Local Politics
Home rule has rocky history in Clark County
Turmoil in government again brings issue to fore
If Clark County commissioners vote to move forward with establishing a home rule charter on Tuesday evening, they'll begin a process that could take over two years to complete and has been turned away by voters three times in the past.
Campaign trail
Vancouver City Council Position 1: Jack Burkman kicks off his re-election campaign, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Firstenburg Community Center Community Room A, 700 N.E. 136th Ave. The public is welcome.
State lobbyists often file questionable reports
OLYMPIA — At the end of February, the restaurant Anthony’s Homeport on the Olympia waterfront saw a table for five that racked up a total bill of $343.88.
Elections office saw flurry of late filings
An unusual number of candidates wait until the last minute
The Clark County Elections Office saw an unusual rise this year in candidates filing to run at the last minute, according to Auditor Greg Kimsey.
Home rule headed to public hearing
Clark County commissioners will discuss process for home rule charter
If commissioners vote at a June 4 meeting to move forward on a home rule charter, the next step would be to put a vote on freeholder positions on the November ballot. The freeholder board would be made up of 15 residents who would draft a new county charter.
Sen. Mike Carrell dies in Seattle at age 69
OLYMPIA — Sen. Mike Carrell, who received a stem cell transplant last month for a blood condition, died Wednesday from complications related to his treatment. He was 69.
Olympia lobbyists pamper lawmakers with free meals
OLYMPIA — Washington ethics law prohibits public officials from accepting free meals on more than "infrequent occasions." Some state lawmakers, however, let lobbyists pick up the tab several times in a single week.
More Gates dollars aim to bring charters to Washington
SEATTLE — With the opening of Washington's first charter school likely 15 months away, more dollars from Seattle's tech economy are flowing toward groups that want to change the way the state thinks about public schools.
Camas' finance director is retiring after 24 years
Camas will bid farewell at the end of the month to its longest-serving employee.
Wash. budget talks move at 'glacial' pace
OLYMPIA -- Staffers in Washington state's financial management agency have been conducting legal and historical research to determine what would happen if lawmakers fail to pass a new budget before the start of the fiscal year.
Camas hires new finance director
The new finance director for Camas is a familiar face.
Inslee signs bill on eco-friendly vehicles
Some public agencies will have more time to switch to eco-friendly vehicles, thanks to a bill signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Jay Inslee.
No pay raise for Washington governor this year
OLYMPIA — Gov. Jay Inslee and most statewide elected officials and lawmakers won't get a pay raise this year, but judges will see a salary hike under the salary schedule adopted by the Washington Citizen's Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials.
Light rail opponents sue Vancouver in Superior Court
Attorney for plaintiffs argues city council has no authority to reject initiative
Clark County to discuss revisiting home rule
Commissioners may vote May 29 on first step
Clark County commissioners are scheduled to decide next week if they will begin the process of crafting a home rule charter for county government.
Editorial Cartoon
