Cheers: To incubating new businesses at the Port of Vancouver. Port commissioners may soon get a win-win proposal that would help both the port and private enterprise. Current rules require the port to charge market rents to its tenants. That’s a good idea that ensures a fair return for taxpayers. The new proposal is to set up a formal business incubator, where startups can get cheap, probably below-market rent, and appropriate support from peers and business-related organizations.
The port currently has 350,000 square feet of empty manufacturing, warehouse and office space, so there is plenty of room for an incubator program. By dedicating part of the vacant space as a business incubator, complete with formal rules such as a maximum stay, the port could increase its revenues and help grow jobs.
Jeers: To Clark Public Utilities commissioners for considering a hike in electricity rates in the range of 5 percent. The public utility, which provides power to virtually all and water to many, has a revenue shortfall this year. Blame it on the recession. But the recession is exactly the worst time to raise taxes, or in this case, fees, as that further depresses the recovery. Before seeking a rate increase, agencies should do everything in their power to cut costs, including considering employee wage and benefit reductions, furloughs, and freezing travel.
The utility says it has frozen wages and reduced travel and some large expenditures, but it should take a harder look at cutting costs, reducing employees and combining services before raising rates.
Cheers: To Elvis Anderson, the Amboy Boy Scout who aims to install reflective address signs along rural roads to help firefighters find their way. The Anderson family has such a sign at the end of its rural driveway, and that’s one of the main reasons firefighters were able to salvage part of their home after it caught fire last year. The local fire chief says rural homes can be very hard to find, especially at night, and the minutes make a major difference in a medical or other emergency. If you live in Fire District 10 and would like a sign, call Elvis at 360-686-0508. If you live elsewhere, consider buying and installing a similar sign.
Jeers: To more grandstanding at the Washougal City Council meeting over illegal immigration. This is a legitimate national issue but a distraction at a small-town city council meeting. With little public notice, the council last month passed a motion asking the state Legislature to adopt a law similar to Arizona’s, which is already being challenged in the courts. This week it was back before the council. It’s no coincidence that its most partisan supporter on the council, Jon Russell, is running for state Legislature. Rather than arguing the issue within Washougal’s government, a much better way would be to organize a debate and invite informed speakers from all perspectives.
Cheers: To county health officials for effectively warning the public this week about two potential health hazards.
First, as is frequently the case in August, an outbreak of algae has made Vancouver Lake unsafe for swimming. There are multiple causes for this, and we hope to someday cheer a solution.
Second, a child who played in the children’s area at a local fitness club, Lake Shore Athletic Club, tested positive for E. coli. Again, these outbreaks are common, but a prompt warning alerted Lake Shore parents who take their children to the club to watch for signs of illness.
