Cheers: A boom in construction of multifamily residential units throughout Vancouver is worthy of huzzahs on several levels. City officials recently reported that 3,417 units are under review or under construction, and Chad Eiken, director of community and economic development, said: “In the past, maybe three- to four-hundred would have been our normal backlog of units. This is a huge spike.”
For one thing, if developers have the confidence to build, that is another sign of economic strength in the area. For another, the addition of housing might provide some relief for the region’s homeless crisis. Most of the new units reportedly will be priced at market value, but the increase can help ease the pricing pressure created by low vacancy rates. Some might lament additional growth in a city that is unable to fund basics such as street repairs. But overall, the positives outweigh the negatives.
Jeers: The numbers are not yet final, but it appears that statewide turnout for last week’s election will set a record for low turnout. Less than 38 percent of registered voters bothered to turn in a ballot, and in Clark County the number was a dismal 33.4 percent.
The result of this is that in a county of about 450,000 residents, fewer than 32,000 of them decided the crucial election for Clark County chair by voting for Marc Boldt. That is not a criticism of those votes; Boldt is a fine selection. But it points out how a relatively small number of citizens can make decisions that impact the lives of others because a large percentage of people don’t bother to vote.
Cheers: A ceremony Wednesday at the Armed Forces Reserve Center served to highlight the poignancy of Veterans Day, as Sgt. Arty Feldman of Vancouver was awarded a Purple Heart he earned while serving in Iraq. Feldman had been wounded in the head by a sniper’s bullet, suffering a severe concussion and traumatic brain injury.
Actually, Feldman had received his Purple Heart earlier in unceremonious fashion. But girlfriend Elizabeth Gochenour worked with the Community Military Appreciation Committee to schedule a formal presentation. The result was an appropriate commemoration of Feldman’s service and sacrifice.
Jeers: While voters retain the ultimate power when it comes to local elections, national politics remains a game for the powerful and well-connected. A recent survey by the Associated Press found that of superdelegates to next year’s Democratic National Convention, 359 of them pledge to support Hillary Clinton for the party’s presidential nomination. A total of eight support Bernie Sanders, two back Martin O’Malley, and 210 are undecided.
Superdelegates can support the candidate of their choice, regardless of who voters in their state prefer, and Clinton is supported by all the Democrats in Washington’s congressional delegation plus Gov. Jay Inslee. At a time when dissatisfaction with politicians is at record levels, both parties (Republicans have unpledged delegates, who serve the same purpose as superdelegates) would be wise to put more power in the hands of the democratic process.
Cheers: As thoughts (and store window displays) prematurely turn toward the Christmas season, a couple recent local stories reflect upon good will toward all.
When expectant mother Jennifer Abbey recently had her car — and a bunch of baby supplies — stolen, strangers pitched in for a new car seat, stroller, diapers, and other items. And then there are the efforts of Danielle Ireland and daughter Addi Dearinger, who are crafting coffee cups for each Vancouver police officer, adorned with messages of thanks from the community. Generosity is welcome any time of year, but it seems particularly meaningful as the holidays draw near.
