Camas resident Margaret Tweet offers her views on important races and issues in the Nov. 5 general election
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and do not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com
In April, 2024 a ClarkCountyToday report shows the new 17th District map ordered by activist Judge Robert Lasnik, just prior to the May candidate filing week. Per the article, “The Lasnik map changes boundaries of 13 legislative districts, redistricting out of current districts multiple republican legislators, including Senator Nikki Torres of Yakima. The initial lawsuit alleged Latino voters were disenfranchised by the map agreed upon by the state redistricting commission. Yet the Lasnik decision resulted in fewer Latino voters in the district.” The new 17th district stretches from Vancouver out to Goldendale in Klickitat County.
Paul Harris has raised five children in Clark County, is state representative in the 17th District (14 years), served 10 years on the Evergreen School Board, and has operated successful businesses. Harris opposes unnecessary tax hikes including the 3% property tax proposed by democrats. He supports I-2117 to Stop the Hidden Gas Tax and I-2066: to Stop the Natural Gas Ban so we can utilize our natural gas infrastructure and keep our gas appliances. Harris is well qualified for senator.
Rep. Kevin Waters (17th District) is a former Skamania County corrections officer, Port of Skamania Commissioner, and a business owner. Reps. Harris and Waters helped secure funding for the 17th District, including: the Hood River Bridge, the downtown Camas Lighting Transformation project, Fire Station 41 headquarters, the Skamania County Public Safety Radio System, the Washougal Intake replacement project to assist fish and wildlife, Lasher Street renovations, and the modernization of small district and tribal compact schools. They also helped secure funding for the Madrona Recovery Center for youth with behavioral health and substance abuse disorders in the 18th district.
Washougal Mayor David Stuebe understands the issues in our region, was a Marine Corps Colonel (30 years), has business experience, and is equipped to serve as state representative. Together, these leaders will ensure the Slough Bridge replacement/repair on SR 14, promised for many years, will be done. In August, a trailer hauling a wide load got stuck on the narrow bridge, 6 cars crashed, and one driver died. They are committed to public safety and law enforcement.
Stuebe’s opponent is Terri Niles, a nurse who pushed new mRNA Covid vaccines with unknown consequences for healthy kids 5 years old and up. Serious injuries and deaths after vaccination for children and teens have been reported to the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System since 2021. At County Board of Health meetings, Niles championed a COVID Resolution that states, “COVID-19 vaccinations are highly recommended as safe and effective, are widely available at no cost to all residents age five and older.”
A June, 2024 report indicates the Number of Children Who Died After COVID Shots Much Higher Than VAERS Reports Indicate, Analyst Says. This fall , the Florida Health Department advised against using mRNA Covid vaccines for most people. Washington State Law provides for Medical, Religious, and Personal exemptions to opt out of inoculation shots for students in daycare and K-12 schools; see InformedChoiceWA.org for details.
Niles also promoted Clark County Charter amendments on the for committee that voters rejected including: Ranked Choice Voting, adding a Clark County Diversity & Inclusion Officer plus a Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Commission (rejected by voters in 2021 & 2022), and adding the Prosecuting Attorney’s opinion on initiative petitions. For the Nov. 5, 2024 election, See the www.ReformClarkCounty.com recommendations to REJECT Charter Amendments #17 & #18.
Margaret Tweet
Camas
Also read:
- Rep. Stephanie McClintock to hold town halls in Vancouver, Battle GroundRep. Stephanie McClintock will hold town halls in Vancouver and Battle Ground to preview the 2025 legislative session and address constituent concerns.
- Rep. Peter Abbarno elected House Republican Caucus Chair; committee assignments announcedRep. Peter Abbarno was elected House Republican Caucus Chair and appointed to key committees for the 2025 session.
- Opinion: Get ready for the 2025 legislative sessionNancy Churchill emphasizes the importance of citizen participation as the 2025 Washington legislative session begins.
- Opinion: Thousands of Republicans didn’t vote. Why?Amboy resident Thomas Schenk discusses low Republican voter turnout and election concerns in Clark County.
- Bipartisan bill seeks $100 million for Washington law enforcement hiringA bipartisan bill proposes $100 million to address police staffing shortages and public safety in Washington.