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Pridemore’s bill supports Clark Public
Utilities appliance repair program
As promised, the first bill introduced by newly elected
State Sen. Craig Pridemore (D-49th) is
Senate Bill 5348, which would legalize Clark Public Utilities’ 60-year-old
appliance repair program. The bill is co-sponsored by Sen.
Jim Katstama (D-25th), who is also chair
of the Senate Water, Energy & Environment Committee, which will hear the bill.
According to Pridemore, State Rep.
Bill Fromhold (D-49th) will introduce a
similar bill in the House of Representatives..
Clark Public Utilities has offered appliance repair
services to its customer-owners since the early 1940s when the system was
acquired from Portland private utilities which had provided their customers with
appliance repair service.
The repair program has three times been declared beyond
the utility’s legal ability to provide, but Clark has pursued the matter through
the court system. Currently the state Supreme Court is considering Clark’s
appeal of previous rulings against the service. Last session a bill similar to
Pridemore’s failed. This session, however, Democrats control both the House and
Senate.
The popular service had come under increasing opposition
by private contractors who claimed appliance repair provided by the utility was
unfair competition.
The utility offers repairs of heating and cooling
equipment, water heaters and ranges. The utility also has a guaranteed hot water
maintenance program, which provides guaranteed repair of a hot water heater
within 24 hours of failure.
Low-cost industrial revenue bonds
are the focus of CREDC workshop
A workshop detailing the availability of low-cost,
tax-exempt industrial revenue bonds for manufacturing expansion is the subject
of a Columbia River Economic Development Council workshop in the Murdock Trust
Building, Tuesday, Feb. 22.
The $20 workshop is aimed at manufacturers, attorneys,
accountants, financial advisors and banking professionals, according to CREDC
executive director Bart Phillips.
A panel of experts has been assembled to explain legal
and financial aspects of the bonds..
“Industrial revenue bonds are federally tax exempt,” says
Phillips. He adds, “As a result, bond buyers are willing to accept lower rates
of interest for participating companies.”
CREDC processes industrial revenue bonds for southern
Washington.
For further information, call
Donna Harroun,
567-1063.
Sheriff’s academy offers
citizens free training
Clark County residents interested in learning more about
law enforcement and the Clark County Sheriff’s office may sign up for a free
11-week Citizens’ Academy, according to sheriff
Garry Lucas.
The academy sessions, which are 7 to 9:30 p.m. each
Thursday, beginning February 24, provide a general overview of the major
functions and responsibilities of the Sheriff’s office and the local law and
justice system. Information offered covers patrol functions, K-9 activities,
jail operations, the narcotics task force, shooting range, the court system and
crime scene investigation.
Letters of interest will be accepted through Friday, Feb.
11. For further information, call Kari Schulz,
397-2244.
Salmon putting on
show At Lucia Falls
Salmon are coming into full view at Lucia Falls, north of
Battle Ground daily as they battle the natural falls in search of East Fork
Lewis River spawning grounds, reports Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation
officials.
The 24-acre park at 21803 NE Lucia Falls Road is open
from 7 a.m. to dusk daily. There are no fees for using the park, which is 5
miles northeast of Battle Ground.
People
Michael McCrary,
Stevenson Elementary School 5th grade teacher, has won state level competition
for the Citizen Education Teacher Award sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign
Wars. He is the state’s only candidate for the national award. He was cited by
the VFW as being an exceptional and innovative teacher who promotes civic
responsibility, flat etiquette and patriotism.
News briefs
Port of Ridgefield commissioners meet in regular session
at 6 p.m. this evening in port offices at 111 W Division Street.
g Former State Sen.
Don Carlson is being honored by a
reception from 6:30 to 8 p.m. this evening in Hamilton Hall in the Red Cross
Building at 600 Barnes Road in Vancouver Barracks. A $30 donation per person is
requested. For further information, call Margie
Ferris, 892-8607.
Mistake
The somewhat good news is that the
Insider was wrong when it reported
Tuesday that La Center monthly sewer service rates for seniors was increasing
from $22.50 to $29. Those rates are increasing from $20.25 to $26.
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MIRIAM GREEN 
"Working to help you!"
