Three Things Amy’s Mad About:
Dear Friends:
Six months ago, we launched Clark County Matters to organize, activate and elevate grassroots voices with our county and city elected officials. A lot of great things are happening in our community, but rising homelessness and public camping, and the humanitarian and public safety problems they helped create, threaten our cherished quality of life.
We only have to look across the river to Portland for a cautionary tale of elected officials letting homelessness and lawlessness get out of control. We can do better in Clark County.
Vancouver is my home. I was born here, went to school here and recently bought my first home here. For me, ensuring a bright future for our community is personal. I’m also not new to politics. I understand how a bill becomes a law and how public officials should listen to, respect and engage with the people they represent.
Recently, I have observed some disturbing practices by local officials that undermine good government and, frankly, just drive regular people crazy. My concerns are the result of attending official city meetings and working with others to help them make their voices heard at city hall.
Answer the damn phone. At least list your number.
Vancouver city council members are very difficult to reach. Unlike state lawmakers and even members of Congress who have websites that include office email and phone numbers for staff — not so with members of Vancouver city council. The solution is very simple — add email addresses and phone numbers to your websites. Voters understand you probably can’t respond to every email or phone message, but please at least act like you want to hear from your bosses.
Sometimes, the kitchen gets hot. Handle it.
President Harry Truman once said, “if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen”. Well sometimes, local city or county meetings get heated. It comes with the job description. And while constituents should remember to be respectful, elected officials shouldn’t be surprised when people express their anger when they feel their government is failing them and their elected leaders are ignoring their concerns.
I recently attended a Vancouver city council meeting where one councilor was exasperated by how many people showed up and that a few people raised their voices. The body language of most councilors was disdain. The meeting may have been uncomfortable, but that comes with the territory.
Lose the smarty pants routine. Respect the people.
Lately, some politicians at all levels of government have fallen into the trap of believing they are smarter than the people they serve. It’s obnoxious. Telling people who disagree with you to “get educated” and referring to academic or government studies to convince people of something their eyes, experience or instincts tell them is wrong – is a bad way to start a relationship.
When people can’t afford groceries and gas, telling them that inflation and prices are actually worse in Europe, only makes you elitist. When someone says a homeless camp threatens the safety of their neighborhood or family, citing a crime statistic makes you out of touch.
I help start Clark County Matters to help the voices of regular people be heard – at city halls and the county. I respect our government institutions and the people who volunteer to serve in public office. But in return, I expect them to respect me – and all voters.
Thanks for listening….
Amy
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