CAMAS — Liz Pike made it official Friday evening. In front of about 200 supporters gathered at her Shangri-La Farm in Camas for her annual Hootenanny Fundraiser, the three-term Washington State Representative announced her run in 2018 for Clark County Council Chair.
“As your State Representative and as a former elected Camas City Council Member, I’ve always put the citizens first,” Pike said in a press release.
Pike invited residents to stand with her so she can continue to be the voice of the people.
“I’m running for the citizens of Clark County,’’ Pike said. “Let’s build on current successes to become the premier economic engine for our region so that everyone prospers.
“We can always do better,’’ she said. “Our fast growing County is at a fork in the road. We can continue to get mired in red tape, or we can change the culture of government to work at the speed of business with a new, ‘can-do’ attitude. Proven leadership is the only way we can bring new job opportunities to our corner of the state.”
Pike laid out a plan that includes a new “citizen-first” culture to create jobs in every sector of the county.
“Every citizen should have the opportunity to work in the community where they live,” said Pike, who also reiterated the need for affordable transportation solutions that residents support. “Citizens are tired of being ignored by big government politicians.
“We must be careful about how we spend citizen tax dollars,’’ she said. “I’m the daughter of a Brush Prairie dairy farmer. Clark County is my home because I love this community. I know the value of hard work and I never forget that every dollar government spends was first earned by hardworking citizens.”
Pike also pledged to restore public safety funding to keep neighborhoods safe and protect families. She underscored the importance of caring for the most vulnerable citizens with effective programs that deliver results with dignity. Pike also pledged to continue her commitment to restore property rights and to bring affordable housing back to Clark County by implementing effective comprehensive land use planning.
“We can get this done by working together,’’ she said. “It takes leadership, speaking truth to power, and respecting the will of our citizens.”
During her three terms as a state representative, Pike said she worked to help small business, lower taxes, reform government and to protect the safety of area citizens. Pike led the charge to make changes to the Washington State Growth Management Act in order to bring more jobs to Clark County.
“Over the years, Liz has proven her ability to successfully bring differing interests together for the common good,’’ her press release stated.
Pike has two grown children, Richard and Julianne. She is engaged to Neil Cahoon, who is a retired U.S. Air Force Major and commercial airline pilot.
Pike has been a small business owner for more than 25 years. She is a former Divisional Board Member of Umpqua Bank and Life Member of the National Rifle Association. Pike ran marathons for more than 25 years and she is a Hawaii Ironman World Championship Triathlon finisher.
In addition to her legislative duties, Pike operates Shangri-La Farm, an organic farm in Fern Prairie and is a painter of fine art. Her work is featured regularly in local art galleries and in art festivals around the region.
“Liz brings the same passion, enthusiasm, work ethic and creative thinking that has made her a success in business, art and athletics to her community service for the people,’’ her statement read. “She believes in hard work and conducts herself with honesty and sincerity! Together with citizens, she will continue to focus her passion and energy to serve all of Clark County.’’
In 2015, Pike filed as a write-in candidate for the County Council Chair position after supporters encouraged her to run. The write-in campaign proved to be unsuccessful as Marc Boldt was elected to the position.
More information can be found online at LizPike.net.
