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Clark County gains 2,200 jobs in February
A total of 182,700 Clark County residents were employed
during February, according to the monthly report on employment statistics issued
today by the state Department of Employment Security, a 2,200 increase over the
180,500 employed during January.
The increase from a year ago is also significant, up
6,900 from 175,800 jobs reported for February 2004.
But, alas, the labor force has increased, too. The
increase from January to February this year was 2,600, to a total workforce of
196,900. So, despite the good news, the seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate
rose in February to 7.2 percent from 7.1 percent in January, but this is better
than the 9.6 unemployment rate a year ago in February.
The statewide unadjusted unemployment rate for February
stood at 6.4 percent, compared to a month earlier when it was 6.2 percent. The
nationwide unadjusted unemployment rate for February was 5.8 percent.
Utility commissioner support
60-year-old
appliance repair program with resolution
By a resolution adopted by Clark Public Utilities
commissioners today, the utility urged the chair of the state House Technology,
Energy and Communications Committee, Jeff Morris
(D-40th), to approve a bill that would remove a legal cloud over the
utility’s 60-year-old appliance repair program and send the bill to a vote in
the House of Representatives.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5348, originally
sponsored by state Sen. Craig Pridemore
(D-49th), is expected to be given a hearing in Morris’s committee at 1:30 p.m.
Friday, March 18.
Clark Public Utilities inherited the appliance repair
program from the private utilities from which the utility was formed in the
1940s, and had continued the appliance repair program ever since. In recent
years repair program has come under attack from some southern Washington heating
and air conditioning companies who claim unfair competition. And, twice, courts
have ruled that the practice is illegal. The matter currently is being heard by
the state Supreme Court.
The commissioner’s resolution says that the service,
which only provides repairs for existing large heating and cooling household
appliances, such as electric heaters, heat pumps, water heaters and ovens, has
coexisted with private sector vendors for about 60 years.
The utility’s Guaranteed Hot Water service is a
one-of-a-kind service being used by 14,000 customers, according to the
resolution.
The resolution points out that the utility’s service
repair technicians are trusted, popular and valuable, and that the services
offered are self-financing and are not subsidized by other customer rate
structures.
State’s business tax structure helped
bring Concannon Paper to Clark County
The major reason for the recent move by Concannon Paper
Inc. from Portland to Clark County is Washington’s tax structure, reports
Bart Phillips, executive director of
Columbian River Economic Development Council.
Mike Concannon,
president of the company, says: “Southwest Washington offers us the best of all
worlds. Washington’s tax structure is too good for a family-run business like
ours to pass up, and we will be able to stay in the Portland metropolitan area,
which we have all grown to love.
“In addition, estate and family succession issues, as
they relate to tax consequences, also were of consideration. Finally, the wealth
of building sites available in Southwest Washington made it easy to move.”
Concannon Paper is located in a new 36,000-square-foot
building in the 121st Avenue Business Park and employs 16 people.
According to Phillips, Washington is one of only seven
states that does not levy a personal income tax. In addition, the state does not
have corporate taxes, inventory taxes, unitary taxes, or taxes on interest,
dividends or capital gains.
Hopes and fears of diverse families
subject of Library Forum Thursday
The Forum at the Library presents “Today’s Diverse
Families: Their Hopes, Their Fears” at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 17, in the
Vancouver Community Library Hall. There is no charge.
Moderator is Ron Morrison.
Panelists are Jean Walter, Clark County
Family Court Services coordinator, Diana Avalos,
migrant education coordinator, Vancouver School District,
Laurie Cornelius, director of Children
and Family Services, Clark College, and Jim
Sikkel, a single parent in the gay, lesbian, bi and transsexual
community.
News briefs
Clark County commissioners meet in an informal session at
1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 16. g The
Clark County Fairgrounds exposition building will be dedicated at 3 p.m.
Wednesday, March 16. The building will be open for public inspection until 7
p.m.
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MIRIAM GREEN 
"Working to help you!"
