I wish to applaud Mayor Tim Leavitt for issuing Vancouver’s proclamation decrying hate speech and reaffirming inclusive values, in particular the stand on anti-immigration postures and recent racial hostilities in our country.
As a Latina in the Camas/Washougal community, I am appalled at Washougal Mayor Sean Guard’s nonresponse to requests for such a proclamation. No response or comment is part of the problem — we want a proclamation now!
As for Camas Mayor Scott Higgins’ claim that Camas is already an inclusive place, he should get his head out of the sand; anti-immigrant sentiment and racism are alive and well in our neighborhoods.
Communities need their leaders to take a stand and issue an inclusive proclamation. I have been in touch with the Latino community and with local schools. I have seen and heard the concerns of our children and families. It behooves our communities that our elected representatives take a positive stand against negative rhetoric and let our Latino community know whose side they’re on.
