Letters to the Editor for May 3

C-TRAN issues should be discussed openly

The Post-Record story of April 5, “Camas and Washougal councils weigh in on C-TRAN measures” highlighted the need for more open local government.

Both cities are represented on the CTRAN board by Camas City Councilor Linda Dietzman. At the April 5 Washougal City Council meeting, a CTRAN resolution vote was held. It seemed sneaky since two council members had excused absences. The vote could have been scheduled the following week to include the full council.

Washougal Councilmember Greenlee wrote a resolution passed by the partial council, “We believe that the interests of Washougal are best served by the experienced and prudent representation of Council member Dietzman,….We therefore will depend on our representative’s expertise, in the issue of for what, whether and when, C-TRAN will seek voter approval for sales tax levies.” Council members Greenlee, Coston and Morris voted for it.

To substitute the opinion of the C-TRAN representative for that of the full Washougal Council reduces public discussion of public transportation and cuts out the citizen voice of elected city councilors. On April 5, the Camas Mayor removed C-TRAN discussion from the published council agenda and no votes were taken at all.

The fact Camas and Washougal have a representative on C-TRAN is no reason to abdicate responsibility to discuss transportation by the full councils with votes. In Bellevue, the city council has a transportation representative and still vigorously debates and votes on transportation issues. Potential conflicts of interest on light rail routes and hot topics are discussed out in the open where they belong.

Margaret Tweet, Camas

Fly American flags proudly May 1 was National Loyalty Day

Veterans of Foreign Wars National website explains: “Loyalty Day originally began as Americanism Day. In 1921 as a counter to the Communist’s May 1 celebration of the Russian Revolution. On May 1, 1930, 10,000 members staged a rally at New York’s Union Square to promote patriotism. Through a resolution adopted in 1949, May 1 evolved into Loyalty Day. Observances began in 1950 on April 28 and climaxed on May 1, when more than 5 million people across the nation held rallies. In New York City, more than 1 million people rallied for America. In 1958, Congress enacted Public Law 529 proclaiming Loyalty Day a permanent fixture on the nation’s calendar.”

The following is taken from the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Chaplain’s Handbook. “God of all nations, as you have graciously preserved our nation through the years and have led us in wondrous ways, grant that we may be worthy of our high calling a nation. Guide our people by your Spirit to go forward in justice and freedom, and may we never forget all those whose sacrifice gave this nation its greatness, progress and richness. Give us what outward prosperity that may be your will, but above all things, give us faith in you that our nation may give glory to yor name and blessings to all peoples. On this Loyalty Day, we ask you for grace and power to live truer lives, to be better servants of the living God, finer fathers and mothers, nobler sons and daughters and more loyal citizens of this great nation and your world.”

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and Schick-Ogle Post 4278 ask you to proudly fly your flag. We will endeavor to recognize as many of you as possible for your patriotism by presenting you with a certificate authorized by the VFW of the United States.

Dale Dutter, chaplain, VFW Schick-Ogle Post 4278 Camas-Washougal