbent Mayor Royce Pollard insulted nearly all potential voters under the age of 40, claiming that anybody without a stellar voting record is not fit to serve in public office.

My opponent seems to think that missing some ballots while in your 20s and early 30s makes one unfit to participate in our community.

Contrary to what Mr. Pollard says, the reality is that many young people have found themselves in the same position as I was – having returned home from college, moving around, getting established...these are the things young people focus on. Voting and community investment often come later. I commend those who have voted consistently since age 18. But I also understand the realities of those who have not.

Exercising the right to vote is a very important part of being an American citizen.

I do not dispute, nor have I ever disputed that.

However, I do ask Mr. Pollard how exactly he thinks this kind of behavior from him and his campaign encourages citizens to become engaged? If he is going to resort to tactics like this – digging up the voting record of a young adult and insulting their very character because he thinks it will score him political points? How does this set an appropriate example for the rest of our community?

My opponent and his spin doctors are trying to make you believe that because I correctly called their desperate act nothing more than a sleazy maneuver, I am somehow a bad person. But the truth of the matter is that the timing, positioning, and intent of their “discovery” reveals much more about my opponent than it does about me.

I don't argue the truth about my voting history. It has gotten better as I've gotten older and more involved and invested in our community. And I know that many of you have the same experience.

BUT my opponent knows he is down in the polls.

He lost the primary election, and is failing to connect with the voters on the issues that actually matter to them. He has decided that the only course to take at this point, is to resort to digging up dirt and using character assassination tricks to gain the upper hand.

Because I have been out at your doorstep, at neighborhood meetings, and in the community talking directly with you, I know that you are too smart to fall for this misdirection and “politics-as-usual” campaigning.

I know that you are tired of the same-old, same-old, and you are looking for a mayor who can handle complex issues, who can present a positive and professional image for our city, and who does not try to bully others into a “my way or the highway” kind of thinking.

Ballots arrive in your mailbox starting Thursday, and you have the opportunity to exercise your vote and take part in bringing real change to Vancouver.

If nothing else, the primary election this past August did show how important a single vote can be. We won by just 43 votes, and I realized quite powerfully how important a single person's vote can be.

Rest assured that indeed I will be voting in this election…and I hope you will too.
Vote for a fresh direction, positive leadership and better ideas for taking Vancouver into the next decade.

City of Vancouver Follows Leavitt's Lead, Suspends Fee Increases

2009-10-09T13:13:00.000-07:00

Press Release issued today:

Vancouver, Wash. – On October 8, Vancouver City Manager Pat McDonnell released a statement that he will be asking the City Council to suspend previously approved fee increases for building permits and development review activities. In addition, the city's Transportation Department will ask City Council to forgo the annual adjustment to the Transportation Impact Fee (TIF) Program for 2010.

Vancouver City Councilman and Mayoral candidate Tim Leavitt commends McDonnell for taking these steps. Leavitt has been fighting for the creation of local jobs and business growth throughout his time on City Council. “It’s business in the private sector that creates jobs. We need to make it easier and less costly for potential employer to hire more of our residents,” said Leavitt, “this action makes the City of Vancouver a part of the solution, not a part of the problem.”

As recently as December 8, 2008, Leavitt argued against increases in Transportation Impact Fees, noting in his remarks during a Council workshop that raising fees is an action detrimental to bringing businesses and jobs to Vancouver. Said Leavitt during that meeting, “I submit, Council, that if we really want to make some bold decisions about increasing the attractiveness of our community to businesses … I think we really need to look at an alternative to the impact fee program.”

In this important election year, Councilman Leavitt is pleased to see his suggestions and directions take root, and looks forward to helping Vancouver create its own economic recovery.

Clark County Association of Realtors Endorses Leavitt for Mayor

2009-10-09T10:39:00.000-07:00

I am proud to post the release from the Clark County Association of REALTORS®, announcing their endorsement of me for Mayor of Vancouver. Thank you to the Board of Directors and to all of the membership. I look forward to serving you, and the the rest of our great city, as the next Mayor of Vancouver.

---------------
The Board of Directors of the Clark County Association of REALTORS® has voted to endorse Tim Leavitt in his bid to become Vancouver’s next Mayor. “We are endorsing Tim Leavitt because of his support of REALTOR® issues.” said Sherri Adams, 2009 CCAR President. “Tim has a keen understanding of the many complex issues facing our growing community and more specifically, the issues facing our industry. A man of character, Tim has consistently demonstrated a pro-business philosophy in opposing fee hikes and taxes on business and citizens while serving on the Vancouver City Council. As Mayor, he has the vitality to lead the charge to improve the business climate in Vancouver,” said Adams.

“Tim has exhibited a willingness to work cooperatively with neighboring jurisdictions. He understands the importance of funding transportation projects that truly improve mobility and the City of Vancouver’s role in maintaining healthy job growth in Clark County. He has demonstrated leadership to seek efficiencies at all levels of Vancouver City government. He has also made public safety a top priority by leading the charge to put more police officers on the road,” said Adams.

According to the Clark County Association of REALTORS® Tim Leavitt supports the ideals of the REALTOR® Quality of Life program which recognizes the need to sustain and enhance the quality of life enjoyed by Washington’s citizens. REALTORS® believe better communities can be built by supporting quality growth and seeking sustainable economies and housing opportunities that embrace the environmental qualities county residents cherish, while protecting a property owner's ability to own, use, buy, and sell property. REALTORS® don't just sell homes, they sell communities - they sell Quality of Life.

After an interview process was conducted by CCAR’s REALTOR® Political Action Committee, the decision to endorse Tim Leavitt for Vancouver Mayor was ratified by the Board of Directors.

The Clark County Association of REALTORS® represents nearly 1,500 real estate professionals. Together with its members, CCAR is committed to improving the quality of life in local communities and providing housing opportunities for all who desire to own their own home.

When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough ... Show Their True Colors

2009-10-07T08:15:00.000-07:00

I'd like to thank Clark College and Poli-Sci Instructor Michael Ceriello for yesterday hosting a Vancouver mayoral forum.

It was refreshing to see so many different faces in the audience, diverse in age, ethnicity, background and area of study. There must have been some 150+ students and others on-hand to ask questions of me and my opponent about our positions and the future of Vancouver.

Clark College is a tremendous asset for our community. I'm proud to be an alum, and continue to be active on campus as an Alumni Association Board Member, a new member of the Penguin Athletic Club, and the sponsor of a scholarship. I encourage each and every one of you to also remain engaged with the College once you've finished your education there. We need your support!

Participants asked great questions, ranging from improving parking/access to the College to addressing homelessness to the proposed bridge crossing and tolls. As candidates, we also made opening and closing remarks about why we are running for the position and our vision for the future of Vancouver.

I want to apologize, on behalf of my opponent, that you were short-changed by his closing remarks. Rather than speaking to why he believes he is the candidate to be retained for just another four years, he chose to spend most of his time stooping to a new low. Rather than defending his 14-year record, or informing you about how he promises to grow beyond it, he decided it more important to sling barbs at my personal voting record at the ballot box.

I'm sorry that you were then indoctrinated into the sometimes-ugly side of politics.

And that ugliness speaks to the character of the person.

When times are tough, we see the real character of a person.

Actions reflect attitudes, beliefs and moral values.

In politics, when desperation sets in…when it is looking as though a loss is at hand, you learn the true nature of a candidate's character. And my opponent, we are learning, when faced with the toughest challenge of his political life, goes negative and gets dirty.

Vancouver deserves better. And in November, with your support, we'll get it.

Creating Jobs and a Strong Local Economy

2009-10-05T17:53:00.001-07:00

Expanding Vancouver's job base requires the experience and leadership of somebody who actually understands how business works.

As a successful small business person here in our community, I know what it takes. In fact, on creating real jobs in our community, the scoreboard reads Leavitt 43; Pollard 0.

Managing budgets, being held accountable for revenues and costs, hiring and letting employees go, evaluating progress versus goals, and insuring the bottom line is in the black – this is the kind of job-creating experience and financial background I will bring to the Office of the Mayor. Having grown an office of professional, family-wage positions from 2 to 45 in the past decade –- this is the kind of experience and knowledge needed to further grow jobs throughout our community.

In our society, the private sector creates jobs and economy. Local employers hire staff and drive employment. Local business generates personal income for personal spending, thus generating sales taxes, property taxes, and employment taxes. It is business that provides economy and jobs, bringing the revenues into the City so that services can be provided.

For the past 20 years, the incumbent hasn’t gotten it.

Contrary to his political rhetoric, the evidence clearly shows that his efforts have failed to bring about jobs for our community.

And now, even while he claims that he's not running on promises, he turns right around and makes the promise that he intends to spend the next four years becoming Vancouver's 'jobs mayor'?

Enough of the political double-speak.

Where are the facts to back up his claims of creating jobs? With the highest unemployment in the state of Washington, evidence clearly points to the contrary. And for those who are fortunate enough to have jobs, 60,000+ Clark County residents still travel to Portland each and every day to go to a job that they CAN’T find here in Vancouver.

Forbes Magazine recently ranked the State of Washington as #2 in our nation for business-friendly environment. How is it, then, that Clark County and Vancouver have an unemployment rate that's nearly 1.5 times higher than the national average?

Our local businesses and employers continue to let staff go, continue to struggle with high taxes and continue trying to navigate the City's cumbersome permitting process.

In the meantime, the incumbent brags of traveling to Japan five times, as well as to Texas and California, to attempt to bring new business to Vancouver. What is there to show for these efforts? Nothing. There is no relief in sight, nothing in the near future, for local business growth and more jobs. Had the incumbent spent more time here in our own community, talking with local businesses –- those small and medium-sized companies that ARE the backbone of our jobs and economy -– we might have more jobs in Vancouver. But 20 years of misplaced priorities leave us with the highest unemployment in the State of Washington, more local businesses closing doors, and more of us traveling to Portland to look for work.

It isn't government's responsibility to create jobs, but local government can create a positive environment and opportunities for BUSINESS and EMPLOYERS to create more jobs. And setting the stage for more jobs means considering how heavily we are taxed and to what effect, and how difficult it is for our local businesses to get permits and licenses.

Every time taxes are increased, local small and medium-sized employers are forced to re-evaluate plans for expansion, plans to increase productivity, and plans to hire more employees.

The incumbent has created an increasingly hostile job-growth environment in Vancouver. In his 20 years, he has fought for and voted in favor of every single tax and fee increase, and done nothing to cut permitting bureaucracy and red tape. That is his answer every time there is a decision about services and revenues; his voting record is all you need to see.

My opponent is sadly mistaken to think that piling more and more taxes on our community and our employers will create more jobs. But, given that he has no business experience, has never had to work competitively to earn a paycheck, has never been responsible for a real-world budget, and has never been accountable for the bottom line –- it’s not surprising that he is comfortable continuing to tax the rest of us into unemployment.

Nearly every day, I work with property owners, builders, developers and local government departments to help permit projects. Over the years, as both a Planning Commissioner and as your City Council member, I’ve fought for stronger protections of our natural resources, coupled with reductions in red tape, process and timelines for gaining permits. For an employer wishing to expand operations or move to our community, the City’s current permitting process and timeline can be a deal-killer.

My opponent has no such experience or record, and he appears to see the city’s businesses and residents as little more than “cash cows.” He has consistently voted to increase and add unreasonable fees, and to make the permitting more complex and drawn-out than it needs be.

Interestingly enough, after 20 years spent in this way, he appears to have read and liked my proposals and platforms—-since he is now parroting them verbatim despite all evidence to the contrary.

Some progress has been made in recent years on permitting and red tape, but not enough. I’ve met recently with city staff and representatives from the development community to discuss further improvements. There will be improvements with new leadership. There will be better job opportunities with new leadership.

City Hall must set the stage for immediate local economic recovery and jobs creation.

Leadership that has the right experience.
Leadership that actually has created well-paid jobs.
Leadership that is willing to work with, instead of against, our local employers.

This is how we will get people back to work.
This is how we will create more job opportunities here in our own community.
This is how we will minimize the need for Clark County residents to have to commute to Oregon for a job (and pay that Oregon Income Tax).
This is how we will create more local economy to support government services.

This is how Vancouver must move forward.

Giving the Fourth Plain Corridor the Attention It Deserves

2009-09-27T08:54:00.000-07:00

Growing up here in Vancouver, my brother and I spent a large part of our childhoods in and around the Fourth Plain Corridor. We lived in an apartment complex in Minnehaha. We rode the C-Tran bus to Leverich Park during the summers, going to City summer camp. On the weekends, our parents would take us to Golden Skate and the old Aqua Chutes. I attended Fort Vancouver High School, and after our football games we would hang out at Uncle Milt’s Pizza, listen to the organ play, and pal around with the Pink Panther...remember him?

It's a great honor for me to be a part of the Fourth Plain Corridor Revitalization Task Force, working with a strong, dedicated group of volunteers, from all walks of life, who are working collectively to re-energize this area. Downtown and Esther Short Park may be the “heart” of Vancouver, but Fourth Plain is the backbone. It's a truly international culture that spans all generations and income levels. This is Vancouver's hidden treasure, and we need to bring it out into the light.

Our schools, gathering places, nonprofits and businesses along this strip are suffering the kind of urban problems that you'd normally only see in larger cities.

We have gang and graffiti issues, language barriers, serious poverty, and a real lack of resources for this area.

86% of students at Washington Elementary and 80% at Roosevelt qualify for free/reduced price lunch—those schools are #1 and #4 in the Vancouver School District for students eligible for subsidized lunches. Both schools qualify for Title I federal funding assistance, which is directly tied to poverty levels.

Businesses along the corridor suffer from high crime activity and serious safety concerns, both for themselves and their customers. While millions upon millions of dollars in real funds and tax abatements have been invested in the downtown and riverfront areas, next to nothing has been allocated for this part of the city, and private investment has not been encouraged, either.

And while it can be a pretty depressing picture, there are also many great things happening.

For example, the Re-Store building supply store choosing to locate here, and the Free Clinic continuing to expand its offerings to meet growing demands. Volunteer programs are modeling effective ways to work together to fix up homes and public spaces.

And then there's the task force -- this incredible group of caring volunteers who get together regularly to strategize and put into action plans to improve this area, one small step at a time. I've been grateful for the opportunity to get directly involved, supporting efforts of the Second Saturday volunteer events that Ray Garza has organized, including much-needed repairs in the mobile home park in Rose Village. Working with a professional landscaper who donated volunteer support for the recent street cleanup. And planting flowers in the Washington State display at I-5 and Fourth Plain.

It was a distinct honor, two years ago, to work with Representative Bill Fromhold when local funding for summer camps was cut. Together, Rep. Fromhold and I secured $25,000 from the State Legislature in order to restore this program for our neighborhood children in Evergreen and Waterworks Parks.

And a couple months back, I had the pleasure of shoveling and hauling bark dust to assist with the gateway garden project at 39th & P Streets, led by the Americans Building Community group.

In fact, the name of Mark & Patti Maggiora’s ABC organization gets at the heart of what's going on here: it's Deliberate Community Building. Neighborhood leaders, property owners, non-profits and local businesses -- working to re-create a sense of community and personal investment in this area.

And now, under a new administration, it'll be time to give these efforts the City support and backing they need and deserve.

Indeed, my opponent and I do agree that this election is not about promises for the future, but about a record of leadership and action. And while my opponent has suddenly begun making new promises when he's had 20 years and hasn't done a thing, I've actually been out working with, talking with, and making plans for the future with the people who care the most about this area.

It’s easy to dismiss promises, when those of the past have not been met.

And it IS action that speaks louder that words.

So what action is needed now? City support for these great efforts is long overdue. The Fourth Plain Subarea Plan has been on the shelf now for over two years. It is time right now for the City and other public agencies to engage and take action –- no more of the wait, wait, wait until yet another project in some other area of town is completed.

It's time for our government to start thinking about more than just the money. Return on investment also needs to include quality of life.

A $10,000 investment from the city might not make a drop in the bucket downtown, but along this corridor, to a small business owner, it could mean the difference between staying open and closing forever. And a successful business here will provide a consistent, long-term asset for the community as well as a source of revenue for the City.

My vision for the Fourth Plain corridor is an area that comes back into its full vibrance and diversity, where residents, business owners and visitors can feel safe and excited to be here -- whether they're coming home from work, going out to dinner, or taking the kids to the park after school.

Burying power lines, repairing tattered roads, working with businesses to help them pave the way toward prosperity and success. Whether that means fighting for transportation dollars for improvements that actually light up the street after dark. Or creating a renovation/improvement business loan program. Or developing a cultural center to provide meaningful and engaging activities for our youth. Or purposefully designing culturally competent gang outreach programs. Or partnering with groups like ABC and others to re-dress our neighborhoods and residential streets.

The first thing I will do for this area as Mayor will not be to issue edicts and ultimatums, but to hold a series of forums, here in the corridor, so that we can talk about what YOU need and what YOU want to see happen here.

There is a lot we can do, and it's far past time for the City to step up and start doing it. As your next Mayor, I look forward to working with each and every one of you here to make that happen.

Vancouver Police Officers' Guild Endorses Tim Leavitt for Mayor of Vancouver

2009-09-25T22:00:00.000-07:00

Press release issued by the campaign today:

The Vancouver Police Officers' Guild has endorsed Vancouver City Councilman Tim Leavitt for Mayor of Vancouver. The VPOG represents the Police Officers, Corporals, and Sergeants of the Vancouver, Washington, Police Department.

In a letter announcing the endorsement, Guild President Ryan Martin says, “We appreciate [Leavitt's] past and present concerns over the leadership within the Vancouver Police Department.”

Leavitt joined the Vancouver City Council in 2003 and served on the City’s Planning Commission before that. During his time as a councilman, Tim has regularly listened to and spoken with Guild membership, closely evaluated the recent Matrix study of the Department, and held frank discussions about issues affecting both sides of the table.

The VPOG supports Leavitt's message of positive change and forward movement for the City of Vancouver. “Our membership believes there is a time for change within our city government. We also believe there is a time for change within our city's leadership team. We believe that time is now.”

“Our city employees are passionate about the future of Vancouver,” says Leavitt. “We are in absolute agreement that the City must stop cutting budgets for core services like Police and Fire. It’s time to re-prioritize at City Hall. That is what I’ve been fighting for and one of the reasons why I have received support from the Police, who have been repeatedly underfunded year after year.”

Leavitt has also been endorsed by AFSCME Local 307VC (Vancouver City employees) and Amalgamated Transit Union Local No. 757 (C-Tran employees) and has received the informal support of Unite Here Local No. 9 (Hilton Vancouver employees).

Persons interested in volunteering, donating, or learning more may contact the campaign office at 360.609.4846, via email at leavitt4mayor@gmail.com, or by visiting the campaign website at www.leavitt4mayor.com. The campaign also has a Facebook page and group, at “Leavitt4Mayor”.

Meeting Vancouver at the Doorstep

2009-09-24T20:33:00.000-07:00

We've had some great weather this week for our continued doorbelling effort.

Working up a bit of a sweat the last couple of days, I spoke with dozens of neighbors in the Heights of Vancouver. This evening it was a little cooler out, and we went to my old stomping grounds in the Image neighborhood. It was exhilarating to meet and chat with so many people who are excited with my candidacy and the possibilities for fresh leadership at City Hall. We can hardly keep up with the requests for Leavitt yard signs -- they are going like hotcakes!

