Monday evening there will be a second town hall at the Battle Ground City Hall, 109 SW 1st Street. It will run from 6-7 p.m.

18th District Rep. Stephanie McClintock and Rep. Elect John Ley held a town hall event Thursday (Feb. 26) evening at the Washington Grange in Orchards. There was a relaxed discussion of issues likely to come before the Washington State Legislature. The 2025 session begins on January 13 in Olympia and will last for 105 days.

Both representatives shared that Democrats are proposing a variety of new taxes, as the legislature will create a new 2-year budget.  Both believe there is more than adequate funds currently available without raising taxes. The members shared their committee assignments, with McClintock serving on Agriculture & Natural Resources; Capital Budget; and Consumer Protection & Business. Ley will serve on Transportation; Environment & Energy; and Post Secondary Education committees.

Citizens shared their concerns on a host of subjects. These include the cost of living, high crime and our sanctuary state status, high property taxes, untennable rent increases at a mobile home park for senior citizens, the cleanup at Camp Bonneville and a promised progress report that has not been produced. They also discussed protecting Clark County agricultural lands from being turned into subdivisions and water quality issues.

One military veteran reached out to both legislators, seeking help with a property tax issue. Sometimes the bureaucracy can get caught up in paperwork, losing sight of the people we are supposed to help. McClintock’s office will attempt to unravel the problem and get this veteran the help he has earned and deserves.

People voiced support for “buy American products” and protecting our land from being bought up by China. There are also concerns related to our state’s agricultural production and keeping the Columbia River available for shipping products to the world. People also want to preserve and protect our dams for both water supply and hydroelectric production.

One citizen mentioned the confusing language on the four statewide initiatives, and the need for better wording in the voters pamphlet. The initiatives were intentionally misleading. Another citizen mentioned there should be an exemption for seniors for the I-2114 long term care tax.

There was a request that no money be spent on “high speed” rail, but instead simply provide better (slightly faster) rail service between Seattle and Portland. 

Monday evening there will be a second town hall at the Battle Ground City Hall, 109 SW 1st Street. It will run from 6-7 p.m. All citizens are welcome.

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