TUESDAY, JULY 27, 2004

Union and utility expected to meet Thursday in last ditch effort to avoid walkout
    Clark Public Utilities management team and representatives of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 125, indicated they hoped to meet Thursday, July 29, in an effort to resolve differences sufficiently to avoid a strike which could occur at midnight Tuesday, Aug. 3.
    Utility commissioners at their regularly scheduled board meeting this morning were greeted by about three dozen union members and families who pressed the case on behalf of the union, which has terminated its expired contract in preparation for what could be the first strike in the 66-year history of the utility.
    A major sticking point, apparently, is the hourly wage increase. The utility has offered an increase of 3.5 percent for each year of a proposed contract which would run three years, but which would be retroactive to February 2003. Local 125 is asking for increases of 4.6 percent a year.
    One of the speakers on the union side told commissioners Clark Public Utilities linemen receive about $70,000 a year, compared to linemen working in Portland, who earn $100,000.
   
Two primary election races assured as candidates continue filing
    Two Democrats have filed for the Clark County board of commissioners seat being vacated by the retirement of Democrat Judie Stanton. Vancouver city councilmember Jeannie Harris and Port of Camas-Washougal commissioner John Hagensen filed for that position.
     Republican Paul Harris has filed for 17th  District state representative, a post held by Democrat Deb Wallace. Former Republican17th District state representative Jim Dunn filed yesterday.
    Filing for candidacy continues through Friday, July 30. The primary election is Sept. 14. The general election follows on Nov. 2. 
   County filings are posted every two hours on the Clark County elections website: www.clark.wa.gov/elections/candidate/filinglist.html.

Clark County grows by 300 families in June
    Clark County grew by 300 families during June, according to Clark Public Utilities records for new hook-ups. The June data show that for the first half of 2004 1,536 new families hooked up with the utility. The annual rate of growth, according to the figures, is 2.1 percent. Last year, the utility's customer base grew by 4,011 families, an annual growth of 2.65 percent.

Blue ribbon competition at county fair is free
    Competing in the non-commercial non-livestock exhibits at the Clark County Fair is absolutely free, according to fair spokesperson Jill Yates.
    Yates continues: "Non-commercial fair exhibits are a source of community pride and a highlight of the fair. Exhibits include everything from fruits to flowers, canning to crafts, and artwork to needlework. Enter to win a blue ribbon for your favorite photograph or latest sewing project. See if your giant tomato can capture the grandest vegetable award. Whatever your interest, there is probably a category to enter."
    Exhibits will be accepted Monday, Aug. 2, through Thursday, Aug. 5. The 2004 Clark County Fair Handbook, explaining how to enter, can be found by clicking on www.clarkcofair.com.
    The fair runs Friday, Aug. 6 through Sunday, Aug. 15.

News briefs
   Clark County commissioners' hearing on the county Comprehensive Growth Plan update continues from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. this evening in the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin Street. nnn The Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, 5 to 7 p.m. this evening is in the new location of Beacock Music and Education Center, 1420 SE 163rd Avenue. For further information, call 694-7134.  nnn Port of Vancouver commissioners meet in regular session at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 28.  nnn Free movies at the Regal Cinema 99 in Hazel Dell continue at 10 a.m. Wednesday, 28. On the bill: Agent Cody Banks. nnn Clark County commissioners meet in an informal session at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 28.

News links (click on the headline to read the complete story)

Grandmother Pat Smith may get big bucks for 1905 Lewis and Clark Exposition gold coin--Columbian, Dean Baker

Boise Cascade turning into Office Max, divesting itself of mill property--Columbian, Julia Anderson

Connecticut tribe with casino to invest in Cowlitz project--Columbian, Margaret Ellis

Higher fees could save Vancouver's budget--Oregonian, Allan Brettman

Greg Kimsey seeking opinions for Voters' Pamphlet--Columbian, Margaret Ellis

Pridemore and Carlson spar on the environment in front of big turnout during their first of three debates--Columbian, Don Jenkins

Not-for-profit landfill project in Fruit Valley hits snag--Columbian, Jeffrey Mize

Work underway on Victor Espinoza's restaurant project in the old Parker House in Washougal--Columbian, Dean Baker

Hospitals in the state see surge in nonpaying patients--Seattle Times, Carol M. Ostrom

Dow regains 10,000--USA TODAY, MarketWatch.com, Susan Lerner

Barak Obama says Demos can do better than the president--USA TODAY

NPR 5-minute hourly news updates (Audio)

CLARK COUNTY ELECTIONS WEBSITE FOR CANDIDATE FILING INFORMATION

Democratic National Convention website:
www.dems2004.org

Tuesday on the air

Clark County Close Up--5:30 p.m. CVTV
County Comp Plan Update (live)--6:30 p.m. CVTV
Albuquerque at Portland Beavers (live)--7 p.m. Comcast 14, KKAD
Seattle Mariners at Oakland (live)--7 p.m. FSN, KFXX
Carlson-Pridemore 49th District Debate (7/26)--10 pm. CVTV
 

The Weather and Town Tabloids  

Ruth Waite finding injustice in attire. nnn Jim Tonder making lottery sales. nnn Miriam Green checking graphics. nnnGlenda Stamps finding classified success. nnn Al Schauer has real deal on Honda convert. nnn Tuesday, sunny all day, 86. Wednesday, gradually warming, 90. Thursday, just as sunny, a little warmer, 92. ..