We'll continue to meet you at your doorstep, where I will be listening to your concerns and asking questions about your interests for the future of Vancouver. I hope to see you soon!

Setting the Record Straight #1: Police and Fire Services

2009-09-23T17:53:00.000-07:00

The primary responsibility of the City of Vancouver is to provide for the safety and welfare of our citizens. Over my seven years as your city councilman, the record clearly shows that I have supported a strong police department and adequate fire resources to insure effective response to our community's needs.

In light of recent attacks on me, and my opponent's efforts to distort the facts, the intent of this blog is to set the record straight. For the curious or doubtful out there, these matters are all in the public record and available for everybody to verify. In all instances cited, you may reference the council proceedings for yourself. By visiting CVTV's website , you may either view the video or request copies of the meetings from CVTV archives.

Regarding the 2009-10 City Budget
(See CVTV Vancouver City Council video dated 11/07/2008, Water, Sewer and Storm Water Utility Tax Rate Change)

The City had an operating budget in 2008 of $121 million, a projected budget in 2009 of $125 million and a projected budget in 2010 of $138 million. Revenues into the city are increasing -- not decreasing.

During these budget discussions, in the middle of a deep recession that only seemed to be getting worse for our citizens with each passing day…the incumbent mayor argued in favor of raising your utility taxes to 20%.

While our citizens were struggling to pay bills, losing jobs and losing homes, the incumbent chose to raise taxes.

While our local businesses struggled to keep their doors open, with an already unfriendly local business climate, the incumbent chose to raise taxes.

Even worse, his threat to the City Council was to cut Police and Fire services if taxes weren't increased!

Instead of trimming 4% of the city budget in areas OTHER than Police and Fire, the incumbent placed emergency response services on the chopping block. Let me say that again: instead of making a 4% cut in the City budget – a cut similar to the same cuts we've all had to make in our own homes – the current mayor offered the ultimatum that we either raise taxes or cut core services.

I fought to keep the Police and Fire budget whole.

No cuts, no trimming, no more hiring freezes.

I fought to 'tighten the belt' around other city programs, or fill the budget gap temporarily with reserve monies (rainy day fund). Review the video of our discussion to hear for yourself.

In other words, I was the leader that stood up against governance by ultimatum and fully supported emergency response services. It was your sitting Mayor who threatened to cut Police and Fire if we didn't raise your taxes.

Under his watch over the past 20 years, police and fire staffing has failed to keep up with our population growth and national standards.

Under his watch over the past 20 years, our fire stations have deteriorated so badly that they are in danger of falling apart during an earthquake.

Under his watch over the past 20 years, police investigations have been severely limited and now some investigation of property theft may never happen.

Vancouver, you deserve better.

And with your support on November 3, we WILL do better.

Disappointing, But Not Surprising

2009-09-22T08:26:00.001-07:00

In moments of desperation, we tend to show our true colors.

For some politicians, when talking honestly about the issues doesn't prevail, when their back is against the wall, that desperation sets in.

And in politics, a sign of desperation is a candidate's willingness to leave his integrity at the door and start "slinging mud."

With your support, we won the Primary Election. And we did it by going out into the community and meeting with Vancouver residents. I spoke candidly and honestly about the issues and my voting record, and listened to fellow citizens' broad range of concerns.

The same approach didn't work for my opponent, so we knew to expect he'd turn "negative" as soon as the pressure increased. We just weren't sure when, nor how.

We got our answer as soon as the push poll phone calls occurred over this past weekend. Thanks to each and every one of you who called our campaign to express sincere disappointment in the sitting mayor, and appreciation for our above-board, respectful campaign.

In push polls, the facts are typically distorted, or altogether left out, in order to make the opponent look bad. That is what occurred this past weekend. A Pollard push poll to make me look bad.

What you know and I know is that this community doesn't tolerate those low tactics. We're TIRED of politics-as-usual, and City Hall needs a breath of fresh air! It's a shame our opponent didn't realize that this negative campaign trick only serves to make HIM look unsavory.

Focusing on the issues facing our community, defending voting records and leadership style, and outlining a Vision to move our City forward. That's what I offer you, and those matter-of-fact talking points? Well, they simply didn't work for the incumbent.

In fact, even stretching the truth and claiming accomplishments for many things that have happened in our community due to others' efforts, and spending thousands of dollars to send out multiple mailers with these skewed statements -- even that still didn't work for the incumbent.

The General Election is quickly approaching, and we will continue working hard.

I will continue to meet you at your doorstep.

I will continue to focus on issues and my positions and my vision for the next four years in Vancouver.

I will continue to listen to your concerns.

And very importantly, I will not allow our campaign to be drawn into the negativity that is now the strategy of my opponent.

Vancouver deserves better than that.

In 42 days, we will move on. I look forward to serving our entire community as the next Mayor of Vancouver.

Roads Dividing Our Community: A tale of two different neighborhoods

2009-09-19T16:43:00.000-07:00

Tale #1: Reconnecting Downtown Vancouver with the Historic Reserve

An important piece of the proposed improvements of the Columbia River Crossing include the ‘Community Connector,’ otherwise known as a ‘cap’ or ‘lid’ over the freeway, located at the Evergreen Blvd. overpass.

As part of the environmental mitigation for the Columbia River Crossing project, a cap over a section the new freeway will be incorporated into the design. Years ago, the I-5 corridor ripped through downtown Vancouver and separated the core downtown area from the Historic Reserve and the Clark College area. This cap will be a beautiful park space that will provide the mandatory environmental mitigation to offset the impacts of the massive pavement project.

But even more important, it will return a link between the two sides of downtown. From the Reserve running west over the freeway, and meeting up with the new library, we'll see a pleasant, walkable connection between east and west, past and present.

I fully support this cap, and think that it will be an important part of the bridge project, even as the cost is scaled down and we find an affordable project that doesn't penalize our citizens for having to commute to Portland for work.

Tale #2: Dividing Neighborhoods and Killing Joe’s Farm

As our population has grown over the years, 18th Street has become an increasingly congested and dangerous thoroughfare. An improvement project has been envisioned for decades now, including safe pedestrian and bike passage, as well as five (5) lanes for vehicular traffic.

Unfortunately, the proposed five-lane project cannot be accommodated without gutting Joe's Place Farms and isolating the Landover-Sharmel neighborhood. In no uncertain terms, Joe Beaudoin testified at a recent City Council meeting, if the project moves forward as presently designed, Joe’s Place Farms will be no more.

If you haven't been to Joe's Place, at 112th Avenue and 18th Street, I strongly encourage you to go. Whether you prefer fresh-picked blueberries in the summer or pumpkins and hot apple cider in the fall, Joe and Gayle have an incredible spread and bring a little piece of the country right into the heart of our city.

In both the Landover-Sharmel and First Place neighborhoods, Vancouver's strong sense of community and livability is regularly on display. Not just in the great people you meet if you visit, but in exciting projects like the new neighborhood entryway, that was collaboratively created and constructed by neighbors, friends, and students, with support from the Bonneville Power Administration. Many residents, particularly in Landover-Sharmel, have called that neighborhood their home for decades, and have enjoyed one of the last bastions of ‘rural’ feel in our city.

Joe's Place and those neighborhoods are just two of the great gems that make up our community and remind me why I love this town so much.

Unfortunately, both are threatened by a street-widening project that will, physically, tear the community apart.

Tim’s Response: We Can Do BETTER!

Doorbelling over the past five months, I have listened to many stories of frustration about the lack of attention from our current mayor, the disappointment with continual development of subdivisions and strip malls, and the anger over obligations promised but never delivered upon after annexation some 10+ years ago.

On several occasions, my opponent has publicly stated that “East Vancouver is on auto-pilot,” Revealing his lack of regard for the city’s east side. But it’s not just words that expose his unfortunate attitude about 2/3 of our city; his actions are even more revealing!

While I have been fighting for reconsideration and reduction of the proposed five-lane arterial; while I’ve been fighting to preserve the integrity of the Landover-Sharmel neighborhood; while I’ve been fighting for sustainability, urban forestry (many old growth trees will be removed due to the scale of the widening), and preservation of Joe’s Place Farms and the healthy eating afforded by urban farming; and while I’ve been fighting to prioritize walking, biking and connection of a regional trail system FIRST, before increasing vehicle traffic and congestion….the current mayor hasn’t blinked an eye at the thought of ending Joe’s Place Farms and forever changing the unique character of the Landover-Sharmel neighborhood.

We can do better for our neighborhoods, for sustainability, for urban forestry and for the viability of Joe’s Place.

Just because “this is how we’ve always done it”, doesn’t mean it is the right way to do it for the future. We need fresh eyes and fresh perspective to face the challenges of today as well as tomorrow. This is what we can do. This will move Vancouver forward and to a stronger sense of community.

Tolling is NOT the Only Answer!

2009-09-14T18:06:00.000-07:00

In the Editorial section of the September 9 Columbian, Tom Koenninger writes that tolls on the new I-5 crossing are a foregone conclusion, and insinuates that anyone who claims otherwise is a fool or a liar.

Indeed, since Mr. Koenninger and the current Mayor of Vancouver, among others, have been stubbornly trying to force tolls onto our community for years now, one can hardly expect that they'd suddenly come to their senses.

It's because of this hard-headed refusal to do what is right for our community, and to defend the very people who need it most, that I am running for Mayor. Our community really does deserve better ideas, better leadership, and a stronger commitment to our citizens.

We DO need to replace this bridge. But we must also fight against tolls to pay for it. Mr. Pollard calls this viewpoint “naive.” To that I counter: if fighting for our community's common good, if refusing the status-quo, if actively seeking creative solutions to problems our incumbent officials have been unable to solve makes me naïve...then I suppose I am guilty as charged.

The only relevant comment in Mr. Koenninger’s opinion piece is that from Paula Hammond, Washington Department of Transportation: “No state money has been assigned for the project.”

To expound on that: No Washington State money, no Oregon State money, and no Federal money.

We're looking at plans to improve a $4 billion interstate asset, and not a single elected official has managed to secure federal or state funding. Instead, my opponent and his supporters have our community in their crosshairs –- how high can they set the tolls before our citizens can no longer handle it?

I've said it before and I'll say it again: this is a federal asset that benefits every single person living in this region. Governor Gregoire insists that we must have “user fees,” but her understanding of who exactly the “users” are is flatly incorrect. One-third of Vancouver's population commutes to Oregon each day. Not because they get a kick out of sitting in traffic, but because their home state has not created sufficient family-wage jobs. Incumbent politicians and Koenninger now want to burden these same people with the entire cost of the bridge project. They can't secure federal funding; they can't secure state funding; the only thing they can secure is a commitment from Pollard to tax our working class into perpetuity for the "privilege" of having to commute.

As Mayor, I will not roll over and abandon our community right when it most needs to be defended. Unlike our current Mayor, I will not continue to add bells and whistles and push for 12 lanes at all costs, when I know that we can't afford it.

I WILL support and work toward plan modifications that make the project effective but affordable.

I WILL continue to argue for federal and state funding commitments, and

I WILL seek equitable, reasonable revenue streams to fund a manageable local commitment.

The days of 'spend first, ask questions later' are long behind us, as our current economic situation has shown. Now more than ever, we need leadership that recognizes the regressive inequity of tolling; that is interested in supporting, not penalizing our citizens; and that understands that we shouldn't be spending the public's money without a much better idea of where it's going and what it's buying.

Continuing to stand up for the Residents of Vancouver and Clark County

2009-09-09T15:20:00.000-07:00

One of the most important discussions to date about the Columbia River Crossing project occurred on Friday of last week.

As I've been advocating for since the beginning, the CRC Staff have begun some real financial analysis to revise this project and make it something that could actually be affordable for the Federal government and States of Oregon and Washington.

Even Oregon's Metro President noted support for a reduction in construction costs that would impact the need for tolling: as construction costs drop, so would the need for tolls. However, Portland Mayor Sam Adams insisted that from his perspective, no tolls means no project.

I made it perfectly clear that I have no intention of rolling over on tolls.
Tolling is an extremely regressive tax. Whether one has an income of $10,000 or $100,000, everyone will pay the same toll. To suggest a tolling 'credit' or 'mitigation' for the low-income is simply to admit that tolling is unfair to the working class and those of lesser financial status.

In an amusing public exchange with one of our more conservative citizens last week, a local state representative made a remarkable leap of logic -- claiming that anyone who opposes tolls opposes the bridge project in its entirety. My opponent and his allies are contorting the facts to suit their argument, and are SO committed to imposing an unfair tax on our citizens that they can't admit that other options are even possible -- let alone preferable!

Ridiculous.

A third of our Clark County community travels to work in Portland. Most of these folks don't make that commute every day because they just love spending more time in their cars, stuck in traffic and away from their families.
They make that commute every day because good, family-wage jobs are still in short supply on this side of the river.

It’s high time for leadership that is as concerned about our economic present as they are about the future, working with local business to create more jobs right here in Clark County.

We need a bridge that our community can afford. This is what I’ve been working toward for years now.

We need our federal and state governments to make commitments to this project. We need to make the local portion of the funding as small as possible, and find an equitable way to fund it that doesn't make one-third of Clark County pay the bulk of costs on a federal interstate that benefits the entire west coast of the United States of America!

Lastly, it’s high time our elected officials focus on protecting the working class families they represent, rather than playing divisive partisan games.

It’s time to move on.

With your continued support and involvement, better leadership is on the way!

Even in the Rain, We're at the Door!

2009-09-05T10:44:00.000-07:00

After just a couple of days' rest right after the primary, we started back up on doorbelling with even more vigor than before. As of this last week, we're up to full-speed. I was out five days this week, with a few different supporters every day. Thanks to Amy, Mike, Char, Luke, Roy and Peter!

When we went out yesterday, right out of the gate, Team Leavitt was greeted with overwhelming support -- including one neighbor in the Carter Park area proclaiming, "Who else would I vote for! And please give us a yard sign!"

We spent some time on the West side this week, and will be heading to East and Central Vancouver over the next couple of weeks. While we're making sure not to ignore the West-siders, we're also the campaign that knows that Vancouver extends east of Grand Boulevard! As your Mayor, I will represent the ENTIRE city, and look forward to hearing from all of you!

Our efforts continue today, Saturday…yes, in the rain! It'll take a little while to adjust to Fall weather after a great Summer. But like the mailman, come rain or shine…Leavitt is at work.

At Long Last, CRC Staff to Present Options for a 'Down-Sized' Bridge Project

2009-08-27T21:16:00.000-07:00

At the September 4th meeting of the CRC Project Sponsors Council (comprised of myself, Clark County Commissioner Steve Stuart, Royce Pollard, Portland Mayor Sam Adams, Metro Councilor David Bragdon, and Trimet Director Fred Hansen), CRC Staff will present opportunities to scale back the proposed bridge crossing, light rail transit and improvement to seven interchanges.

For several years now, through the CTRAN Board and the Vancouver City Council, I have been lobbying for the following on behalf of the citizens of Vancouver, the riders of CTRAN and the commuters of Clark County (and, for my detractors, allow me to say that this is all a matter of public record):

· No Tolls on the I-5 or I-205 Bridges

· More commitment of funding from Federal and both State Governments

· An improvement project, not just a replacement -- a new bridge with 12 lanes and related improvements

· Along with the CTRAN Board of Directors, light rail transit with the following caveats:

o Construction paid by the Federal Transit Administration

o Voters decide on operation and maintenance costs

It has become painfully apparent that neither the Feds nor the States are prepared at this time to commit to the majority of costs for a proposed $4.1 billion project.

BUT, I have made it clear for some two years now that tolling both bridges to pay the bulk share of this project, and burdening the citizens of our City and our County is not acceptable.

Other options must be considered.

Royce Pollard would prefer to put the burden of the costs of this enormous project on the backs of the very people he is supposed to represent. Clark County commuters must ALREADY pay Oregon income tax for the 'privilege' of current leadership's failure to create adequate family-wage jobs. NOW, he is insisting that they must also bear the burden of paying for this federal asset?

In order to avoid any possible tolling, the next logical step is to consider scaling back the scope and size of the project. If we can't afford this bloated legacy project, here's a novel idea: let's build something we CAN afford!

You've heard that from me before, and now the public will have an opportunity to hear from the CRC Staff what they have determined is feasible for a scaled-back project. I am extremely pleased that this presentation is occurring.

Please stay tuned, and rest assured that I will continue to look out for you!

City Council Primary Candidate Supports Leavitt for Mayor

2009-08-24T15:41:00.000-07:00

From a press release the Bart Hansen campaign issued on Friday, August 21, 2009:

Former City Council candidate Bart Hansen today endorsed Vancouver City Councilman Tim Leavitt for Mayor of Vancouver. Hansen, who competed in the Primary election for City Council Position #1, endorsed Leavitt because of his commitment to better local job opportunities, making Vancouver a family-friendly, affordable place to live, work and play, and to fighting against tolls on the I-5 Bridge.

“Tim has shown that he understands how tough it can be out there for working people, people with families,” says Hansen. “I believe that Tim is looking out for ALL of us, and has the experience, common sense, and energy to lead Vancouver into its next chapter.”

Hansen campaigned extensively for the Council position, but was defeated in the primary by Jack Burkman and Bill Turlay. Yesterday, Hansen endorsed Burkman.

Leavitt thanked Hansen for his endorsement, saying that “Bart ran a strong race, and would have been a great addition to the Council. From my perspective as a voter, that was a hard race to make a decision in. They are all strong candidates, dedicated to helping our city advance. I'm happy that Bart will stay involved and interested in City affairs, and I hope we'll see more of him in the future.”

Hansen is looking forward to helping Leavitt continue his leading campaign—-in the unofficial results from the Primary, Leavitt leads the 14-year incumbent Mayor, and the Leavitt campaign is already picking up speed, continuing their grass-roots effort to knock on doors and talk directly with voters.

NO to Tolls and YES to Equitable Funding

2009-08-19T20:32:00.000-07:00

On the Oregonian's website today, Allan Brettman wrote about our tight Mayoral race here in Vancouver, and the issue of tolls that will likely be a crucial point for many voters in our town.

The Primary election results, and Pollard's commentary about the issues, show that he's simply not listening to the people that he is supposed to be representing.

Or, maybe he is listening and just doesn't care. After all, he has publicly admitted there is no reason for him to travel to Portland. So, paying a toll won't have any personal impact on him.

What he refuses to understand, however, is that a toll that charges Vancouver's working class for the "privilege" of crossing the river because the current administration has done next to nothing to grow jobs here in the last two decades, with the added burden of paying Oregon income tax without receiving representation, is unequitable, undemocratic, and discriminatory.

We need to think out of the box here.

For the umpteenth time, I will say this: that bridge is a federal asset. Yes, we all know that transportation funds aren't what they used to be. But frankly, neither are our savings accounts!

If the federal and state governments can't come up with money for this bridge, what makes Pollard think that Clark County commuters can pay for it?

We need to take a step back and try to collaborate with our federal and state delegations, rather than blindly follow the party line. And if $4 billion is more than we can afford right now, then we need to consider how to scale this project so that we "pay-as-we-go," building it with money we actually have, rather than taking out credit our children's children's children will have to pay back.

