New PAC seeks to counter direction of county leadership

“I’ve had many conversations with community leaders,” Montague said. “It’s premature for names.”

He hopes to raise between $200,000 and $500,000 to launch the PAC that will focus on three primary areas of dissatisfaction, Montague said. “Disappointment at the failure of the CRC, the lack of real action in the Legislature for funding the Southwest Washington transportation package and No. 3 is a serious concern about the current dysfunction of our county government.”

Montague also said the PAC will focus on a slate of state legislative candidates from Clark County. It will look to support candidates who are approachable and share its focus on economic development.

“Really, the long term interest is about having people who are responsive,” he said. “Basically (we want) folks who are going to listen to the community.”

He admitted the group might sometimes disagree with other business organizations on some controversial issues, such as the proposed oil transfer terminal at the Port of Vancouver. Some in the business community tout the project as an economic benefit. Others disagree.

Montague said the group is still in its formation stage and details have not yet been worked out about membership fees and levels. A call to the Washington state Public Disclosure Commission confirmed that no group has been registered under Montague’s name.

The registration process is simple and has no waiting process, said Lori Anderson, the department’s communications and training officer.

Montague said his group will focus first on the soon-to-be-vacant seat of Stuart, who will step down next month to become city manager of Ridgefield. Stuart announced in January he didn’t intend to run for re-election this year.

“We know we have one critical election coming up, which is to fill Steve Stuart’s seat,” he said.

Montague plans to resign from his executive position with Identity Clark County on April 1. He has led the high-powered group of business advocates since 2011.

Made up of approximately 65 local, regional and national businesses, ICC staunchly supported the proposed $2.9 billion Columbia River Crossing to replace the I-5 Bridge, weighing in through Montague’s words at public meetings about the project. The onetime bistate project died officially this month, when Oregon lawmakers announced plans to shut it down. Washington legislators denied support for the project last year.

“Paul had clear marching orders and the CRC was his No. 1 priority,” said Scott Milam, Identity Clark County’s board chair.

He said ICC’s board now will begin the process of selecting a new executive director as it steps up efforts to cover the functions and programs of the organization during the interim.