Thanks Donna – hope you are doing well and preparing for the Holidays.

Russell

So, the election is over for the City of Ilwaco.
Now What?
We get glimpses and glibs, rumors and gossip, chatting overheard at Don’s Portside Cafe, but really…Now What?

I was one of the 28 people that attended the Candidate’s Forum at the Museum in Ilwaco. I, as others, was not impressed. The Observer caught the snipe of Don Berger and Karla Nelson, and it was a good catch for publicity, but Now What?
If I may be so bold, I wonder if anyone else caught anything else in that room because I DID NOT.
I did not catch much of a Candidate’s Form where City Government business was discussed. The type of information sharing that made me an informed voter. The intentions of the incumbents and if they favored growth and development or the preservation of what we have?
Perhaps once and for all I coulda’ found out how a million dollar parking lot on the State Highway will help us when we do not even have a gas station to serve the incoming motorists?
Where were the questions of “NOW WHAT”?
They were never answered. Shame on the candidates.
But who did not ask? Shame on us!
Anyone else remember the IHS Class of ’63 election and the fist fights for votes? The four of us tumbling through the hallway. This kinda’ reminds me of that. So mom was right, the apples do not fall from the trees.

This city is the butt of jokes, the punchline that everyone laughs at.
Everyone but me. It’s my home and I don’t think it’s funny anymore.
Yes, I admit I have passed on the jokes, snickered at the Post Office and chatted it up over coffee, but this is my City and I ask you and myself, NOW WHAT?

I stopped by City Hall and spoke with someone who was forthcoming, honest and level. (they asked that they be held anonymous) A person who, without opinion, stated the facts and backed them up with the documents I requested. (At least the ones that existed). I brought them home and asked myself, “Now What?”
The answer is; I share what I know to be true. The facts. The not so pretty truth of where our City is today, now.
I stop telling the jokes and spreading the cafe innuendos. I need to ask the jolly old townsfolk, “What are YOU going to do about it?” Then tell them how I will be part of the solution as well.
This is our City, this is our mess and it’s not funny.
And by the way, Long Beach, you haven’t room to point fingers, it wasn’t that far back when your City seemed doomed. But it wasn’t, look at her now! You all have pulled together and worked hard. It’s paid off and we’ve noticed. If we haven’t said “Great Job!”, it’s because we’re jealous. That’s a Fact.
Oh hey, Pacific County, we live and breathe inside of you. You are no better off and you can see that we reflect your bad choices in administration and management as well. After all, look at Public Works, yours and ours!
So, Long Beach, help us, show us, we are a reflection of your community too.

Next week I’ll be able to share the information I learned. The facts. I will keep digging until we can have answers. The kind of answers we can use to reconstruct our community and come out shiny too. Sharpen your pencils, I’ll be asking how you intend to help, what you plan do. After all, can we really expect Ms. Beasley & Ms. Saari to do it all? Please offer answers, I already have too many questions.

But… never, ever, ever will I stop asking, Now What?

N.W.
Peninsula Resident

Should you need further contact information, please reply and I will be happy to disclose, however I do not want my name or phone number published. I do fear retribution.