Pollard and his yes-men are starting to go around saying that I have some secret, nefarious plan to kill this project. That's a load of baloney, and they're saying it because it's their only hope of swaying public opinion back in their direction.

60% of voters showed last night what this community really thinks--Pollard doesn't get it, and he's not the candidate who's looking out for their interests.

It's time to move away from business as usual, and secure a funding model for this bridge that is equitable for ALL of the stakeholders.

Downtown Train Horn Noise -- Out of Control!

2009-08-12T09:21:00.000-07:00

If the incumbent Mayor is so set on bringing more people downtown to live and work, why has he done nothing in the last decade to curb train horn noise? Fed up with Pollard's inattention, downtown residents have put together a workable plan--and I'll be teaming with other councilmembers to help them find resolution.

The city's top leadership has been on a virtual warpath over the past decade to lure residents, businesses and visitors into downtown Vancouver. Around Esther Short Park alone, the City has spent millions of dollars in public investment: the hotel/convention center (building owned by the public), Heritage Condos (tax abatement), Vancouver Center (tax abatement), Esther Short building (City offices), Vancouver Commons (Housing Authority), and of course the park itself.

Yet with all of this investment and the nice amenity of an urban park, why are residents, business owners, visitors and hotel attendees still complaining about downtown --- some 10 years later?

One of the primary reasons is the train horn noise.

There are two road crossings of the BNSF rail line in downtown Vancouver. Neither of these crossings are protected, and they thus require the train engineers to lay on their horn to warn of the pending crossing. Unfortunately, the trains don't keep "regular" business hours, and they pass through Vancouver at ALL hours of the day.

The horn noise is unbearable, and those in the downtown have been letting the City know this for a decade.

Finally, concerned residents took it upon themselves to research the train horn noise matter, and they initiated conversations with the railroad, business owners and the City. They have now prepared a fix to the problem -- resulting in no need for the horns to blow -- and have presented that resolution to the City.

Yet, there is still no action.

The word from on high, now, is that permanent fixes might occur sometime after 2012.

Another two years of suffering in downtown.

But Pollard is trying to encourage people to live, work, play and stay here?!?

Time to get off the dime and implement the low-cost fix. If the Mayor won't do his part to help, then the rest of us will.

I'll be working with other councilmembers to move this matter forward immediately….for the sake and livability of 'The Heart' of Vancouver.

Royce Pollard Squelches City Council Dialogue

2009-08-11T09:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon, during one of the most important workshops of the City Council year, Vancouver caught a glimpse of the real Royce Pollard. He's been on good behavior during this election season, but every so often he slips--revealing his impatient and inconsiderate nature. During Council's review of the important Matrix study of our Police Department, Pollard quashed City Council discussion and attempted to pit Council Member against Council Member instead of facilitating productive discussion.

The Vancouver Police Department's current struggle with lawsuits, morale, and internal culture is one of the most important and most controversial matters facing the City. Yesterday afternoon, Monday, August 10th, the Vancouver City Council received a debrief from Police Chief Cliff Cook about an independent report that was completed to review the Internal Affairs, Disciplinary Process and Culture of the department -- the Matrix Report.

Over the past 19 years our Police force has struggled for continuity under 9 different Police Chiefs. Serious tension has developed between police management and the department's rank & file, and the City has paid out millions of dollars to settle several lawsuits that are mired in accusations of bias, discrimination and subjective enforcement of department policy.

The workshop was slated for two hours. Chief Cook spoke for about an hour, reviewing the report, defending his positions and the department, and explaining his intentions for next steps. At the conclusion of Chief Cook's presentation, the meeting then entered into a Q&A with councilmembers, rotating around the council for each member to comment and ask a question.

Given the serious nature of this matter, it was apparent and entirely understandable that Council would have numerous questions and comments. One round of questions was completed and a second started. However, at the very minute the one-hour session of Q&A was up, the Mayor summarily ended the session -- leaving half the City Council without opportunity to ask a second question.

Maintaining accurate schedules is important, but not at the expense of giving an important issue adequate review. What is most disconcerting about Pollard's action isn't just that he abruptly ended the session, but the argumentative way he did it.

Councilmember Smith and I both spoke up and requested additional time to ask a second question--with an extremely short agenda on deck for the upcoming council session, there was plenty of time and flexibility to allow extra questions.

Royce Pollard's response, however, didn't acknowledge this available time, nor advocate scheduling a second workshop to continue the discussion. Instead, he blamed other councilmembers for speaking too long and told us that "You'll need to talk to the other councilmembers about how much time they take in asking their questions."

This is Pollard's example of effective leadership? Instead of allowing three city councilmembers equal opportunity to ask a second question, instead of giving this important matter sufficient review, and instead of trying to find a common solution, Pollard pitted councilmembers against each other --- telling Smith, Leavitt and Campbell to take matters up with Jollota, Harris and Stewart about how much time they take commenting and asking questions.

This is entirely unacceptable. Suggesting that Smith, Campbell and I admonish other councilmembers to annotate their remarks is flat-out ludicrous.

How is this appropriate leadership, particularly on a matter as important as the health of the City's Police Department?

I look forward to bringing my own leadership style to Council as Mayor. My tenure as Chair of the C-Tran Board was extremely successful because of an intentionally collaborative style, and my willingness to afford officials on the board all the opportunity they needed to speak their minds. During that time, we made tremendous strides forward in setting policy for the agency. It will be my pleasure and honor to bring that style back to Vancouver, which has been missing it since Pollard took office as Mayor 14 years ago.

The Truth about the Incumbent's "Appreciation" of the Arts

2009-08-07T14:09:00.000-07:00

Though my opponent hasn't shown any interest in the arts at all over his last 20 years in office, he seems to have suddenly woken up and realized it might be a good campaign tactic to "care."

In today's Columbian, Jeff Mize reported on the mayor's sudden announcement at this week's City Council meeting that Pollard intends to re-convene an arts commission. That's a convenient change of heart, given that it was his administration that summarily disbanded the city's cultural commission a few years ago.

A few members of the arts community are working with Pollard on his plan to create a commission that is controlled by the city but unfunded and unstaffed. Many, many others in the arts community are coming forth to share their opinions on this half-cocked plan.

Here is a note from Jaynie Roberts, Artistic Director of Vancouver's Magenta Theater Company:

“I”
My experience with current city government and the arts…..

I served on the Vancouver Cultural Commission from May 2004 until it was abruptly disbanded in 2005. I have a framed letter on my wall, from Royce Pollard, as evidence of such.

I formed Arts in the Chamber – a program that brought the arts into City Council meetings. The perception was that council members were too busy to attend arts events so by bringing the water to the horses, perhaps they would drink and develop a thirst for more. Vietnamese musicians, actors, musical theater performers, and a Celtic violinist brought their talent to the meetings and were well received (I thought) until I was informed that the program was no longer to be included in the meetings. End of Arts in the Chamber.

I participated in the long drawn-out discussions about Wendy the Welder – a sculpture that now (finally) sits on the waterfront. I was in awe of how long it took to get Wendy from blueprint to final resting place. Good grief!

I attended numerous off-site functions where Cultural Commission presence was requested. I chatted with visitors from Japan – in Japanese. It was difficult for the visitors to remember my name, as Cultural Commission members were not provided with name badges. So, I took it upon myself (with the ok from our City liaison) to design and purchase badges for all Cultural Commissioners. The name badges were such a positive move that the months of waiting for reimbursement hardly seemed problematic. (Although I did object slightly to the fact I had to provide my entire credit card statement to prove I had made the purchase.) Shortly thereafter, the name badges became obsolete. Mine now serves as a shiny refrigerator magnet.

I was puzzled and confused when a Cultural Commission meeting was cancelled because City Hall was locked and we couldn’t get in. I was highly offended when I was informed through the grapevine that the Commission had been disbanded. All of this was handled in such an unprofessional manner, that I felt used, abused, minimized and dismissed.

I could go on and on about my experiences with the Cultural Commission but I can sum it all up by saying this. I would never, ever serve in any official capacity on any commission or committee under the ‘leadership’ of Royce Pollard ever again. I was burned, I was offended, I was pushed aside, I was treated rudely. Ugh!

Jaynie Roberts, Former Member City of Vancouver Cultural Commission

OREGONIAN Editorial Board Out of Touch--Tolls are Unnecessary and Unjust!

2009-08-07T08:38:00.001-07:00

On Monday, August 3rd, the Oregonian Editorial Board presented a piece endorsing tolling of a new Interstate 5 bridge. Citing that tolling would help manage congestion and that tolling as a concept is nothing new for the I-5 Bridge, the Editorial Board attempts to justify the tolls as a necessity in order to build a new bridge.

Baloney.

First of all, if the purpose of tolling is to manage congestion, then why build a new bridge at all? Leave the current bridge and unsafe interchanges in place. That alone will 'manage' congestion -- and we'll save $4 billion. If the goal of tolling is to encourage commuters to utilize light rail transit or buses, then why build a new bridge at all? Just build a light rail bridge and extend the rail into Vancouver. Again, keeping the existing bridge will 'manage' congestion. Oh ... wait a minute ... my apologies, these are options that a number of public officials VERY MUCH PREFER!

If the desired purpose of tolling is to push discretionary travel to off-peak hours, thereby freeing up space for freight and commuter travel, then the premise is faulty. I'd like to see someone -- anyone! -- come forward publicly and explain that they CHOOSE to sit in rush hour traffic just for the heck of it. I'm betting there aren't a whole lot of people who pile onto the bridge each morning just to to grab a scone and coffee at a café in downtown Portland.

The presumption that commuters can control their hours of travel -- that thousands of employers in the Portland-Metro Area will allow commuting employees to show their faces at work at 11am to avoid high tolls is PREPOSTEROUS.

The presumption that mothers and fathers can even change their work hours that dramatically, taking into account childcare, parental responsibilities and other life circumstances is PREPOSTEROUS.

The presumption that senior citizens, hard working families, and the lower-income workforce can afford another $1,500 (minimum) in tolling costs each and every year, is PREPOSTEROUS.

The presumption that commuters ought to be willing to sacrifice another 1-1.5 hours of their day to commute on light rail transit or buses, in order to avoid tolls, is PREPOSTEROUS.

I'm envious of those folks who are ardent supporters of tolls, because they have something going that allows them to sock it to the rest of us -- Some have publicly admitted that they have no reason to routinely travel between Washington and Oregon; some are wealthy enough that they can easily afford a $4-6 toll each way during the peak commute; some don't even live in our community and never have to cross the Columbia River; some know the project won't be finished within their lifetime so they won't be around to have to worry about tolls; some are too closed-minded to think creatively about how to accomplish this project without the brunt of tolls on our families and businesses; and frankly, some are just plain out of touch with our community.

I agree with the Oregonian Editorial Board on one point: I am ticked off.

Who is representing the hard-working families and businesses of the Portland-Metro region, and particularly SW Washington? It's certainly not the Oregonian Editorial Board. It's certainly not local elected officials, like Vancouver's current Mayor, Royce Pollard. Nor are a number of other higher-up elected officials. Nor are transplants from the east coast, who proudly proclaim that tolls are a way of life. Tolls may be a given on the other side of the country, but one of the reasons many of us are here in the west coast is because it's NOT like the east coast!

You see, it's quite easy to force an issue onto the public when you don't have to worry about facing that public every day to listen to the hardship and explain why your position just cost jobs, homes and closure of businesses. It's easy to force a matter onto the public when you have only a few months or years left in public office, and then can go into retirement and out of the public eye.

The answer to building this project without tolls is really quite easy, as I've explained before:

#1) Feds step up and build the bridge at their cost. The bridge is a federal asset, and if anything, is a poster project for federal stimulus money. Build the bridge and the two interchanges on either side of the River. Our representatives just found another $2 billion for the Cash for Clunkers program. How about $2 billion for the most important public works project in the Pacific Northwest, if not the entire West Coast of the United States of America? This project is estimated to be in construction for a DECADE, creating thousands of jobs.

#2) Feds have already committed money to build the light rail extension. So build it.

#3) Remaining Cost --- Five interchanges to be improved will occur as money becomes available. Interchanges have generally been more a responsibility of the States and Local, with some support from the Feds. The estimated cost of improving the five interchanges is around $1 billion. Recently, the State of Washington committed some $1 billion to projects in the Seattle/Puget Sound area. As cash flow is available in Oregon and Washington, the interchanges can be improved. The result will be a longer construction period, but we'll only be spending money we have--not borrowing credit that's being paid off on the backs of Vancouver's working class.

And guess what? No tolls necessary.

Let's be creative. Dump the status-quo attitudes and get on with productive business. Some of us are actually invested in the future of this region, and we won't tolerate otherwise.

Local 307VC AFSCME Agree to Save the City Nearly $400,000

2009-08-06T14:57:00.000-07:00

Today, it was announced that the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Local 307VC, have voted to approve a two-year contract with the City of Vancouver that includes no wage increases. This action was taken by Local membership in recognition of the city's continuing budget challenges, and will save the City up to $398,000 for 2009.

AFSCME is the largest union within the national AFL-CIO, representing 152 city employees in the Water Maintenance, Wastewater Maintenance, Greenway/Sensitive Lands Maintenance, Street Maintenance, Storm Water Maintenance, Facility Maintenance, Traffic Signal, Traffic Sign, Warehouse and Dispatch Divisions of the Public Works Department, as well as the administrative/clerical unit of the City Attorney's Office.

In June, AFSCME announced its endorsement of me, over the incumbent, in the race for the Vancouver Mayor's seat. The Local 307VC President, Ron Fredin, says of their endorsement, “Leavitt is truly committed to collaboration and relationship-building, has respect for labor issues, and boasts an unmatched record on advocating for jobs that pay family wage.”

I am so proud and honored to have the endorsement of a group that would make this kind of sacrifice. The rank and file of our city employees -- those who are out in our community taking care of our roads, utilities, sensitive lands, and protecting the interests of the citizens of Vancouver --- are to be commended for sacrificing for the greater benefit of the entire City. I am proud of them, and I am honored that they believe in my leadership as the next Mayor of Vancouver.

Vancouver and the Arts

2009-08-04T11:39:00.000-07:00

In the past couple of weeks, the incumbent mayor's campaign has finally started to pay some attention to the state of arts and culture in Vancouver. If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then I am duly flattered. I've been working with and talking about supporting and celebrating Vancouver's arts and culture for quite some time now--it's a pleasure to welcome Mr. Pollard to the party.

Vancouver has the potential and the resources to be a community thriving with performing, visual and cultural arts -- and with that, could be seen as a unique destination for enthusiasts and tourists. Look to other nearby locations like Leavenworth, Washington, or Ashland, Oregon. For two years now, I’ve been speaking to the need for returning our local arts community back to center stage with a sincere commitment. We need more than "lip service" if anything is to survive and thrive.

It’s clear we have a wealth of local artists, performers and culture right here in our own community. Unfortunately, leadership over the past 14 years has shown no interest in nourishing and nurturing our local vibe.

I’m thrilled that the incumbent is now taking notice. It's amazing how election season brings about convenient changes of heart. But to do so in a tangible and impactful way will take more than a nod to the arts community and the simple acknowledgement of an Arts Commission.

Those performers and artists that have struggled to keep their businesses open over the past 14 years can speak to this.

The City once had such a commission, but it was underfunded, understaffed, and unsupported. Then it was summarily dismissed when it didn't produce what leadership wanted to hear.

What we are currently hearing from the incumbent is a half-hearted proposal to ‘re-recognize’ an Arts Commission, help them become a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and offer extremely limited staff support.

To fully realize the opportunities we have here in Vancouver for arts and culture, an Arts Commission is going to need some ‘teeth’, some real support and resources to build a strong foundation for which to be successful. I will recommend more than an acknowledgement, and request that the business and development interests meet with the arts community and City to strategize about moving forward collectively and with the resources necessary to allow for the viability of an Arts Commission and the flourishing of our local arts and culture.

Also, I'm pleased to hear that the Vancouver Downtown Association has taken interest in my idea about closing off lower Main Street to vehicles and allowing for a street fair during the weekends. I've experienced street fairs during my travels to many other cities -- they appear to be hugely successful for promoting local community and business. Most recently, I was in Chicago attending one of five street fairs occurring that particular weekend. There were tens of thousands of visitors enjoying food, music and buying things like artwork, crafts and sculptures from local artists. I envision Vancouver having its own version of these fairs, or even an 'institution' like Beale Street, in Memphis, Tennessee--but with the very specific, unique talent and spirit of Vancouver, Washington.

How to Pay for a New Bridge without Breaking the Backs of Vancouver's Working Class

2009-07-27T13:00:00.000-07:00

As the Vancouver mayoral race heats up, it's tolls, tolls, tolls that are making headlines the most. I'm receiving a lot of e-mail from people who are thankful that at least one of their City officials is standing up against the burden of tolls. I'm also receiving questions about specifics-- "ok, you're against tolls -- so how do we pay for the bridge?"

This is a good question, and one I'm happy to answer.

Our current leadership has failed to create good, new jobs locally--forcing our citizens to cross the river to earn a decent wage, for the dubious privilege of paying Oregon income tax. And now, after this failure, that same incumbent leadership is saying that we need to just "accept it," and "get over it." and prepare to pay tolls.

I submit that tolls are not a foregone conclusion, and this project can be done without detrimental financial impact to our hard-working families, employers or seniors on fixed incomes.

Simple answer: The project can be constructed with little to no local financial burden, if it is phased and/or reduced in size.

Detailed answer:

The estimated cost for the bridge, light rail and reconstruction of 7 interchanges is $4 billion.

Bridge: Estimated Cost = $1.5 billion. Who to pay = Federal Government.

Reconstructing the bridge (and immediate interchanges on either side of the river) is a federal responsibility -- that Interstate asset belongs to them.

You might recall that the Interstate 205 bridge was constructed with 90% financing from the Feds, and 10% financing from the States of Oregon and Washington. Why? Because bridges are mega projects and the feds recognize the need to be larger partners -- as keepers of the interstate highway system.

Light Rail Transit: Estimated Cost = $1 billion. Who to pay = Federal Government and States.

The Federal Transit Agency has told us they have $750 million in waiting to extend LRT into Clark County with this project. Perfect! City of Portland and Tri-Met have demanded (and need) LRT into Clark County, in order to further their mission of extending LRT throughout the communities south of the river. Our CTRAN Board agreed to the extension of LRT into Clark County, with the $750 million from the Feds, AND a vote by our citizens on the operating costs (increase in sales tax of 1 penny on $10). The remaining $250 million should come from the States -- particularly Oregon, given their demands for LRT into Clark County.

Interchanges: Estimated Cost: $1.5 billion. Who to pay = State, Local, Federal.

Historically, highway interchanges have been completed by our State Departments of Transportation, in financial partnership with local and federal monies. This is where I recommend we phase the project to "pay as you go". Both States must develop a long-range finance and priorities plan, to improve the interchanges over the next 20 years. When the revenues are available, then the interchange projects move forward.

Pollard, Gregoire and the others supporting them are advocating to use a 'credit card', in the form of tolls on BOTH the I-5 and I-205 bridges, to pay for all these improvements and get all of the construction underway now. In our current credit crisis, we've seen how well that kind of leadership plays out.

