Clark County’s “future is bright, and we’re growing stronger every day,” Councilor David Madore said Thursday, touting job growth, the integration of county Medicaid systems and the proposed east county bridge as signs of the region’s growth.
Bearing his familiar “JOBS” pin, the council chairman spoke to a crowd of about 150 people at the 29th annual State of the County address at Skyview High School. Fellow Councilors Tom Mielke and Jeanne Stewart also spoke, as well as Sheriff Chuck Atkins, Acting County Manager Mark McCauley and Todd Coleman, chief executive officer of the Port of Vancouver.
Clark County’s growing economy and public services were the themes for the evening.
All but completely absent, however, were mentions of the council’s transition following the approval of the home rule charter in November. McCauley briefly mentioned the charter, thanking the council and staff for supporting him in his new position as county manager.
Citing a recent job report from Scott Bailey, regional labor economist for the state Employment Security Department, Madore said Clark County added 6,200 jobs in 2014 and had an annualized growth rate of 4.4 percent. That rate surpasses Washington and Oregon’s rates of 3.4 and 3.5 percent, respectively.
“We’ve traded in our old Ford Pinto and our position at the back of the pack,” Madore said. “Clark County is now leading job growth rates in a shiny new Ferrari, and we’re several laps ahead, and we’re gaining speed.”
The integration of Medicaid services is also on the horizon for Clark County, Madore said, bringing physical, mental and chemical dependency services under the same roof. Southwest Washington will become one of three regions in the state that will become early adopters of the fully integrated health care system under the Washington State Health Care Innovation Plan.
Madore also took a jab at the failed Columbia River Crossing, saying the community has spoken against light rail and now backs the east county bridge at Southeast 192nd Avenue.
Mielke’s speech, meanwhile, focused on services for veterans. Mielke, a Vietnam combat veteran, said the Clark County Veterans Assistance Center is among the county’s greatest accomplishments.
The Veterans Assistance Center, at 1305 Columbia St., provides local veterans in need with free clothing and food, points them to employment and housing opportunities, and helps walk them through applying for benefits.
“I feel so strongly about this that I continue to contribute,” Mielke said.
‘Get the job done’
Stewart, the newest member of the board, reflected on her first few months in office. Stewart was elected by a slim margin over Democratic contender Craig Pridemore in November, and was sworn in on Nov. 25.
“The job is interesting, it’s demanding — and in all honesty, it’s difficult,” Stewart said.
Stewart spoke about her own experience in public service, both on the Vancouver City Council and as the chair of the Coalition of Vancouver Neighborhoods. The positions have helped prepare her for her latest challenge on the Clark County council, she said.
“I have what it takes to get the job done,” Stewart said.
The county also honored local volunteers with the Spirit of Clark County Awards.
Clark County Connects’ Day of Service, which brings together dozens of people for a variety of service projects across the county, was the recognized project, and the Washington State University Clark County Extension program’s master gardeners were the recognized organization.
Roy Garrison was also honored for his 38 years as a volunteer with the Clark County Fair. Looking the part of a longtime fair volunteer, Garrison accepted his award dressed in overalls. Since his back surgery March 5, they’re the only things that fit around the bandages, Garrison said with a grin.
“It’s a very humbling experience,” Garrison told the audience as he collected his award. “It’s just unreal, folks.”
