Cheers: Evergreen Habitat for Humanity continues to expand its reach and the impact it is having on people’s lives. The local organization recently announced its largest project to date — a 10-home subdivision in Vancouver’s Father Blanchet Park neighborhood that will include three duplexes and four detached single-family dwellings.
Habitat for Humanity builds low-cost houses and sells them to needy families at no profit and with a zero percent mortgage interest rate. In exchange, the families — who otherwise might find themselves with no housing or with substandard housing — provide hundreds of hours of sweat equity in constructing the homes. The latest project, which is expected to be completed by December 2017, will not in itself solve Vancouver’s well-documented housing crunch. But it will provide a life-changing opportunity for 10 local families.
Jeers: While we’re surprised they haven’t tackled this one before, it should be an easy fix — Washington lawmakers should pass legislation preventing anybody from simultaneously holding two elected offices. A handful of legislators also have other elected positions, and the issue arose again recently when state Sen. Pam Roach, R-Auburn, announced that she is running for Pierce County Council next year while possibly hanging onto her Senate seat.
The (Tacoma) News Tribune reports that at least 26 states prohibit state lawmakers from holding more than one elected office. The idea is to prevent an official from having undue influence on the political process, and to allow them to focus on one job. Because of those issues, we’ll even take one additional step and suggest that people running for office should have to give up any elected positions they already hold — regardless or whether they win or lose the race for the new office.
Cheers: Any locally owned, community-oriented business that survives 125 years is worthy of a celebration. So forgive us if we pat ourselves on the back and mention today’s party in recognition of The Columbian’s 125th anniversary.
From noon to 2 p.m., the newspaper will host a family-friendly sidewalk party at 701 W. Eighth St. in Vancouver — one block west of Esther Short Park. There will be games, face painting, prizes, an appearance by company mascot Columbo the dog, and a chance to meet Editor Lou Brancaccio and other staff members. You also may sign up to take a tour of the building, although space is limited. For 1 1/4 centuries The Columbian has aimed to be the primary source of news for Southwest Washington. We think that’s worthy of a little celebration.
Bummer: It’s not quite a jeer because, after all, business is business and we can understand the decision. But it is disappointing to learn that Kumoricon is leaving Vancouver.
The annual festival celebrating Japanese animation has become a staple of Labor Day weekend in downtown Vancouver, bringing thousands of costumed revelers who energize the city with their colorful outfits and their unfailing friendliness. The festival is moving next year to the Oregon Convention Center, which can better accommodate the ever-growing crowds, meaning that Labor Day weekend in Vancouver won’t quite be the same.
Cheers: Kudos to the Vancouver Police Department for hosting “Girl Cops Are Awesome.” The special event, with help from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, highlighted the outstanding job done by female law enforcement officers and helped give girls — and boys — a chance to perhaps view the profession in a new way.
Any opportunity is welcome for the public to be reminded of the vital role law enforcement plays in a civilized society, and “Girl Cops Are Awesome” provided that in a fun and creative fashion.