I submit that we absolutely MUST push for increased federal and state participation, and make a concerted effort to determine how this project can be appropriately scaled and phased to assure that we pay for it with real dollars, not our grandchildren's dollars!

Support:Yes! Vandalism:No!

2009-07-26T20:44:00.000-07:00

I appreciate all of the support from so many of you out there. We've got a great campaign to bring much-needed change to Vancouver, and we wouldn't be able to do it without each and every one of you.

It's come to our attention that someone has been out there vandalizing Royce Pollard's campaign signs. Just this morning, I found out that signs for Pollard and City Council candidate Jack Burkman on the west side were trashed, while ours (thankfully) was left standing.

Our campaign spoke with Pollard's early, to alert them to this situation. And I want to be perfectly clear that we are in no way affiliated with this vandalism, and we don't condone it. While we've been fortunate enough to only have some of our smaller signs stolen, we have also been victims of this unacceptable behavior.

I seriously doubt that any of my supporters would resort to this kind of behavior. These underhanded tactics are precisely the sort of thing we are working to END. After 2 decades in office, it's entirely understandable that Mr. Pollard would have enemies who have nothing to do with a campaign, and I hope these people can find more productive outlets for their anger.

But just in case, I implore all of you--please show your support by voting, by helping us canvass, and by getting the word out that Leavitt 4 Mayor is the right choice, the better choice for keeping Vancouver moving forward. We are determined to keep this campaign above-board and professional, and appreciate all of your support, encouragement, and volunteer time.

Go Team Leavitt!

Letter to the Federal Government: Vancouver Cannot Finance This Bridge With Tolls

2009-07-23T17:21:00.000-07:00

When Governor Gregoire visited with our area's Chambers at lunch today, she offered no relief or support on the issue of tolls for the new I-5 crossing. The message to Vancouver was, in essence, "get over it" -- something we've also heard from the incumbent. The tolls that they want to impose will crush Vancouver's working class. If they insist on selling us out like this, I insist on pushing on without them. Below, see a letter I've drafted to send to President Obama. if ever there was a project suited for the stimulus money Washington is distributing, this is it! Please take a look. I welcome your thoughts. (Clicking on the image of the letter will enlarge it for easier reading!)

Mayoral Forum TONIGHT!

2009-07-23T10:43:00.001-07:00

Hey folks! Come on out to the Mayoral Forum tonight! 7pm, Clark Public Utilities community room. Find out more about my positions and learn about why you should be supporting Leaviit for Mayor!

Canvassing the City

2009-07-15T08:22:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was a busy couple of days of doorbelling, but I love it!

Saturday was a hot one…but there were many supporters in the Lincoln neighborhood, out working in the yard, holding garage sales, or just playing with the kids.

I didn't cover as much territory as we'd planned, because a number of folks were very interested in several pressing issues. That's precisely why I'm out there, so I was happy to oblige. One gentleman, a retiree, spoke of his fixed income and displeasure with the current leadership's continual increase in taxes. He was already aware of my position of better respect for our tax dollars, as well as my voting record in support of fiscal responsibility.

Sunday was a cold one….the weather did an about-face! But the neighbors that were home in the Burnt Bridge Creek neighborhood were warm at the doorstep. One woman, whose husband had recently passed away, was extremely happy to see me and really was overjoyed when speaking of the opportunity for a new face and voice at city hall. Apparently, she had had previous interactions with the current leadership and felt she was treated disrespectfully at each turn.

Afterward, I was invited into the home of one of the active neighbors, to meet with several others. They were so gracious to have me over to their home, sharing snacks and stories of events in the neighborhood. I listened to their perspectives on the city and responded to questions about my positions and vision for our future. An hour and a half just blew by!

During my doorbelling, I am finding that neighbors are very happy to see the actual candidate at their doorstep. A couple weeks back, a gentleman asked, "Are you Tim?" When I responded affirmatively, he took a step back in amazement. "These materials (referring to campaign brochures) just seem to end up on our doorstep. All these years and I've never actually met the candidate, until now!" There has been similar sentiment expressed to me over the past 8 weeks, and I wholeheartedly agree. The candidate should be out doorbelling and meeting with neighbors, if we are to even expect consideration of your vote! Unfortunately, I can't cover the entire City myself, and am blessed to have supporters and volunteers to assist WITH me.

Speaking of which, we're always looking for volunteers to come out and doorbell. I really enjoy seeing neighbors meet neighbors, and chatting with volunteers as we walk along. We've got LOTS of weekends planned, and a few afternoons/evenings during the week. If you'd like to come out for a couple of hours, email or call us and please let us know!

Onward!

Following Up After Today's Forum

2009-07-09T20:19:00.000-07:00

This morning,Vancouver's Downtown Association hosted the first mayoral forum of the race. Thanks to the VDA for organizing it, and to everyone who attended--we had a good turnout, especially for so early in the morning!

Good points were raised all around, and the audience had a lot of great questions. Since we were in a forum structure instead of a debate, I wasn't able to respond to some of the misleading statements put forth by my opponent, Mr. Pollard--so I'll tackle them here!

Is Bigger Really Always Better?

Asked about his vision for our city, the incumbent replied that "we need to be big; that's the only way anyone will pay attention to us." Respectfully, I beg to differ. Certainly, growth is often good. But growth for growth's sake alone is short-sighted. As we've seen in our current recession, bigger ISN'T always better: if there's no foundation to support the building, it will crumble. The truth is that Vancouver and SW Washington will make progress only with leadership that has earned respect in Olympia with collaboration and teamwork--not with size alone. The old swatting the fly with a hammer approach hasn't worked yet and it won't work in the future! The reality is that Vancouver will never have a size advantage over the entire Puget Sound region--and it's foolish to try. We will gain influence in Olympia with fresh, forward-thinking, and respectful dialogue.

The Incumbent Will Go To Japan To Grow Jobs, But He Won't Go Up To Fourth Plain?!
During the forum, my opponent emphasized repeatedly that he is willing to go anywhere, anytime, to try to get big businesses to relocate here. Japan, Texas...you have to wonder where Vancouver fits in to this picture. Instead of focusing on the city he's supposed to be running, Pollard is spending city money to jet off to different states and countries to try to woo businesses that have no vested interest in our community. We've got incredible talent and resources here, and we need to be working with the people who already live and run businesses here to help them be as successful as possible. Mister Pollard should spend a little less time traveling and a little more time in his own backyard.

Who's the Candidate With Real, Strong Relationships?

The incumbent is quick to say that he's "got the relationships" necessary to get things done, and he points to our state and federal representatives. But the truth of the matter is, those elected officials need Vancouver as much as, or more than, we need them. They want to be able to show that they have our support--it doesn't matter WHO the Mayor is--they're smart people and they're not going to alienate the sitting Mayor, whose support makes it seem as though they have a connection to our area. What's more important are the relationships with the entities we need to work with every day to make the city run effectively-- county commissioners, other neighboring cities, city and county employees, and citizens--all of these are strong relationships I have, and have been building one by one, person to person, over the last 29 years. These are relationships I work on and grow every day--not just when I'm running for office. This is supported by the endorsements of the unions that represent City employees and C-Tran employees. Those that have the experience of working with me on a regular basis know that I listen and collaborate across the board.

The Citizens Should Get to Decide On Tax Increases to Fund Major Projects
We were asked about funding for a build-out of Main Street. The plans are complete, but they've been shelved because the city doesn't have the $10 million it would need to complete the project. How would we find that funding? The incumbent said that there are a lot of projects that have been shelved during his time in office, and he's not sure how, but we'll "find the money." If it's anything like the way he's "found" money in the past, it'll be by raising fees, raising utility costs, and raising sales tax--things the public is not required to vote on. But every increase like this makes it even harder for our businesses and our citizens to be successful. What he doesn't seem to understand is that the more successful our businesses and citizens are, the more successful the city will be. It's HARD to run a successful business. Why is the city adding extra barriers, making it even harder for our own citizens to succeed? There will certainly be times and projects that need extra income from the citizens--but the citizens should have the right to vote on whether or not it's important enough to them to make that sacrifice. A well-reasoned, well-coordinated campaign to rally support in our community, will bring the support needed--and encourage public investment in resources that benefit us all. City Hall shouldn't be arbitrarily adding taxes and fees because they can't balance the budget without doing it.

True Leadership
In closing, the incumbent said that in our current times, we shouldn't be looking for a Mayor who makes a lot of promises.
And he's absolutely right.
We should be looking for a Mayor who KEEPS them.
Which is why I look forward to being your next Mayor.

City Employees' Union and C-Tran Union Endorse Leavitt for Mayor of Vancouver!

2009-07-08T17:52:00.000-07:00

The American Federation of State, County and Local Employees (AFSCME Local 307VC) and Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU Local 757) have endorsed Vancouver City Councilman Tim Leavitt for Mayor of Vancouver. Local 307 is the labor union that represents 154 employees working in the City’s Water, Streets, Traffic, and Public Works Departments, as well as the clerical unit of the Law Department. Local 757 represents 250+ C-TRAN bus drivers and transit workers.

“Tim has shown that he will fight for the little guy: you and me,” says Roy Jennings, C-TRAN driver and ATU Executive Board Officer. “Tim has not only the knowledge and experience to be a terrific Mayor for our great city, he also brings along with him the energy of youth to do the job.”

Leavitt joined the C-TRAN board in 2004 and was Chair of the Board from 2006-2008. During his tenure as Chair, C-TRAN introduced hybrid-fuel buses, worked in cooperation with the City of Vancouver and Vancouver’s Downtown Association to create Turtle Place Plaza in the downtown core, and finished the 99th Street Park-and-Ride.

Ron Fredin, President of Local 307VC and Vice President of the Executive Board of Washington State AFSCME Council 2 says of their endorsement, “Leavitt is truly committed to collaboration and relationship-building, has respect for labor issues, and boasts an unmatched record on advocating for jobs that pay family wage.”
Leavitt joined the Vancouver City Council in 2003 and served on the City’s Planning Commission before that. During his time as a councilman, Tim has regularly attended Labor Roundtable meetings, met individually with union leadership, and held frank discussions about issues affecting both sides of the table.

In his five years on the C-TRAN board, Leavitt has continually worked to provide increased and improved transit service, simultaneously respecting and guarding the rights and responsibilities of C-Tran workers. “My first experiences in Vancouver were shaped by riding the C-TRAN bus to Leverich Park for summer camp,” says Leavitt. “That was 30 years ago, and I still remember riding the bus every day, talking with the bus driver, and feeling like I could take on the world right there, from that bus.”

AFSCME reps cite Leavitt’s dedication to fostering relationships of substance, and looking toward the future of Vancouver. “We’re supporting Tim because he walks the talk,” says Local 307VC member Joe Devlaeminck. “Tim is the candidate who has been building respectful and effective working relationships with us and throughout our community. He is never too busy to listen to our concerns, and he then works with us to try and find solutions that meet everyone’s needs. We intend to work diligently to see him become the next Mayor of Vancouver.”

“Our city employees are passionate about the future of Vancouver,” says Leavitt. “We are in absolute agreement that the City must stop cutting budgets for core services like roads maintenance, traffic control and street light repair, and utility services. It’s time to re-prioritize at City Hall. That is what I’ve been fighting for and one of the reasons why I have received support from the unions whose members really make this city run.”

Leavitt has also received the informal support of Unite Here Local No. 9 (Hilton Vancouver employees).

City of Vancouver Passes Resolution Against Hate and Bias Crimes

2009-07-07T12:38:00.000-07:00

Last night marked a great step forward for the City of Vancouver-- the City Council reviewed and approved our resolution against hate and bias crimes, and supporting a community of inclusiveness, respect, and collaboration. Many thanks to all who helped make it possible, including LULAC, the NAACP, the YWCA, Clark County, and the Battle Ground Cultural Task Force--among many others!

Here is the text of the resolution that was passed.

A RESOLUTION of the City Council of the City of Vancouver affirming its support of a diverse community and a community free from discrimination, hate and bias.

WHEREAS, the City of Vancouver has experienced significant population growth over the last fifteen years; and

WHEREAS, as the city’s population becomes more diverse, which adds richness and cultural depth, it can also create new tensions within such a growing community; and

WHEREAS, the City of Vancouver as a government organization values the perspective and contributions of all of its citizens; and

WHEREAS, any form of discrimination based on age, disability, gender, nationality, race, religion or sexual orientation is inconsistent with the City of Vancouver’s organizational values and detracts from the quality of life in our community; and

WHEREAS, the majority of Vancouver’s residents want the city to be a welcoming community where everyone feels valued, accepted, respected and safe; and

WHEREAS, The City of Vancouver deplores all hate and bias crimes against any member of this community.

NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF VANCOUVER:
That as an organization, the City of Vancouver is committed to:

1. Fostering a strong, diverse community connected by its shared commitment to mutual respect, understanding and dignity for all; and

2. Protecting the civil and human rights of all citizens and promoting respect, appreciation, collaboration, diversity and friendship; and

3. Proclaiming by word and action that harassment, intimidation, marginalization and violence shall not be tolerated or accepted.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Vancouver supports the work of local and regional agencies to promote increased awareness, understanding and appreciation of diversity in all its forms, and that the City shall continually work to achieve the commitments set forth in this resolution in both the internal work environment and in delivering services to the public.

ADOPTED at the regular session of the City Council of the City of Vancouver this 6th day of July, 2009.

____________________________ _____________________________
Royce E. Pollard, Mayor Tim Leavitt, Council Member

____________________________ _____________________________
Pat Jollota, Mayor pro-tempore Larry Smith, Council Member

____________________________ _____________________________
Jeanne Harris, Council Member Pat Campbell, Council Member

____________________________
Jeanne Stewart, Council Member

TONIGHT! Join Us for the Vancouver City Council Discussion of Resolution Against Hate and Bias Crimes

2009-07-06T13:20:00.000-07:00

Friends:

I am very happy to say that TONIGHT the Vancouver City Council will be discussing the resolution against hate crimes that we drafted after recent racially motivated acts of vandalism.

Please join us tonight at the start of the City Council meeting, when the resolution will be presented.
7pm, City Hall Council Chambers, 210 E. 13th Street, First Floor, Vancouver.
Thank you to all of the local leaders, from all sectors, who offered support and guidance as we drafted this resolution. I look forward to the City of Vancouver taking a firm stand against hate and bias crimes, and standing FOR diversity, understanding, and collaboration.

Let's fill the room with supporters of this resolution, to show the City Council that they have the support of this community to take a stand and do what is right!

Please join us tonight at the start of the City Council meeting, when the resolution will be presented.
7pm, City Hall Council Chambers, 210 E. 13th Street, First Floor, Vancouver.

Please share this information with others. I look forward to seeing you tonight!

Doorbelling, Respecting Your Thoughts on Tolls, and Keeping You Involved!

2009-07-01T09:54:00.000-07:00

Doorbelling begins on the westside of Vancouver!

I visited the Hough Neighborhood late yesterday afternoon, and found a number of residents very interested in talking about the potential for light rail and a new bridge. For the most part, these folks were not interested in seeing mass transit coming into Vancouver. One family from Atlanta, Georgia described how they witnessed a new light rail extension bring gangs and drug activity into their neighborhood.

Indeed, the convenience that public and/or mass transit may bring honest commuters, also provides the same opportunity for a criminal element. If light rail does come to Vancouver, the public agencies must be well-prepared (and funded) to handle security and law enforcement. Working together, collaborating and sharing resources -- among CTRAN, The City of Vancouver Police Department and the Clark County Sheriff -- will be necessary to insure that our community and the honest users of public transit are protected.

Columbia River Crossing Tolling Listening Session

After doorbelling in Hough, I attended the CRC Tolling Listening Session, held at WSDOT Offices in Orchards. After a presentation of the early tolling analysis by CRC Staff, the microphone was made available for the public to ask questions and comment. I estimate there were some 40 citizens in the audience, with about 12-15 comments/questions.

There was quite a bit of commentary, much of it fresh and constructive. Although the purpose of the meeting was to discuss tolls, there were several comments aimed against light rail, several comments in opposition to the entire project, and a couple of remarks about the need for a third bridge crossing.

Regarding tolls, as you might imagine, nearly all of the remarks were in opposition. Citing inequitable impact on the poor, significant impacts to small business commerce, the existence of a gas tax, and the indebtedness the project would create, not to mention the fact that the Interstate 5 bridge is a federal asset in an interstate freeway system, stiff opposition to tolling was expressed.

One individual spoke of preparing for the future, building the project now since construction costs would only be more in the future, and the potential advantage of tolling in that it might persuade commuters toward public transit.

After the testimony, the members of the CRC Project Sponsors Council were offered the opportunity to respond. Following are the remarks I made:

Thank you for the good testimony this evening.

An improvement at the Interstate Bridge is necessary.

However, we must have a project that is affordable for the citizens & businesses of SW Washington.

Unfortunately, we in Clark County have yet to develop the job base necessary so that the 60-65,000 residents of our community who commute to Oregon actually have a choice to work in the community they live.

Saddling future generations with further debt is not of interest to me, and I'm hopeful the federal government will step up to better fund this federal project.

There will be ongoing conversations about the funding of this project, and I look forward to those.

Stay tuned and rest-assured….I will continue to fight for equity for our community and those of you that MUST travel to Oregon for your job.

TONIGHT-- Share Your Views On Tolls!

2009-06-30T13:28:00.000-07:00

As a member of the Columbia River Crossing's Project Sponsors Group (through my active involvement on the C-Tran board), I have spent many months standing up for our citizens and fighting against unreasonable tolls.

I've said it before and I'll say it again -- we can't force our citizens to bear the brunt of this financial burden, for the "privilege" of having to commute across the river to jobs they can't find in Clark County.

Even though certain officials treat high tolls like an eventuality, and our current Mayor tells us to "get over it," tolls of up to $2,000 a year ARE NOT a foregone conclusion. We have other options.

There are two meetings coming up that are solely for public input. Please attend, make your voice heard, and show the project sponsors that you will not stand for this additional, unfairly applied, tax!

I will be attending the meeting on June 30. I look forward to seeing you there.
-----------------------

Columbia River Crossing project to talk tolling in public meetings

The Columbia River Crossing project, charged with planning a replacement bridge for the I-5 structures between Vancouver and Portland, is holding public hearings on the subject of bridge or highway tolls in meetings at the end of June and the first of July.

"We would like to hear how tolling scenarios could work for commuters, nearby communities, and people who use the I-5 and I-205 bridges, says Maurice Hines, spokesperson for the Columbia River Crossing.

Meetings are set for 6 p.m., Tuesday, June 30, in room 102 of the Washington State Department of Transportation, Southwest Region, 11018 NE 51st Circle and 6 p.m., Wednesday, July 1, community room in the Jantzen Beach Center, 1405 N Jantzen Beach Center.
Additional information is available by going to www.ColumbiaRiverCrossing.org.

East Side Neighbors, Here I Come!

2009-06-29T19:14:00.000-07:00

I had the great pleasure of visiting with folks in the Cascade Park area this past Sunday. BUT, before that, we powered up with a hearty lunch at the Rockin Wings restaurant at 16209 SE McGillivray Blvd.

If you haven't been, you've got to make time this week. Had a fantastic lunch of chicken wings, with a couple of different sauces. I know what you'll probably have to say about this, but the Jerk sauce was fantastic!

