The Issues

Public Health

Being on the county council means being on the Board of Health.
My priority will be to serve the people and bridge the gap between policy and the
community.
There needs to be open, two way communication between government and the people. I
think we can do better.
One of the biggest issues now is the fentanyl crisis. 142 confirmed deaths in 2023 alone,
more than doubled since 2018. And I think we can do better than just giving people
Narcan and hoping for the best.
It's time to declare an emergency and demand a proactive plan from the Public Health
department.
We need to move away from a “harm reduction” approach that has handed out more
needles in one year than we have citizens in Clark County. Let's take real action to
protect and support our community.

Lake Pollution

I am deeply concerned about the pollution at Lacamas Lake and its impact on our
community. Elevated toxin levels are a serious issue, and current management efforts
are not sufficient. We need a proactive approach, including safe and effective measures
to prevent harmful algal blooms.
The collaboration between Clark County and the city of Camas, through a forthcoming
interlocal agreement, sets a strong foundation for action. By working together with local
agencies and leveraging significant investments, we can make measurable
improvements to ensure our lakes are safe and enjoyable for all.
However, I am concerned about the "safe chemicals" proposed for treating the lake. We
must reassess all available options to ensure our solutions are truly safe and effective
for both the environment and the community.
I will advocate for transparent, community-involved solutions to restore and protect the
health of Lacamas Lake, ensuring it remains a safe and enjoyable place for all. Let's
support this vital initiative to protect our natural resources and promote a healthier
environment. Together, we can make a real difference.

Disagreements with other Entities

It's crucial to always look for win/win scenarios, but these should prioritize the average
person and families. Unfortunately, that's not always the case.
Regarding the Bridge Shelter, we need more recovery or “treatment first” solutions. The
county must move away from the disastrous “housing first” model seen in Portland. It's
okay to advocate for better options.
I'm also concerned about the secrecy surrounding the proposed Bridge Shelter location.
The City of Vancouver requested over $6 million without disclosing the location to
Councilors or the public, nor involving the County in forming the protocols. Partnerships
should be two-way, but it seems the City wants to dictate terms while County taxpayers
foot the bill.
We saw this with The Navigation Center, which cost millions, was forced upon
neighborhoods, and closed within a few years. It failed because the City pushed it
through without building consensus with the County or other non-profits. We can't
repeat these mistakes.

Transportation

We need commonsense transportation solutions to meet our future needs. I will prioritize
adding capacity to shorten commutes and oppose tolls and light rail projects that
residents reject. Let’s advocate for sensible, cost-effective solutions that work for
everyone.
Regarding the railroad, remember that it’s an issue that’s been years in the making. I
strongly believe in property rights and being a good neighbor. Anyone who takes a hard
stance either for or against the railroad without considering the complexities is missing
the point. We need to respect property rights while finding balanced solutions to
nuisance issues. Our infrastructure growth should support families, small businesses,
and housing development, striking a balance rather than pitting one against the other.
Regarding the bridge, we must stop the crippling tolls and the $7.5 billion proposal that
won’t increase capacity. The people want a third bridge that will actually address our
needs. What’s being presented now focuses too much on pedestrian and light rail, which
isn't what our community is asking for. We need to push for a better solution that truly
increases capacity and serves our community's best interests.

County Charter

The County Charter drastically changed Clark County, and not for the better. The average
person now has less access and ability to bring about change because Councilors, who
are supposed to be the voice of the people, have less say. As a direct result of the
Charter, the County Manager has a great deal of power with little to no supervision or
accountability to the voters. The Council's main duties are now limited to land use, taxes,
committee appointments, and the board of health, and they can only hire or fire the
manager. That’s not a good way to run a county.
It’s widely known that the Charter wasn’t well crafted, leading to many
amendments—some necessary, many not. If a Councilor wants to address a problem
from their constituents, they have to get the County Manager's permission first. This
needs to change.

Zoning

Clark County is at a pivotal moment, facing significant challenges in balancing
development with environmental and zoning constraints. We need a comprehensive plan
that supports sustainable land development, allowing developers to create affordable
housing for new homeowners while respecting property rights and livability.
Our growth plan must promote smart development without stifling the natural growth
and vibrancy of our county. By updating our comprehensive plan and ensuring
compliance with the Growth Management Act, we can guide future population growth in
a way that benefits everyone. We must avoid policies that hinder progress and focus on
fostering a thriving community where development and environmental stewardship go
hand in hand.
I am committed to advocating for a balanced approach that encourages affordable
housing and respects property rights, ensuring a prosperous future for Clark County.
Let's work together to create a comprehensive plan that supports both our community's
growth and its natural beauty.

Agriculture

I am deeply concerned about the pollution at Lacamas Lake and its impact on our
community. Elevated toxin levels are a serious issue, and current management efforts
are insufficient. We need a proactive approach, including safe and effective measures to
prevent harmful algal blooms.
The collaboration between Clark County and the city of Camas, through a forthcoming
interlocal agreement, sets a strong foundation for action. By working with local agencies
and leveraging investments, we can improve our lakes' safety and enjoyment.
However, I am concerned about the proposed "safe chemicals" for treating the lake. We
must reassess all options to ensure our solutions are genuinely safe for both the
environment and the community.
I will advocate for transparent, community-involved solutions to restore Lacamas Lake's
health, ensuring it remains a safe, enjoyable place for all. Let's support this initiative to
protect our natural resources and promote a healthier environment. Together, we can
make a real difference.

Election Security

When it comes to election security, it's important to recognize that concerns have been
raised by both parties over the years. Instead of dividing people and shaming each other,
we should focus on finding common ground solutions to enhance our election process. I
believe our elections are mostly secure, but there's always room for improvement. My
goal is to ensure ongoing enhancements to make our system even better and increase
voter participation so that more people have a say.