I'm already planning my next visit.

During doorbelling, I had several revealing conversations with neighbors.

One nice resident spoke with me about her concerns for our city's priorities. We were in agreement that our police department must be fully-staffed so that property crime investigations and patrol can be responsive and effective. As you all know, my top priority is to ensure we are safe in our homes, neighborhoods and businesses.

Another neighbor expressed frustration with the lack of flexibility in the garbage and recycling service and costs. Noting that she only needs recycling intermittently, she is forced to pay for regular services. I'll be contacting the City's Solid Waste Services department to determine possible solutions for this issue.

Onward!

Hate and Bias Crimes Must NOT Be Tolerated

2009-06-26T07:29:00.000-07:00

Friends:

Earlier this week, the Columbian’s Laura McVicker reported on an appalling crime that affected an entire neighborhood and one family in particular.

Read the article here.

Hate and bias crimes are serious offenses that must not be tolerated. No citizen should feel unsafe in our community.

I commend the County Sheriff and his office for their quick work to remove the graffiti from public property, and for the media release they issued, condemning these actions. The Sheriff’s office has said that they will be working with the local YWCA to put together a series of community forums, which is a strong step toward creating understanding among all members of our diverse community.

There are many other organizations right here at home that also serve our underrepresented populations, including LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens), the NAACP, the Asian Family Center, PFLAG, the Disability Resource Center, and our county’s own diversity staff—among many others. Members of these groups and others worked with Clark County in 2007 to put forth a resolution condemning hate crimes and promoting collaboration, respect and diversity.

The City of Vancouver has no such resolution, despite multiple efforts on the parts of many dedicated people. This recent graffiti, even though it occurred outside city limits, affects us all.

It is time for the City of Vancouver to make a strong statement against hate and bias crimes, and work with the County and local advocacy organizations to promote community understanding and collaboration.

I am working on a draft resolution, to put before the City Manager and City Council, to stand strong with the County and others in our community against hatred and intolerance, and help make Clark County and the City of Vancouver a place where every resident can feel safe.

If you have any information about the parties responsible for the recent incident, or witness any future event, please call the Sheriff’s Office West Precinct at 397-6079, Central Precinct at 397-6195 or 911 after 5pm. Within the City of Vancouver, call the Vancouver Police East Precinct at (360) 487-7500, West Precinct at (360) 487-7355, or 911 after 5pm.

I’m happy to add that we are working with the Scott family to get the hateful graffiti that was left on their driveway removed quickly and at no cost to the family. Last year, when a citizen encountered hateful property damage and graffiti because of the Obama sign on his lawn, some dedicated citizens put together a fund to help victims of racist vandalism cover costs of repair and replacement. Chris Bassett, who led that charge, is working with the YWCA to make this fund available to the Scotts for any costs they might face. Once this driveway is cleaned, the fund will be used to help others in the neighborhood who experienced graffiti on their cars and other property.

If you would like to contribute to this fund and help members of your community recover from this incident, visit this link to contribute online. Specify "Graffiti Incident" to direct your contribution.

I’ll keep you posted about the progress on this resolution, and look forward to working with all of our citizens to make a stronger, better Vancouver.

A Ballpark in Vancouver? YOU Should Be The Ones Who Decide!

2009-06-25T15:55:00.000-07:00

As you might have heard, the Portland Beavers are soon to be a team without a stadium -- and one option that's come up is locating the new park up here, in Clark County.

Yesterday, KGW came out and interviewed me, as well as the incumbent, about our views on the matter. You can see by watching the clip that although both he and I are baseball fans (he of his hometown Boston Red Sox and me of the Northwest's own Seattle Mariners) -- I appear to be the only one interested in finding out what YOU have to say about it!

http://www.kgw.com/video/thesquare-index.html?nvid=374478

For those of you who've been paying attention the last few years, you'll probably find it as funny as I did that the man who's been consistently raising your taxes year after year, while slashing vital services, waited until he was in front of a TV camera to talk about how he'd rather spend tax dollars on police and fire.

That statement would be a lot more compelling if it were actually true.

Yes, he does love to tax this community -- but every year, as his revenues get larger -- he makes bigger and bigger cuts in core services -- including police, fire, road repair, and parks.

A ballpark might be a great addition to the county. But it might also be a huge drain. Something this big isn't for me, or for a sitting Mayor who's on his way out to decide. Only you, the voters, should have the say on something that big, and which could have such an impact.

So tell me! What do YOU think?

County Commissioners Provide Relief for Troubled Developments; City of Vancouver Should Follow Suit

2009-06-23T22:10:00.000-07:00

Today, the Clark County Board of Commissioners showed strong leadership in adapting to the current economic slowdown, by extending permit deadlines for six months on projects that would normally be moving forward but the economy has forced them to a halt.

The Board recognized that these unintentional holds could force the projects to repeat the approval process they already underwent, and waste both public and private resources. This extension will undergo the standard hearing process and can be revisited if the slowdown continues to impact projects set to expire.

This small act of flexibility could save a large number of projects, and shows strong leadership and willingness to work with constituents to manage hard times.

Vancouver City Council must follow the leadership that the Clark County Commissioners have demonstrated and make similr adjustments and concessions to help the people and companies in our City limits who are struggling to do business.

New e-newsletter hot off the virtual presses!

2009-06-22T17:17:00.001-07:00

Our latest campaign e-newsletter just went out today. If you're on our email list, you've probably seen it. But if you missed it, check it out at http://tinyurl.com/m2slop. And then send us an email at leavitt4mayor@gmail.com to get on the distribution list!

Speak Up Against Tolls!

2009-06-19T12:40:00.001-07:00

As a member of the Columbia River Crossing's Project Sponsors Group (through my active involvement on the C-Tran board), I have spent many months standing up for our citizens and fighting against tolls.

I've said it before and I'll say it again -- we can't force our citizens to bear the brunt of this financial burden, for the "privilege" of having to commute across the river to jobs they can't find in Clark County.

Even though certain officials treat high tolls like an eventuality, and our current Mayor tells us to "get over it," tolls of up to $2,000 a year ARE NOT a foregone conclusion. We have other options.

There are two meetings coming up that are solely for public input. Please attend, make your voice heard, and show the project sponsors that you will not stand for this additional, unfairly applied, tax!

I will be attending the meeting on June 30. I look forward to seeing you there.
-----------------------

Columbia River Crossing project to talk tolling in public meetings

The Columbia River Crossing project, charged with planning a replacement bridge for the I-5 structures between Vancouver and Portland, is holding public hearings on the subject of bridge or highway tolls in meetings at the end of June and the first of July.

"We would like to hear how tolling scenarios could work for commuters, nearby communities, and people who use the I-5 and I-205 bridges, says Maurice Hines, spokesperson for the Columbia River Crossing.

Meetings are set for 6 p.m., Tuesday, June 30, in room 102 of the Washington State Department of Transportation, Southwest Region, 11018 NE 51st Circle and 6 p.m., Wednesday, July 1, community room in the Jantzen Beach Center, 1405 N Jantzen Beach Center.
Additional information is available by going to www.ColumbiaRiverCrossing.org.

Ringing Doorbells, Talking with Neighbors

2009-06-17T16:11:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, in between a ribbon cutting at the new Tommy O's Pacific Rim Grill in East Vancouver, and the Hough Neighborhood Association meeting on the west side, we squeezed in a couple more hours of doorbelling in the center of town--the Vancouver Heights Neighborhood!

I visited some 50 doorsteps with quite a warm reception, and even met a lovely couple who invited me back for a glass of lemonade after we win the election. I told them to have it ready!

The weather's been great for doorbelling, and I had a good 'workout' in the sun and heat…my trainer says it doesn't count as 'vigorous exercise,' but I'm definitely feeling lighter on my feet.

And a big thank you to Heather Melton for joining me and visiting with our Vancouver neighbors!

We're always looking for more volunteers to join in--there are some wonderful people in this community, and doorbelling is an incredible way to meet a lot of them! Just drop a line if you'd like to come along some weekend day or weekday evening.

Leavitt Challenges Tolling on New Bridge

2009-06-09T10:06:00.000-07:00

As reported by The Columbian over the weekend, the I-5 Bridge Committee met last Friday to discuss tolls.

What The Columbian didn't report was the result of that meeting.

Both I and Clark County Commissioner Steve Stuart expressed strong reservations about various nuances of tolling the proposed I-5 and the existing I-205 bridges.

I have been steadfast in my opposition to placing the burden of financing a federal bridge project on the backs of Vancouver/Clark County commuters. Who is looking out for the hard working families, mothers and fathers, of our community…by even considering a $6 toll each way?

In 2008, when the Vancouver City Council passed a resolution supporting the new bridge crossing, I argued for the removal of support for tolling from the council resolution. We need to do everything possible to secure better funding sources from federal and state governments, before we even consider tolls. Otherwise, tolls will end up being our primary funding source --while federal and state monies are mere supplements to this tax on the people.

I won the support of all of the councilmembers, except the incumbent mayor, who voted to keep tolling in the language. Which of course he has to do, given that he has been trumpeting tolls throughout the process, going so far as to tell other members of the project sponsor council to "get over it" and accept tolling.

But tolling cannot be a foregone conclusion. The incumbent mayor has been pressing for tolls for years now, without making any progress to create good jobs that will keep commuters on this side of the river. We have 60,000+ residents that are forced to commute to Oregon for their jobs -- not by choice, but by necessity. These folks pay Oregon income tax, pay for parking, gas, etc. to commute, and now are going to be asked to pay an additional tax -- potentially a $6 toll each way to get to that job in Oregon. How is that acceptable?

I've lived in Vancouver for nearly 30 years and have been a city councilmember since 2003. It's representation like this that has led me to run for Mayor, to bring new leadership to help move our city forward. Over the long Memorial Day weekend, I began "doorbelling" in the community, to talk directly with voters about issues that are important to them. Not a single person I have spoken with at the doorstep has indicated to me a willingness or interest in paying tolls on a new bridge. Many of our families are struggling simply to pay routine bills -- with one spouse or other family members having lost their job, this added expense is something they simply can't support.

The estimated cost of the new bridge/interchange project is $4.1 billion. Congressional representatives from our region are not optimistic about the federal government stepping forward to pay the lion's share of the improvement of this federal asset -- resulting in the need for both Washington and Oregon to come up with a significant share of the cost. We need to stand firm and stand up for our citizens who are doing everything they can just to get by. Federal bailouts in other sectors continue -- we need a bailout of this project -- it's just unacceptable not to push the federal government to step up for a project of such international significance as the economic artery of the entire west coast of America.

Second Weekend of Doorbelling Another Success!

2009-06-04T12:44:00.001-07:00

I finished a couple of neighborhoods in the Vancouver Heights area and was warmly received by those neighbors who were home and interested in chatting about the future of Vancouver. As you may recall, it was quite warm both days --- particularly Sunday. Couldn't ask for any better. Chatting with neighbors, getting some exercise and…well, developing a tan!

Leavitt is Fighting for our Kids

2009-06-02T16:16:00.000-07:00

In 1980, my family moved to Vancouver into an apartment complex in the Minnehaha neighborhood.

The first two summers we lived here, my younger brother Todd and I were enrolled in the Vancouver-Clark Parks & Recreation Summer Camp program. Nearly every day, we would either catch the CTRAN bus or ride our bicycles to Leverich Park to participate in a full day of fun and education with some 50-75 other children. I have very fond memories of those times, and to this day, still keep in touch with others who were in that program with us.

Under the current Mayor, Parks & Recreation programs have been whittled away since 2001. And there has been no concerted effort to find a solution to funding these valuable programs. It became apparent that someone needed to step forward and start thinking about the future of these programs and the potential impacts on our community's families and children if they were to go away entirely.

My frustration with continual cuts to teen and after school programs boiled over last year. Taking personal action, I contacted our state legislators to rally support for summer camp programs at Evergreen Park and Waterworks Park. These two parks are located on the Fourth Plain corridor -- an area with the highest crime rate, the lowest home ownership rate and the highest unemployment rate in the city. Gangs and illegal activity had infiltrated both parks. Not a safe or fun place for families and children.

Fortunately, Representative Bill Fromhold responded and obtained $25,000 from the State Community Trade and Economic Development program to support summer camp programs at both parks. We all owe Bill a debt of gratitude for his efforts, and local neighbors expressed as much. I visited the program at Evergreen Park last summer, and was elated with the feedback from staff and families. They spoke of the fun their children were having; their comfort with their children's safety; the productive time their children were spending in educational activities; and the disappearance of the gang members and crime activity. Their park had been returned to the neighborhood! By all accounts, the summer camp program was a huge success, with City Council receiving written letters from thankful neighbors.

With the programs in jeopardy yet again this year, the Parks Foundation and City Parks staffs worked diligently to scratch up some money. The Community Foundation of SW Washington graciously stepped forward and granted monies to both organizations to allow for kids/teen programs to continue this year. We are thrilled and relieved to see these programs continue. Thank you to the Community Foundation!

Realizing that there is such tremendous need for the public to support opportunities for our disadvantaged youth, I also decided to commit to an ongoing (monthly) personal contribution to the Parks Foundation's 'Everybody Plays' recreation scholarship program. This program provides access to recreational opportunities for Clark County's low income families, seniors and citizens with disabilities.

After-school and summer camp programs have special meaning for me. There are many in our community who feel the same way and contribute money and effort to better the opportunities for those less fortunate. I am pleased to be a true supporter of Parks and Recreation programs, and I strongly encourage you to join me. Please visit the Parks Foundation website at www.parksfoundation.us and make a contribution of your own!

Saving these programs for the health of our children and our community is of vital importance. Only through real action and effort are we going to maintain these quality-of-life programs that make Vancouver a great place to live, work and recreate.

Let's 'walk-the-talk' together.

Join Us for Three Filing Week Events this Week!

2009-05-31T10:05:00.001-07:00

Filing week begins tomorrow, and we at Team Leavitt are excited--this is the week when the playing field is defined, and the campaign kicks into full gear. I've been out knocking on doors and talking with voters for the last 2 weeks now, and have been getting a great response from citizens who are ready for a change!

If you'd like to join me when we canvass your neighborhood, please let us know, either on this blog or at leavitt4mayor@gmail.com.

In the meantime, we have three events planned this week that we'd love to have you join us for:

Candidate Filing:
Filing for office is a pretty straightforward thing: you fill out a form, pay your money, and go. But we're doing it a little differently this time, and making it an event! Anyone who'd like to join us for a walk from my office to the elections office is welcome to join us. It'll be a beautiful day, it's a short walk, and it'll give all of us a chance to talk a bit on the way over.

We're meeting outside my office at PBS Engineering, 1310 Main Street, at 11:30am tomorrow, Monday, June 1. Since we ARE a working office, please just sit tight outside or grab a cup of great coffee next door at Paradise Cafe if you arrive early. We'll gather at 11:30, walk to the elections office, I'll file, and we'll walk back.

If you can make it, please comment here or let us know by emailing leavitt4mayor@gmail.com, so we know that we should look for you--and so we also have an idea of whether we'll have a small group or a full-on parade!

(and a note to some of our more zealous supporters: we love your enthusiasm, but I want to be clear: we're taking the sidewalks, traveling sensibly and obeying all traffic laws and right-of-way. Whether we're five people or 25, we're going to set a GOOD example for our fellow citizens! [though we do appreciate your energy!])

Filing Week Fundraiser #1:
As you know, this is a difficult race -- whereas the incumbent has already drawn half of his support from just a few large donors, we have the support of the people! Our support base is much broader, but that means we need your help even more!

Please drop by, have a drink and some great food, and make a contribution of $20, $40, $60 -- whatever you can contribute will go directly to our voter contact materials. Why $20 increments? Because that's the number of years of incumbency we have to overcome!

Because we're trying to *raise* funds, this event is "no-host." But Blackstone has generously offered to donate back 10% of the proceeds from our group's drink and food orders. They've got a great Happy Hour, so come and refuel after the workday and know that a part of everything you order goes to Team Leavitt, too!

Monday, June 1
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Blackstone American Grill, upstairs
3200 SE 164th Avenue, Vancouver, WA
www.blackstonewa.com

RSVP to leavitt4mayor@gmail.com

Filing Week Fundraiser #2:
A major part of our platform is that we need to respect ALL parts of the City--east side, west side, and everything in between. So, on Monday we had an after-work event on the east side -- on Friday, we're having a lunchtime event on the west side. Please attend whatever is most convenient for you!

Like our venue for the Monday event, for Friday, Pepper's has generously offered to donate back 10% of the proceeds from our group's orders. They've got incredible salads, burritos, tacos....pretty much everything, so come and refuel and know that a part of everything you order goes to Team Leavitt, too!

Friday, June 5, 2009
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Pepper's Taqueria, bar side
800 Main Street, Vancouver, WA

RSVP to leavitt4mayor@gmail.com

And, if you're on Facebook, find and respond to these events by searching "Filing Week Fundraiser #1" and "Filing Week Fundraiser #2".

As always, THANK YOU for your support and for all you do for our great city!

How to Make Cuts in Tough Times but Strengthen Core Services

2009-05-29T06:49:00.001-07:00

These economic times are requiring all of us, whether in our homes or businesses, to make tough decisions and prioritize where we are spending our money. Governments and elected officials should be able to apply these same principles to spending the public's money, but it happens all too rarely. It's easy to raise taxes, grow programs and employees, and build 'fiefdoms' when times are good. But when tax revenues are reduced, adjustments downward simply don't happen as rapidly and with the same fervor as the growth.

I look to the Evergreen School District as a great example of prioritizing in the face of a significant budget shortfall.

It's my understanding from conversations with Superintendent John Deeder that he and the School Board have made $11 million in cuts and reductions --- but NOT ONE CENT has been cut from certified teaching staff. In other words, Deeder and the Board have prioritized the students and the classroom over all other offerings in the School District. They have trimmed $3.75 million in the administrative offices (administrative support staff) and trimmed some $1.5 million in employee costs as a result of the employees sacrificing compensation and benefits increases. Workforce reductions are never easy. But Evergreen's choices reflect a commitment to keeping their priorities front and center.

For the City of Vancouver in this recent supplemental budget, and even with the biennial budget adopted last December, there was limited trimming in administrative support. However, core services were put on the chopping block (or frozen) both times.

The Mayor at the time should have insisted that the City Manager look at opportunities to further trim costs from city administration. There is no doubt these cuts would be painful, but the trimming would be in proportion to the dozens of employees already laid off. In other words, fewer employees requires less administrative support.

As Mayor, I would have insisted that the City Manager look to further INCREASE the contracting of private, outside support for specific activities like professional design services and parking management. With a 'hungry' private sector, the City would no doubt receive highly competitive pricing for services for city contracts, as has been demonstrated with construction project bidding.

If the City contracted more with private industry, the following would occur:
1) Those most efficient and capable of providing services would be doing so;
2) Fewer 'overhead' City employees on the payroll would save costs -- some 70% of City costs are the employees;
3) Those capable City employees would be hired by private firms to help with the new and increased City contracts and join the private sector; and
4) A makeshift 'stimulus package' would be created, providing more opportunities for business and employers (who, remember, generate the tax dollars that go to the City) to grow and expand.

Instead, the City Manager proposed to contract LESS with private companies to further save city employee jobs. A noble but impractical proposal if we are to focus on maintaining and/or improving necessary core services.

As Mayor, I would insist that the City Manager look into efforts by the City's Parking Advisory Commission to save the City some $800,000 year in program modifications. A member of the advisory board took it upon himself to investigate opportunities to save the taxpayers of Vancouver money by streamlining and improving the parking program. After obtaining proposals from private companies to manage the parking structures (and the enforcement), he showed that the City would save significant monies.

That $800,000 in savings would allow for the hiring of 8 neighborhood police officers to be proactive in addressing property crime, identity theft and drug houses in our community. Or, $800,000 would allow for the hiring of 10 more city operations staff to allow for more response to our deteriorating roads.

Unfortunately, suggestions like these have fallen on deaf ears at City Hall. It's tough to get an entrenched politician to put energy into 'reforms' that will better prioritize our tax dollars.

These are a few examples of the 'out-of-the box' approaches I will fight for as Mayor, in order to prioritize safety in our neighborhoods, after school programs for our children, and mediation services to keep small disputes from clogging our court system.

Leavitt Opposes Cuts to Police, Roads and Teen Programs

2009-05-26T20:39:00.000-07:00

On Monday, May 18th, the Vancouver City Council held a public hearing on a Supplemental Budget proposed by the City Manager.

Citing lower than estimated tax revenues, the City Manager proposed a budget that included freezing the hiring of more police officers, eliminating a neighborhood traffic safety program, and reducing after school programs for our city's teenagers. This after an increase in citizens' utility taxes.

Leavitt opposed the proposed budget, noting that the cuts did not align with his expectation or vision for the direction the community should be going. "Given our current situation, the City must prioritize core services. The safety of our citizens from criminal activity and the integrity of our neighborhoods are important to me. Police and neighborhood traffic safety programs are core programs that the City must be bolstering, not cutting. I cannot support a budget that doesn't prioritize our neighborhoods and our safety first."

Campaign Doorbelling is Underway!

2009-05-24T10:38:00.000-07:00

I began walking the neighborhoods of our fine city today, visiting with neighbors at their doorsteps.

Couldn't have asked for better weather on this holiday weekend to say hello and chat about the upcoming mayoral election and LISTEN to what issues are pressing on the minds of those who love Vancouver.

This Memorial Day weekend, we remember and honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the future of our country.

Many of the conversations I had about the future of Vancouver were similarly respectful of what has been accomplished in the city's past. Throughout these conversations, though, there was a recurring theme -- support for a fresh perspective, new thinking and a new attitude to begin the next chapter here in Vancouver.

Doorbelling is truly my favorite part of campaigning. I had a number of pleasant discussions, including one with Janet about the future of public transit in Vancouver. Janet is a regular rider of C-TRAN, using it to get to her job in Portland. Because I have worked on the C-TRAN Board for the past five years, and chaired the Board for two years (2006-08), we were able to have a detailed conversation about how I am fighting to ensure bus service in our community is economical, efficient and easily accessed. The more riders on C-TRAN, the fewer automobiles on our clogged roads! Thank you Janet for your support of my campaign for Mayor and for your advocacy of C-TRAN!

Visiting with you is, in my opinion, the ONLY way a Mayor can truly understand what is on the minds of the citizens. For me, it's about listening to you, putting careful thought to the issue, then making an informed decision for the betterment of Vancouver.

I will be knocking on as many doors throughout our city as humanly possible throughout the campaign, and look forward to seeing you soon! And, if you'd like to volunteer with the campaign, I'd love your help canvassing your neighborhood. Let me know if you'd like to come out with me when we visit your neighborhood!

where do you stand on tolls?

2009-05-22T07:54:00.000-07:00

The debate over the Columbia River Crossing project rages on. Now that officials are admitting that minimized state and federal support will make local costs skyrocket, you can be sure that outrageously high tolls will be rammed down our throats.

Even though certain officials treat high tolls like an eventuality, and our current Mayor tells us to "get over it," tolls of up to $2,000 a year ARE NOT a foregone conclusion. We have other options. Go to these meetings and make your voice heard!
-----------------------

Columbia River Crossing project to talk tolling in public meetings

The Columbia River Crossing project, charged with planning a replacement bridge for the I-5 structures between Vancouver and Portland, is holding public hearings on the subject of bridge or highway tolls in meetings at the end of June and the first of July.

"We would like to hear how tolling scenarios could work for commuters, nearby communities, and people who use the I-5 and I-205 bridges, says Maurice Hines, spokesperson for the Columbia River Crossing.

Meetings are set for 6 p.m., Tuesday, June 30, in room 102 of the Washington State Department of Transportation, Southwest Region, 11018 NE 51st Circle and 6 p.m., Wednesday, July 1, community room in the Jantzen Beach Center, 1405 N Jantzen Beach Center.

Additional information is available by going to www.ColumbiaRiverCrossing.org.

Congratulations to Maestro Salvador Brotons and the Vancouver Symphony!

2009-05-21T15:52:00.000-07:00

At the May 18 meeting of the Vancouver City Council, I proposed a proclamation to honor this incredible musical artist and the orchestra he leads. The proclamation is timed to coincide with the Symphony's May concert.

On May 23 and 24, the Vancouver Symphony will present a "Salute to Salvador," in honor of his upcoming 50th birthday.

Maestro Salvador Brotons has been the orchestra's Music Director and Conductor for 18 years, and has been incredibly important to our city's cultural development and offerings. Through his efforts, and with the support of a dedicated board, staff and volunteer base, the Vancouver Symphony enriches the community with world-class performances.

This concert will feature Brotons' own "Catalanish Concerto," with special guests and music from his native Spain.

Concerts are at Skyview, 3pm Saturday 5/23 and 7pm Sunday 5/24. I'll be there -- will you?

Notes from 'Anonymous'

2009-05-19T11:23:00.000-07:00

This anonymous letter came in today, and we know that the writer isn't alone in the sentiments he expresses. Our campaign team has spoken with a number of people who have privately expressed their support but apologized for being unable to do so publicly because they fear retribution from the "old-school-insider" camp.

Our team debated whether or not to share this letter, because we obviously can't verify it. However, we're hearing so many stories just like this one that we felt compelled to post it. Bullying and scare tactics are not the way to run a city, and we need YOUR help to give Vancouver the Mayor it needs and deserves.

Letter received 5-19-09:

I've been wanting to write you Mr. Leavitt for some time now as I have followed your career on the City Council since you were appointed in 2003. You know me, as do many others of the 'who's-who' crowd here in our community. Because of that (and candidly, because I don't have a backbone), I will remain anonymous. But let me say that I very much appreciate that YOU do have a backbone on issues that are important for our fine City, and I (we) very much appreciate that.

Today I have decided to write to you because I have come to realize that Vancouver does very much need a new attitude at City Hall. After watching your council meeting last night, it became apparent that you best represent the feelings and perspective of the most of us…that the City has a responsibility to protect us, the City has a responsibility to maintain our roads, and that the City has a responsibility keep costs down by supporting community mediation and after school programs for teenagers. Mr. Leavitt, YOU voted correctly on the Supplemental Budget, in opposing the cuts to police and fire staffing. As you said last night, now more than ever our City needs a strong police force. YOUR priorities are the same as ours Mr. Leavitt.

I am perplexed and disappointed in the lack of action by other councilmembers, although several made comments that were entirely supportive and in agreement with your position! Most interesting is outgoing councilperson Pat Jollata. I know of years that she has salivated over the police and fire departments, and last night she described the need for cities to provide basic services of police, fire and roads. Yet she voted to support a budget that cut those programs. I'm sure others who watched the meeting also noted the hypocrisy of her 'soap box'. Is that what happens to politicians who have been in office too long -- speak out of both sides of the mouth? I am hopeful we will have a new councilperson who will be an effective leader.

Lastly, I want you to know that I have known the Mayor for many, many years. Royce and Margaret are friends of ours, so you'll understand that I cannot tell him this to his face -- but it is time for Royce to leave the dance. I'm sad that he has chosen to run again and seek another four year term. Indeed, 20 years is long enough. Having been his friend, it pains me to admit that now I must question his integrity. You see, for me, that a person acts above reproach when nobody is looking…that is a person of integrity. I have been shocked to witness his behavior over the past several months during this election, and how he now appears to be 'respecting' other councilmembers like Jeanne Stewart and Pat Campbell. Those of us who follow city council know full well that this is an about-face from the time when there wasn't a looming election. His bullying, disrespectful and unprofessional behavior toward other councilmembers (and citizens who disagree with him, for that matter), is nothing new -- we all know that. What is new is his new-found demeanor, coincidentally during election season. It's extremely disappointing to us, and for that I must now question his integrity.

Mr. Leavitt, although we have long been friends with the Pollards, we will vote for you for Vancouver's next Mayor. Our friendship with Pollard does not mean that we believe he now is the best choice for Mayor. Many good things have happened in our community under his watch, and some things have happened in spite of him. Now, we look toward the next 20 years as we enter the 'sunset' years of our life, and having followed you on the city council feel quite confident that we are in good hands with you as Mayor. You have demonstrated to us the tact and demeanor needed to work with the other councilmembers. You have taken a stand on issues that matter to us -- and we believe you best represent our interests. It's time to look toward the future. We will do all we can behind the scenes to insure a victory for you, and for our community, come this November.

Sincerely,

"Good Old Boy and Girl Vancouver"

Congratulations to First Citizen Florence Wager!

2009-04-29T12:10:00.000-07:00

I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this year’s First Citizen award than Florence Wager, and it was a pleasure to be part of the large entourage promoting her selection. Flossie’s tireless support of Parks and Recreation, her unparalleled advocacy for community livability, and her generous spirit and humor have made a profound difference in this place we call home. I’ve known Flossie for nearly a decade and have had the pleasure of spending a lot of personal time with her – she has influenced me through her example and by her wisdom. I’ve learned so much from her — not just about how to preserve and protect our natural environment, but also how to listen, collaborate and advocate. Flossie, you’re indeed an inspiration to us all — thank you for your hard work and boundless energy.

A Community Call-to-Action: Fourth of July Celebration and Fireworks

2009-04-26T08:02:00.000-07:00

Our family moved to Vancouver in June of 1980, into the Cherry Wood Park Apartments in the Minnehaha neighborhood. I was nine years old at the time, so most of the details are pretty blurry. I do remember a few things -- riding bikes with my brother, kicking up ash from the recent Mount St. Helens eruption, and how important that new contraption, the microwave, was to my mom.

There's one event, though, that stands out quite vividly: the first Fourth of July celebration in our new community. In the days leading up to the Fourth, we bought and lit off as many firecrackers as our weekly ‘allowance’ would allow. Usually, on the Fourth our father would take us to the fireworks stand and with unbridled excitement (Dad too), we’d buy a smattering of fancy fireworks to set off shortly after sunset. This Fourth of July, though, turned out to be different -- and much more exciting.

Late-afternoon on the Fourth, we jumped into the 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix and went for a drive. Dad let on that we weren’t going to buy fireworks, but instead were going to watch somebody else’s. After a short drive, we parked, dropped our blankets and food in an open spot on the grass and watched the goings-on. I'd never seen such a huge celebration!

As the sun set and darkness filled in, Dad pointed toward the sky and told us to watch for the fireworks. I was a bit confused. There were people all around and I couldn’t figure out why and where in the grass the fireworks would be set off. Then suddenly the sky lit up like it was on fire, followed by deep, explosive booms. It took a moment for me to realize that these were the fireworks Dad said to look for. What in the world! I was absolutely awestruck by the size, the height, the noise, and the colors. I’m certain my mouth was open the entire time.

That Fourth of July in 1980 was an incredible experience for me, and I suspect for thousands of other children and families. Over the subsequent 29 years to today, I have missed only a handful of celebrations. And every single time, I had a hollow feeling about missing them. Something wasn’t quite right – the summer just wasn’t the same.

With the settlement of Fort Vancouver by the Hudson’s Bay Company, our community is considered the ‘birthplace’ of the Pacific Northwest. But it's the Fort Vancouver Fourth of July Celebration and Fireworks that put Vancouver, Washington, on the radar screen of the entire United States of America. It's this celebration which has created cherished memories for our families, our children, our neighbors and our friends. More than any other single activity in our community, it is this event that is the most beloved.

Yet, now it is gone.

Indeed, we are now facing nearly unprecedented hardship and difficult times. But that simply means that now, more than ever, our community needs a community Fourth of July Celebration. We might need to make it smaller--we might need to make more personal contributions. But we need to feel good about what has been and what can be. The celebration of our country’s independence, in the wonderful tradition that we have become accustomed to, can be a reminder that we will persevere.

This event is Vancouver and we are Vancouver.

Let’s stand together, families, businesses and non-profits to restore our celebration and create those fond memories for our children.

Representing the City, or Just Embarrassing?

2009-04-22T18:47:00.000-07:00

At a meeting of the Urban Design Advisory Group last week, Vancouver’s incumbent Mayor once again embarrassed the city he is supposed to represent. The group was discussing bike/pedestrian facilities on the proposed I-5 river crossing, and had an intense debate about the bike lane’s location and quality.

In Columbian reporter Jeff Mize’s April 18 story about the meeting, Portland Mayor Sam Adams expressed valid concerns about the bike path. It’s already been agreed that any new bridge needs to have “world-class” bike and pedestrian facilities—which is entirely sensible for our active, outdoorsy population (a population that lives on BOTH sides of the river). This is a matter that deserves debate and discussion, and it would be a mistake to brush it aside—especially if the current “stacked” plan would make the bridge a haven for vagrants and criminals. However, brushing it off is precisely what Vancouver’s incumbent Mayor did.

In response to Adams’s concern about a decision-making process that led to the stacked option without looking closely at others, Pollard quipped: "Sometimes I'm not sure what the hell 'world-class' means.”

There isn’t much that the incumbent gets right these days – but he nailed that one.

Vancouver needs a Mayor that does understand the concept of world-class, and who is ready to work in partnership with others to find solutions. The Columbia River Crossing project is on thin ice – and Pollard is pushing it forward relentlessly, with little concern for making sure that every choice is the right choice, no regard for the costs that taxpayers will end up bearing, and no respect for the collaborative process that this project will have to be in order for anything to get done. If this continues, the entire project is doomed to failure, and we simply cannot let that happen.

One of the reasons I am running for Mayor is because I have a proven history of “playing well with others,” and I am determined to bring this project back into focus and take a hard look at needs and costs so that we build the right bridge for the future, and for a price that we can afford.

Leadership at the Top

2009-04-10T14:22:00.001-07:00

It's time for the Vancouver City Council to re-consider the automatic cost-of-living (COLA) increase that was received this year. The Mayor of Vancouver should be leading the charge on this matter.

Although the increase is minuscule in comparison to the overall budget -- a few thousand dollars compared to the $125 million operating budget -- the positive message sent to the sacrificing city employees and the struggling tax payers in our community is immeasurable. Yes, we know times are tough; Yes, we respect your tax dollars; Yes, we appreciate city employees have sacrificed; Yes, we are too part of the 'family'; and Yes, we can too sacrifice.

A fine example of fiscal leadership from the top was demonstrated today. In a press-release from the Vancouver School District, Superintendent Steve Webb reduced his own compensation by 4.5% to help lessen the impact of a pending budget shortfall of possibly $8 million.

Also, today City Manager Pat McDonnell announced that certain city management would be frozen from merit increases for 2009. This adjustment comes on the heels of previous news that certain city staff would not receive COLA increases for 2009, or voluntarily elected to relinquish their COLAs.

Let's be sure not to forget the private sector -- many companies and their leadership have taken proactive steps to prevent excessive layoffs, including temporarily frozen employer match contributions to retirement plans, halted performance/merit increases, eliminated travel expenses, etc. Our firm and our employees have also absorbed some changes to curb costs and retain employees.

On related matters, I have been asked by a handful of neighbors about the city council compensation.

The question most typical questions comments are:

"Do you feel like you're paid adequately for the job?"
"Shouldn't you receive more for your effort?"

Here's my response:

In 2008, my councilmember 'salary' from the City of Vancouver was (before taxes), $22,740. I enjoy returning a large part of that back to the community via charitable contributions to local organizations like the YWCA, Share House, The Free Clinic, The Skills Center, The Parks Foundation, and The SW WA Humane Society, etc. In fact, it was my pleasure to provide regular contributions for kids after school programs at Evergreen and Waterworks Parks, as well as start a scholarship at Clark College for students interested in studying engineering. In 2008, over $14,000 of the council compensation was returned to the community.

So...YES, I feel like I receive adequate compensation.
If I received more compensation, I'd simply return more to the community.

City of Vancouver Employees

2009-02-03T14:42:00.000-08:00

Employees at the City of Vancouver are keenly aware of the economic hardships being faced by many (if not most) of the citizens in our community. Times are tough, and while City Hall may still see raising taxes as the only solution to budget woes, at least employees and individual departments are making sacrifices.

Recently, the IAFF Local 452 (firefighters union) opted out of the 2009 Cost of Living adjustment, allowing the City to re-allocate some $700k in salary costs. That money will now be used to improve staffing levels, and specifically to allow for staffing of a new fire station in east Vancouver. A press conference was held to announce this action, and there was coverage in the Columbian.

Other city employees have also made sacrifices, but have not received the press coverage. For example, all management (non-represented) staff have also agreed to waive their COLAs. And, besides compensation, city departments are making strides toward efficient use of resources. At City Operations, one focus has been on reducing fuel consumption. Between July and November of 2007, Ops saved 7,500 gallons of fuel, thus reducing energy use, exhaust fumes and saving taxpayer monies. The City's Parks & Recreation department is to be commended for the 100%+ cost recovery in operations at Firstenburg Community Center. Nice work!

I suspect there are other cost savings going on around the city that I haven't been made aware of...but the point is that indeed, city employees are part of our community and do recognize the tough times we are all facing. I'm pleased to see the effort and creative actions being taken; with forward-thinking leadership, this kind of sustainable operation will become typical...

Portland Music Awards

2009-02-03T08:52:00.001-08:00

I'd like to congratulate Craig Marquardo, Publisher/Editor of the Music Spectator magazine and organizer of the Portland Music Awards for another successful event. It was well attended with an enthusiastic audience. We were treated to great performances by many known and up-and-coming local talents.

One of Vancouver's own talented performers, Kristina Rae, was nominated for Best Female Artist. Well...Kristina won!!! She is a fantastic singer and performer whom I suspect will have a long, successful career.

I was fortunate to also be asked to present with Shel Bailey a couple of awards, including Best Album and Best Male Artist. During our presentation, it was of course a good opportunity to plug the 'Couve and venues here for performances...so I did mention Top Shelf, Cascade Tavern and Blackstone as at least a few. My bad that I neglected to mention Tommy O's, because indeed Sunday nights are fantastic at the downtown restaurant!

Comcast Cable sponsored and taped the show. It will be available On Demand after February 16th.
For the Music Spectator Magazine website, check out: www.musicspectator.com

Maybe next year we host the event in the 'Couve!?!

tim

Mainstream Green House

2009-01-09T16:09:00.000-08:00

A little over a year ago, I decided to build a home. This decision came after exhaustive house hunting throughout Vancouver for over two years.
At just about the same time I had decided to build, I met Brandon Tauscher of Project Green Build (www.projectgreenbuild.org).

Brandon and I discussed the green/sustainable construction movement in residential building. His goal is to move forward the green residential construction, via educcation of builders and the public, as well as through successful projects. It was then that the thought of building a 'green' home really came to fruition for me.

My goal with the Mainstream Green House is to build a home that is energy efficient and affordable. Our home must be comfortable to live in, achieve at least 50% in energy efficiency savings, and is within the affordability of middle income families. We will achieve these goals through intensive upfront planning and analysis of green materials and systems, all the while keeping in mind costs.

Since early 2008, we have been planning, studying, strategizing and assessing the green building market and avaialble green materials and technologies. Our project team includes Casey Wyckoff (LSW Architects), Bryan Knight (Myamoto Structural Engineers), Victoria Bradford (Comfort Interiors), Chuck Dougherty (Synergy Design), Roy Heikkala (Rite Menter Investments), Devin Blackshere (PBS Engineering + Environmental) and of course Brandon.

At this time, we continue to refine the floor plan and assess the green systems. Much of the green finish/building materials have been identified.

My hope is to be under construction by fall of 2009. The local media have prepared several articles about the home, and more about the Mainstream Green House is found at: www.mainstreamgreenhouse.org.

Change at the Wheel

2009-01-06T18:30:00.000-08:00

Yes...after a couple years of speculation, significant thought given to the needs of our community (based on my observations and your input), and the many, many citizens urging me to consider serving as Mayor...I have formally announced our Leavitt for Mayor effort.

The following is the press release our campaign team sent yesterday:

Tim Leavitt Declares Candidacy for Mayor of Vancouver

Vancouver, Washington – Vancouver City Councilman Tim Leavitt today declared his candidacy for Mayor of Vancouver. According to Leavitt, “It’s time to focus in on the welfare of citizens across all of Vancouver, returning to basics at City Hall. As Mayor, I will fight for the security and quality of our neighborhoods, trim non-essential spending and taxation, and improve the business climate to create more high-paying jobs for Vancouver.”

Leavitt has served on the Vancouver City Council since 2003, and was reelected to his second full term in 2007 by a sizeable majority. In addition to his duties on the city council, Leavitt has served on the C-TRAN Board of Directors for five years, and most recently as Chair for 2006-08.

Prior to the city council, Leavitt volunteered on the Vancouver Planning Commission and with the Image Neighborhood Association. He is also a member of the Clark College Alumni Association and the Rotary Club of Vancouver.

Over the next month, Leavitt will be having a mayoral campaign kickoff event, introducing his campaign staff, and unveiling his campaign web site.

Persons who have questions or would like to volunteer may email Tim at leavitt4mayor@gmail.com.

LRT into Vancouver

2009-01-02T12:53:00.001-08:00

Thank you Anonymous for your comments and questions (previous post) regarding the Columbia River Crossing.

As you know, the CTRAN Board of Directors and the Vancouver City Council (as well as the other participating public agencies), voted on a 'locally preferred alternative' for improvements in our nearby Interstate 5 corridor.

Our vote at CTRAN came with siginificant deliberation and consideration of the data, alternatives and estimated costs of the project. I was extremely pleased, as Chair of the Board, that 8 of the 9 elected officials arrived at a conclusion that they could support. It wasn't easy, that's for sure! As a Board, we supported (in general terms) a replacement bridge with light rail transit. However, we did place conditions on our approval; most of important of which (in my opinion) is that a) CTRAN won't ask the voters of Clark County for additional tax to pay for light rail construction, and b) additional tax to support the operation/maintenance of light rail in Clark County would require asking the voters to approve. I believe those are reasonable caveats for the high capacity transit component of the project, that provide our citizens protection from higher taxes (construction) and provide a say in whether or not they will support the operation/maintenance. I feel the CTRAN Board truly worked in the best interest of our community.

The challenge now for the CRC Staff and the Project Sponsors Council is to design a project that stays within funding limitations, meets the criteria of the CTRAN Board resolution (and other agency resolutions), and doesn't have detrimental impacts on Vancouver neighborhoods, businesses and commerce.

Contrary to some of the other blogging I've recently read, this project will indeed have positive impacts on traffic congestion in the future. The data supports this, and more fundamentally, common sense supports this. Our population in Clark County alone is anticipated to baloon by another 500,000 around the 2030 timeline. South of the River, the population is expected in increase another 1 million. Freight/truck traffic alone is estimated to increase by 77%. Of course the traffic congestion is going to get worse! Currently, there is about 3.5-5 hours of congestion (35 mph or less) during the AM and PM rush hours. The project will MAINTAIN that level of congestion for the next 20+ years. Otherwise, if nothing is done...and population contiues to grow...and businesses continue to grow...and demand for goods and services continues to grow over the next 20+ years, congestion is expected to last 15 hours per day.

I won't even talk about the ridiculously unsafe interchanges we have now on both sides of the bridge...

I've also been reading on other blogs that the people want more bridges. Well, I'd agree with that wholeheartedly. We should have additional crossings over the Columbia River. Unfortunately, there are two problems with jumping to that step: #1) Building a new bridge now still doesn't take care of the problems in the INTERSTATE 5 corridor; and 2) A long time ago, powerful and still elected officials from Oregon told leadership in Washington that if there was an attempt to build another bridge, we might as well put a U-turn on it, because they won't allow another landing in Oregon. Sounds pretty clear to me that until there is new leadership in Oregon, there won't be any new bridges...

Yes, I intend to attend the Light Rail Walk on Saturday, January 10th from 9-Noon.
Aftewards, there is a workshop at Hudson's Bay High School, probably to discuss what was observed and potential issues/options/alternatives. I will be around for part of that session from Noon-3pm, but cannot stay for it's entirety.

Thanks for contacting me.

tim

On Personal Responsibility and Accountability...

2008-12-23T09:59:00.001-08:00

The following is an email I received recently regarding dissatisfaction with City spending and taxing...as well as personal accountability:

My Response:

Thank you Stephanie.

I know you've been following the Council and have seen/heard my remarks specifically about taxes, prioritization of programs/spending, and incenting local economic/business growth (via reduced taxes & fees).

Some interesting points in Ms. Monk's piece…

One of her more interesting comments relates to the personal responsibility and accountability that each individual needs to be aware of:

What the Greatest Generation handed down to us -- the richest, most
powerful, most self-sufficient republic in history, with the highest
standard of living any nation had ever achieved -- the baby boomers,
oblivious and self-indulgent to the end, have frittered it away.

And in turn…have raised a generation of children, many of whom feel entitled; others (or government) should provide them everything they need. Work hard for a living? No way…

I think much of our current economic situation can be very well boiled down to one noun: greed.

greed
noun
1. excessive desire to acquire or possess more (especially more material wealth) than one needs or deserves
2. reprehensible acquisitiveness; insatiable desire for wealth (personified as one of the deadly sins) [syn: avarice]

You may have heard the comedian George Carlin? I find his rants particularly entertaining, and quite on-point (edited for language):

"Consumption. This is the new national pastime. (Screw) baseball, it's consumption, the only true, lasting American value that's left . . . buying things . . . People spending money they don't have on things they don't need . . . So they can max out their credit cards and spend the rest of their lives paying 18 percent interest on something that cost $12.50. And they didn't like it when they got it home anyway. Not too bright, folks, not too (friggin') bright."

We eat too much, work too little, spend too much, expect too much and complain too much. Now, we need to be bailed-out…and by who? The government, of course!

Indeed, this is a generalization, but I see much of this sentiment firsthand in both my professional and representative responsibilities.

Anyway, hope you and Bill have a nice Christmas and New Year holiday!

Cheers -
tim

Original Email:

Government gets its citizens into trouble by overstepping their responsibilities and duties on finances and the way the “people’s money” is spent. I believe you all are in the same process and marching down the same road as the Federal Government. Instead of being fiscally responsible, you continue to plunge our city into deeper debt with no apparent fiscal concern for the people who have elected you. Your hands are constantly in our pockets, increasing taxes, raising fees, designing new fees with which to finance your latest ‘pet project’.

As a citizen, I am fed up with those of you who continue to favor your political contributors and treat them with special benefits over the best interests of the city and her citizens, all at our expense. The downtown area and whatever changes or improvements to this core area seems to be your only concern. Massive amounts of money have been spent on frivolous projects. Now I suppose you’re going to tell us that WE NEED to buy the Columbian property and that it will save us money in the long run! That ploy doesn’t pass the smell test! Nor did the Hilton, nor does the new library, the new water front project, the bridge to nowhere, etc.,etc.,etc…………..

There will come a day when you will be required to be accountable for your actions. I sincerely hope that day comes sooner rather than later. Our country has been raped by elected officials at all levels. Look where it has brought us. There is a lesson to be learned. Have you learned it?

Please read the below article. It pretty much describes how government has failed the people.

Merry Christmas,

Stephanie Turlay

PS: We have just refinanced our home mortgage so that we will be able to keep up with your next round of tax and fee increases.

Subject: The Party is Over

A little about author, Linda R. Monk, J. D..
She is a constitutional scholar, journalist, and nationally award-winning author. A graduate of Harvard Law School , she twice received the American Bar Association's
Silver Gavel Award, its highest honor for law-related media. Her books
include The Words We Live By: Your Annotated Guide to the Constitution,
Ordinary Americans: U. S. History Through the Eyes of Everyday People, and
The Bill of Rights: A User's Guide. For more than 20 years, Ms. Monk has
written commentary for newspapers nationwide, including the New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and Chicago Tribune

THE PARTY'S OVER

By Linda Monk

The Crash of 2008, which is now wiping out trillions of dollars of our
people's wealth, is, like the Crash of 1929, likely to mark the end of one
era and the onset of another.

The new era will see a more sober and much diminished America . The
'Omnipower' and 'Indispensable Nation' we heard about in all the hubris and
braggadocio following our Cold War victory is history.

Seizing on the crisis, the left says we are witnessing the failure of
market economics, a failure of conservatism. This is nonsense. What we are
witnessing is the collapse of Gordon Gecko ('Greed Is Good!') capitalism.

What we are witnessing is what happens to a prodigal nation that ignores
history, and forgets and abandons the philosophy and principles that made it
great.

A true conservative (Rep or Dem) cherishes prudence and believes in
fiscal responsibility, balanced budgets and a self-reliant republic.

He believes in saving for retirement and a rainy day, in deferred
gratification, in not buying on credit what you cannot afford, in living
within your means.

Is that really what got Wall Street and us into this mess -- that we
followed too religiously the gospel of Robert Taft and Russell Kirk?
'Government must save us!' cries the left, as ever.

Yet, who got us into this mess if not the government -- the Fed with its
easy money, Bush with his profligate spending, and Congress and the SEC by
liberating Wall Street and failing to step in and stop the drunken orgy?

For years, we Americans have spent more than we earned. We save
nothing. Credit card debt, consumer debt, auto debt, mortgage debt,
corporate debt -- all are at record levels. And with pensions and savings
being wiped out, much of that debt will never be repaid.

Our standard of living is inevitably going to fall. For foreigners will
not forever buy our bonds or lend us more money if they rightly fear that
they will be paid back, if at all, in cheaper dollars. We are going to have
to learn to live again within our means.

THE PARTY'S OVER!

Up through World War II, we followed the Hamiltonian idea that America
must remain economically independent of the world in order to remain
politically independent.

But this generation decided that was yesterday's bromide and we must
march bravely forward into a Global Economy, where we all depend on one
another.

American companies morphed into 'Global Companies' and moved plants and
factories to Mexico , Asia, China , and India , and we began buying more
cheaply from abroad what we used to make at home: shoes, clothes, bikes,
cars, radios, TVs, planes, computers.

As the trade deficits began inexorably to rise to 6 percent of GDP, we
began vast borrowing from abroad to continue buying from abroad.

At home, propelled by tax cuts, war in Iraq and an explosion in social
spending, surpluses vanished and deficits reappeared and began to rise. The
dollar began to sink, and gold began to soar.
Yet, still, the promises of the politicians come.

Barack Obama will give us national health insurance and tax cuts for all
but that 2 percent of the nation that already carries 50 percent of the
federal income tax load.

Who are we kidding?

What we are witnessing today is how empires end. The Last Superpower is
unable to defend its borders, protect its currency, win its wars, or balance
its budget.

Medicare and Social Security are headed for the cliff with unfunded
liabilities in the tens of trillions of dollars.

What we are witnessing today is nothing less than a Katrina-like failure
of government, of our political class, and of democracy itself, casting a
cloud over the viability and longevity of the system.

Notice who is managing the crisis. Not our elected leaders. Nancy Pelosi
says she had nothing to do with it.

Congress is paralyzed and heading home. President Bush is nowhere to be
seen.

Hank Paulson of Goldman Sachs and Ben Bernanke of the Fed chose to bail
out Bear Sterns but let Lehman go under. They decided to nationalize Fannie
and Freddie at a cost to taxpayers of hundreds of billions, putting the U.
S. government behind $5 trillion in mortgages.

They decided to buy AIG with $85 billion rather than see the insurance
giant sink beneath the waves. Unelected financial elite is now entrusted
with the assignment of getting us out of a disaster into which an unelected
financial elite plunged the nation.

We are just spectators.

What the Greatest Generation handed down to us -- the richest, most
powerful, most self-sufficient republic in history, with the highest
standard of living any nation had ever achieved -- the baby boomers,
oblivious and self-indulgent to the end, have frittered it away.

Added Comments:

How do WE THE PEOPLE put the villains who are responsible under oath and
sit them down at public hearings to determine whose necks should meet the
guillotine?

Hypocritically, those who had oversight responsibility such as Senator
Chris Dodd [Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee] and Barney Frank
[Chairmen, House Financial Services Committee] who helped get us into this
mess are on every TV channel voicing their righteous indignation and
pompously sitting on their elevated platform glaring down at those they are
chastising and grilling, trying to pass the blame to others.

WE THE PEOPLE should be on the elevated platform in judgment and
execution of the likes of Chris Dodd, Barney Frank and the rest of the band
of thieves and conspirators who are responsible for the financial collapse
of the USA .

To name just a few of the culprits:

Henry Paulson Jr, Secretary of the Treasury
Alan Greenspan & Ben Bernanke -- Chairman Federal Reserve
Christopher Cox, SEC Chairman.

But not to worry -- YOUR PUBLIC SERVANTS who fear being voted out of
office will take their self-awarded Golden Parachute Congressional
Retirement, give WE THE PEOPLE the finger one last time and head for their
safe havens as the World Citizens they are.

However, before they waddle off into the sunset, they will go on record
one last time denouncing corporate greed, lavish salaries, and bonuses for
their key felons at Fannie May, Freddie Mac, Lehman Brothers & AIG

Meanwhile, WE THE PEOPLE fiddle while Rome burns and were too lazy and
indifferent to vote them out of office.

Waterfront Access, Taxation and Economic Stimulus

2008-12-17T14:40:00.000-08:00

There has been much discussion recently about the Waterfront Access project (and proposed development), taxation (I think there should be discussion) and betterment of the City. The following are excerpts of my remarks on these matters that I have recently posted on Clarkblog.org:

Issue #1) Berm Access Improvements

The action approved by a majority of city council was to provide a PORTION of the funding for the road/access improvements through the railroad berm. There is no city funding going to directly support any development activity by Gramor.
The road/access improvements are necessary, regardless of any/what/when development occurs at the waterfront. At some point in our lifetime, the waterfront will be developed. In order for the waterfront to be developed, there needs to be adequate and safe north/south access through the berm.
The key reason the City must move forward with these access improvements now is that the Port of Vancouver and BNSF are pressing forward with rail upgrades. I am to understand that BNSF has indicated there will be no further work allowed in their right-of-way (disrupting rail commerce), anytime in the foreseeable future. In other words, now or never.
I submit that public access to our waterfront is important enough to take advantage of this window of opportunity that is available...for the long-term future of the waterfront, regardless of who ultimately develops it, and what is developed. Frankly, it's too bad our federal railroad isn't more cooperative about allowing work to occur through the berm. I suppose it's understandable that they don't want to disrupt rail traffic...and our economy will appreciate that...but having to complete the access improvements now had obviously put the City is a bit of predicament about finding money sooner than later.

Issue #2) Funding of the Access Improvements

I had expressed reservations several times in discussions at Council about City Manager's proposed funding.The short story is that construction of improved roadway access through the railroad berm to support the density of development on the waterfront that is visioned on that 26+ acres is costly....to the tune of an estimated $33 million. The City Manager was able to find $8 million readily available from road/utility money buckets. Graymor (the developer) agreed to kick-in the same amount of money that the City could come up with...$8 million. With additional State, Federal and BNSF monies, there was still a 'gap' of $7.5 million.
Fact is, I'm still bothered by the fact that City Staff felt compelled to find the additional 'gap' funding. Why not let the developers take care of that? After all, it's a measly $7.5 million, in comparison to the hundreds of millions the same developer will be investing in the project. After some back-and-forth with Staff, I was reminded that we are talking specifically about a) public access through the railroad berm, and b) the developer is spending an additional $60 million to build-out the public infrastructure on the property itself. Lastly, the 'gap' funding as finally proposed by the City Manager is manageable. The $7.5 million will be bonded for (because the money is needed now for the construction of the access), and the debt service on the bonds will be paid by REET and money from the Pavement Management Program.
I will be working to restore the REET money to the Neighborhood Traffic Safety Alliance and Parks, as well as restoring full funding (in the least) for pavement management.

Issue #3) Funding of Other City Services and Taxes

Interesting to me that there has been little discussion about Council raising utility taxes, as well as garbage taxes. Is it that citizens in Vancouver don't mind paying more taxes? Is it that citizens in Vancouver believe the City is run efficiently and more taxes are necessary? Is it that citizens want more services from the City? Was it the masterful job of the City Manager to put public safety (police and fire) in the line-of-fire of budget cuts, unless taxes were raised?

Maybe I shouldn't be so concerned about raising taxes anymore...

A majority of city council approved of increases in utility and garbage taxes to generate approximately $4.2 million in new revenues. With a gun to our temple, the City Manager laid it out that if no new taxes were approved, this $4.2 million would come out of the hides of our police and fire departments --- the other city departments simply couldn't sustain such a cut. The city's public safety departments were USED to twist the arm of Council. Some said 'Uncle' and some didn't.

My position: In 2007, the City spent $121.4 million in general funds. This $4.2 million in new taxes represents about 3.5% of the annual operating budget. Really?!? Each and every city department couldn't find 3.5% in cost savings and efficiencies to stave-off tax increases? Remember, 3.5% is 3.5 cents on every dollar.

My position: Our current economic turmoil aside, the City needs to get serious about prioritization of services, sustainable funding for services, and really creating an 'open for business' environment. There is a lot of lip-service paid to 'open for business' by those who have never had to run a business, or even work on the private-side. Without such a perspective, or with a guaranteed check every month, it's easier to raise taxes and fees of all sorts. I've recently been made aware that another business is leaving Vancouver for the more friendly confines of another city in Clark County.

I'd like to see the City (and City Council) discuss a restructuring of government and a reconsideration of tax/fee issues like the business license fee and head tax, impact fees, utility taxes.

I will advocate for the following actions (and possibly others) to stimulate economic growth and jobs in our community:#1) Remove the business head tax, #2) Eliminate traffic impact fees and concurrency analysis, #3) Reduce utility taxes, specifically for business, #4) Revisit the Cable Franchise Fee, #5) Reduce utility taxes on Senior Citizens and others that qualify as 'low income'; #6) Reduce/eliminate park impact fees; #7) Create a Utility Tax District that allows for each and every property to pay a minimal and proportional tax for road maintenance. Tax to be based on the number of trips generated by the property (for example, a homeowner might pay $5/month, whereas McDonalds might pay $500/month); #8) Create a Metropolitan Parks District (or similar), where the voters decide if and how much to support parks/recreation/trails. By taking Parks out of the city's general fund, that general fund money would then be used to beef-up staffing in Police and Fire; #9) Ask the voters to consider supporting bonds to pay for updating/new fire facilities. Most of the fire houses need upgrading in order not to crumble in an earthquake. How much sense does that make to have inadequate fire stations???; 10) Work with the County Commissioners to further combine and reduce overlap of services, resulting in further operational efficiencies; 11) Formulate a business advisory council to provide recommendations and feedback to the Mayor of Vancouver.

Issue #4) Difference between Me and the Mayor (coming)

New Stormwater Regulations

2008-12-16T18:18:00.000-08:00

The following is a Local View that I have prepared for submittal to The Columbian regarding potential new stormwater regulations. After contacting The Columbian today, I understand that a submittal has already been made and will be published this coming Sunday...

Local View: Vancouver City Council Must Carefully Consider New Stormwater Regulations

Tim Leavitt, Professional Civil Engineer
Vancouver City Council member

The Washington State Department of Ecology (WADOE) has mandated that #1) cities like Vancouver implement new development regulations for managing stormwater runoff for private property, and #2) the city adopt new practices for handling stormwater runoff from.

These new rules from the State may be considered as an ‘unfunded mandate’. When a Federal or State requirement is placed on a local agency (city or county) and that requirement has an associated cost to implement, but the Feds or State don’t provide any supporting money, the new rule is termed an “unfunded mandate”. Then, under threat of violation and sanctions our community is saddled with figuring out how to pay for implementing the new requirement. Seem unfair to us local folks? It is.

City Practices for Stormwater Management

Contrary to the suggestion in the recent Local View (Sunday Columbian; Bertish and Goldberg), new practices by the City to manage runoff from public property is not the primary issue of concern in the community, so let’s discharge of that in short order. Most will agree with the need for the City to improve its own practices for stormwater management. Unfortunately, many roads in the City were constructed long before there was consideration for the environment. In these cases, the rain from a storm washes over the street, carrying toxic pollutants like oils and heavy metals directly into the ground or into waters of Burnt Bridge Creek, the Columbia River, or other surface water bodies. To minimize further damage to our environment, this situation must be corrected. However, this correction will cost money…and a lot of it, contrary to the Sunday Local View. The City is mostly developed already; there is no room now for ‘planning for stormwater filtration, bioswales and low-impact development’ as was suggested.

However, it needs to be made clear that should WADOE continue to mandate the wholesale implementation of the new stormwater rules, the potential costs to the City are significant. In fact, the City of Vancouver joined some 30+ other agencies around the State to ‘discuss’ the legalities of these new rules. To date, WADOE has not budged from their position, suggesting that they’d rather have the matter taken-up in court to resolve. If no progress is made in negotiations, and the court finds in favor of WADOE, you can expect to pay more taxes to support the implementation of these rules.

Development Regulations

The proposed new development regulations are of more pressing concern to property owners, environmentalists and the development community. WADOE developed a set of new stormwater regulations, collectively called the Western Washington Manual, to be used by engineers for designing stormwater facilities. These regulations are based on environmental conditions in the Puget Sound area of our State. Ironically, much of the Puget Sound area is exempted from these new restrictive rules because the existing high density of development.

Simply stated, some of the new rules don’t apply reasonably to our community, and the result is significant negative impact to undeveloped land in many parts of the City.

The ramifications on local environment, land-use and sprawl, and economy may be staggering if the City adopts new rules wholesale from WADOE. Designing stormwater ponds to the new rules will result in much large storm ponds, dramatically higher costs and less return on investment for each individual property. As a consequence, many properties will be rendered useless for development. Commercial and industrial properties will remain barren; resulting is less construction, less availability of services and retail, and fewer jobs. Properties will drop in value. Impact fees and tax revenues to all local and state agencies will diminish.

The new rules do not enhance the quality of stormwater runoff from a private development. Those requirements of the Western Washington Manual are already required by the City. The larger ponds are due to new rules for storage and release of stormwater runoff from development. A larger pond stores more volume of water for a longer period of time. Consequently, there are negative environmental impacts and land-use pressures to consider. Expert biologists and scientists have identified that cool, clean water is an important component of supporting a healthy environment for fish and other aquatic organisms. Lengthy storage of stormwater runoff and eventual discharge to nearby streams will result in incremental temperature increases to waters entering into our creeks and streams, very much in contradiction to the understood conditions for healthy aquatic habitat. You don’t need to be a scientist to come to such a simple and accurate realization.

Furthermore, as land within the urban areas of the city is rendered useless by unnecessarily restrictive stormwater regulations, the pressure will mount to expand urban growth boundaries for larger parcels. Larger properties, located further from urban centers are typically lower valued (or otherwise stated, less expensive to purchase), and can accommodate the larger stormwater facilities needed to comply with the new regulations. The typical afflictions of sprawl will follow: need for more public infrastructure (including, of all things, more public stormwater facilities), more miles on the automobile, more greenhouse gas emissions, etc., etc.

There is an age-old contradiction between urban growth areas and environmental regulations. One issue pressures the other. As environmental regulations increase, resulting in less viable development opportunities near the urban centers, pressure mounts to expand urban growth boundaries to bring in more suitable and larger lands for needed development. The goal of minimizing environmental impact by development is thus defeated as urban sprawl and environmental degradation proceed further from the core of urban centers.

Actions and Decisions

The path toward a reasonable solution to this matter is for the City to adopt a modified version of the Western Washington Manual, such as was done recently by Clark County. After a long public process with opportunity of significant input from the community, the County adopted a modified version of the new regulations that are considered by those of us involved in these matters to be more reasonable and applicable to our area. Ecology isn’t happy about this and has threatened the County with sanctions. However, the County has taken the right steps, completing an exhaustive public process and adopting a regulation that is more practical and still effective for our area. The City should follow suit; any action otherwise would be reckless.

Lastly, either the Governor or the Legislature needs to step-in and address the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach WADOE is taking with cities around the entire State of Washington.

Vancouver Working Group

2008-12-14T18:55:00.000-08:00

As the Columbia River Crossing project continues to progress, the City of Vancouver and CTRAN have the 'say so' in the design of light rail transit north of the Columbia River. Specific issues such as the alignment, design of stops and transit centers, and design of park and ride facilities, are under consideration. To this end, both the City and CTRAN Staff collaborated to create a citizen/stakeholder advisory group, known as the Vancouver Working Group. The purpose of this group is to learn of and consider options for the issues noted above. This group of citizens/stakeholders will provide feedback to the Vancouver City Council and CTRAN Board of Directors. Those bodies will consider the feedback from the Vancouver Working Group, as decisions are made in the Project Sponsors Council (Leavitt for CTRAN, Pollard for City of Vancouver).

I've had some back-and-forth dialogue with one citizen (Bob) who is in disagreement with how the Vancouver Working Group (VWG) was formulated. Bob believes the members of the VWG should have been interviewed in a formal process like other City boards/commissions.

The following is a copy of our discourse:

Jesus Christ Tim! Does it not bother you at all that this just popped up on Columbia Crossing Project stationary??!! You should really try and take off the City Council hat and try to see this stuff from my point of view. Just how in the hell does this group advise City Council objectively about anything to do with the Columbia crossing Project?? Since when does the Columbia Crossing project run City Council!! Stuipd question, that last one... !!

Hey Bob --- Last night at CTRAN we received a presentation from Staff and the Consultant hired to shepherd the process with this Vancouver Working Group. The group has been put together to provide to: 1) Learn more about the light rail options (e.g., alignment and loading/offloading), and potential impacts/opportunities for downtown, and 2) Provide input and feedback about preferred options to the CRC, City of Vancouver and CTRAN. Then, the City and CTRAN will consider that feedback as each body deliberates about some of the details. It appears that the participants identified have varying degrees of support for light rail, although, they will not be asked whether or not they support light rail. That question has passed. Now, it's a matter of what works best for the community, neighborhoods and businesses affected by this project. tim

Tim; So am I to understand that you have no problem with the fact that Matt Ransom all but lied to City Council Monday, when he claimed that the Transportation Department had appointed this "group", when in fact this is really an offshoot of the Columbia Crossing Project Office?? Do you recall anything I have said to you over the past 2 years about Bold Leadership, Integrity, Clear Communications, et al?? Are you completely blind to the way this looks on this side of the City Council's podium?? You really need to go review the CVTV video of the Workshop from Monday, and listen to what was actually said before you comment too much further... Tim, do you recall the controversy over in Portland this year, about the re-naming of Interstate Avenue for Caesar Chavez? A lot of people were pissed off the most because the entire process that City Council had set up was ignored in order to favor some special interest group. That is exactly what I see going on here. The City of Vancouver, under Mayor Royce Pollard, has found a way to get light rail endorsed in this town, without ever taking the issue before the voters. And you are endorsing his efforts to date?? Your votes prove that you largely do, and your words today prove it again. City Council has chartered a wide variety of Boards and Commissions in order to advise Council on things like the amount of City Council's Paychecks. I submit that the City's involvement in the Columbia Crossing Project is at least as important as the paycheck we give you and the rest of Council, and deserves a properly appointed Citizen's review council; NOT what we have with the "Vancouver Working group". I say it again Tim, these policies will come back to haunt City Council some day, when we finally get the Federal Transit and Transportation people in here to judge for themselves what has been going on. And Jeanne Stewart is absolutely right...you must come to the voters some day for this in order to get the money to operate and maintain it. Good luck selling that in light of how the process has worked to date. Bob

Hey Bob -- I think you might be reading more into this than there is….there's no conspiracy going on with this matter.Just engaging stakeholders to help identify the best approach to building high capacity transit within the parameters of the locally preferred alternative. As part of the public outreach and engagement, the CRC suggested that the City and CTRAN Staff collaborate to identify the list of citizens of our community to participate in the Working Group. In fact, several of the members are known to been quite vocal about their opposition to light rail transit. The CRC is involved because they are funding the effort to engage in the citizens! As we heard last night at CTRAN, the group was formulated with specific intention to get differing opinions about how LRT could work in downtown and to Clark College. Nothing more, nothing less. I'm at a loss as to what you are reading into this effort as a negative to the project and the community.If you would like to participate in the Working Group, I will drop a note with Staff and it will happen… What a debacle the City of Portland created, with renaming of several streets in the City. My votes on recent issues are both supportive and in opposition to Royce (and other councilmembers).I think there are some of those that you agree with me and some that you don't. But to suggest that I have fully supported what Royce is simply incorrect. IN FACT, if you review the council decision on the locally preferred alternative, you will see that I motioned to remove all reference to accepting tolling as a funding mechanism. The entire council, with exception of the MAYOR, supported my position. He had the nerve to say to the entire community, "Tolls should be accepted". I disagreed and the council supported me. For the record, Jeanne Stewart is 'right' about the need to come to the voters for operating and maintenance monies for high capacity transit, but Bob, that has been a known, and accepted fact from the start by everybody involved. In fact, at CTRAN we (again, under my leadership as Chair of the Board), emphasized that CTRAN won't ask voters for capital $$$ to build LRT, and would ask voters for operations and maintenance. Jeanne isn't saying anything new nor anything that isn't already understood and expected by the rest of us! tim

Tim this is not about conspiracies, it is about open Public meetings, and the way the City of Vancouver goes about seeting them up. The City has an established process for forming these groups. The City has violated this process at least twice in the past month alone. That is the core issue at hand here, and putting me on a committee in violation of accepted procedures solves nothing else either! I will seek my remedies elsewhere. B

I think I see now where you're going…

However, there is a bit of misunderstanding here.
There is indeed an established process for appointing members to established boards and commissions that serve at the pleasure of the city council….like the Planning Commission, the Parking Advisory Board, etc.

But, there are many other advisory groups that are created to provide feedback to the council that aren't city-recognized and established (as in historical) advisory boards.
For example, I have personally participated in advisory boards/groups like: Development Review Fees Stakeholders Group (prior to being on Council), Haagen Park Master Plan Citizens Advisory, Pacific Park Master Citizens Advisory, Critical Areas Ordinance Advisory Group (as a Planning Commissioner), etc.
There is no specific protocol or requirements the City or City Staff must follow to create these citizen input groups. The 'Vancouver Working Group' is the same thing…
So, there is no violation of any accepted procedures and you participating is no violation either.

If there's are any legit criticisms to such groups like the 'Vancouver Working Group', it is:
A) The City or City Staff have 'stacked the deck' to favor a pre-determined outcome.
B) The City or City Staff had a pre-determined outcome before forming the group, and are simply jumping through hoops with the 'working group' to 'check the box'.
I think those are legitimate concerns to be expressed anytime a group is formed.
However, in this case, as I mentioned previously…the makeup of this group appears to be pretty balanced with both supporters and skeptics of LRT.

In any event…enough on this. I hope this makes sense now Bob. I have no reason or desire to give you any misdirection, misleading information or spin. I am all about facts and data…that is my personal inclination and driven in by my engineering background. Fact is, I'm not that good at political schmoozing and 'wheeling and dealing' because I'd rather deal with factual reality. On this matter, I'm simply trying to give you the whole picture so there's a better and correct understanding of what the working group is. You want to be more informed of what's going on in our community than most, and I appreciate that and am willing to assist in that. I've given you the facts on this issue and you can chose to do with them what you will…

Cheers!
tim

CRC Project Sponsors Council

2008-12-14T18:26:00.000-08:00

With 2009 quickly approaching, the Columbia River Crossing (CRC) process is pressing forward.

Since the discussions and adoption of ALL of the local agencies of the Locally Preferred Alternative --- New Interstate 5 Bridge with Light Rail Transit -- the 39 member CRC Task Force had completed its responsibilities and was disbanded.

The CRC Project Sponsors are those public agencies that have a key role in the project and ultimately have to accept certain components. For example, the public transit agency in Clark County, CTRAN, is a Project Sponsor because CTRAN is anticipated to be the owner/operator of the light rail transit system in our community. The other Project Sponsor include: Trimet, City of Vancouver, City of Portland, Metro, RTC (Clark County Regional Transportation Council), and WSDOT & ODOT.

The Governors of both Oregon and Washington have appointed representatives from all the Project Sponsors to continue where the Task Force left off. This group is known as the Project Sponsors Council.

The Governor appointees include (in no particular order):

Fred Hansen, Trimet (CEO)
Steve Stuart, RTC (Clark County Commissioner)
David Bragdon, Metro (Board President)
Tim Leavitt, CTRAN (Vancouver City Council)
Paula Hammond, WSDOT (Director)
Royce Pollard, City of Vancouver (Mayor)
Sam Adams, City of Portland (Mayor elect)
Matt Garrett, ODOT (Director)

The primary purpose of this group (facilitated by co-chairs Henry Hewitt and Hal Dengerink), is to reach decisions on the project design refinement. More specifically, this group is to advise the departments of transportation on project development. Recommendations will be made after considering technical information, receiving input from advisory groups and reviewing public comments. This group is charged with advising the project on these issues:

Completion of the Environmental Impact Statement
Project design
Project timeline
Sustainable construction methods
Compliance with greenhouse gas emission reduction goals
Financial plan

To date, we have had two meetings.

The primary issue of consideration (and significant to the project) at this time is the number of lanes to be included in the project. The project is proposing a varying number of traffic lanes throughout the project, based on the locations of on-ramps and off-ramps. As you might suspect, there's a real issue with providing adequate merging and traffic weaving distance so drivers can SAFELY enter and exit the interstate.

My observation is that there appears to be a misconception about the number of lanes and the purpose of the lanes. At the December Project Sponsors Council meeting, Staff completed a detailed presentation about the number of lanes. There has been much talk (or malicious rumoring) that the project will construct twelve (12) new lanes of traffic. This inaccurate rumor has incited some opposition to the roadway portion of the project. Unfortunately, the suggestion that the CRC project is constructing 12 lanes of traffic is not entirely accurate. Indeed, there are 12 lanes for a short distance on only the bridge to accommodate the three (3) through lanes (as exist now) and the merging/weaving activities for the nearby on-ramps and off-ramps. There is NOT 12 lanes of traffic funnelling from Washington into Oregon!!!

The December presentation demonstrated the safety and design issues resulting in the proposed number of lanes throughout the project. Any reduction in the number of merging/weaving lanes will result in freeway conditions that are not safe for traffic at speed. At this point, I have no reason or inclination to support anything less than the safest conditions a new project will provide for automobile and truck drivers.

Updates to come as our meetings continue...

ALL but One

2008-07-31T14:11:00.000-07:00

It was an interesting week of discussion and decision making on the Columbia River Crossing Project and the Locally Preferred Alternative. There were several key votes and amendments to language of the resultions that should be noted:

Vancouver City Council

On Monday, July 7th, the Vancouver City Council took up the issue and had much conversation. When it was all said and done, the votes were as follows:

A) 7-0 for a replacement bridge, with preference for the stacked transit option.

B) 5-2 for light rail, with council members Pat Campbell and Jeanne Stewart voting against that form of high-capacity transit.

C) 5-2 for ending the light-rail line at the former visitors center east of Interstate 5. Stewart and Councilwoman Jeanne Harris voted against the Clark College terminus.

Regarding the issue of tolling a new bridge, I again expressed my continued sentiments about tolling...that it is a last option and the Feds should be stepping up to pay for this project. Consequently, I requested a deletion of language in the resolution referring to tolls as a local match for the costs. ALL but One...the Mayor...supported and voted for my amendment.

It is baffeling to me that anybody would assume right from the start that tolling (on the backs of 60,000 Clark County residents) is necessary to reconstruct a federal asset. I believe the appropriate approach is to design a project that meets the budget provided by the Feds and State, then determine if our community is ready/willing to support anything more with tolls.

The feds and state bureaucrats are promoting tolls, with the support of some local elected officials, in order to reduce their costs...or in other words are telling us citizens that all the federal income tax, all the federal gas tax, all the other federal taxes that we pay aren't enough to rebuild federal infrastructure! Time to reprioritize federal spending...immediately.

On top of that, Clark County has long been a donating County to the State of Washington budget. We have for many years been contributing more to the State budget than we receive back in benefits from the State. Now is the time for the State to return the favor to Clark County and pony-up more funding for the bridge project.

C-TRAN Board of Directors

On Tuesday, July 8th, the C-TRAN Board of Directors also took up the issue and had extensive dialogue. When it was all said and done, the votes were as follows:

A) 8-1 in support of a replacement bridge and light rail transit to the Clark College terminus (Harris opposed).

The board is comprised of nine (9) elected officials, representing the entirety of Clark County.

More to come on this...